Question #1:
Hello Dr. Bob,
Right now there is a christening happening outside our house. My in-laws asked
if they could use our residence for the dedication of their grandchild.
I just can't help but feel uncomfortable to the point of being irritated when
the pastor started to say his piece. I don't have to mention details because I
know you are familiar with how traditional Christianity makes personal
milestones opportunities for religious occasions (e.g. birthdays, thanksgivings,
wedding).
These "pastors" have similar air of infallibility around them. The brief small
talk I had this morning with the "man of God" is his chance to show aggressive
speech towards me by making fun of my physical appearance.
There is just no limit to the silliness (e.g.telling the parents how to raise
their child Hannah and Samuel being the Biblical example).
Pardon the venting, sir. I used to have the peace in treating God's Word with
respect before this silly event happened right where I live. I am reminded of
some of the reasons why I left the denomination I used to be a part of.
Thank you for being there to help me stick with our Savior despite the clamor
from our lukewarm siblings toward dangerous conformity.
Kind regards,
Response #1:
Good to hear from you, my friend!
This sort of thing would irritate me as well – legalism of every sort
always does (and especially when the rules or rituals are made up with
not even a shred of biblical foundation).
I think your analysis of the problems with these activities is "spot
on". I will also say that criticizing someone else with whom we disagree
by demeaning their physical appearance is the stuff of adolescent
school-yard bullies – certainly not appropriate for someone who is
supposed to be a minister of the truth of the Word.
Stay "red hot" for the Lord, my friend! This is the path to great
eternal reward – and to pleasing our Lord.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Hi Bob,
As to school, my finals start in exactly a month. Between now and then I will
(supposedly) have 4 projects and one last test.
It's really same-old same-old though. I haven't done too much the last few days:
I read a series of novels, which is something I haven't done ever since I can
remember. I felt a little bad for not doing much, but on the other hand, this is
the last lull I'll have before the final push, and I didn't have anything
pressing that had to be done since I knocked it all out last week.
This segues into a question I've been wondering about for a while, just posted
to the forum:
As a matter of Christian application, what do y’all think of immersing oneself
in works of fiction (e.g., novels, TV, films, etc.)? Some parameters on the
question: The things under discussion are largely free from overtly problematic
content: i.e., explicit sex, glorified violence, etc. The things under
discussion don’t dabble in the occult.
Some negative observations:
I’ve always thought of this as a matter of application along the lines of 1
Corinthians 10:23 – “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are
helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” However, the
more I’ve talked with people about 100%-ing career for ministry (forgoing stable
employment for freelance to have more time), the more I’ve been thinking that
it’s perhaps best to avoid any sort of fiction (be it novels, anime, movies,
whatever) entirely.
First of all, fiction is inherently not reality. This would seem to be rather
obvious, yet it is important nonetheless. Fiction has nothing to do with God’s
plan for us on earth, instead setting up alternate worlds with concerns that
don’t revolve around the ultimate spiritual realities of existence. Characters
in fiction often go about solving their problems by their own strength and
ability, but we know that for us, we are nothing without God, and all we have
has been given by His hand.
Second, fiction does not contribute to positive personal growth. This is, of
course, most importantly true in a spiritual sense (i.e., being immersed in
fiction does not have anything to do with Bible reading, Bible teaching, or
prayer); however, it is also a valid point in a general sense. Reading about a
strong protagonist is very different from going to the gym to get strong
yourself. Reading about how a protagonist fights their problems and pulls their
life together is great and all, but what about your own problems? At best,
immersion in fiction provides a relaxing pastime. However, by its nature, it
does not lead to actual progress in any area.
Third, people (myself included – at least by my observation) often turn to
fiction that aligns with what they want to have happen to them. In other words,
aside from being an escape from (unpleasant) reality, it is also an escape to a
place that is self-insert wish-fulfillment. People read stories about
protagonists who overcome adversity, defeat the bad guy, get the girl (or guy),
and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, that’s just not how life works in
reality. So to the degree that someone spends time putting such ideas into their
head, to that degree fiction is perhaps dangerous in making it harder to accept
what God would actually have them do (which may may be hard, disagreeable, and
not at all what they themselves might “wish” for).
Finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, there is the time component. We
have a very limited amount of time here on this earth, and must choose what to
do with it. Spending time on fiction necessarily reduces the amount of time to
spend elsewhere – such as time spent reading one’s Bible and taking in good
Bible teaching. The thing is, there is more than enough fiction to keep every
free hour of one’s days occupied many lifetimes over. While it is obvious we
shouldn’t make it that big a part of our lives, the opportunity cost
consideration is true even at smaller quantities.
Some less negative observations:
On the other hand, fiction tells stories that do have the power to uplift, to
encourage, to teach. Justice, Righteousness, Self-Sacrificial Love; fictional
stories can contain ideals that are certainly not out of place in a Christian
worldview. I would hesitate in saying that fiction is truly didactic (as I think
there are much clearer ways to teach most lessons directly), but at the same
time, like music, stories have a tendency to stay with us. (Although this can be
a double-edged sword, since any “wrong ideas” from stories will thus also be
harder to shake).
While hardly being an argument “for” fiction, fiction does have going for it
that it is “less bad” than other overtly sinful things people tend to spend
their time on: gambling, drugs, drinking/parties, etc. I think one can also make
an argument that it has the potential to be more edifying than many activities
like it that are not inherently sinful, yet also not directly spiritually
edifying (e.g., video games, many hobbies that involve no discussion of ideals
and good overcoming evil).
Response #2:
Your last lap is uphill all the way! But you've gotten this far; I'm
completely confident you'll cross the finish line with your head up. I
think it's great that you were able to get a little physical and mental
rest prior to this last big push.
On your question, I've written some about this but you've probably
already read it. This is an application question in my view, not an all
or nothing question. I have no problem with someone swearing off fiction
100% (though it's pretty hard in our culture without becoming a hermit);
just as long as it doesn't become a legalistic point of pride or result
in a bad attitude towards other believers who take a different approach.
I also have no problem with someone spending time on entertainment of
this sort; just as long as it doesn't become a stumbling block or an
idol to them, or lead them into sin. The Spirit is good about prodding
us when we're headed towards "too much" of anything – it's up to us to
listen.
Content of fiction is problematic – but so is everything else in the
world besides the Bible itself. As a prospective pastor-teacher (and
actually engaging in teaching now), there is some value in having a
sense of what is "out there" in the culture, both so as to be able to
relate to others you minister too without coming off as a space alien,
and also to have an idea of what is mild, what is a little more edgy,
and what is to be avoided entirely. That's not a justification for
watching pornography of course; but seeing the latest Disney
cartoon-movie everyone else has seen (or as much of it as you can
stomach) wouldn't endanger your salvation. I use this as an example
because I'm not big on animation myself and recently got embarrassed a
bit by one of my classes when it came out that I'd never heard some song
in one of the more famous Disney flix that everyone else knew by heart.
However, I've watched and read plenty of stuff in my life I'd have been
better off avoiding, I'll admit.
