Question #1:
Hi Bob,
Yes it has been very rough. Many things that I have repressed have been
floating to the surface a lot recently. God wants me to know the truth
so that I can be set free from all the lies I have been told.
Thank you for dealing with this so sensitively. I also knew that there
would be others with a similar story, that mine wasn't unique. I knew
you would be gentle (and I greatly appreciate that my friend) I did have
regret after sending it though and even looked for ways of unsending it
(doesn't exist). Not because I told you anything false but I felt really
uncomfortable being that truthful about things.
I realise now that I have "Stockholm syndrome" or Trauma Bonding. It's
where you learn to protect or have loving feelings towards your
abuser/captive as a sort of defence mechanism. It's a kind of "survival
mode". I do look at it all differently now though as it isn't about
surviving any more, it's about Jesus Christ. I don't need to look to
someone else to survive or even to myself, I have salvation in Jesus
Christ.
I wondered why I was thinking about the fiery furnace. It occurred to me
that the fiery furnace is a mockery of God. After all hell is a lake of
fire. Satan wants to be like the Most High so he wants his own lake of
fire judgement too. So it was Satan behind Nebuchadnezzar craving
worship because it is him and fallen angels behind ALL false idols.
Ephesians 6:12 King James Version
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Also didn't they pass their children through the fire to Molech?
Obviously this is Satan again and a mockery of hell fire. The good thing
to know is that the children will be saved automatically but it would be
up to the parents whether they would be saved or not.
In my mind this morning was the words "cult of Baal". I realise that my
family is a cult of Baal. Obviously they don't tell me to worship Baal
exactly but I have to worship __ instead and __ is a replacement for
Baal. So Satan or a fallen angel is behind ___ and craves worship
through ___. Idols are merely conduits then for demon worship. Merely
proxies.
[omitted]
It makes perfect sense now that they don't want me to be a Christian and
have sometimes been openly hostile about it. You can't serve Christ AND
Baal after all!
[omitted]
I realise that people who have been abused in these family and religious
cults have a really up close view of how Satan operates. That's why I
know that family and cult abuse is my ministry.
You have a gifted knowledge about how God moves and His plan. I have a
gifted discernment how Satan operates. All ministries are either leading
people towards and teaching people the truth or exposing the lies.
I read yesterday about Narcissism, someone wrote that "you can't agree
to differ when there is abuse involved". We have to take a stand when
there is abuse. We have to point out that there are moral absolutes in
this world. There is good and there is evil. The world says there is
"fifty shades of grey". God says there is good or evil, no in between.
Sin is failing to hit the mark. Hitting the mark is doing God's will,
His works. Anything other than doing God's will is missing the mark, is
sin.
The world can't stand this of course. We already have "neuro-divergence"
so it is inevitably soon we will have "morally divergent" people
demanding their rights and "freedom to express themselves as they really
are." Rights for rapists and murderers because they were "born that
way".
People have always had the freedom to do evil but what they don't like
is having a pesky conscience getting in the way. They also hate the
Bible and anyone who believes it's God's Word and upholds a moral
standard that we all have to look to.
They will only rest easy when their own consciences are seared and when
all opposers to evil are wiped off the face of the earth. I can totally
see why people will despise the two witnesses and try to kill them.
Look how they gnashed their teeth at Stephen and fell on him in rage.
I've caught a glimpse of this rage in my family when I say that what
they are doing is wrong.
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O
Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.17If the
God whom we serve exists, then He is ablee to deliver us from the
blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. 18But even if He does
not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or
worship the golden statue you have set up.”
[omitted]
I am distancing myself now.
[omitted]
Jesus will meet me in the fiery furnace and already I feel strengthened
spiritually knowing this. I know this is training for the tribulation.
The pressure to worship the ultimate idol, the Antichrist, will be
overwhelming. I need learn how to be strong in the face of idol worship
now so I can stand firm later.
In the past I would caved __ just to keep the peace or to calm the
anxious trauma bond in me. I was scared of losing my family and my
family's "love" if I didn't. I now know that this is not love anyway so
I don't have to fear losing them anyway because God gives me love and He
IS love. Also God will give me a new family if I lose this one so I can
trust Him about that.
Not saying it doesn't hurt. It hurts like grief hurts but the Lord is
comforting me through the Holy Spirit. Amen!
[omitted]
Just when the Apostles were told never to preach Jesus after they were
freed from prison, they immediately carried on. That's what I must do
too!
Maranatha!
In Jesus,
Response #1:
This is very insightful, my friend. I think it's a powerful model that
could be applied far and wide to many people and much of what is going
on in the world today. I do think you have a lot to offer others in
terms of ministry to those who are going through similar troubles. It
does help to have the dynamics of dysfunction explained and laid out so
clearly as you do here.
I hope you will refine this and make it more generally applicable since
I'd like to post the idea of it some day. Recognizing the seed of
antichrist's false religion and false teaching before the fact will be
invaluable for all Christians once the Tribulation begins. Here are some
links on that:
Characteristics of the New Religion of Antichrist
The False Piety of Antichrist's Tribulational Religion
The Anti-Christian Religion of Antichrist and its World-wide Expansion
The Persuasiveness of the Tribulational False Religion
The False Prophet's Administration of Antichrist's False Religion
As to your personal situation, you KNOW that the Lord can get you
through it. What is required is trusting Him and taking the steps He
wants you to take. If it's helpful to have a third party (a Christian?)
confirm the obvious, well, as I say, I do know people who have
apparently been helped by that approach. But since the Lord is the One
directing and the Spirit is the One empowering, that would seem
sufficient.
If you do go, I would recommend considering the experience also from the
perspective of future ministry, since that is the sort of thing that you
are contemplating helping others with as well.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Thanks Bob,
I know you are worried and concerned for me and I really appreciate
that.
In the past I have been sceptical of therapy as they use New Age
practices and mind control themselves!
I have asked for a consultation with an Exit Counsellor. He specialises
in helping people who are in cults or are leaving them. He also
specialises in coercive controlling and narcissistic abusive
relationships (which is the same thing after all.) I will see how it
goes. He himself was in a Charismatic "Christian" cult himself and was
forced to speak in tongues and tithe. He is a licenced professional and
a member of the BACP with a Masters degree specialising in Coercive
Control. He also has training alongside the Police in countering slavery
and trafficking so he knows his stuff!
