Question #1:
Politically Conservative Christians often make the excuse of "it's the
much lesser of 2 evils", and while that may be true for most of their
ideals and ideas, the enemy of your enemy is not often your friend. The
Beast will be the one who slays Babylon after all. Siding with the
lesser evil is still tolerating evil no matter how you excuse it, a
lesson not many today are willing to learn.
I saw someone online today who's come to the same truth as us, that
politics is just 2 legs of the same Satanic puppet. It always gives me
joy to see people with eyes to see in a sea of Trump/GOP worshippers or
woke cult zombies. Truth is rising up once again if the increasing
frequency those who've seen through the political illusion of culture
war are showing themselves is any sign.
Response #1:
It's a good point I'm sure many Germans rationalized voting for the Nazis out of
a reasonable fear/hate for the Communists.
To that point, I would withhold applause of anyone rejecting Nazis if they
immediately bind themselves to Communists instead. As you notice, if they are
different, it is a difference without much of a distinction.
And in terms of "good signs", I confess to be missing any hint of any such. Were
we not so late in the timeline, then perhaps I would be squinting a bit to try
and make out some trace of good trends. As it is, the seeming total lack of
interest on the part of the vast majority of Christians for any serious
spiritual growth so as to be able to progress through testing and help others in
ministry after being blooded seems to be getting no better. Worse, maybe.
All the more reason for those who do see and understand what is important to
double down as we "see the Day drawing near" (Heb.10:25). We may not be able to
save the country, but we might just be able to rescue ourselves and our loved
ones thereby (Ezek.14:12-20).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Hi Bob,
Please correct me if I'm in the weeds. Starting with the notion that
Satan was given dominion over the world (e.g. the temptation of Christ)
my understanding is that Satan controls most of what goes on in the
world.
Then, when the Israelites yammered for a king to reign over them and
Samuel told them exactly what they would get (1st Samuel 8:11-18) it
doesn't read like a benevolent way to run a country. In fact, it reads
like the beginning of the loss of freedom. I get the impression that
after the Israelite's demands, the Lord said, "OK, you asked for it!"
It's only got worse since.
Fast forward to today after countless men and women were sacrificed in
unconstitutional wars for things which were none of the US's business,
the covid fiasco and the degeneration of government, that the Lord has
also said, "OK! You asked for it!" Just reading headlines, I see the
restraints being removed. I'm beginning to see the tenor of the
Tribulation and it's bitter in my stomach.
Am I off in the weeds again.
As comments on the 6/15/24 post, I agree with the correspondent in #9.
There's much I can't know in what's left of my life. I'll just have to
wait and see,
Also, a theme that seems to come up fairly frequently in your posts as
it did in this one, are comments made by others and the confusion they
cause. If I were studying Latin or French again, I would hate to
evaluate what a half dozen teachers had to say. I've found your teaching
is always supported with scripture and you know whereof you speak. I
appreciate that. I still check many of your cites because in that way, I
learn. I've yet to read one, that I understood, that caused me any grief
or confusion. When I taught French Horn, it would have been completely
unworkable if a student had another teacher along with me. I don't
advise it.
My advice to those seriously seeking answers, is to not distract
yourself with a multitude of ideas. some of which may be right but,
most, from my experience, only cause confusion.
Just my humble opinion,
Yours in our Lord,
Response #2:
Good to hear from you, my friend! How are you doing?
Another little electrical event today. About 7AM a big boom. We still
had power. But within an hour or so, they had trucks out front working
on a line that had zapped right in front of the school about fifty yards
from my place. A good thing. Then they turned off all power on the block
to work on it. Not so good. Did exercise and yard work. When the power
finally came back on a few hours later, I noticed that my A.C. was not
working. Long story short, the new electrical box is different from what
I'm familiar with. I had switched off the A.C. breaker and switched it
back on without result. An hour or so later I tried turning off all the
switches and slapping them back on – it worked. I'm really grateful to
the Lord for that! I sure wasn't looking forward to yet ANOTHER wait for
workmen, in the heat this time, and wondering how much this one was
going to cost.
On your question/observation, I do think as I believe I've said many
times that the present trend of dysfunction is a harbinger of the
Tribulation arriving sooner rather than later. Of course, I'm not a
prophet. I can only say what the Bible says and/or gives me some
latitude to interpret – and I have taken that latitude as far as it
seems right to do (see
the link). I do agree with you that people often do get what they
ask for – and/or get what they deserve. That is my basic take on
politics in general. God gives a nation the leadership et al. they
deserve. Which is why my advice to any believer who is upset with the
present situation is to get cracking . . . NOT with political engagement
but with spiritual growth. The more salt in a country and the more
savory the salt, and the more likely said nation is to be blessed and
delivered by the Lord as opposed to cursed and abandoned (see
the link). If we're feeling we're getting more of the latter pair
lately, then by all means we ought to redouble our personal efforts at
spiritual growth, progress and production. Complaining or worrying about
it does nothing. Getting "involved" makes it worse. Putting things in
the Lord's hands and being the sort of Christians He wants us to be is
the only actually effective way believers have ever had to influence
events.
The devil has a large measure of control, but his control is not
absolute. He is the "prince of the power of the air" (Eph.2:2), a
designation which gives us a clue as to the extent of his mastery: it's
all around us, but it's not a total, physical control. The Satanic
Rebellion series outlines all that in detail (as I'm sure you're aware;
link). During the
Tribulation, however, we will see the devil's son gain worldwide control
and have a palpable, universal satanic regime for the first time in
human history. That is a large part of what will make the second half of
the Tribulation "great" (in the worst possible sense of the word). So if
we are disturbed at what's happening, we needn't worry overly. It's
about to get much, much worse.
"But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Matthew 24:13 NKJV
Thanks for your good words as always, my friend! Keeping you in my daily
prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hi Bob.
I'm sorry to hear about your electrical difficulties. I've had some of
that here, too. (I hope your freezer held.) So far, though, nothing
serious, here. I'm doing reasonably well. Thanks for asking. At this
stage of my life, I'm just waiting.
I agree with you, which probably doesn't surprise you. The only point on
which I might debate is when the Tribulation starts. Your explanation of
"the days will be shortened" rings true, though how much shortened is
unknown. At least to me. So far, we've had none of the nonsense in the
headlines though Austin and surrounding towns have; shootings, murders,
rapes and such. It's coming closer. I don't see how much longer this can
go on. I don't know how much salt it would take to hold the coming
troubles off, but I don't see all that much "salt" out there. Of course,
I'm no longer out "there" much so I'm not sure my assessment is valid.
It's all in the Lord's hands and so far, He's protected me and mine for
which I'm grateful. I scan the headlines but I no longer see much of
relevance. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah, as Russia reportedly
called us, seems reasonable. We seem to keep poking them in the eye, so
we may end up in a real war instead of rumors of one. At the risk of
complaining more, which does no good, I'll quit now.
Thank you for your prayers. You remain in mine daily.