As a Classicist, of course, I read literature all the time – fiction
very often. Homer and Vergil are considered highly cultured – and
rightly so. But they're still fiction. I suppose I get some dispensation
because this is my job. They are enjoyable to read as well. I do have to
say that I can't seem to divorce my attitude when reading them from my
professional lens, and of course in terms of Greek it's been helpful for
Bible research.
That is at least part of the answer, namely "where you are at
spiritually" when you read/listen/watch, and how much of a
mental/emotional/spiritual standoff you can maintain while doing so. If
a person watches "The Exorcist" and believes the nonsense, probably best
not to do so. I use this example because I did see the movie and it made
zero impression on me. I found it incredibly boring at the time. I was
in OCS at the time, and half-way through the ten weeks they gave us a
day and a half off on weekends; my buddies and I would share cabs up to
D.C. and check into a nice hotel . . . and sleep. This was before
multiplexes and there was only one screen adjoining the hotel complex we
always went to (Crystal City) – and it played "The Exorcist" the whole
time I was in OCS. So I saw it out of boredom. I'm glad I did see that
one, because at the time people were having all manner of intense
reactions to it (which I found bizarre), but most were R.C.'s, so it
illuminates the superstitious R.C. mindset very well – and that mindset
is leaking over into evangelicaldom nowadays as well, with exorcism
being all the rage in phony (and dangerous) "spiritual warfare
ministries".
So there are reasons to see things. There are reasons to listen to
things. There are reasons to read things. The mindset we have when we
are doing so is key (spiritual / emotional distance).
In my own experience, I've gravitated toward less but not to zero. I
tend not to spend any time on sports (I did watch a few hours of the
World Series while having supper several nights), almost none on music,
almost never on fiction writing (except Classics). I do watch movies
occasionally (probably a waste of time with other drawbacks also). I
don't spend much time on video games, though I used to spend probably
too much time on strategy war games (when the semester was over).
Nowadays when the work day is done, I may read some history, do some
cross-wording and watch TV news (talk about fiction!). All of it is
compromised to some degree. All of us would be better off probably
reading the Bible . . . some more . . . instead of all of the other
possibilities. But then we'd be verging on being perfect. I'm able to
say definitively that there is no risk of that on my end.
The above is not a paradigm. And it's also not a plan or a strategy,
even for me. We all make our own decisions and our own applications. We
all need some rest from time to time, mentally as well as physically.
How we incorporate that into our lives in a way that doesn't compromise
us is between us and the Lord – and the Spirit is very good about
letting us know when we are pushing the limits.
Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hey Dr L,
Quick question for you, though this one might not be answerable: I have grown up
being given the idea by believers (or at least people who claimed to be
believers) around me saying that we ought to appear before God 'just as you are'
(read: don't worry about looking presentable or dressing your best). I mean
there are even popular Christian songs that literally say those words.
And much later I learned that, no, one ought to dress one's best out of respect
for others. So, first, is that true for the secular world? And two, is that true
for God as well? Because the come as you are/don't care about your appearance is
nearly opposite to dressing one's best out of respect.
Response #3:
This is an application question, meaning, other than how one thinks
about it personally in their own hearts, there is generally no right or
wrong – within some obvious extremes. Clearly, dressing in a barrel with
suspenders and nothing else would be wrong if a person has any other
clothing. Clearly, dressing in a dress uniform if a person has never
actually even been in the military would be wrong. One could easily
think of other examples.
From your emails here, I think it's clear that you and everyone else has
an idea of "what's acceptable" in any particular setting. The closer one
gets to the extremes either way, the more problematic. Anyone with basic
social acumen can figure that out. If we are sure to give offense either
by falling below standard or dressing in what amounts to being a "weird"
way by going over the top, as believers we have to take that into
account in our application. After all, life here on earth for believers
really isn't about this sort of thing which so exercises so many at all.
It's all about our life, walk and witness to Jesus Christ.
Here's what Peter actually says:
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1st Peter 3:3-6 KJV
This doesn't say anything about how women should dress at all; it rather
says that they should "adorn themselves" inwardly,
rather than putting an excessive emphasis on the outside of the person.
So it's not necessarily wrong to "dress up" and it's not wrong to "dress
down", but deliberately calling attention to oneself by going to
extremes either way certainly indicates to me that the person doing so
is trying to get a reaction, and is thus more concerned about what
people think than about what the Lord thinks.
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Peter says to dress respectably. Tell me the truth, in your day if a woman
showed up without having spent money to have her hair styled, without having
spent time and money makeup, and likely time and money on jewelry, and without
formal clothes to a wedding, or a funeral, or church, or the workplace, or even
the market, would her appearance not be considered wrong? What he is saying
inherently commands those things, spending of time and money on appearance. It
is a bit odd today because...
"Anyone with basic social acumen can figure that out. If we are sure to give
offense either by falling below standard or dressing in what amounts to be a
"weird" way by going over the top"
Well you say that, but would you think a person decked out in a billion
piercings and tattoos and a t-shirt is presentable, let alone respectable?
Because if you or I were to say no, they would call us bigots. (I laughed a bit
at the stupidity when I wrote that). We don't have any clear rules. If the older
group thinks formal wear is respectful of others, but my own age thinks it is
vain, there is no way I can fulfill the command to not stand out. It just isn't
possible. I might can fulfill the one to look respectable to the degree that it
will work with the older group (the younger ones doesn't really have a concept
of that anyway), but they might take offense if it comes off badly.
Have a good Thanksgiving
Response #4:
I will admit that trying to fine-tune this is impossible. Trying to do
so – and trying to set up rules about it that will work all the time –
would only result in rank legalism.
As to 1st Peter, however, while what you say is often assumed, I
reiterate, here is what Peter actually says in the Spirit: " Whose
adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting
the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But
let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in
the sight of God of great price." So the only physical appearance
comment Peter makes is to say "don't obsess over external matters";
instead, he says, "concentrate on what is inside". So this passage can't
be made to say "you have to dress up to this degree", and it also can't
be made to say – though more people have abused it in this other way –
that women can't wear jewelry or makeup or have a hairstyle.
I know from long correspondence with you that you are doing a good job
"working on the inside". That is definitely what counts with the Lord
Jesus:
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
1st Samuel 16:7 NKJV
Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
Your friend in Jesus Christ our Savior,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Dear Professor
Thank you for providing us (sheep) with BB 6B.
Your excerpt on the Pastor-Teacher begins with John 21:17 NKJV.
This brings to mind something our Bible teacher said regarding: The
three emphatic denials by Peter (Matt.26:34; 26:75) being
matched/replaced by The Three proclamations of Peter’s love for Christ.
Peter had basically said these things the first time so it must have
been a very raw nerve it hit again.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior.
Your student and friend
Response #5:
Not only that – the Holy Spirit also had to tell Peter three times that he should go with the men Cornelius sent (Acts 10:9ff.).
I'm not one to judge here. I have learned in my years of teaching that
all effective teaching requires constant repetition. And I also
often need "repetition" before I "get it" and before it sinks in. Peter
seems to have been that type too.