I've realised that in this world you either become an expert on the mind
of Christ or the mind of Satan. Now that I know that this is the mind of
Satan, I have become something of an expert on his workings. I can use
this insight not only for my own benefit but also to help others through
ministry. I do now see this as my calling, exposing Satan's devices.
Unlike God who is upfront and honest and doesn't hide anything, Satan is
the complete opposite. He plays very, very dirty and I've realised that
one of his main tactics is to attempt to severely inhibit free will. He
gets to children when they are really young through their parents and
uses their parents as a conduit to break the child down. If he can't get
the parents to abort their child, his next best tool is child abuse. Yes
it is very, very sick indeed. It is evil after all.
I have to "reprogram" my mind to the mind of Christ. There is no such
thing as a free mind at all. You either have the mind of Christ or the
mind of Satan. You are either indoctrinated into Satan's way of thinking
(willingly or unknowingly) or you allow yourself to take on the mind of
Christ.
There's no sidelines to sit on here, no bleachers to watch other people
scrap it out. If you are living and breathing then you are indoctrinated
either one way of another. There is no "vacuum" of thought and ideology
at all! It's an illusion!
What people don't realise is that it is only by choosing Christ that you
get to exercise free will consistently. We actually have freedom in
Christ. A choice for the devil (either willingly or unwittingly) leads
to an INEVITABLE erosion of free will: a good example of this is the
Gadarene Demoniac. Whatever he was involved with at the beginning, you
can bet that if Satan told him from the start "Great. Glad to have you
on board. We'll soon have you naked in chains
and cutting yourself with stones!" Wouldn't be much of an "introductory
welcome package" that would it? Whatever that person signed up for, it
wasn't that was it!
That's the whole point though. Whatever he promises, he always reneges
on the deal and gives you something foul instead. It always leads to the
abuse of self or others (or both). If he can't kill us off, abuse is the
next best thing. Mental, physical, emotional, sexual of spiritual, Satan
doesn't care about the method, it's the end result that matters. Have
you ever witnessed a Catatonic state? It's the closest a human being,
without mental handicap, can get to almost losing their free will. Bed
bound in an attic depending on people who did not have my best interests
at heart is being in prison. It may seem like a bold claim but I know
what hostage victims, prisoners and even people in concentration camps
feel on a daily basis. I've felt it myself. It's called "learned
helplessness".
There was a (horrific and unethical) famous experiment on animals were
they kept giving them electric shocks so much that when they opened the
door to the cage, they didn't even seek
escape from it. They were resigned to their fate. Understanding this is
understanding why domestic abuse victims always go back. Fear of freedom
is a real thing. No doubt those animals like battered spouses believe
the world beyond the cage is worse than what they are actually enduring
that there is no other option. There is an element of truth to this
though. There are a billion choices here in life. Every single one apart
from ONE CHOICE is a choice for Satan which leads to some form of
torture on some level (self inflicted of otherwise.)
In Jesus,
Response #2:
This is really good stuff, my friend! I'd like to post it someday
(without personal identifiers of course).
From what you've written here and before, it seems to me as you are
likely to know much more about this topic and understand it better (in a
true, spiritual way) than any counselor you might pay to help you. That
is your business, but, yes, I do worry about Christians being misled by
these sorts and by these methods. As mentioned, I don't "throw the baby
out with the bathwater" in this area however.
Thanks for making these issues so very clear!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
My pleasure Bob,
You know that it is the Lord who is guiding me and any insight is Holy
Spirit led. So I can't take personal credit. It is clear this is my
ministry.
I have a feeling that the Antichrist will employ all the cult tactics
that I am now becoming aware of. Did you know these Seeker Friendly
churches use loud music deliberately to get people into a heightened
emotional state? Most of the lyrics are usually the word "love" said
over and over again (basically lovebombing and psychic driving). Also
hypnotic flashing lights can induce a trance state in a person which
makes them more susceptible to the message being given. They also tend
to pass the money bucket around right after these long emotional songs
about love. They can even use songs that have NLP commands implanted in
them to modify or "nudge" behaviour.
An example of this is they could play a song called something like "He
gives us everything" or "He gives us his all" and those lyrics are
repeated over and over again like brainwashing. It is actually a command
to "give your all". At this point the money bucket goes around so then
you know exactly what to do, you give everything, you give your all.
Notice these songs often do not refer to Jesus directly, they will just
say "He". So this can have two purposes: 1) it's easier to internalise a
message and think it refers to yourself when it isn't person specific 2)
it is deliberately ambiguous. "He" can obviously be a reference to the
coming Antichrist. He can easily "step into" all these references that
herald him. He has many, many John the Baptist types in the world
preparing the way for him.
I strongly suspect that this is EXACTLY how the Antichrist will operate.
People were naturally drawn to Jesus because He spoke the truth with
authority and had the fruits of the Spirit as well as true miracles. He
was obviously gentle and loving.
The Antichrist will have NONE of these traits so he will have to fake
them. Something abusers often do is "future faking" where they promise a
beautiful future together. We know that our future is true and safe in
Jesus. The Antichrist will have to future fake to win people over by
making promises he doesn't intend to deliver on. Lovebombing will be a
very obvious and immediate strategy deployed by him I suspect. He will
also totally lack the truth so he will need to push the "big lie"
audaciously. He will rely on lying signs and wonders and because he
lacks the fruit of the spirit, he will replace them with "charisma"
instead which I guess is where the "charismatic" church got its name
from.
All these emotional songs and flashing lights in Seeker Friendly
"Christian" cults have the exact same methods used on secular T.V. and
secular rock concerts. It is because it is tried and tested ways of
inducing emotional responses, bonding, feelings of love and belonging,
group identity. The whole kit and kaboodle.
[omitted]
Covid is another case in point. All the "safety measures" for Covid is
EXACTLY the same as how cults work : 1) outside world is frightening 2)
you are safe with us and can trust us : we will protect you 3) don't
talk to other people, keep your distance and isolate yourself as other
people may have THE VIRUS. (Obviously Covid is real but nevertheless
these draconian protocols are manipulative, fearful, isolating,
emotionally and psychologically abusive in nature and controlling
through fear.)
Once you learn cult techniques you realise they are everywhere: in the
workplace, in homes and families, on the TV, in churches. Not to sound
paranoid here but it's everywhere and that is because it is HOW SATAN
WORKS! This is under Satan's rule at the moment is it not. Well this is
a huge part of how he keeps things ticking over his way. Like that
dreadful song "My Way". They say that song is basically a satanic
anthem.