In our Lord,
Response #3:
Things are humming away at the moment. A good thing too as it got close
to 100 here today. Can't imagine what TX is like! I guess you can get
used to just about anything, but it does make it difficult to function
normally.
Re: "days shortened", this pronouncement by our Lord has to do
with the very end of the Great Tribulation. Since the number of months
is fixed and often restated (42;
see the link), we can conclude that this shortening is a matter of
days, weeks at the most (I note that about two and a half weeks is the
residual from 42 months as against the solar years in question). So once
the Tribulation begins, we've got about seven years to endure – unless
the Lord takes us home early via martyrdom or otherwise. But at least
then we do have the clock ticking, so to speak. Right now, time is short
according to the interpretation published at Ichthys (link),
but until we have the signs of the actual start, we can't know of a
certainty (Rev.8:1-5).
Re: "I don't know how much salt it would take to hold the coming
troubles off, but I don't see all that much "salt" out there".
Unfortunately, I agree. I'm just saying that this is the ONLY godly way
for believers to have an impact. And even if what we do in response to
the Lord and His truth and on behalf of His Church is not sufficient to
ward off the Tribulation or prevent this country from becoming Babylon,
even so things will be better – for us and those we love and care about
– for what we have done in a positive way than would have been the case
otherwise. Not to mention, that this is also the way to glorify Jesus
Christ and earn an eternal reward. So growth, progress and production is
a "win / win" regardless of what others are doing, and even if almost
all others are caught in a Laodicean morass.
I wouldn't worry about the Russians. Biblical indications are that they
will be part of revived Rome and are therefore not to be more (or less)
feared than any of the other power blocs which will swing into
antichrist's camp with the commencement of the Tribulation. For anyone
who sees this as unlikely, I can only adduce all of European history as
an exemplar (e.g., Prussians allied with Britain against France under
Napoleon, later becoming the bane of the British empire allied with
France). Things will happen at a speed unprecedented in human history
during the Tribulation – and given the pace of acceleration now on
account of technology, that really is saying something.
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend – thanks so much for yours!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,
Actually, it's not so bad here -- yet. Highs in the upper 80s. lower 90s.
Humidity now, at 6:50 PM., is 27%. Sadly, when I finally get used to the heat,
it turns cold and visa versa. A part of old age. Humidity in your neck of the
woods makes the 80s miserable. I can't imagine what 100 would feel like.
I understand the "number of days" but we're already insane. And, according to
your timeline (with which I can't argue.) we still have 2.5 years to go before
the curtain goes up. At this rate, I'm not sure there will be a US when we get
there. And, I'm not sure I care. There's not a US now. At least not what I grew
up with. If Russia decides to take out Ft. Hood (reputedly, one of the prime
targets just up the road,) that's OK with me. Probably less painful than
martyrdom. After consulting with all the experts, I've concluded I won't get out
of this lifetime alive, anyway. I've satisfied all my worldly obligations as I
understood them. so the only thing left is waiting on the Lord.
You raise an interesting point in having a Christian impact. I would ask the
point? I find it nearly impossible to pray for this country or our "leaders"
other than David did which was to take his enemies out of the way. The only
prayer I can muster other than for people I care about is, "Thy kingdom come..."
That's become a daily prayer. I look out there and there's now much I think I
would miss, though I have no experience in the kingdom. My neighbors -- the
swallows, the dragonflies, the rabbits, the spiders, the bees, the butterflies
have become so much a part of my life that I think I would miss them. They seem
to have adjusted to me and I certainly have adjusted to them.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not despondent or thinking of anything extreme. It's
just what I think is appropriate for my time of life.
One question: what makes you believe the shortening of days is only at the end
of the Tribulation. I recognize that the scripture comes near the end of
Revelation, but does that necessarily mean it's at the end of the Tribulation?
Much of prophecy seems to overlap. Could it also refer to the beginning of
Tribulation? (You can probably tell I'm hoping what we're going through will be
shortened.)
In any event -- yours in our Lord,
Response #4:
Re: "I'm not sure there will be a US when we get there", you could be
right about that, of course. But then, mystery Babylon is NOT the US (yet). But
it is hard to see how, at this point with so little time left, any other country
could qualify, especially considering the description of just-destroyed Babylon
in Revelation chapter 18. Economically, she is head and shoulders above the
rest. Given that the top companies in the world in terms of market-cap are all
here in the US, we would really have to see some sort of drastic turn around for
things to change on this score.
Re: "I won't get out of this lifetime alive", LOL! That's the first thing
they teach you in medical school: the mortality rate is 100%.
In terms of missing out, the entire Church will be involved in our Lord's
millennial administration here on earth (nobody will be "cooling their
resurrected heels" in the third heaven). So regardless of our personal
"eschatology", we believers will all get to experience all of the wonders to
come – and of course in New Jerusalem as well. All the wonderful flora and fauna
of our Lord's creation will only be better in the Millennium and, I'm very sure,
"best" in the eternal state. Just because we have very little information on
that, doesn't mean that it won't be the case. Only sinful and corrupt things
will be absent on the other side.
The "days shortened" scripture(s) is from the gospels (Matt.24:22; Lk.13:20),
specifically in what is often called the Olivet discourse, where our Lord, just
before the end, answers the disciples questions about "when will these things
come to pass?" In that section of teaching, Jesus is speaking about the
Tribulation. Now we know the general length of time – seven years – and the
specific length of the Great Tribulation: 42 months / 1260 days (e.g., Rev.11:2;
12:6; 13:5; and frequently described elsewhere in Revelation and Daniel as
"times, a time and half a time", meaning the same;
see the
link). So the shortening has to be seen in that context and, as mentioned,
the only way I can square that circle is by extrapolating the extra days in the
solar versus lunar calculations. That results in about two and a half weeks.
Shortened number of days, but not months.
We'd all like to avoid the Tribulation. That goes a long way toward explaining
the popularity of the pre-Trib rapture heresy. But "it is what it is", and we
have faith that the Lord will bring us through it, if that is His will to do.
Our job is to trust Him absolutely no matter what (Lk.18:8).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Hi Bob,
You raise good points. I never considered the difference between solar
and lunar. Thank you. Although you did rain on my parade. I don't
believe in the pre-Trib business when the Bible plainly puts the Lord's
return at the end. I suppose I was hoping it would start earlier so it
would be over sooner.
I still think the stability of the country is over. Those large
corporations are moving out of the country, much like refugees are
leaving California and New York. And, likely for the same reasons. I
don't believe an election will fix things either; it never has in the
past. We're in for an incredibly bumpy ride.
I hope your electric troubles have resolved painlessly.
In our Lord,
Response #5:
Re: "I was hoping it would start earlier so it would be over sooner."
Don't we all! And for some of us, that may be the case. We're not all
going to have to endure all seven years. The reward for doing so is
participation in the living resurrection, having never experienced
physical death; the price will be enduring everything the Tribulation
has to offer, all the way to the end. But, as often mentioned, like the
children of Israel in the exodus, we are counting on God's protection
from all of the plagues and troubles sent by Him against unbelievers.