Hope you and your family are out of harm's way with all these fires
we're hearing about.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Bob,
I'm sorry to hear that things haven't quite worked out as you would have
liked with your minors and x-pay. It's obviously what the Lord wants for
you right now and what is best for you. You work so hard and maybe this
is the Lord's way of freeing up some time to give you some rest over the
summer but also to give you more time for the ministry which of course
is your "real" work. I'm just guessing, Bob. I'm happy that you know
well in advance though and can plan to make the best use of the time.
I'd forgotten about that target on my back! When I do remember, I seem
to think more about the unseen minions but it stood out to me when you
mentioned the seen ones too - that makes a lot of sense to me.
I was at work yesterday, worked late tonight and I'm back in tomorrow
but over the weekend I'm going to try to get some rest. I'm feeling very
tired and a "mental health day" off sounds just what I need as well. I
need to take a step back, clear my head, take a deep breath and get
going again with the right perspective. I need to learn from this and
not allow the situation to drain me so much again. Time with the Lord in
prayer about it and in His Word will get me back on track. I love the
verse you gave me in Isaiah - we won't even remember all of the troubles
in this life.
It's a tiny amount of time in this life isn't it, compared to eternity.
I want to do the very best for the Lord in the time I have here but I
need to remember that I shouldn't be getting worked up about it.
Remember to rest in Him and know that He has it all under control.
At least it's only a short time and then I'll be with the Lord and all
of our other brothers and sisters. What a day that will be! But until
that time comes I'll keep on plugging away for the Lord.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers and thank you so much, Bob for
yours too.
Your friend in Jesus
Response #6:
Thanks – but we know that the Lord is working this out for the good, as
you rightly remind me. He's always provided for me. However things work
out in this job, the one I've been given to do for the Lord is FAR more
important. And I don't need to be concerned for any tomorrow. We're only
given "today", after all [update: the Lord worked all these issues out
wonderfully well beyond expectation – thanks for the prayers!].
I appreciate your godly determination and your wonderful attitude, my
friend! Like most people I tend to get way too "whiny" when things don't
go exactly my way. I was walking up the street this evening and from
half a block away I heard this plaintive cry. I couldn't tell whether
it was human or animal at first. It went on and on for the whole time
(several minutes) it took me to get up our very long block. It turned
out to be a two year old whose father tried to get her to say hello to
me, but to no avail. The screaming went on as I passed. "Good pipes!" I
remarked. "She didn't get to take her toy dog on our walk", my neighbor
replied.
Life is full of tragedies. I chuckled to myself all the way home. But
really what we adult Christians tend to do is not that much different.
"Doesn't that kid know this is no big deal?" But I can imagine the Lord
thinking when we cry out plaintively "Doesn't this believer know I have
this all in hand?" At least I'm pretty sure that if we saw Him face to
face when we are so concerned about one thing or another that THAT would
shut us up. At least until tomorrow when something else goes "wrong".
The plan of God is perfect, and our Lord is perfect, but how easy it is
to get our eyes off of Him and onto whatever is upsetting us today! So I
do hate the world. Remembering that it is so very temporary and that all
of our tears will be wiped away by His eternal glory and joy everlasting
is good to keep in mind and to stop whining, even if we have the pipes
to do it (Satan has pretty good ones too, as I recall).
Take that day off!
Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi Bob,
I loved reading about your walk up the street yesterday evening! Fancy
having a toy dog and not getting to take it for a walk - now that is
tragic - poor little love! And you're dead right, Bob I know if I saw
the Lord face to face it would DEFINITELY shut me up!
I was thinking this morning - you might be the only full professor on a
total teaching contract but I bet you're the only professor at your uni
who has been SO blessed by the Lord to have such a wonderful ministry.
And as you say, that is FAR more precious and important and fruitful
than anything our jobs in this life can give us.
I always ask the Lord to help you and to give you the time, energy and
the strength (you already have the Spirit's power!) to do everything He
wants you to do for the ministry, family and home and for work. And to
provide for all your needs too. I pray that every day for you so it
might be my fault. I think He might be answering my prayer!
Something else I've noticed that a lot of us get jittery about is change
- we don't like change. We like what we're used to because it's
comfortable and we feel secure. We know where we are with it. We trust
what is familiar to us. But as believers the Lord tells us not to be
afraid of anything and that we are to put our trust in Him. I've been
reading Ecclesiastes (I love that book) and in the notes at the end it
says that troubles and uncertainty will continue to plague us, but even
during these times we can find joy in a secure trust in our Father.
There's going to be a few changes going on when the Tribulation starts
(British understatement thrown in just for you!) so these little things
are just good practice for us.
I got through today at work in one piece. I'll grab a little bit of rest
at the weekend and a lot of time with the Lord. That'll keep my "pipes"
quiet!
Thank you so much for helping me through this. I'll be praying for you.
Your friend in Jesus
Response #7:
Yes, I chuckled all the way up the street, mainly because I realized
that sometimes when I'm upset I'm not much better whenever my own "toy
dog" gets frustrated or disrespected.
Good news today: looks like I may indeed be getting my X-pay back! The
chair is supporting my request, so it's a question now of the new dean
and his staff (but since the money is coming from our dept., I don't
really anticipate that being a problem – not that I haven't been
surprised before, however). God is good! Now I have to figure out what
I'm going to do for research next summer.
You're right too. I hate change. Probably because in my own experience
it's usually for the bad and not for the good. I don't mind putting up
with it when it's necessary; I don't mind putting up with it when it's
actually an improvement; I really do dislike it however when it's
"change for change's sake alone" and ends up making things more
difficult for no apparent benefit. That's mostly what I've noticed in my
life. We did an "exercise" at the faculty retreat last summer where we
all had to react to certain words with the first thing that popped into
our heads. I heard "change", and replied "duck!"
Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite books as well – and you are right
that we are going to have a LOT of change in the Tribulation. Don't
forget to duck.
Your friend in Jesus Christ our Lord,
Bob L.
Question #8:
[omitted]
Response #8:
Thanks for the suggestions about the website for Ichthys. They all have
merit. One of the things I've found out over the years, however, is that
unless one is very careful it's awfully easy to fall afoul of Google. If
there is any sort of fancy formatting, it can disadvantage a whole site
in their analysis, and you might not even find out until much later on.
I've had to make many changes over the year, and it's almost always
resolved down into simplification and throwing overboard a number of
things which had been time-intensive to set up. The other problem is
that my security certificate – which was a real nightmare to get and not
cheap since it required migrating to a new server – also gets
compromised when certain "untoward things" happen. And again, they are
not actually nefarious or dangerous but they do cause problems. What
sorts of things? Code that you didn't realize was problematic for the
programs that check these things until well after the fact. I notice
that even my own university's web presence is deemed "not secure!". So
let me take a little while to chew on these.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
My husband and l are so grateful that God saw fit to allow our paths to cross to have your email address because we are eager to study the Bible. Our question is:- There are some churches that will not allow instruments to be a part of their worship to God in our area. They claim the early church never used instruments, and that the New Testament backs up their claim. Some go as far as saying that singing with instruments is a sin against Jesus Christ, and the Apostle's teachings. So, do they have a point? Does the New Testament say that it is a sin to use musical instruments as part of your worship to God, through His Son Jesus Christ? My husband and l appreciate you sending us a Christian (Book) if available free of charge...so we can search this materials to learn the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and find answers to our many Bible Study questions!