I think the Antichrist rule and religion will be one giant WORLDWIDE
CULT!
In Jesus,
Response #3:
Excellent!
On the music angle, this is one of the reasons why the old hymns which
don't have the same emotional effect are not as much in vogue nowadays,
especially in a certain type of "church" (see
the link).
For what it's worth, I think you made a good decision about saving your
money. Not only do you know better from the Bible, you've probably read
in your studies of psychology everything this person would say in any
case. I think it's also true that while flawed pastors/churches are to
be avoided, that doesn't mean that those bent on taking them down are
necessarily not in Satan's pay.
Re: "I think the Antichrist rule and religion will be one giant
WORLDWIDE CULT!" Indeed. There's a lot about this in
Peter #39 (especially section 6:
"False teachers and false teaching in the Tribulation").
Thanks for being willing to share!
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Thanks Bob,
I will start to put all these things down more formally onto a website or blog
and maybe do videos too. I've just been thinking about this. I've realised
that when people downplay Satan's involvement in all of this, it is an
incredibly spiritually dangerous position and a person can be greatly weakened
and vulnerable as a result.
As this therapist says he is still a Christian, I felt urged to be bold about
why I was cancelling. I didn't accuse him of anything. What I wrote was that I
was having second thoughts mainly after watching his own video testimony. In
this video he said that he "handed over his money without thought" to this cult,
I echoed this by saying that I was exactly about to do the same to him with my
own money. I told him that I was looking for a friend who understood what I was
going through but could not afford to pay for a friend. I then said that talking
to Jesus is free. I did thank him though for his testimony and the links to
resources he provided. I have been praying for him that what I wrote will make
him think.
Acts 4:32-37
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of
their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With
great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord
Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were
no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or
houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the
apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a
Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of
encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at
the apostles’ feet.
As Satan wants to be like the Most High, do you think that is what he is doing
here? In these verses from the Book of Acts it shows that the believers were one
in heart and mind and shared their possessions and money. Satan wants people to
do this in his name also so he uses means to control people's hearts and minds
to pool to give to one person instead. It isn't a move of the Holy Spirit
though, it is brainwashing because that is all he's got. The Holy Spirit works
alongside our free will whereas Satan seems to thrive when our free will is
compromised in some way. Either that or we harden ourselves to sin and willingly
led off by him.
I've learnt a lot from this. This therapist never mentioned Satan once in his
testimony about leaving the cult and there lies the rub. A person who neither
believes that Satan exists not that he has a hand in these false churches and
teachers are doubly more likely to be deceived and used by him themselves. So
that is error, failing to see that we wrestle NOT with flesh and blood. His
denial of this plain fact has led him to a financially rewarding career that is
leading him further and further into the world and further away from God. Sadly
in his testimony, due to the financially exploitative nature of the cult he was
in, he has proceeded to let doubt overtake faith and proclaimed that God cannot
provide for people materially at all. I think that him believing this gives
Satan the entry point to "provide" for him personally in the form of his now
lavish career in outing cults. He himself was shocked by the amount of money
these Pastors make and yet he could easily make the same amount himself from the
rate he charges. He was also shocked at his meteoric rise with which his career
both in terms of breaks, opportunities, money and fame. It happened really fast.
God gives us an abundance it is true but Satan can give people things too. He
can give countries and kingdoms to people who worship him.
I've taken your much needed advice. I've booked a holiday for a few days by the
seaside so I may be away from the internet until the end of next week as it is
my birthday on Monday.
It is long overdue as I find that the cracks are showing recently and I will
break literally if I don't take a break.
God bless you my friend.
In Jesus,
Response #4:
Nicely done, my friend! For what it's worth, I think you made a good
decision.
Since you'll be away, happy birthday in advance!!!
Good to hear that you're going to be taking a much needed break from
"the shot and the shell". I think that is a very good move as well.
Looking forward to the development of your ministry.
If you haven't already seen them, the following are informative about
all of these matters:
SR 4: Satan's World System (the devil's present kingdom and tactics)
Peter #39: False Teachers, False Teaching, and False Organizations
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
[omitted]
Response #5:
Given how this always affects you in such negative ways, physically as
well as emotionally, I think you're very wise not to listen to it.
Listening is the beginning of the trouble. I had a situation with a
former reader who was very gung-ho who later, for reasons I've never
been able to figure out, started to blame me for all problems; starting
writing the most insane and disturbed emails – which I deleted before
reading fully and then blocked email access. I wish I could say that
this was the only time that something similar had happened – but it was
memorable. I'm happier for not engaging with people once they make it
clear that there is no purpose in doing so except to allow myself to be
abused. I get enough of that from life generally, thank you very much!
I also hear similar stories from other correspondents (and have for
years), mostly from family members, the ones who ought to be supportive
instead of destructive. So you are not alone. As you understand very
well, the evil one is not pleased with believers making spiritual
progress, and stirring up near and dear ones who are already prone to
his manipulation is a tried and true tactic to try and distract us. Good
for you that you're not willing to let it happen!
You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
Good news about your ___! I'm keeping you and your family in my daily
prayers as you know. The fact that you are still reading the site in
spite of everything says a great deal about your love for the Lord.
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #6:
[omitted]
Response #6:
"Whenever I get hit and I'm suffering it always makes me even more
determined to keep moving forward spiritually." That is absolutely
the right attitude. I appreciate your spirit and "fight" for the Lord,
my friend!
David only had a relative few followers during those years in the
wilderness, but they constituted "the mighty" whose names and deeds are
preserved in the Word of God . . . while most of Israel was safe at home
in their beds.
Glad you're feeling better. Do take care of yourself. We all have
physical limits which we are expected to honor, even as we understand
that if we are in situations where we do have to push ahead, God will be
with us (Is.40:29-31).
In addition to Philippians 4:8 which you quote, here's another similar
passage I like to keep in mind:
(1) Therefore since you have been resurrected [positionally] with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Think on the things above, and not the things on the earth. (3) For you are already [positionally] dead [to all that], and your [true] life has been hidden away with Christ in God. (4) When Christ – your [true] life – is revealed [at the 2nd Advent], then you too will be revealed in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
[omitted]
Response #7:
I much appreciate your attitude, your love for the Lord, and all of your
encouraging words. Thank you!