Re: "I don't believe an election will fix things": You are
certainly right about that! The only true fixes come from the Lord, and
I see no indication whatsoever that the remnant in this country is doing
anything to recommend any such intervention. Just the opposite, in fact.
But there is a benefit in continuing to do the right thing regardless of
what the majority are doing.
“Son of man, when a land sins against Me by persistent unfaithfulness, I will stretch out My hand against it; I will cut off its supply of bread, send famine on it, and cut off man and beast from it. Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 14:13-14 NKJV
The above is an example of the remnant failing. When Ahab and Jezebel
ruled the north in Elijah's time, the Lord "reserved seven thousand who
have not bowed the knee to Baal" (1Ki.19:18). But in the example above,
the remnant is tiny and insufficient. In such a case, even such great
believers won't save it (cf. Abraham's prayer for Sodom on Lot's
behalf). BUT "they would deliver [only] themselves by their
righteousness". Being delivered if only ourselves is no small thing. If
through our efforts to grow, to allow ourselves to be tempered through
enduring testing, and to help others through ministry, we also manage to
be salt for those we love, that would be a great, added benefit (Lot's
wife and daughters were not destroyed by the fire and brimstone, at any
rate).
Talk about bumpy rides, this summer qualifies. But things are settling
down. I'm hopeful of being able to have a month or so of clear sailing
to concentrate on research before summer is over.
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend – and thanks so much for
yours!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Bob,
Your Ezekiel cite appears to be what's going on now with the rise in
mortality, the war on food, the insane number of barges destroying
bridges on distribution routes; all accomplished by men. That seems to
be the main method of punishment throughout scripture except for times,
like Sodom, when he was seriously angry. I can't help but wonder how
close to Sodom we are today.
Thanks for your prayers. You and yours remain in mine.
In our Lord,
Response #6:
Thank you!
Prayers especially much appreciated.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi Bob,
I need your Biblical guidance about something that has already happened, whether
I did the right thing or not...
I have been doing a lot of renovating on the house recently and the Lord has
given me great success with these improvements to our living conditions. I have
noticed though that the enemy has tried to bring this progress to a halt,
multiple times. Anyway, to explain properly, I bought some furniture that when
assembled was wrong so I had to disassemble it to send back. This is where the
problem came in...the 'man with a van' who came around to pick it up, he started
to really harass me in my living room, chatting me up, demanding to see my phone
and told me that he wouldn't leave the house as we were 'meant to be together'.
He deliberately took his time and stood right next to me asking lots of prying
personal questions. I was like a rabbit in the headlights and was frozen solid
not knowing what to do as it was all happening so fast.
Eventually he left and I called __ because I was really shaken up. ___'s friend
said I should report it as he may do the same thing to other women who are on
their own.
I phoned the non-urgent police but they didn't think it serious enough but then
I phoned the company I bought the furniture from and they were very shocked by
this and I have had an email from them since saying that he doesn't work for
them anymore. I have since felt guilty as he has lost his job because of my
report but at the same time I know that if I didn't say anything he would do the
same thing (or worse) to other women.
Did I do the right thing? I suddenly doubted it and think that I have taken
vengeance on this man? I know we are to leave room for God's vengeance but does
that mean we shouldn't report people to the authorities if they are a menace to
people and act outside of their duties in an unsafe and unprofessional manner?
I want to get this balance right as I know that the times are getting more and
more lawless every day. Is self defence seen as vengeance? During the
Tribulation will we be able to defend ourselves from lawlessness? I know there
is a strong likelihood that the emergency services will be non-existent by then
so was wondering what we should do during the anarchy of that time? I know that
we are not to refuse or resist arrest or martyrdom during the Great Tribulation
but what about evil doings from others in that time? Is it better to commit all
these things to the Lord in prayer for our deliverance?
I didn't seek revenge, I just wanted to make sure that he didn't do this again
(or worse) to another woman but now I feel guilty that he lost his job.
In Him,
Response #7:
Apologies for the delay in response, my friend. For some reason, my email
server put your message into my spam folder and I only just caught it (it's
taken to doing the same with emails from family, although anonymous
emails telling me I've won the lottery if only I'll click their link
have no problem getting through).
As to your email, of course you did the right thing! This conduct is not
only unprofessional – it is evil . . . and probably highly illegal (it
would be in the US). And you bet this was not the first time this
character tried this. He probably does it all the time. But like the
Harvey Weinstein case over here, serial criminals get away with things
like this repeatedly precisely because no one wants to get involved and
report things which really need to be reported. So do NOT feel bad for
this cad. Over here, he'd be fortunate if he didn't end up getting
pepper-sprayed or even shot – and not entirely undeservedly so.
Re: "During the Tribulation will we be able to defend ourselves from
lawlessness?" We can't know everything ahead of time. One third of
the Church will be martyred and many will be imprisoned. If the ones we
would need defense against are the authorities, then there will be
little we can do about that. But what we DO know – even if we do suffer
such political persecution for the sake of Christ – and can never afford
to forget is that the Lord Jesus Christ is our mighty fortress. He never
EVER lets us down. He will protect us. So if we must suffer something,
we can be sure that we have nothing whatsoever to be afraid of for He is
with us and all that is happening is in the will of God. If God is for
us, who can be against us (Rom.8:31)?
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Psalm 46:2 NKJV
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?
Psalm 56:4 NKJV
The LORD is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
Psalm 118:6 NKJV
There are no policemen in New Jerusalem, and THAT is our true address.
The one we have down here is only temporary.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
I agree Bob.
As you said before, I am trying to draw ever closer to the Lord now that the
enemy fire is getting more relentless and pointedly at me engaging in Ministry.
I knew this would happen of course, going majorly on the offensive would not
miss the enemy's attention. I am hoping that these back to back tests will
refine my faith so that I will be of maximum use for our Lord's service during
the Tribulation. Amen!
Thank you so much for your tireless fellowship and ministry my friend. It really
has fed my faith and you can see that I have grown under your ministry and I
hope to bear fruit with my ministry very soon.
Keeping you, yours and your ministry in my daily prayers.
In Jesus,
Response #8:
That's right. As the old saying goes, the more flak you're getting, the closer you probably are to the target. It is important to keep it all professional when this sort of thing is happening, that is, we have to try and not to take things too personally. Getting slammed sure feels "personal", but when we remember that all believers are coming in for opposition – because we belong to Jesus Christ – that makes it a little easier to bear AND also helps keep our perspective, reminding us of why we are here: not for ourselves but for our fellow believers and for our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also."
John 15:20 NKJV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1st Peter 5:6-9
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 NKJV
It's an honor to have you as a fellow believer in Christ, my friend.
In Him,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Bob,
I am fine than you. Thank you for your work, I am currently working
through The Coming Tribulation series. I am not sure if what is
happening in Israel is the start of something, but it has made me check
out the scriptures!
It is quite distressing that the news coverage is now mainly about what
Israel is ‘doing to’ Gaza with the initial slaughter of them being a
distant memory.
Blessings
Response #9:
Glad to hear it – and thanks for the update.