Response #9:
It's no sin to use instruments in making music in church. But it is a rather
silly thing for churches to make this a point of division when almost none of
them are doing what a church is fundamentally supposed to do, namely, teach the
Word of God (and by that I do NOT mean "sermons").
There is a great deal about this question and all those which surround it at the
following link: BB 6B: Ecclesiology; shorter links
on Christian music in particular "Music in the
local church" (in BB6B); and
"Christian
music".
Sadly, this is a "one man" personal ministry and I don't have the resources to
print out these materials and send them to others. Everything at Ichthys is
available free of charge, however, for download and personal printing (see
the link).
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hello again Bob my friend,
How are things with you? I have been wondering about you at the
university. It seems that places of learning have now become seasoned
battle grounds over various political positions, gender and identity
ideologies and the arguments over freedoms of speech. My thoughts and
prayers go to you as you work in the midst of all this. I hope all these
things have failed to darken your door.
I have been wondering a lot lately about gossiping and backbiting. I'm
afraid that I fall foul of this a great deal. I used to think that
speaking about injustices committed by neighbours was alright and wasn't
gossip. I conned myself into thinking that gossip was only saying bad
things about "good people". Now I realise that it is gossip even when we
judge the person to be doing "bad".
With regards to this, when would you consider something to be news and
when does it become gossip? Is all news just a type of gossip?
As I have been vulnerable lately, my particular weaknesses have become
very clear to me. What the enemy has meant for evil, God has made for
good in me as now I know the areas I need to improve my walk in.
God bless you.
In Jesus Christ our Saviour,
Response #10:
It's a good question – and also a matter of application rather than of interpretation. We all know that slander is a sin; we all do have conversations with people and, in the natural course of things, we mention "information" we have heard. Is that gossip? Maybe. Is it slander? That is less likely to be the case. But I do read this in scripture:
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 10:19 NASB
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 NKJV
I said, “I will guard my ways,
Lest I sin with my tongue;
I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle,
While the wicked are before me.”
I was mute with silence,
I held my peace even from good;
And my sorrow was stirred up.
My heart was hot within me;
While I was musing, the fire burned.
Then I spoke with my tongue:
Psalm 39:1b-3 NKJV
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:2 NKJV
Keeping control of our tongues is not easy, and few of us are able to do
so consistently as the verses above suggest. What we can glean from the
above is that "less is more", and that whenever we are in conversations
of a personal nature it's always a good idea to "get a hold of
ourselves" ahead of time, reminding ourselves of these principles. See
also the link: "Let him stop his
tongue" in Peter #35.
Blessedly, we are also forgiven when we do stumble, err, fall, sin –
just as soon as we confess to the Lord (Ps.32:1-5; 1Jn.1:9).
Keeping you in my prayers daily, my friend.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Glory to God Robert. I Just fasted 40 days and 40 nights. My condition is
glorious!
I love you so much.
God bless you in Jesu name.
Response #11:
Yikes!
I hope you have broken your fast now, my friend.
Please see to your health. We are still "in the body", after all.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Dearest Robert.
It's not unheard of here in Norway among born again believers to fast 40 days.
And 30 days is not common but I know several who do it.
I fasted 40 days and 40 nights then started to eat. Now I am more alive and
committed to Christ than ever before. Glory glory glory!
I encourage you to fast. But 40 or even 30 is not something to just commence on.
Faith is required for this extended fasting.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth among men in whom God delights.
God bless you dear brother.
Jesus is Lord!
Response #12:
I have to go to work to keep the lights on and the website up;
impossible to do that without proper nutrition.
Also, I don't have to starve myself to appreciate the Lord.
Here's a link on that:
"Fasting 3"
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #13:
My Mom's family was Luginbyhl from Switzerland. Originally Luginbuel
.........FYI
Was there years ago and met a man that put on a Swiss heritage show in Lake
Lucerne .....he looked and acted just like my grandfather so I asked if he were
of that lineage. He said, "No, but in Switzerland you couldn't swing a cat for
all the Luginbuels" .... Pronounced for me "LOO_GIN_BEWL"
Response #13:
Yes that's right! It's the equivalent of "Smith and Jones" in parts
around Bern. Here in the US, moreover, there are two strains, one which
expanded from the New Bern colony in Indiana (the California Luginbills
are mostly from there) and the one in Ohio around Pandora (that's where
my people came from). And there are lots of inventive spellings. Our
family lore is that they got rid of the umlaut during WWI when people
were breaking their German dishes and sending people off to camps for
speaking the language. It's a good story in any case.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Dear Professor
I hope things are going decently for you at work and you and your family are
well.
Bushfires burning completely out of control in much of Australia, massive
mobilisation of man power, machinery power, water bombing air craft, several
crashing (sadly killing 3 of your countrymen when their aircraft crashed),
technologies employed to the maximum. Result: fires grow even larger, more
numerous, more out of control and smoke choking people in Sydney and Melbourne.
One Barnaby Joyce, a colorful National Party member, says we are missing the the
obvious In all this - prayer and faith in God. I saw and heard him make those
comments on TV, sincere and contrite. His remarks are Not received with a lot of
favor by many.
It rains, and rains, it floods in many places. (Ps. 46). Be still and know that
I am God (v.10). It was God who put out the fires. Reaffirmation (as if we
needed it - sadly some of us do). We are completely helpless and are nothing
without God. We are totally reliant on Him for everything.
I brought this up at Tuesday Bible study. They acknowledge God but were
disparaging of Barnaby for his past indiscretions. I try to give credit where it
is due. His courage and humility were obvious to me. If we judge others harshly,
how do we expect anyone to listen to anyone? That includes our study group! Past
“indiscretions” (read sins) of us in the group and still living in the past (old
covenant which has been superseded by a better covenant). They do not seem to
realise they are trying to live the old Law (tithing being the prominent one).
They have started a bank account for their building fund - yet we learn more in
our small home studies than I did by my attendance at “their church”, or any
“denomination church”. I just tipped 21 mm of rain out of our gauge. Had a few
tippings lately and very grateful to God for the rain and all things, especially
for your gracious Ministry.
I was concerned to read in your emails that you are in debt, which does not seem
right at your stage of life. I dare say ichthys readers, given the opportunity,
would be happy to contribute to your Ministry. Not that most of us are flash
with cash, but it seems being in debt is not what is required for a true teacher
of the gospel. (The worker is worthy of his hire).
Thank you for your service.
In our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Your student
Response #14:
Thanks for the update, my friend. I'm sorry to hear that the fires are still such an issue. I have been praying for you and yours on this. Yes, one would think that in the face of forces that are clearly beyond human control people would be more inclined to "get" that God is the only solution. Sadly, this is most often not the case:
And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
Revelation 16:9 NKJV
And, yes, it is amazing to me too the irrational connection people have
to a formal church organization and a formal building, like some sort of
talisman that supersedes all other dedication to the Lord.