Yes, Philippians 3:13 is important to embrace as well: "Forgetting what
is behind and straining towards what is ahead".
No worries about "not posting details".
Thanks for all of your prayers too, my friend. A very good day on the
research front here today. I'm beginning to get into it. I may actually
enjoy this summer after all!
. . . but Friday is still a blessing indeed.
First nasturtiums opened up today!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
[omitted]
Response #8:
After surviving and passing a major test, it's not uncommon for things
in a believer's life to calm down into a more regular mode, analogous to
getting one's "second wind" on a distance run where one settles in for
the long haul. Sometimes things are more peaceful than ecstatically
joyful after the flush of victory passes, but that doesn't mean that we
are not thankful and appreciative of all the Lord had done for us. There
is a time to buckle down and start doing things for Him, whatever He
wants us to do, and that takes plodding along over time, more of a
consistent Marathon approach than sprinting. The Israelites were
joyously appreciative of their deliverance at the Red Sea (Ex.15:1ff.),
but how quickly they fall apart spiritually soon thereafter! Better to
keep an even keel with the ship sailing forward all the way to our
desired safe-harbor on the other side.
Thanks for the updates – and all good news too! Keep that coming!
And thanks much for the prayers. We'll keep them coming from this end as
well.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hello,
Thanks for the update, I'm now on Peter # 16:
leadership of the Spirit & also studying the book of James by
pastor- teacher Curtis Omo.
May God continue blessing your Ministries
Response #9:
Thank you!
Bible Academy is a
wonderful site.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
I found your Website about 7 years ago when I began to study the
material you presented.
I can say that I have learned more in those 7 years than I have in the
42+ years of God's blessing of eternal life in January 1980.
I can rightly say that all the material I have studied these past years,
was never taught in any of the churches I attended, and that is a sad
commentary for the so-called church.
All the praise and honor belongs to my LORD and Savior, but I believe
you will be indeed rewarded for all your tedious work you have done for
the Kingdom of God while here on earth.
I cannot even begin to thank God and for Him using you in such a geat
and mighty ministry. It was in His plan that you not become a minister
anyway.
So, I want to just say thank you for the tremendous effort you have
wrought for Him, and may you continue to flourish even more in His
Kingdom. One day soon, we will meet each other, and then I can give you
my thanks in person.
I know that God has used you in a mighty way while here on His earth,
and what He will yet do through you is yet to be seen.
I have never in my Christian life with whom I had the pleasure of
studying with than yourself.
May God so richly bless you and yours for His great work you are
accomplishing.
I just remembered that I wanted to tell you that since 9/20/16 I have
kept every email and reply to and from yourself. I also share your
material to those who really want to learn, which is few and far
between. I have but 2 people who I share with [update: more have joined
in the last several years]. Just something I believe is important enough
because I go back to them when I remember that we conversed about a
subject via emails.
As of today, 201 emails with responses.
Bountiful grace and blessings to you always,
Your friend,
P.S. I have accumulated over 1,300 teachings in my catalog, and most of
them are yours.
Response #10:
Thanks so much for these encouraging emails, my friend!
I certainly wish that more were as enthusiastic for learning the truth
as you are – and in that "I think I also have the Spirit of God".
Your friend forever in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #11:
I'm never going to change, not because I don't want to, but because I can never find true motivation to. Don't you see it's hopeless Doc? I'm questioning if I even truly want change spiritually. At this point I'm so wicked . . . Sorry for that image, it's the only way I can describe how far gone I am, with how much I know I need to change yet can't find the motivation to. Now I know the title of this email is "Just give up already". .but I know that's not going to stop you from trying to help again. You really are something special Doc. .I mean that. Never have I met someone so dedicated to helping someone as depraved as me be a better person. But at this point I really think you may just be wasting your precious time and energy on me. If you're still going to continue, I know I can't stop you. .but know that it might be all for naught in the end.
Response #11:
No one's patience is unlimited.
We all have bad days. But we only have so many days. Life may seem a
long and even endless proposition, but in a few blinks of the eye we
will all be standing before the Lord. At that moment, we won't regret
anything "fun" we gave up for Him; we won't regret anything we've done
in terms of spiritual growth, progress in facing and passing tests
through faith in the truth, or production in helping our brothers and
sisters in Christ. What we will regret is wasting time – and we all
waste time.
But the unbelievers cast into the lake of fire will have massive
regrets.
Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.
Psalm 38:4 NIV
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:13-16 NIV
My advice to you, my friend, is to stop "Baal dancing", halting between
two opinions. As Elijah said, " “How long will you waver between two
opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow
him.” (1Ki.18:21 NIV).
In Jesus who is the only way, the only life, and the only truth.
Bob L.
Question #12:
Another 3 emails before this one. .yeah I've had a lot to say over these past few days. Doc I just realized. I never really fell in love with Jesus. never really loved Him at all. I only really was "saved" because I didn't want to go to Hell. .Did I tell you this before? I forgot, but the issue still stands. I'm too apathetic about actually doing what's right to get out of this pit, only superficially caring about good and evil, hence why I'm uncomfortable in this pit. .no, the real reason I've realized is. I only want what I want to be evil to be evil, and ignore every other decree of God. I'm just like a criminal, obeying the law (God's commands) when it's convenient. and breaking them when they're inconvenient. I've realized I don't even truly care about Jesus because of all this. I never truly followed Him as Lord, only doing things in His name because it made me feel good or for the reward I thought I would get, never out of love for Him or obedience to Him. .What do I do Doc? I believe nothing can be done for me. I have become too empty, too dead to truly care for anything or anyone but myself. I even only help others because I don't want the guilt of knowing I didn't. It's why I can't bring myself to fix my situation, because I can't even truly care the things I'm tempted by are wrong. .why do you think I give in so often. .keep going back to the things that cause it? I'm sorry Doc. I wasted so much of your time. .
Response #12:
You haven't "wasted my time". I am concerned that you could be making
better use of your own, however.
Fear of death and damnation IS a legitimate reason for seeking God – and
this leads many people to the gospel (see the link: in BB 4B:
God’s
Plan to Save You).
As to loving the Lord, yes, this is where we want to get, loving Him
"with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind"
(Matt.22:37). But that is not automatic and it is not instantaneous.