Re: "I am not sure if what is happening in Israel is the start of
something, but it has made me check out the scriptures!" That is the
right answer for us all! Would that every believer would make the same
good decision as you! However long, it seems clear that we are not very
far from the end, so we would all be wise to make spiritual preparation
our top priority now more so than ever (Heb.10:25).
Re: coverage: It is annoying, but at least there have been sufficient
voices allowed to speak so as to give any fair-minded person enough
info to draw godly conclusions on all this. The main thing for we who
love the Lord is to remember that everything is in His hands, and that
even once the Tribulation begins, He will take care of us . . . "even
unto death" if need be (Ps.48:14).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hi Bob,
I'm really happy to hear that you're getting some rest. I'm thankful for
the rest I had on holiday. I needed that too.
On holiday a couple of years ago, I remember writing to you about
watching the amazing sunsets by the sea. About how the Lord's creation
is so beautiful to see and appreciate. And I still do appreciate it. I
remember seeing people on the beach watching and admiring the sunset and
I wondered to myself how many of them were thinking about the Creator
and not just His creation. Probably not many to be honest.
This holiday I still enjoyed seeing the sea glistening in the sunlight
and paddling as the waves rolled in and out. I enjoyed some coastal
walks too - some that really challenge your fitness! But I always feel
anxious if the path gets too close to the edge. Sometimes you can't see
the beach anymore but only the deep sea for as far as you can see and I
don't like it. I hate the thought of how deep it is and that if you were
stuck out in the middle of that on your own you would die. But that's
just me and how I think about it. Actually, it just reminded me of how
extremely important it is to stay on the narrow path - stray too far off
and the dangers are very real. But we have the Lord hiking with us on
the narrow path and no matter how challenging it is, as long as we keep
our eyes fixed on Him we have nothing to fear.
When I look at the sea now I think differently about it for other
reasons too. And that's since I learnt a lot about it in
SR2. Including how in biblical symbolism, the
sea is usually not a positive sign. You wrote - An imperfect world, a
world in the grips of divine judgment, a world that needs a hell, has a
sea. And then the lack of sea in the eternal state where you write, When
evil has finally been banished from the universe forever and we inhabit
at last the new heavens and new earth "where righteousness dwells",
(2Pet.3:13), there will no longer be any need for a sea, either as a
means of judgment or as a memorial to judgment past.
So two different holidays by the sea and different thoughts about
spiritual things. But it's good that what I've learnt from your teaching
helps me to see the truth about this evil world more clearly. But more
importantly, it causes me to feel joyful about being with our dear Lord
in the wonderful new heavens and earth to come!
I read in CT 2B - On that blessed
and glorious day, the only thing resembling the waters below shall be
waters of life which flow down from before the Lord, and the only thing
resembling the frozen waters above shall be the crystal of which the New
Jerusalem is built. Unprecedented blessing and fellowship with the Lord
forevermore!
Continuing to pray for you.
In our dear Lord Jesus
Response #10:
Thanks for this, my friend! It always does my heart good to hear when believers are learning and applying the truth in wonderful ways like this. Sharing solid spiritual perspectives in this way is edifying and encouraging for everyone who has picked up their cross and is following Jesus. That's the purpose of the Body in building itself up in the faith (Eph.4:16; Col.2:19).
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV
"Probably not many to be honest." Probably not . . . but YOU are. And you
are reminding others, anyone who'll listen, that this is the right way to be
thinking. We're all going to need a lot more of this sort of thinking and
cleaving to the heavenly perspective in the time ahead.
Grateful for you and for your friendship!
Wishing you a good weekend back home.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Doc, I have something i want to talk about...I've been in more than a few cults in my short 21 years in this world, but none have been as bad as the Living Church Of God, a cult that had me wrapped around its finger so thoroughly it could tell me the sky is red and not blue and i would believe them. It took a website dedicated to refuting it and its parent denomination the Worldwide Church Of God, and exposing the abuse and manipulation of its members (which I fortunately never actually attended, but truly wanted to for months) to break me out of its mirage, and even then I thought the site a slanderous accusation from "enemies of God" for some time. Turns out the leader of this church was an extremely greedy and narcissistic hypocrite who just as the site claimed of just about all of the WWCOG offshoots, was using his claim as a modern day prophet to manipulate and abuse his congregation of hundreds if not thousands of devoted followers, people who sincerely trust and believe him and his message. There's good reason to believe some of the WWCOG leaders, and possibly him too, didn't even believe in God and the Bible, that it was all just an act...at lease every other false teacher and prophet that shoved their dog bile into my ear truly believed what they were preaching, if this is true than he isn't even decent enough to just be a rotten heretic...he's a vile fiend who wears the skin of a believer! I take comfort in the fact that there's quite literally a special place in Hell for his ilk...yet the fact he does all this only makes me pity him more. By almost any worldly standard, he absolutely would never be worthy of forgiveness or redemption, yet in truth it's because of all he's done and continues to do that he needs to see the light more than almost anyone else, not just for the sake of those under his control but his own as well. I know the chances of him repenting are subatomically close to nil, but with God all things are possible right? I would like to request a prayer for him. Thank you for listening Doc, the truth you preach will shine on for eternity...not by your own efforts or because it comes from you, nay, the to Christ be all the glory forever and ever, amen.
Response #11:
I've heard about this cult before. Bad stuff indeed. You are well and blessed to
be out of it.
There are a lot of sorry souls out there today who have been deceived and led
astray. For all truly willing to be delivered, God provides. However, when it
comes to the deceivers, this is what I read in scripture:
Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
2nd Timothy 3:8-9 NKJV
And when it comes to the unalterably deceived:
If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.
1st John 5:16 NKJV
I recommend reading the following study: Peter #39: False Teachers, False Teaching, and False Organizations: a Preface to 2nd Peter chapter two.
Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “And you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD to the land of Israel:
‘An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land.
Now the end has come upon you,
And I will send My anger against you;
I will judge you according to your ways,
And I will repay you for all your abominations.
My eye will not spare you,
Nor will I have pity;
But I will repay your ways,
And your abominations will be in your midst;
Then you shall know that I am the LORD!’
“Thus says the Lord GOD:
‘A disaster, a singular disaster;
Behold, it has come!
An end has come,
The end has come;
It has dawned for you;
Behold, it has come!
Doom has come to you, you who dwell in the land;
The time has come,
A day of trouble is near,
And not of rejoicing in the mountains.
Now upon you I will soon pour out My fury,
And spend My anger upon you;
I will judge you according to your ways,
And I will repay you for all your abominations.
‘My eye will not spare,
Nor will I have pity;
I will repay you according to your ways,
And your abominations will be in your midst.
Then you shall know that I am the LORD who strikes.
‘Behold, the day!
Behold, it has come!
Doom has gone out;
The rod has blossomed,
Pride has budded.
Violence has risen up into a rod of wickedness;
None of them shall remain,
None of their multitude,
None of them;
Nor shall there be wailing for them.
The time has come,
The day draws near.