Don't worry about me, my friend! I have a good job that enables me to
survive and thrive thanks to the Lord's great grace. What more does any
of us need? It's not like we're "taking it with us". I'm more than
recompensed by your prayers, and by the satisfaction I get in seeing you
and other brothers and sister filling up their eternal treasure chests.
Now THAT we will take with us.
Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Dear Bob:
What's your thoughts on the command to kill Men, Women and Children in
regards to the Amalekites? Whilst I believe an argument can be made in
regards to Canaan to preserve the religious purity of Israel since God
himself said so? Why do you think that Israel couldn't do this?:
"12But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you,
lay siege to that city. 13When the LORD your God has delivered it into
your hands, you must strike down every male with the sword. 14But the
women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its
spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your
enemies that the LORD your God gives you. 15This is how you are to treat
all the cities that are far away from you and do not belong to the
nations nearby."
I read up on it and some apologists argue that it is practical due to
food shortages preventing them from doing because of the loss of fertile
land at the time when Saul reigned when God issued Herem like he did
with Canaan. Or is Amalek actually just as corrupting as the
assimilation of any of the Canaanites that didn't repent unlike Rahab?
I couldn't find much information about their religion. So I am
interested in your thoughts.
Yours in Christ
Response #15:
At the last judgment, God will cast all unbelieving humanity into the
lake of fire. This is far worse than ending physical life. At
Armageddon, the Lord will personally slay possibly millions of the
assembled armies attacking Jerusalem. He personally put to death 185,000
of the Assyrian army. He personally destroyed the entire Egyptian army
of Pharaoh. He personally destroyed the entire population of the earth
with the great flood (eight persons only excepted). Sometimes God uses
agents to do His work, whatever that work is. So if he ordered his
anointed to destroy the Amalekites, I don't see any great difference
between that and God doing it Himself. But by ordering Saul to do it, it
did serve to demonstrate his lack of fear of God.
What are God's reasons for putting individuals and groups to death? Of
one thing we may be sure: whatever the reason, it is always perfect –
and part of the perfect plan of God.
I'm not gifted in apologetics, so I'm not the best person to ask about
how to explain this to unbelievers, especially not to those who are
always trying to find reasons to blame God for this or that. But for us
who love Him more than life, WE know full well that everything He does
is good and just and right – and that would include absolutely
everything He may tell us to do. So the answer to this as well as to
many other such questions begins with trusting Him.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Dear Bob:
Thanks for the answer. I hope that I will be able to find good reasons
why when I die and why alternatives considered are actually wrong or
inferior. I simply find such things very emotionally difficult
especially given that such instances have been used to justify mass
murder and genocide by historical figures.
Its been prompted by youtube algorithms that keep trying to promote
atheist content to me and try to paint god as some kind of monster or
tyrant.
God bless
Response #16:
As mentioned, I'm no apologist. That is a special gift (or probably set
of gifts) which include a temperament I don't have.
I will say that people willfully abuse, misuse, misinterpret, and
sometimes just honestly misunderstand the Bible all the time. We
Christians need to resist dancing to such tunes. We know that God is
just – He is God! So if there is anything we don't understand – and this
side of heaven there can be much we don't (especially in the early years
of spiritual growth) – we need to make it our policy to trust Him
regardless of what we see or hear or feel emotionally – that is what
faith is all about.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Bob,
Sorry for the delay. The job has started now, but I'll be in the general
orientation for the base until next Tuesday, when I'll finally meet my
team and then start training for my actual role.
I'm still trying to weigh exactly how much church recon to do -- and how
much to pursue the idea of pushing a local fellowship. I have a pretty
good idea of what churches are going to be like based on the emphasis
they put on different things on their websites -- for example,
mega-church feel-good stuff, "discipleship-centric" (AKA hand over your
free will and let us pound our particular flavor of legalism into you),
traditional, liturgical, etc.
Of course, I'm less interested in the authority structure of churches
themselves and more in the people that show up at them. Much how Roman
Catholicism is highly problematic but not every Catholic you run into is
so (particularly to the degree they are comparatively "less Catholic"),
the idea would be to form a network of local Christians rather
independent of problematic local churches.
A thread on the forum has provided some food for thought in the manner
of how much of this ought to be me "going out and getting" people, vs.
waiting for the Lord to bring them to me in time. I'm probably going to
cease worrying about this local stuff for a while, and see what happens.
I can always try to pick this up again when I am more settled and have
more of a steady routine. It's possible by that time that the Lord will
already have something waiting for me as well, without me having to put
it all together.
I'm also planning on launching another completely separate forum for my
own ministry website to tie together many people who have been in my
Bible studies over the years.
There is one important forum matter I wish to run by you. [omitted]
What do you think?
In Christ,
Response #17:
Good to hear that you're getting a nice long "bore-ientation". The
military is good about that. Guess you have to learn to call Colonels
"sir" and Generals "General", etc.
I would be surprised if you find a church-church that is actually
teaching anything substantive and at the same time is free of the most
noisome offensive false teachings. One thing to look out for, however.
If you do start going someplace regularly, it won't take them long to
figure out you're talented. If you get pressed into service teaching,
that will be problematic if there is any great divergence between you
and the powers that be. That sort of thing starts very easily enough
but never ends well. And it's a small town, right?
On the forum, are we having that problem now? If not, I'm no fan of
rules. The more rules, the more trouble, in my experience. If you are in
a situation that needs a lot of rules, it probably means you ought to
get out of the situation entirely, not try to fix it with minor repairs.
I've been very slow to send you names for this list, precisely because I
don't want people on there who would be problems. If a person is a
problem person, he/she will not play by the rules in any case; if not,
he/she doesn't need rules.
Your own site/list is a good idea, however! That's the way more
extensive Bible studies get started.
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hello Bob,
What would you say the Biblical stance on organ and blood donation would
be? I know that the life is to be found in the blood. I have never
donated blood mainly because I am very squeamish! The law in the UK has
changed and if a person does NOT WANT to donate their organs when they
die they are now legally required to OPT OUT.
The spurious reason for the change of law is that a recent survey showed
that most people showed interest in donating organs but had failed to
register. The government in their "wisdom" decided that because it
requires effort to "opt in" to something, they instead have assumed
everyone is willing to donate their organs unless a person has made the
effort to "opt out".
So the effort and onus is now on the people who want to say "no" to
something rather than the ones who say "yes"! Does this sound familiar?
There seems to be a cunning shift in the way government operates in that
we have to now make a stand to be excluded from things rather to be
included in things. It also has the foreshadowing of the mark of the
beast as it is also about making an effort to "opt out" of some bodily
change (although this will involve worship as well). I have noticed that
all the articles about "why anyone wouldn't want to donate" is filled
with language designed to shame and guilt people for their personal
opinion. The government seem a little overly obsessed with our bodies at
the moment..