Whenever a person who has been a believer for a long time but has been
slacking off for many years and then finally "gets cracking" – my own
youthful experience as well – the "time in grade" doesn't necessarily
help. Reconstructing a foundation of spiritual growth often has to begin
anew (along with casting out all manner of rotten timbers that have
accreted in the interim).
So please don't get depressed. Take it one day at a time. You may not be
capable of loving the Lord the way you want to yet, but let me assure
you that HE loves YOU – more than you could ever imagine. He's already
paid for you, the entire price of all of your sins.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NKJV
Christians in your situation, and I have met many, need to do what I
always counsel to do: concentrate on day by day spiritual growth, become
consistent with that, and put on blinders to everything else. Have you
sinned or failed or faltered in the past? Confess it and be glad you're
moving in a different direction now. Do you sin or fail or falter now?
Confess it, and determine to do better.
And keep fighting the fight. If you do, things WILL get better and you
WILL make spiritual progress.
Reward motivation, by the way, is also legitimate (link).
That is why there are rewards, namely, to help us motivate ourselves to
do what the Lord wants us to do.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #13:
I was getting really impatient waiting for you, but as they say, God's
timing is always perfect.
How do I bring myself to forgive people I feel genuine hatred for? It
can't be as simple as just letting it go in that case. Also I forgot
your answer for this, sorry for my bad memory, where do I start with
getting back on track spiritually?
Response #13:
On forgiveness: like the commercial says, "just do it!" It doesn't cost
anything or even hurt. Jesus is the One who paid the price for you to be
forgiven. Everyone and everything will be dust soon enough so what does
anything else matter other than your relationship with Him? You'll get
better at this as you grow too.
On getting back on track. try to set aside an inviolable time every day
(first thing in the morning is best) where you read your Bible according
to a plan, where you pray your prayer list, and where you are working
your way through the Ichthys studies (I recommend starting with
the Peter series; at the link).
Signing off for the night – try not to be impatient.
Keeping you in my prayers,
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Dr. Luginbill.
I know it's been a while since we last communicated and I how you are doing
well. I've been really busy with college and also working a part time job. I
would like to request a prayer for my family. My brother has been having trouble
with some members of his girlfriend's family. I won't go into details as I don't
have all of the information myself, but it seems that someone has been
threatening him and his home. Again, I don't want to make claims that are not
true since I don't know all of the details, but I would like a prayer for my
family. I'm also concerned about some of his ideas about Salvation. He is afraid
to defend himself if the situation arises and he is afraid that he will go to
Hell if he were to kill someone. My parents were talking about this and I
explained to them that Salvation comes from belief in Jesus and that, while
killing someone can be an awful thing (self defense or not), it's not going to
make someone automatically go to Hell with no chance at being redeemed. Many
Christians do bad, even downright terrible things, but they are still
Christians. This also segues into another topic that I would like to know your
thoughts on, if you don't mind. My family and I seem to disagree on many
interpretations of Bible verses, and, while I often don't talk to them about
Bible verses, sometimes it troubles me to hear about some of the things that
they believe (like my brother's belief about going to Hell over killing
someone). I tried talking to my family members more about the Bible, but I don't
know if they will really listen to me.
Thank you for your time and I hope to communicate with you soon.
Response #14:
Good to hear about you, my friend.
Working while going to college is no easy road. I have plenty of
students who do that here at U of L, and I admire them for it. Of
course, in such a situation, you really have to keep the ol' nose to the
grindstone so as not to get overwhelmed.
I have said a prayer for your brother – let me know if you'd like
something put on the website prayer request list (and how you'd want it
phrased).
Everything you've written seems to me to be absolutely on point in terms
of biblical understanding of the issues. When it comes to family, even
if they are believers, your experience is much more the norm than the
exception. As we grow spiritually, we do so day by day and the
difference in us is not always obvious to us (it is more so to others).
But as we change, the world does not, only our perception of it and the
things in it.
In terms of people we know and love, it is also not always immediately
obvious to us how just much we are growing away from them in spiritual
terms. We are moving forward. They are staying put (or regressing) – at
least that is often the case in Laodicea. So we do frequently get
unpleasantly surprised when old friends or family members do things that
demonstrate to us just how lacking they may be in biblical understanding
– a reflection of a lack of the same sort of growth that we are
experiencing.
What can we do? It usually doesn't do any good to lecture them. There
will be times when we have a chance to put in a good word for the truth,
but less will be more here (Prov.25:11). If they are not hearing us when
we really hit the nail on the head, they will probably stop even trying
to listen if we make a habit of hammering away. There is a right time
for everything (Eccl.8:6).
We can pray for them, that they will finally stop with the lukewarm
approach and get serious about the truth. Sometimes it happens! But we
have to be patient and realistic.
We can also continue to give them the best possible "witness of the
life" we can. They certainly will notice how much "better" we are
acting. That can yield positive results as well.
And of course the more we grow spiritually, the better everything
becomes – not producing a total end of tests, challenges and trials that
come to those who are trying walk closely with the Lord, but resulting
in more effective prayers for one thing. And wherever pressure
increases, blessing increases as well.
So keep on running your good race, my friend! That has positive effects
across the board both here and now and definitely in the life to come –
even though at present they often may only be dimly appreciated.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #15:
My sister is very far left politically and also an atheist and supports
the LGBT grooming of children in schools...she's even friends with a
very young girl who she facetimes, and she's currently on a trip
visiting that girl's family. I'm very concerned she may get involved
with teaching her LGBT stuff (grooming), since the girl's already being
slowly indoctrinated by her adoptive family, right now being just being
told that some people go by they/them...my sister's explained her family
plans of going deeper with this, I haven't gathered any info on when
yet.
If she does get involved, how do I handle this?
Response #15:
While of course we want to try to guide everyone we love to the truth
directly and immediately, the most effective way for believers to help
others, since we all have free will, is the following two-pronged
approach:
1) The witness of the life. If we are really walking as Jesus walked,
this gets the attention of others as no mere words can do. This requires
serious and consistent spiritual growth to be effective.
2) Blessing by association. The Lord honors and blesses mature
believers, especially those who are pushing forward also in spiritual
progress and production. Part of that is His blessing of any and all
associated with such a believer, including in particular family. And as
we grow, our prayers for them become more effective as well.
So, as always, the answer is a deep commitment – and follow through – on
growing spiritually, passing the tests that come the mature believer's
way, and moving into the productive ministry the Lord has for you.