Ezekiel 7:1-12a NKJV
The end of everything is rapidly approaching and will fall heavily on the heads
of all who have chosen for the devil. What a blessing to be on God's side of
history when it all comes to a head, not having succumbed to the influences of
evil which are so prevalent in our day (and soon to more so under antichrist's
religion;
link). Glad you escaped!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
I think the evil one uses that tactic on me quite well, and even though
I recognize it, it's extremely hard for me to "pull out" of it. Fear is
strong, and definitely a struggle of mine.
Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that I'm actually going to get to
heaven. I'm afraid I'm going to mess up. It's hard to live with the hope
of eternity when I'm constantly afraid. I do want to have eternity with
Jesus and stand firm until the end.
I was going through the email posting from today and saw the verse about
"forgetting what lies behind". This is hard when it feels like you are
in the same fight day after day. Should you "pretend" that when you wake
up, your struggle of yesterday isn't here today? I need shorter memory I
guess. Or is my problem is that I'm not focusing on the positive things
I am supposed to do?
I have considered the possibility of starting a women's Bible study and
going through your Peter series, or some of it. It truly helped me. I
think it would help other ladies, if they want to go that deep. But I
also don't want to rush and do what the Lord isn't wanting me to do.
Maybe I am not mature enough yet to be thinking of that. I think I could
help but is it the right timing? Can you do the right thing at the wrong
time? I want to do whatever ministry Jesus has for me, but I know it's
important to grow up first. Are there different ministries for different
times of your life? How will I know if Jesus is guiding me to something?
Am I overthinking it? Will I just "fall into it" or will it be a
decision on my part? I don't like hard decisions - I'm always
overanalyzing and worried I'm making the wrong one. The positive things
I am supposed to be doing, are they more general right now (like as you
said, Bible reading, study, and applying truth)? Then when I get good at
that, I can move on to a more specific ministry/way of serving Jesus?
On a different note, I was sorry to read of the opposition from some of
your previous contacts. Please know that I am very appreciative and
grateful for all of your solid, deep Bible studies and your kindness and
genuine love. I have much respect for you and I know the Lord is using
you to help believers grow! Thank you so much.
It made me laugh when the other gentleman in the email said he wanted to
meet you in eternity and then you would say, "oh, you're the messed up
dude that always emailed me!" I will add my name to the list of "messed
up" people you have helped. Thank you for it all, Mr. Luginbill.
Hope you are well,
Response #12:
Re: "it's hard for me to believe that I'm actually going to get to heaven". Believe it! We are here to exercise faith, and Jesus who loved you enough to die for you tells you Himself that you ARE "going to get to heaven":
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
John 14:1-3 NKJV
So, indeed, don't let your heart be troubled. ALL believers are saved; only unbelievers are not saved – and they are not saved NOT because they "made some mistake"; they are not saved because they have rejected Jesus Christ as their Savior.
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
John 3:18 NKJV
You are on the winning team! Don't ever forget it! Don't ever doubt it! If perfection were the qualification no one would be saved. If there were any perfect people aside from our Lord, then the cross wouldn't be necessary. As it is, Jesus has removed the only thing keeping you from "getting to heaven": the barrier of sin.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.
Ephesians 2:14 NIV
Our job is to believe in Jesus in the first place, then keep learning the truth and believing the truth thereafter in honor of Him. That is how we win the victory.
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1st John 5:4 NIV
We who believe do have a right to take one day at a time. We are here
for the Lord and He gives us one day at a time. We cannot change
yesterday and have no guarantee of tomorrow. But "today, while it is
called today" (Heb.3:13), we have an opportunity to redeem the time we
have been given by doing the will of God and thereby adding to our
eternal reward (Eph.5:16; Col.4:5).
Starting your own Bible study is an excellent idea. I would suggest
putting this before the Lord in prayer and listening to the guidance of
the Spirit as to the how and the when. First we believe that we have the
Spirit – we do; then we believe that He is using the truth we have been
given and believed to guide us – He is; then we grow more and more in
our trust and in our ability to listen. It is a process, but we have to
move forward from where we actually are, not from where we wish we were.
We get better as we persevere; we gain confidence as we grow. So keep
growing! If we do persevere, it's amazing how, before you know it, you
turn around and look and that little mustard seed has grown into a
mighty tree!
Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words regarding last
night's posting. I greatly appreciate what you wrote.
For now I really live, because you are standing firm in the Lord.
1st Thessalonians 3:8
Re: "messed up", we are ALL messed up, as I wrote – just a matter
of degrees and a matter of growth. We can ALL get better as we grow in
the Lord and learn to walk closer to Him every day. That is my prayer
for you, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob,
Just another quick note to let you know that I countered every lie my
friend sent me (unwittingly) with Biblical truth. So when she wrote that
if I did Yoga then there would be people all over the world doing the
same exercise with me, I countered this by saying that when I pray I
know that brothers and sisters around the world are praying alongside me
and are going through the same trials as me. I then backed up everything
with scripture (1 Peter 5:9) and then even put a link in for your
ministry and why we suffer in the first place.
So she was being strong in pushing the New Age so I met like with like
by staying strong in the Word and countering her position with Biblical
truth! Rather than pull apart Yoga and the New Age, I ignored it
completely and pushed the Word of God towards her instead. She may be
annoyed by this and may ignore what I wrote but it was good to know that
even when suffering with depression, I can push back with the Word of
God, the two edged sword and I never need be afraid or cowed by the
enemy and his unwitting pawns. Amen!
As the song goes "Hallelujah! What a Saviour!"
In Jesus,
Response #13:
That's wonderful!
It reminds me of our Lord using Deuteronomy to refute the devil three
times when He was being tested in the wilderness (link).
We're supposed to walk in His footsteps, and that is just what you are
doing!
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
1st John 2:6It is to this [sharing in the sufferings of Christ] that you have been called, for Christ also died on your behalf, leaving you an example so that you might follow in His footsteps.
1st Peter 2:21
Keep up the good work for Jesus Christ!
In Him,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Hello Bob again,
I have put aside the Reddit account as although it has a lot of traffic, I
realised it wasn't the right audience. It's all very well advising people
against cults but if they are not believers then it is only half of the story
isn't it.
I think it better to have a blog or a website where I present the ministry,
referencing your own ministry to refute false teaching and to deal with the harm
these cultish and abusive relationships do to believers. If unbelievers benefit
from the ministry then great! Hopefully it will be a witness to them and I can
put a page link up about Salvation and then link to your own ministry about
pursuing Spiritual Growth.
Just had two difficult situations where I was trying to tell the truth but ended
up wrestling in the mud..
1) Discussing homosexuality on Reddit.
One person was using the verse of 'let no one judge you' Col 2:16-23 on eating
meat or honouring a certain day is also about homosexuality. He said that he
wasn't convicted that it is a sin for him so he can do it but that because it is
a sin for me that I shouldn't do it. He also added that if a judged him for
doing it then I was sinning as 'let no man judge you'. I pointed out that if
this was true (God forbid!) then another person who was 'not convicted that
murder was a sin' could be a murderer! Where would we draw the line? Of course
this in nonsense and not what Paul was saying at all.