Most countries have gone and now going for the "opt out" model. The US
at the moment is "opt in" but this may change as there is pressure for
this due to demand.
Going back to my original question, although these things were not
around in the times the Bible was written, what argument from scripture
can be made on whether this is good or bad in the eyes of God.
With love and prayers. God bless
In Him,
Response #18:
This falls into the area of application, not strict biblical principle.
I'm not a fan of any of these things, but I don't make a point of
registering opposition either. I know folks who believe these practices
are the height of virtue; I know others who are crusaders against them.
I wouldn't cross the street to sign a petition one way or another. In
the scheme of things, given the actual spiritual warfare we're presently
involved in, I would advise all not to let their mental peace be
affected by small potatoes such as these are.
For something about all this at Ichthys, see Q/A #16 and #17 at the
link:
"Blindness, Disease, Medicine".
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your reply and I have gained a great deal from reading those
emails you sent me.
Yes, I agree with you that being fixated on either side of these issues
distracts us from what our true purpose here is. I see the pointlessness
of "virtue signalling" and also the dangers of politicking.
We live in the Devils' camp (for the moment) and that for us is enemy
territory. All manner of things around us are ungodly. I know that I
need to focus on the larger and more immediate threat of the spiritual
battle we are in and approaching the end times. It can be easy to overly
fixate on one battle area and lose perspective of the war.
The reason why this sneaky bit of undisclosed legislation alarmed me was
that it was yet another part of government overreach with regards to our
physical selves. We are made in the image of God after all and it seems
as if the enemy wants to constantly deface that image through our
bodies. I baulk at the idea of us being walking spare parts storage and
if we do not wish to be part of this recycle drive that we are labelled
selfish. It also seems to tie in to this emerging green Eco religion. I
have even heard of people wishing to be buried in easily biodegradable
coffins so that they become "human fertiliser" to sustain "Mother
Earth". It would be laughable if people didn't actually really believe
this stuff. It just seems like repackaged paganism to me, as if this
corrupted world could benefit from our bodies!
I can't help see an irony in that people are understandably desperate to
save others lives and hope to provide the means to support life after
their own death with their donation (why would this not be seen as
Christian in practice). At the same time though, the same people seem to
care little of the one blessed body which has already saved all those
that respond to His free gift of life. We should be focused more on the
one life and sacrifice that truly saves lives eternally.
I do have peace more and more Bob and I realise from your matured
position that we are not to get overly caught up in these matters either
way as both shows a preoccupation with the now and the material.
I personally have decided to "opt out" as I feel uncomfortable with the
idea but I don't want to be legalistic about this with others. I also am
not so certain on where I stand about blood.
The email that addresses this issue in particular, do you happen to have
the title of the book about "Organ Donation"? I have a big reading list
at the moment and realise that this in and of itself is small fry to
what we are really up against but may at some point skim over as I am
interested in what the writer has to say.
Many thanks again Bob, you really help me to grow. I am at the stage
where I can pretty much guess what your response would be. Not to say
that you are predictable but that I myself am understanding that "sweet
spot" that you talk about. The narrow path we walk where we avoid
offending God with our sin and offending others with our legalism (which
offends God too). There is so much Grace from God it truly is astounding
and I feel the abundance of His love and forgiveness as I navigate this
path. It is not a walk of fear and confusion but one of growing trust
and confidence in our Saviour Jesus Christ. I feel blessed as I am
humbled by it. I also experience joy when I realise that in my
weaknesses I find that closeness to Him with relying on Him more and
more. That inner smile in the midst of turmoil to which you refer to. I
think of His glory and mercy and I completely trust now that it is all
for good that I can even laugh with joy to know I serve an all powerful
and loving living God whose perfect plan will be revealed to us all in
our joyously new incorruptible bodies.
God bless you Bob and keeping you in my prayers.
In Our Lord Jesus Christ who overcame the whole world,
Response #19:
Thanks for your wonderful email, my friend!
I have no problem with your decision. "What a country!" that you have to opt out
of something like that instead of opting in.
Indeed, this is all a new religion of sorts – and I'm sure that it's all part of
the evil one laying the ground work for his one-world religion of the beast.
People who are "into it" now will be more vulnerable to being completely
deceived once the Tribulation begins. So thank you for this great dose of
spiritual common sense!
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Bob,
In recent times I have been considering the idea of getting a motorcycle
and the idea of biking to work. Without getting too bogged down in the
details, here's some of the reasoning for using motorcycles:
They are cheaper to buy.
They are cheaper to operate (i.e., they are more efficient).
They are cheaper to maintain.
They are cheaper to insure.
They are a lot more fun than driving; psychological benefits like
stress-reduction are not completely insignificant.
Outside of the affluent first world, many, many people use two-wheeled
vehicles as their primary form of transportation. In India, for example.
And some of the reasoning for biking to work:
Combines cardio with commuting, making both activities more
time-efficient.
Can help clear your head when transitioning from home to work, and vice
versa.
However, both of these things entail a degree of risk that would
otherwise not be present. Much can be done to mitigate the risk (such as
wearing protective equipment, riding cautiously, and taking steps to
improve visibility), but no matter how you slice it, these activities
entail a degree of unavoidable risk. The problem is more that of having
to share the road in both cases with drivers who may be careless,
texting, or even intoxicated than the activities themselves being
inherently risky. Since there won't be anything between yourself and the
road, any accidents caused by the behavior of others (which you can't
control) can lead to serious consequences.
I searched and couldn't find any scripture that seems to speak on risk
directly. The thing that strikes me as most relevant is that we are
called to be salt and light to the world, and for that reason some
activities might make a rather poor witness. For example both smoking
and binge drinking are risky activities that seem to me to give a poor
witness.
There are some other activities that seem to me to entail risk with
little practical reward. For example:
Skydiving
Racing motorcycles
Downhill skiing
Downhill mountain biking
Surfing very large waves
Competing in full-contact martial arts: getting a hit to the head can
cause permanent brain damage. (Light sparring carries less but
non-negligible risk).
I don't know if we can say that Christians ought to avoid these things
altogether (they seem less clear cut than smoking, for example). I don't
think even smoking is a sin, but just because we can do something does
not mean that we should do it. These things would seem to me to maybe
fall into things that it would be better that we not do.
On the other hand, we have Romans 14 and a long track record of legalism
making a mess of things, so I'm fairly certain it is improper to make
such an application prescriptive.
Which brings us back to the two things above. Many people think
motorcycles are unreasonably dangerous and never worth throwing a leg
over, and that sharing faster roads with cars on a bike is a death wish.
Based on the research I've done, many of the injuries and fatalities
present in the motorcycle crash statistics are the result of preventable
things like riding when intoxicated or not wearing protective gear.
Similarly, the worst outcomes related to cycling can be prevented in
large part simply by always wearing a helmet.
I am just a bit unsure where this leaves us. I've wanted a motorcycle
for some time now for reasons that have more to do with having fun than
saving money, although the latter is a side-benefit. I am well-off
enough that the monetary arguments for a motorcycle, while still
relevant, are not really all that important. Essentially, by riding a
motorcycle rather than driving a car then, since I actually have a
choice (rather than being forced to go with the cheaper option due to
circumstances like people in the third world), I would be electively
taking on risk.