Everything else is, in the end, merely superficial "wheel spinning".
I'll say a prayer for your sister.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Hello Dr.,
In your DropBox you should find the audio files for Hebrews chapter 1 (link):
Good stuff here, great application to the modern church, I’m really
looking forward to finishing Hebrews with you. Thanks for all the hard
work!
Things are going ok here, keeping busy with Bible study, home, family
and work. I recently attended a family wedding, most everyone there was
supposed to be Christian. It was a wonderful occasion as you would
imagine, lovely young couple, Christian ceremony, beautiful event space,
well dressed guests, and good food, but my sense was that things were a
bit off. It was the usual Laodicean scene, a lot of Christian people
completely unprepared for what is soon coming upon this world, I found
it to be quite disturbing. While everyone was celebrating, happily
entertained and living in the moment, I was thinking of the near future
and how horrible things are going to get for those of us who will be
here to experience it. My thoughts drifted to how these Christian
parents didn’t do any favors for the young Christian couple being
married, raising them in churches that taught nothing but fluff. Common
to the conversation: “Money and all the creature comforts it affords
must surely be a blessing from God”, yes, but... “If Bible doctrines
pertain to a non-salvation issue can't we just agree to disagree”, yes,
but... “No one can know the day and time of His return so...” , yes,
but... You posted over the weekend that you would rather go ahead and
just get all this over with, I’m with you on that, but this is not
bravado, this is from a desire to be with the Lord. I take comfort in
knowing that He will not put more on us than we can bear. While my heart
may be broken due to the state of the Church these days I am not down,
I’m looking up because our Savior's return gets closer with each passing
day.
How are you sir? It can be hard to tell from the weekly postings since
post them from different times past. I hope you are well, I've got you
in prayer here daily.
All the best!
Rev. 22:20
Response #16:
Thank you!
That was fast.
Interesting about the family wedding. Pretty much what many believers
are experiencing to one degree or another. Makes us all the more
grateful for those family members who ARE positive to the truth (I
certainly am). Your personal application is right on target – and is a
pleasure for me to hear.
Keeping you guys in my prayers daily. How are things in your neck of the
woods?
Thanks again, and also for the prayers, my friend; they are needful and
appreciated.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Things in our neck of the woods are fine, even though life grows increasingly
more dysfunctional by the day. Passing the time surrounded by unbelievers and
the lukewarm is quite a test in itself. The satanic gloss that covers this world
system has the majority of the population hypnotized, brainwashed, deceived and
delusional. We have been and are being lied to by every major institution in the
world, even our own family members. Although not always intentional, those who
pass on the lies that they themselves have been fooled by and choose to believe
are guilty of not doing their homework and opting to live a life of quiet unease
and acceptance. We have gotten to the point individually and globally that
bucking this trend is to choose for oneself the status of pariah. This cosmos
diabolicus holds little if anything of value for the true believer, except for
the opportunity to serve our Lord, but few are interested in that. However, this
is the way it must be. We were meant to live in this time and we must make the
best of the opportunities that the Lord provides. What man thinks of the true
believer is meaningless, we must be determined to work for that “well done”, no
matter what the cost to us personally. While the necessities of life are
consistently rising in price, so will the cost of true faith in just a few
years. As you know, we are standing at the threshold of the Tribulation and few
are prepared. I’m not sure I can ever be prepared enough, so I continue to
motivate myself to keep up my spiritual preparation. I get it, this is serious
business down here. We are in battle daily, but never alone, He is always with
us. So there is truly nothing to fear as long as we reverently fear Him. The war
is won, it’s just a matter of time, which passes so quickly.
Other than that no complaints here. __ is doing well. God has given me the
strength and favor needed to make it through the daily trials of life. Looking
forward to the resurrection here. However, if the Lord decides to take me sooner
I wouldn’t mind trying out one of those interim bodies that I’ve heard so much
about!
How are you sir? Wokeism has got a pretty good hold of the colleges as well as
the local government in this area, how’s it going in your neck of the woods?
All the best,
Response #17:
I'm pleased to have you as a fellow Christian warrior, my friend!
This is exactly the right mind-set – and one not that easy to maintain
when the flak is flying fast and furious (which it always seems to be).
Things are challenging at the uni. Prayers always appreciated.
How is your job going?
Keeping you guys in daily prayer – thanks so much for yours!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
The job is ok, I don’t mind the work, however, people… Since learning
that I was considering other job offers last year the attitude of my
boss has gotten better. He is an emotionally impulsive person so
sometimes he loses control. I know his triggers pretty well and stay
away from them, but others in the department don’t and when he’s
irritated I’m the guy who hears it. However, it’s ok, being the senior
guy here part of my job is to keep things in our Division running smooth
in the field so he doesn’t have to deal with it and I’ve got pretty
thick skin these days so the problems don’t bother me as much. The City
has also hired a couple of Diversity, equity, and Inclusion specialists
which are currently indoctrinating the Department and Division heads in
their propaganda. It won’t be long and the rest of will be getting our
turn …oh boy. This manufactured economic mess we find ourselves in has
the residential and commercial markets once again on thin ice and the
bubble could burst at any time. The few that are paying close attention
are nervous but most are living in a normalcy bias bubble, it’s common
to hear “ things are going to be bad for my children or grandchildren”,
if they only knew. Fortunately we have the benefit of knowing, thanks to
our Lord. He has graciously warned us of what is to come. I thank you
for all the hard work you have put into Ichthys and for all you continue
to do. The Lord led me to Ichthys because I knew that there was only one
living God (the Trinity), I knew that He provided only one Book (the
Bible) and I knew that there had to be some place out there that was
teaching it accurately (Ichthys). Real Bible teaching has changed my
life by changing me. I’m deeply grateful to the Lord for providing your
ministry.
What people like us have in common is the want to. We have a desire to
know the truth of what our Creator has provide for us in the Scriptures,
even if it may be unpleasant at times. I walk around with the knowledge
that most likely by the first part of the next decade (or sooner) I will
be dead or in prison, not a pleasant thought for most, but a reality
that I have to incorporate into my daily thinking. I could be classified
as having a psychological condition for this type of thought process,
but it is reality and I accept it. The true Christian lives a dual
existence. While our feet are on the ground here at planet earth, our
hearts are in Heaven ( or they should be). My faith is in the Lord Jesus
Christ.