At a certain point I had to walk away from it. I was using scripture to back it
up but it seems a common false argument now that as we are not to be judged over
food or sabbaths then the laws on sexuality have also been removed also. Often
when a person argues from this point they turn around and say 'if you eat shrimp
or wear mixed cloth then you are a hypocrite.' Matthew Vines' 'teachings' on the
sin of Sodom hasn't helped and emboldened many in their falsehoods. Would I be
right in saying that this is nothing new but just more antinomianism or 'hyper
grace' as some call it?
Paul addresses this happening at the time it seems when he writes:
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God
forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Rom 6:1-2
I had to walk away as this individual started swearing at me even though I had
tried to keep it cordial and professional whilst still contending for the truth.
I suspect that people argue the hardest when they have a vested interest in
particular sins. Obviously salvation is open to all and the kind of legalistic
Westboro hate has done a lot of damage here but also the liberal side who are
basically saying it isn't a sin are muddying the waters for those who genuinely
struggle against it rather than embrace it wholeheartedly.
2) On soul sleep and other false teachings on death
My old neighbour's mother has just passed. I have been praying for her salvation
and now I am focussing my prayer for my friend. The problem is my friend is into
the New Age and convinced that reincarnation is real so she described her
mother's passing as 'beautiful'. I was troubled by the choice of word. I know I
have to choose my words and moments wisely and it is probably better to rely on
prayer and the witness of the life more. Is there ever a good time to talk about
these things with the bereaved? It is difficult to juggle the sensitivity of
their grief with a tactfulness but then again the Gospel always seems to be
offensive to some people no matter the circumstances.
[omitted] I used the opportunity to witness to them but they were just as
obstinate and uncomfortable as always. ___ saying 'it doesn't matter what you
believe', while ___ holds onto the belief that all will rest in peace through
soul sleep. When I tried to counter these arguments, I was told 'this is
distressing me' so I had to stop.
It can be so infuriating. With some people it seems as though there is never a
good time to talk about the truth. They are either too busy wanting to enjoy
life to talk about death and even when death is right in front of them, talking
about the need for salvation is a 'distressing' and even offensive subject.
Maybe it is because it is from me and they think they know me. Its amazing what
people do to avoid though the obvious fact of life that we will all die one day.
People really do believe that it won't happen to them and if they do cast a
glance toward death's direction it is only in further defiance or utter folly.
It seems people believe that death is just like life in that you get what you
want there. You want sleep you get sleep, you want paradise you get paradise,
you want something that looks like the world, then that's what you get.
It's insane that people think this! That you can 'manifest' whatever you want
and get your free will requests made on the other side. The entitlement of this
astounds me.
___ quoted an old friend of theirs: 'death doesn't frighten me at all! I am
looking forward to the rest!'. How defiant is that! I guess just as defiant as a
person saying sexual immorality isn't a sin 'because I said it isn't'.
Obviously neither of these two examples deal specifically with the area I am to
work in but it is good practice to be able to contend for the truth wherever the
devil's lies are abroad (which these days is everywhere and about everything).
In Jesus,
Response #14:
That sounds like a good plan – then you can control things much better. Getting
traffic for a website all your own, however, is no small feat, especially
nowadays when 1) the web is awash with sites, and 2) a great many people have
largely abandoned it for Tiktok, Facebook, Instagram, etc., etc.
I think you've handled both the situations you ask about very well. People who
are not interested in the truth are not teachable. There is some apologetic
value in presenting the truth to those who won't accept it, especially if
effective refutation will make an impression on others who are listening, but it
won't help the hardened most of the time. If that is the ministry you've been
given, it's something one can't be thin-skinned about. But if you're being
called to help confused believers, you could be wasting your time with these
individuals who could clearly care less.
Ministering to those who are hurting and open to the truth is a different story.
Sorry to hear that most in that venue are not that way, but it's also good to
consider that if you help one person out of 100, and that is what the Lord is
wanting you to do, well then you've done your job. I'm not familiar with the
workings of this site so I can't advise you on that. If it's pointless, then
it's pointless and best to find another venue. Clearly, people who are swearing
at you telling you that you are a sinner for not authorizing their gross sin are
not likely candidates for godly help. Not much surprise on this side of the
Atlantic that your __ aren't queuing up for your advice either. After all, even
Jesus' siblings didn't pay Him any mind . . . until AFTER the resurrection.
I couldn't give any hard and fast rule about when to talk to people about the
truth, the gospel to unbelievers or about spiritual growth to believers who are
lukewarm. That depends on many factors, most notably who is doing the giving of
the truth and who is doing the receiving. Best to listen carefully to the
Spirit. Don't be shy about sharing but don't be presumptuous either if the
Spirit is signaling you to hold back (Matt.7:6). We all have our tendencies to
go one way or the other no matter what, but these matters are
situation-dependent.
"It's amazing what people do to avoid though the obvious fact of life that we
will all die one day." This is the fundamental darkening of the truth which is
at the heart of all of the devil's lies. If unbelievers were unable to
accomplish this hardening, it would be impossible for them to go on in this
world (see
the link). So the Lord allows it – to show that they prefer their own truth
to THE truth. God has the ability to "shake up" anyone. But in my experience and
observation, He often doesn't do so unless the person is really willing to
respond. It is a commonplace that there are "no atheists in foxholes": many a
soldier has offered up prayers for the first time in his life when finding
himself under bombardment – but for many it is also the last time. People have
an amazing ability to block out truth that was crystal clear to them not long
before.
Now as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”
Acts 24:25 NKJV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
I hope things are going well for you down there in Louisville. I
especially hope and pray that you and your family are healthy. We are
dealing with a tremendous amount of turmoil, it seems as though our
family is being ripped apart by the enemy. My mother and I are of course
Christians and I believe we are protected to some extent. A couple of my
male siblings though are in trouble, one via addiction and the other
through addiction and the potential loss of a career. I’m not sure why
our family goes through so much, deliberate sin perhaps?
For my part I have made it a point to start removing anything in my life
that has the potential to be sinful. I’m __ years old, have pretty nasty
Covid infection and I am trying to draw closer to God. I am hoping and
praying he gives me the strength and wisdom to deal with two very
stubborn brothers.
I’m sorry I have not been in touch it’s been a tough stretch. That said
I am grateful above all that I know I am saved, no one can snatch that
out of my life. Thanks for listening Bob, you are in my prayers nightly.
Again, I hope your job at U of L is going well. I know your ministry is,
I drop in on your site a fair amount!
In Jesus Christ!!
Response #15:
I'm sorry to hear about the Covid and about your brothers. I do keep
your family in my daily prayers, and I will add these concerns. As to
"going through" a lot, well, we are all going through a lot, yourself
and myself included. That is "life" for believers in the world
(1Pet.5:9), and I have noted more than once that the friends and family
of believers who are truly advancing in the Word are often targeted by
the evil one to distract them from their good approach. That is not all
bad, believe it or not, because God works that out to get the attention
of the distracters often to bring them to the truth as well – which is
of course our heart's desire.