With all this said, I don't want to cause anyone to stumble based on
this, and I'm not sure whether or not it would be irresponsible for me
to ride a motorcycle -- an action that arguably risks the life God has
given me. (Biking to work is similar).
I’m most interested in figuring out how we ought to conceptualize risk
in general. Should we assume God will protect us if it is His Will (and
therefore not worry about risk that much), or assume that it is a bad
idea to “test God” by putting ourselves in any sort of danger? Something
in the middle?
What do you think?
In Christ,
Response #20:
That's an application issue for you to decide.
If you're asking me personally, of course the Lord can keep you safe no
matter what. But of course that doesn't give you permission to jump off
the top of the temple at the devil's goading.
I've only ever been on motorcycles a couple of times. I did have an
acquaintance at Tank Battalion in CA who rode one. He was very athletic.
But one day he hit some largely invisible loose gravel on the road in
and went down, taking a good amount of skin off one entire side of his
body. It may be anecdotal. I had a good seminary buddy who also had one.
He was also very athletic and didn't crash his – but he traded it in for
a car about six months in, so we're not talking about a long period of
time here.
On bikes, my uncle Phil was killed riding his bicycle home from work
many years ago, getting run into a wall while going through a viaduct.
Others manage to ride and not fall or be hit. I will say that driving
etiquette at least here in Louisville has gone from bad to worse (I'd
like to say I'm completely not part of the problem but . . . ). One
thing I'm having a hard time getting used to is "straight ahead on red"
– which is not legal in KY but you'd have a hard time figuring that out
by observation. A new one in the last year or so is "left turn on red
after stop", and even "left turn on red without stopping".
Under such conditions, I'd be more than a little nervous about "sharing
the road". Bikers at least here aggravate the situation too in my view;
they tend to be way over confident in how they ride, sometimes even
seeming to dare frustrated drivers to get too close. I think it is
attitude too. I've noticed when jogging that if they're coming up behind
you, bicyclists tend to try and get just as close as possible without
actually making contact – and in my case I've come very close to being
nicked on more than one occasion over the years. Funny – they seem to
give you more space when they're coming at you face to face.
I don't know if any of that helps. There are plenty of things that we
can do that are matters of application which increase the risk of life
threatening injury and which are NOT necessary to do. You tell me if
that is wise. We don't want to be cowards and shrink from life in an
attempt to put a bubble around us and all we do. So there are lines on
both sides. It's your job to figure out what the Spirit is telling you.
If I were your mother I'd tell you to forget about the motorcycle and
only consider bicycling to work if there is a relative safe route which
doesn't involve competing with main-artery traffic.
When I was in the military, when in garrison on a base like yours we got
90 minutes for lunch – so that we could get a good workout. That's
probably more than enough time to do whatever you need/want to do,
without any particular risk.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Dear Professor
Thanks to your great Ministry teachings I am batting on here down under, though
the batting average is being somewhat difficult to maintain at times. Much
tireder than I have been for a long time. My wife also is feeling tired - so
much has happened on the personal front in a fairly short time. Gratefully we
are blessed with two excellent ministries; yours for myself and Curt’s for my
wife [link to Bible Academy].
God is good.
How is the toilet roll situation in the USA? Here the unsavy shopper is finding
bare shelves all over the country, people tasered and some charged with assault
fighting each other over toilet rolls! Hand sanitizer is also as rare as hen’s
teeth. (Nothing on the shelves either). The “bright” side of humanity can be
observed in the entrepreneurship of some individuals buying up big and
advertising a SINGLE toilet roll for $5. Who could not have imagined humans
rising up to make the best of their fellows misfortune.
Who would of dreamed that a little corona virus could spread such fear and panic
into a population so resilient that they do not even need God? (except perhaps,
to blame) And, this is pre, even the beginning of the birth pangs!
Nevertheless some suitably startled people are making a run on a ALL the
supermarket items just in case they are quarantined, and/or the trucks don’t
arrive, and/or. ....? If you are short of supplies, check with your friendly
Mormon neighbour. They have been told to store 2 years supply of food, water and
if possible, fuel - not altogether an unreasonable policy. To be fair the
instruction back when I was a member was to share with others in need. Sadly my
“oil” in that department has been used up long ago. (Though in reality I never
achieved that goal in the first place - one reason being that they took so much
of my income).
It appears that people over 65 are most at risk from the corona virus, and that
is also likely to be true of any subsequent epidemics, so it may be that some of
us oldies have a way out before the Tribulation begins. (I do realise our lot
will be whatever God has ordained for us - and not what we might want). This
morning,to put the bus kids at ease, I told them that corona mostly strikes the
older people, so they have no need to worry. The immediate reply was, “Who will
drive the bus”? My reply: “One of you kids will have to step up”.
Music? (Well, right after I sent you the email on music - Another episode, sent,
it seems, to test me). While we shared our Saturday meal together, the Bible
teacher’s wife prepared the scriptures and music for her husband’s lesson. To my
surprise our place was heightened by a youtube of US Marines singing, swaying,
yahooing, “Days of Elijah”. I had a look around the room, the Bible teacher, and
his wife seated opposite each other were into the hand slapping thigh, foot
tapping, one other person sang with some gusto, I was a stunned mullet. A recent
attendee also seemed somewhat perplexed and silent. The following day I
mentioned this to my wife who informed me that the recent attendee is not into
charismatics at all. Video was from a list at The River Room Church’s media arm
www.thechurchguide.com
The teachers wife smiled and said isn’t it great to see the faith of the Marines
singing. I was thinking more of the hype (rather than a worshipful attitude),
maybe many or most of the Marines do not understand or even believe. “Great”
music has been used successfully to incite groups to kill others of lesser or no
value. One needs to be fully grounded in the truth to PREVENT “great” music
being used to stir us into evil purposes. There is no disrespect intended to
those serving, I also appreciate their dedication to country. I do suspect the
Marines may reflect somewhat the balance of believers/non believers as the rest
of society.
As an after thought, I spoke recently to a dad of one of my school bus
passengers from years ago to enquire how her pilot training in the Air Force was
going and was he at all concerned if she was in combat. His reply was
enlightening. “It will never happen. When was the last time Australia went to
war?” You can’t argue with logic like that! (And he runs a very successful
business).
The band, Planetshakers, and also Hillsong Church (to which our PM subscribes)
employ this method to excite the emotions. (Remember I told you that Jeff was so
happy that so many “came to Christ” at the bands stirring performance). Please
beware: Nebuchadnezzar’s “band” knew what they were doing and STILL do!
Extremely high success rate. All but three, succumbed. Daniel 3:4-7
I have not been able to find any evidence of Jesus teaching with anything like
the aid of Nebuchadnezzar’s band, or even a two piece orchestra. The New
Testament (of the new covenant is silent on this - and perhaps we would be safer
to follow its lead - rather than dance to the beat of the drum!) On the positive
side, Who has not felt deep emotion at times when silently reading or praying?