I keep your employment in prayer daily Dr., what are they doing to you
there? Anything you would like specific prayer for? When do you think
you’ll have the next installment of Hebrews? I thought about doing a
nutshell version of the Coming Tribulation and made a twenty minute
version of an hour and a half for those less inclined to long teaching,
but it didn’t seem right so it went to the cutting room floor.
Everything needed for salvation and spiritual growth is already easily
accessible at Ichthys, people just need to have the want to.
All the best
Rev. 22:20
Response #18:
I appreciate you, my friend! This is fantastic application on your part.
I am sorry to hear that the woke-monster is sniffing around your place
of employment. It's well established on mine – but of course you would
guess that, since it's a university. I will say that U of L is not as
bad as the horror story "elite" places one hears about, but it is bad
enough, especially certain parts of it (in the language department,
there is a certain amount of built-in objectivity since we teach
languages, not societal or psychological theory).
We had a bad stretch after the Floyd riots when our president at the
time decided that U of L would become "the country's premier anti-racist
university". She left about a year and a half later. People do that at U
of L . . . if they can. It's a bit of a backwater stepping stone.
Anyway, I'm not sure what becoming "that" would look like. Nothing much
changed besides hiring another set of vice presidents and sending more
of our meager resources down the drain. Which is all fine. I keep my
head down and so far that has allowed me to just do my job and then go
home and work on the ministry. The load has gotten heavier though, for a
number of reasons.
In terms of production schedule, I have been trying to keep up the
momentum daily (not Saturday). Chapter two is more involved in what I'm
wanting to say and explain than was chapter one; on the other hand, it
didn't require an expansive introduction like chapter one did [posted
now at the link along with
chapters 3 and
4). I'm shooting for three months
since the last posting but will settle for four if that is what it
takes. A lot also depends on how much time the other parts of the
ministry take (variable) and how much life is interfering (also
variable). I got the last two parts done quicker that what I budgeted
for. My main concern was not to have anything hanging when the
Tribulations starts. Also, I'd like a little time to do some sort of
special series before that. We shall see.
In your case also I wouldn't discount the possibility of making it
through all the way to the second advent. 1st Thessalonians 4:17 and
other passages which speak about the resurrection make it sound as if
there will be a sizeable number of believers still around when the Lord
returns – which fits with the "one third" principle. Somebody will have
to put up with the entire seven years. If you find that an annoying
prospect, odds are that YOU are one of them. Personally, I'm not sure if
I'll even make it to the line of departure. But since I also find the
prospect of bumping along through the entire Tribulation unappealing,
maybe I'll be showing up on your doorstep in spring of '33 and we can
catch a boat to Israel together. Whatever happens, it's unlikely to be
boring.
Thanks for being such a good friend and strong comrade in arms for the
truth, my friend!
You are a great encouragement to me.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hello, Dr Luginbill (I'm not sure if I should continue addressing you as
"Bob", I have just been imitating what my son refers to you as.)
I am just reaching out to you to say, 'hello'. I hope you and your
family are all well. We are well, pushing through and keeping our eyes
on our sweet Savior, Jesus.
Keeping you in my prayers. God bless you.
Response #19:
Good to hear from you!
"Bob" is just fine.
I'm very happy to hear your good report. I do keep you and you son in my
prayers daily, my friend.
Things are going well here. Thank you for asking! Getting ready to start
the new fall terms, so I'm very busy with that. Trying to get
infrastructure and yards and all manner of admin tasks in good order so
that I'll be in good shape for when things really heat up during the
first couple of weeks.
I hope things are going well with you too, my friend.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3rd John 1:2 NKJV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Bob,
How is everyone? I read that your classes made. I think that is amazing
considering the situation today. But I remember how some students would
take the Latin and Greek just to have it and take on the challenge. Is
there some age, they force you out? Anyway, I think about you and your
family.
[family health reports omitted]
I finished posting the Life of David. There were a lot of good insights
for being a leader and father. As you know, David had his hands full,
including his failures but was still great. So there is still a chance
for us Bob.
I do take notice what __ are doing. I do hope and pray he is having some
success on the serious side, if you know what I mean.
Bob, the Lord has us ministering in a key point in history. Like some of
the prophets of old-- thinking of Ezekiel and Jeremiah, how unpopular
they were among the "priests and false prophets (not that I really
care)," not to mention the people of their day. Old Zeke and Jer had it
tough but what a service they did when there was so much going against
them. We could talk about this all day but we would each be talking to
the choir which you don't need anyway.
That will be all for now. Say hi to everyone.
In His service,
Your old pal,
Response #20:
Yes – thank you! First day went very well. Hopefully I didn't scare too
many of them off. Looks like a nice year ahead. Plenty of students, and
they seem relatively happy and responsive . . . and I can see their
faces now without masks! Most of them, anyway. What a difference! Also,
I managed to get off of personnel – God is good! I may survive after
all. I have colleagues (or had) who were in their eighties, so, no, they
can't use that as a way to bump you. There is post-tenure review process
whereby someone who is not measuring up can get canned, but it is rarely
used. Also, I do my job, so there is that.
Thanks for the update on your family. I'm keeping them in prayer.
Seems like whatever place we are tested, we keep getting tested in that
same place, even if we are passing the test. An interesting pattern,
almost as if the Lord is saying to the devil, "You can hit believer X
there again and again, but you won't break him/her".
Congrats on the David series [link]!
I'll be sure to send anyone who mentions an interest your way for that
one. Don't know of anyone else who's managed that besides Spurgeon and
Col. Thieme, so not terrible company. I'm sure yours is the best of the
three.
As to our seminary colleagues, I pray for those two in Tahiti on that
score too (link). I heard from him
that ___ is in a lot of pain from cancer (prostate, I believe). Still
scratching my head about ___ falling off the grid all of a sudden about
a year or so ago. We get older and things get rougher – good thing we've
also gotten tougher! I want to be like the guy with the bumper-sticker:
"I want to die in my sleep – not screaming in terror like these
passengers of mine here".
Meanwhile, we "endeavor to persevere". The Lord has us here and every
day is a spiritual opportunity. So we fight on.
Keeping you all in my prayers, old pard'.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Thank you sir Robert! Now even in darker times sir. Please pray for me!
Response #21:
Hello __,
I am and have been praying for you, my friend!
I'm distressed to hear this. Updating
your
prayer request on Ichthys as well.