As mentioned, things are challenging here. Your prayers for quick
resolution are greatly appreciated.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Thank you so much my friend!
I am determined to knuckle down more in my study, spiritual growth and
to get closer and closer to our Lord. Things are so very, very bad in
this world now. It is hard to imagine how things can get much worse but
I know it will do.
I went to a really spiritually empty Catholic funeral today (as a family
duty). It was a pointless mix of empty ritual and trivialising
worldliness that left me feeling angry and then flat. I then went with
__ to the children's library to see an exhibition __'s children's school
made. It was awful! Little children's drawings of burning rainforests
and frightened looking Orang-Utans hugging one another in a desolate
landscape. Other crayon drawings were of the world literally catching
fire around some pregnant green earth goddess crying. Really stomach
churning stuff. Like I said before, the evil happening around us is
becoming palpable.
It's hard to keep our focus straight when we have all this nonsense
boiling around us on top of our own personal tribulations. I do try to
keep exposure to it at the absolute minimum (outside of ministry of
course) but sometimes it seeps through even despite best efforts. You
can look too much into this stuff, be disgusted and look away only to
then notice that it really is creeping all around us.
I am just trying to keep on, keeping on. __ are starting to become
frightened and depressed by all this stuff. I know I have to keep
cheerful, hopeful and hold onto that endless joy there is to be had in
Jesus Christ!
Amen!
Keeping you in my prayers my friend!
In Jesus,
Response #16:
Yes, going to any sort of religious ceremony is very difficult for me to
stomach as well. Even evangelical Sunday services (don't know whether to
weep or spit). It's just a matter of degrees.
It is also quite true that the forces of evil have done a very effective
job, starting with the X-ers, then growing in momentum in their
corruption of the Millennials, Zoomers and now the Alphas (what you
report), so that now they receive the propaganda with their mother's
milk. Some of us older folks like myself sometimes have a difficult time
imagining that "most people" out there really believe all the devil's
tripe which is dominating the culture at present, because our experience
was different. Other than family, many of us are not socially engaged
with the younger cohorts. Since many of them look nice enough and behave
nice enough (making allowances for outliers and rioters and the
hyper-politically active), it's easy to allow oneself to be lulled into
the comfortable notion that really there must be a great reservoir of
support out there for "what's right".
As one who teaches college age students, I can affirm that they are
"nice enough" all right – but a large percentage of them are also ready
to go to war for all the wrong causes. This is loosely analogous to the
situation right before the Civil War in this country where the moderate
elder statesmen imagined that North and South there was just such a
reservoir of reasonableness and willingness to compromise rather than to
fight. But it turned out that in both regions, in the end, even the
moderates' emotions were easily flamed into absolutism and a willingness
to fight to the death for the justice of their cause (both sides of
course felt that their cause was absolutely just) as the loudest voices
came to dominate the discourse. I see similarities today. The next ten
years or so ought to be interesting.
"It's hard to keep our focus straight when we have all this nonsense
boiling around us on top of our own personal tribulations." While that
is true on one level, it is also the case that both "problems", personal
and societal, can get to the point where it becomes so obvious that
there is nothing down here worth fighting for or saving – in the
temporal realm – that we who have committed ourselves to Jesus Christ
can feel ourselves liberated from fighting pointless fights and instead
dedicate ourselves all the more to fighting the only one that was ever
really important in the first place.
For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but are powerful for God, for the destruction of strongholds, destroying sophistries and every presumption that raises itself up against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought prisoner so as to obey Christ.
2nd Corinthians 10:4-5
So do not give the devil an opening (lit. "place" to attack).
Ephesians 4:27
For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against [angelic] princes, against [angelic] authorities, against the cosmic powers of this [present] darkness, against evil spirits in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12I give you this command, Timothy my child, in accordance with the prophecies that were made long ago about you, that you conduct a good campaign, one that is in keeping with them.
1st Timothy 1:18
Fight the good fight of the faith.
1st Timothy 6:12a
Endure hardship with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one on military campaign becomes involved in the affairs of normal life. [He avoids such things] that he may please the one who enlisted him.
2nd Timothy 2:3-4
Keeping you in my prayers daily, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Bob, thanks for this,
Re: what you wrote about the Civil War in America: "But it turned out that in
both regions even the moderates' emotions were easily flamed into absolutism and
a willingness to fight to the death for the justice of their cause".
This is quite scary for me to read as I can see myself in this. I have had to
admit to myself that there are two particular goads from Satan that really get
my dander up (attacking children through LGBTQ and attacking women through
transgenderism). As I have recognised that these two are very effective at
making my blood boil, I am now trying my best to stay away completely from
exposure to these two. I do though also realise that there may be a time when I
cannot avoid it completely.
Both Noah and Job were surrounded by abominable behaviour of this sort and much
worse besides. They would need to stay blinkered and focused on their faith
throughout. Even when the sewage rises up all around us, we still can set our
eyes and hearts on what lies above us and our future inheritance. This is
something that I have to strive for more and more. We are not ignorant of
Satan's devices but we have to plough on ahead regardless and blast through all
opposition spiritually and I know that this CAN be done! Amen!
"It becomes so obvious that there is nothing down here worth fighting for or
saving"
Amen! Why worry about the climate when it is all about to end soon anyway and
all things will be made new! (I think climate change is Satan's lie about the
Tribulational judgements. It will also be his excuse to peddle more gnostic lies
and slander God because of the judgements, just as he will slander the two
witnesses through the Antichrist.) Only human souls are to be saved here (not
rainforests or dolphins) and that can only be done on a person by person basis
when they use their God given free will to CHOOSE to be saved. All the saving
work has been done. All they have to do is to say 'yes' and keep saying 'yes'
until they leave here.
What can mere mortals do to us! Satan's fall from heaven has already been
written down so it is a fait accompli, as also is his permanent residence in the
lake of fire. It will happen and we know it will as the Bible tells us so. Jesus
has already done all the work, Satan's fate is already sealed, it is down to us
now to continue in faith and to reach the finishing line with hope of reward for
the work we walk in and helping others to move forward in faith also. Amen!
In Jesus,
Response #17:
Re: "Jesus has already done all the work, Satan's fate is already
sealed, it is down to us now to continue in faith and to reach the
finishing line with hope of reward for the work we walk in and helping
others to move forward in faith also." That is an excellent synopsis
of our marching orders going forward, my friend! If only all believers
in Laodicea adopted that as their creed, we'd be OK.
In terms of focusing your efforts where they are likely to be better
received, I do think that is wise. Of course, we always have some
contact with people we love and/or are related to, but they are often
the ones least likely to "take it from us" . . . since they KNOW us, so
how could we have anything new to offer them?
I'm keeping you in my prayers to get through this rough patch, my
friend. And I sense from these emails that you are doing so with the
spiritual resources you have amassed over the last few years. That is
exactly what we are supposed to do as well. If a believer can think it,
say it, AND do it, that person is well on their way to living for Jesus
Christ as he/she ought to be doing.
In Him,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Thanks Bob,
I know this to be true but I really am going through the wringer at the moment.