Let us keep those positive emotions through the still small voice sacred.
The beating up of our emotions into a frenzy through “the band” is particularly
fraught with danger heading into the Tribulation. Rather we NEED the protection
of the Holy Spirit for our eternal lives. My mother used to remind me to “keep
it easy” . I took it as internal “quiet” as I have always, it seems, been under
a fair bit of stress - well, together with most of the human race.
I did not want to bring it up at the time as it would mean contradicting the
Bible teacher in front of the class. Some ways it is hard to believe that his
wife had 3 songs organised before our lesson. Perhaps, previously, I was not
that clear in my explanation of why I do not find this kind of “music” helpful
in a Bible teaching lesson. Perhaps they think that it is only me that thinks
this. They do like to get into their music and singing etc. Perhaps they could
have their jam session prior arriving at the Bible teaching venue?
[omitted]
I hope things are going well in academia for you. Thank you for your prayers,
good words, and good works. I pray for you and your Ministry. I draw strength
from your teaching. It is obvious from reading at the Community that you are the
reason we are blessed sheep indeed.
Thank you.
In Him, Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd of His sheep.
Your student
Response #21:
Excellent observations!
As the virus fears make clear, people are plenty emotional without
receiving any additional help. No need to be stirring it up artificially
via music, e.g.
Marines? The Marine Corp Hymn is the only hymn I've ever heard US
Marines sing. Never even ever heard of that other hymn you report. Sure
these aren't other Marines? Even the Philippines has a Marine Corp (as
my old drill sergeant used to tell the weaker individuals, they might
want to try out for that one instead). Could be the band. The Marine
Corps band doesn't actually have Marines. It has musicians who are very
well paid to wear pretty uniforms and play the tuba, e.g.
Things are going well here. Harvard has cancelled their semester and
other colleges too, but I think we'll continue and only even go to
teach-from-home if there is a serious spike. We only have ONE case in
the whole metropolitan area – an old geezer, not a student. I'll cope
with it either way. Personally I'm not at all worried. Don't quote me on
this but one of my USMC contacts has a friend who is frequently in China
and spent business time up in Wuhan. He says the lab is no secret AND
they sell the carcasses of the animals they've tested in the local
market after they're done with them. Brilliant. Other technical info
over my head suggested to him by the professional that it's a man-made
bug. I take solace from that. Just as dog breeds quickly revert to norm
over several generations of cross breeding, perhaps this thing will turn
back into the common cold quickly enough. In any case, I never get
fevers, not since I nearly died of measles at aged 4. It was a sore
point as a child because I hardly ever got to stay home as the
thermometer never cooperated. But I'm happy about it now.
No stocking up on TP for now.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #22:
Do pray for me, please. I don't know what happened. But everything is going wrong at my job, and that is all I have to support myself. I think it is partly my fault, and partly not. Please pray. And thank you
Response #22:
I will most definitely be praying for you, my friend.
And I am pretty sure it is NOT your fault. People always react poorly
under pressure. Those who do not are by far the exception rather than
the rule. But I read this in the book of Ecclesiastes:
If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.
Ecclesiastes 10:4 NIV
And . . .
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Ecclesiastes 9:17 NIV
So keep your head and hold your post – and trust the Lord to bring you
through.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #23:
Hello Dear Dr Luginbill,
Has it gotten any easier teaching virtually?
A long time ago I was in this grocery store, and this lady asked for money for
her kids for food (or something like that), and tried to use calling me 'sister'
as a guilty trope. I offered to go with her to buy it as I did not have cash,
only card. And then her countenance changed real fast and she said 'never mind.'
I mean the warmth dropped like 'snap!'
Well yesterday I was in the parking lot of another grocery store and this lady
and her two kids came by and she was asking for money for a hotel. I have been
on edge with everything going on, being very careful with money because
[omitted]
Anyway, on with the story of the recent lady and her two kids yesterday. I was
dressed like a mess. My pants were not hemmed, I had a bare and tired face, my
hair was awful, etc. Next to a car that is very basic (cheap) and has streaks
and cracks. And they had fitted clothes and were drinking large soft drinks.
(Just painting the picture). Anyway I said I am trying to buy food for myself.
And she said that so was she (which, no, she was talking about a hotel), and I
said I hadn't even eaten that day. (Now that was not true, What was true was
that I had eaten very little and not healthy. And that after a hard day at work
where my team leader person demanded I note down all the tasks I work on that
day and days after with the times on each task which is very stressful). And she
said 'neither have my kids'. But she said it in an entitled way (As in 'you owe
it to me and them' like I was their father or something, and not a sympathetic
commiserating way. And then I said 'oh, so it's okay if I starve? No, please
leave me alone'.
I guess the one good thing of my life pains is that it makes it hard for people
like that to get off me because that is the way I think. I see able bodied men
begging, and it is like, you have more onus to be working like I am and then
giving to women and children. And then women with kids, well I'd like a chance
at a family. I am certain her kids or her wont help me if I am suffering later.
Maybe that is bad thinking.
May I ask if you have any thoughts? If nothing else, please tell me in what I
told you in this that I didn't sin somehow.
Response #23:
I've repeatedly made the point over the years that guilt is a false
motivator. As we grow, we learn to listen and understand what is really
the voice of the Spirit speaking to our consciences – He works with the
TRUTH that is in us – and what instead is merely the sin nature stirred
up by the evil one.
In encouraging the Corinthians to give the gift they had already
promised to give, Paul says the following:
For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened.
2nd Corinthians 8:13 NKJV
The Corinthians were about the only well-off believers we know of in
apostolic times; the Jerusalem believers, on the other hand, were being
shut off from making a living, ostracized because of their faith. Paul
had alerted the Corinthians to their plight and the Corinthians had
responded – in words. Paul now encourages them to act as they promised
to act – but NOT in such a way as to put themselves in a pinch for the
sake of others.
On top of that, the Jerusalem believers had NOT asked for help. This
initiative came from the Corinthians through Paul and his helpers.
In my experience, that is the way it always is. Believers who are in
genuine need almost never ask for help. Unbelievers who are merely
trying to milk the kindness of others frequently demand help. We who
belong to Jesus Christ need to be "shrewd as serpents" even as we are
"harmless as doves" just like our Lord told us to be.
So I for one think you did exactly the right thing. The only thing I
would say is that over time we also learn to make our application and
move on, not explaining ourselves or worrying about guilt, but pushing
forward in the service of Jesus Christ, doing what we know through faith
and the truth and the Spirit He wants us to do and not worrying about
anything else whatsoever. Here is an applicable link:
"Giving to Beggars" (there are others to be found on the
subject page under
"Charity").
On the other question, I agree with you: following orders is important.
We generally must do so when we are under authority. That doesn't mean,
however, that the orders will make sense. If we see that the person
above us is heading for trouble with the policy, it's incumbent upon us
to share that (to the extent that he/she is willing to listen). It also
needs to be said that there are illegal orders. No one is saying we
should follow those.
Wishing you a good week ahead!
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.