May God give you strength to get through this test – and grant you a
quick deliverance.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #22:
Am I sinning if I refuse to talk to certain family members anymore?
Prayer, maybe yes. But not talking to them? Because after __ contacted
me and then stopped responding I am again at the same place I always am
of being disappointed, fighting childhood messages of worthlessness, and
stressed out at a time my work is making me account every moment to
them. And other believers suffer too when I put this baggage on them
like now. And some Christian pastors may say I have to keep taking it
and trying. But they won't take me in if I lose this job due to stress
from them. They won't pay for therapy. __ was trying to tell me (private
messaging) that I couldn't do that, but I said the same to him: would he
take me in and feed me when I break down because I can't handle all this
stress and baggage anymore? Doubt it.
Am I sinning if I refuse to talk to them anymore? Please tell me.
Response #22:
Good to hear you are in communication with __.
I pray for you daily NOT to get sucked back into dysfunctional and
spiritually dangerous family relationships. Not providing for your
children would be a sin. Not allowing yourself to be abused by those who
have proved at every turn over many years unworthy of your fellowship
and dangerous to you in many ways is merely spiritual common sense, not
sin.
It is important to have a relaxed mental attitude about these things,
that is, avoiding dredging up the past, getting angry and upset, etc.
There too, keeping your distance, as much as possible (and
mentally/spiritually as well as geographically) is the best thing you
can do to help with that process.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #23:
Hi Bob,
I have hit a wall and feel very discouraged. People around me keep
saying the same thing over and over. Help me but keep God out of it. I
can't Bob, I can't. I don't mean that I am refusing to help them. I am
helping them with either common sense advice or helping them with
whatever material needs or struggles they have. I can be a listener and
encourage them but ultimately this is not real help.
How can I leave God out of it? I know that every single question that is
out there, no matter whose lips that question speaks through.. the
answer is always the same. The answer is Jesus Christ. My family has a
tyrannical 'god' ruling over it. The answer is to put Jesus Christ on
the throne ruling over hearts, minds and lives and then there is freedom
from that tyranny. He is the only answer, He is our only hope. How do I
give hope to the hopeless without mentioning His name? The Name above
all names.
If a person is sat in the darkness and they say they are sick of the
darkness but they refuse to open the curtains and let the light flood
in? I have been doing this all wrong. I have been trying to make the
people I love comfortable with this fallen world. Comforting them
despite this world is the opposite of assuring them that this world is
all there is. Our hope is not of this world and not from it. This world
is perishing. Even people who are spiritually dead can see that the
world is falling apart at a tremendous speed. That it is all unravelling
before our eyes.
On the eve of this world's judgement, what comfort can I give that is
not from the Comforter? The Comforter who teaches us of Jesus Christ and
exalts Him before us. I can recommend structure to the day, a balance of
work and relaxation. Regular exercise. A healthy diet with regular
meals. Being sociable to ease loneliness. Enough sleep. A reliable
routine but with some variation now and again to refresh the mind.
I can say all this and even follow this advice myself (I mostly don't)
but the truth is that if that was all it takes then no one would suffer.
If healthy food, sleep, exercise, structure, routines, socialising and
variation was all that was needed then we wouldn't need the Bible at all
would we?
In the West we have access to an abundance of all these options, they
are not hard to have these things. They are just 'lifestyle changes' but
they are not life changing. Only Jesus Christ can do that. There is no
Christless Gospel. The right amount of sleep won't save you. Kale
smoothies won't save you. The perfect job or Instagram account won't
save you. Even a balanced life with 'perfect' friends won't save you.
There is no perfection in the absence of Jesus Christ. Seeking
perfection without Christ is to try to rebuild Eden again without
acknowledging that Eden wasn't just a beautiful garden but was
paradisiacal because God was there. God makes paradise paradisiacal.
Without God there is no paradise, there is no perfection as only God is
perfect. Everything else is a hollow counterfeit. A sounding gong and a
clanging cymbal.
I have been helping people in the flesh and have become mired in the
things of this world as a result so that has dragged me down. I need
that professionalism, realising that we are at war here and soldiers in
this war. That we are deployed to carry out specific instructions and
not to deviate from them.
I have deviated from them. I have let my family's problems distract me
from my study and also take the central focus of my life away from my
ministry.
I am to minister to the Body of Christ not unbelievers. My gifts are not
evangelism. My gifts are to minister to people who already believe who
have either been abused or fallen foul of false teaching.
I do know though the advice to the Body is the same as to my unbelieving
family. That putting a man or woman on God's throne will result in
tyranny which leads to despotic control, abuse and misery. That is a
loveless rule under a ruler who will show no mercy but always his
displeasure. It is the rule of a 'stern faced king'.
The only answer is to put Jesus Christ on the throne even if that means
dethroning an idol.
This will not be received gladly by idols or idolators alike. It is the
truth though and only the truth sets you free.
When I have asked you for advice you always ultimately say the same
thing, read the Bible and seek spiritual growth from a trusted ministry.
After a while this sounded like a stuck record but I realise it had to
be. You were showing me the only way to move on as a believer and to
mature.
I need to be a "stuck record" too with my family. Whenever I hear "why
is your family like this?" "How can things get better?" "What can I do?"
All I can say over and over again is to take the false idol off the
throne and put Jesus Christ there.
In Jesus,
p.s. I saw in your emails that you have a good registration for classes!
That is such great news! Praise the Lord! More answered prayers!
Response #23:
Thanks – I appreciate your prayers in this regard!
Sorry to hear that you're having the same problems with your family, the
same ones you've been having since we first started emailing.
You have been banging your head against this brick wall for a very long
time. From where I sit, you don't ever have seemed to have gotten much
of anywhere by doing it. It might be wise to consider whether or not you
are over-invested there. Doing right by one's family is important
(1Tim.5:8). You have certainly gone over and above. Expecting them to
appreciate it or turn to the Lord as a result is probably a mistake.
They may eventually turn to the Lord, but that will be as a result of
their choice responding to His intervention. People do occasionally
change, but it's a good idea not to hold one's breath waiting for them
to do so (Jn.2:24-25).
Meantime you have other issues to attend to – yes indeed, personal
spiritual growth (there is no other way forward, it is true), and also
whatever direction the Lord will take you in as far as ministering
beyond the confines of your family is concerned.
I am keeping you in prayer on all this, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.