[omitted]
On top of this, people have been really hardening their hearts around me so I
have been sore tempted to buy a one way ticket to anywhere on more than one
occasion. Yes the urge to run away from everything is huge. I know what Jonah
felt now. I know I have to stay and fight but I am struggling very badly.
I have a first appointment with a new doctor's surgery tomorrow. I don't have
much faith in doctors (or humans for that matter) anymore. I am instead putting
my hope and waiting on the good doctor instead.
In Jesus,
Response #18:
Sorry to hear about your health problems, my friend. Here are a couple of passages that have been on my mind lately in coping with the things I am personally going through:
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
1st Peter 4:12-13 NKJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
1st Peter 5:8-10 NKJV
What I have found some comfort/perspective in is the remembrance that we are all
"going through it". The only thing that distinguishes one advancing believer
from another is what the "it" is, and what phase of the "it" we are dealing with
is in. As challenging as my problems are, I know that with God's help I can
handle them. And so I'd rather have my problems than the problems of someone
else which I might not be able to handle. Also, I have learned from experience
that these troubles come in waves. And with the crest, there is also the trough.
You can't have one without the other. If things are terribly bad today, they may
be even worse tomorrow, but God will bring the "way of escape" in time
(1Cor.10:4). Our job is not to be like Job and give up just at the point when
relief was on the way. That is always a mistake. The devil knows the relief is
coming as well – so he has a tendency to hit us hardest right before "the
cavalry arrives" so to speak. Human deliverance indeed cannot be counted on. But
the Lord has never ever let us down, and we need to keep faith with Him.
In terms of small annoyances, I've also learned that in the middle of large
tests, the smaller things can often take on out-sized importance and be the
spiritual death of us, if we let them. It seems to me beyond all argument that
after losing his children, his wealth, his status, his health, a few hours of
annoyance from his friends who couldn't see things the right way was "small
potatoes" for Job – but that was exactly what tripped him up.
I'm not big on making decisions based upon interpreting good or bad things that
may happen. The Spirit and the Word together give us plenty of guidance. If
whatever we are doing is not offensive to the Lord or leading us in a wrong
direction, then I personally would resist over-interpreting such things. And
after all, the Lord protected you from __. If you could have handled either one
of those situations better, well, we all are being trained all the time, if we
are willing to be trained.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4 NKJV
Some people think that the apostle Paul was often overly direct, and
occasionally that was true. But there is no one quite like James in this regard,
truly "an Israelite in whom is no guile". James gives it to us right between the
eyes. I've never met anyone who could read the passage above and not blush or
get upset a bit. But in fact, this is the Word of God and it is true. Without
testing, we cannot grow. And if we don't accept testing in the right spirit,
we're not getting the maximum benefit out of it. And because we are human, it
takes an awful long time in the Word and a great many prior failures to even get
to the place where "bad news" is immediately embraced and accepted in peace,
knowing that God's plan is perfect, that He is working everything out for our
absolute good, that therefore whatever we see as "bad news" is actually good in
ways we might never be able to imagine, even if there is pain and suffering in
its wake – IF, that is, we are looking at our lives from entirely the divine,
heavenly, godly perspective. I personally know that the above is true, and I
have been given many instances of this sort of thing in my life with the "good"
sometimes being made evident very quickly, sometimes only after a long period of
time had passed, and sometimes, well, I'm still waiting on some of these (LOL),
but I do trust the Lord that it's true . . . in my better moments.
We all stumble, but we who are trying to follow the Lord closely learn to get
right back up, put our entire trust in Him, make the best of whatever comes our
way, not giving up on our commitment, determined not to fail whatever testing we
are under, and casting our cares upon Him, because He cares for us (1Pet.5:7;
cf. Ps.55:22).
And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.” And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 14:10-14 NKJV
Now in about five minutes after this, the Lord started to part the Red Sea and
began for these faithless people the deliverance of all physical deliverances.
Don't we all wish that they had possessed the patience to wait those five
minutes? All they needed to do to pass this test was to have just a mustard
seed's amount of faith. But they did not. Moses did. Don't we all wish we were
more like Moses than that exodus generation who never got around to appreciating
or trusting the Lord properly?
We get the chance to choose who we will be like pretty much every day. And some
days more than others. We can have "joy" in testing, even it is a joy of peace
and trust in the Lord which pushes back against whatever sorrow and pain we are
feeling. The main thing is to focus on the former and never give in to the
latter. That is the way to growth and a good reward -- and to setting a good
example for others.
Keeping you and these issues in my prayers daily too, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
You were so right. If only I was like Moses, standing steadfast and not
doubting or complaining at all. I do want to be like him and never fear
of falter. Never get angry or think 'why me'?
I should know this by now. I feel as though I am not doing as well on
tests as I used to do but maybe those tests in the past were simpler and
less things piled on top? Maybe I have become battle fatigued. I hope it
doesn't mean I have faltered in my faith?
The Lord has gracefully shown me also the areas in my life were I need
to improve. He has shown me that I need to keep Him much closer
throughout the day, talk to Him throughout the day, battle against the
sins of the tongue (not to judge others or talk against them). He also
shown me that my main problem is that I am not humbling myself, still am
relying on myself and other people and not entirely on Him. Also I need
to be quick to listen and slow to talk. Also slow to anger and quick to
forgive. Amen!
I hope this finds you in a good place. That you have a good report very
soon.
Keeping you in my prayers my friend.
In Jesus,
p.s. I actually now love the directness in the Bible now, I love it
because it guides me and shows me where I need to improve. It doesn't
soft soap me but tells me like it really is. Indeed it doesn't spare the
punches but after all, only those who really love us tell us where we
are going wrong. Iron sharpens iron after all.
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend but the kisses of an enemy are
deceitful.
Response #19:
This is all wonderful news, my friend! And an encouragement to me as
well. It's always terrific to hear when believers are growing and
learning to fight the fight well. Yes indeed, we all need to be putting
our Lord more at the forefront in all things at all times – and there is
always room for improvement there . . . for us all.
Don't fret about not being perfect. This Christian life is like combat.
And as Napoleon once said, if you want to make an omelet, you have to
break eggs. In other words, combat is not simple or easy or smooth and
there has never been such a thing as a perfect battle. We all make many
mistakes, every single day. But true fighters like yourself always stay
in the fight, whether things are going well or ill – because we know
that in truth "the battle is the Lord's" (1Sam.17:47), and He will give
us the victory in due time. We'd all like it to be "right now" and
without any particular suffering, but it "is what it is" for our first
best good, if we are only willing to trust Him.
So your victory is an inspiration to me – and a needful one.
Thanks again so much for your kind support!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Bob,
I hope the after action glitches were minor (there are always after
action glitches. I had too many all-nighters back when I was paid to do
that.)
I currently read in the scroll-by headlines that colleges seem to be the
breeding ground of the new Jacobins. I pray you're not troubled by that.
It's disturbing; these kids have absolutely no idea what they're
protesting. I think that will play a greater role as we near the
Tribulation.
The only question I have today is: do you know of any conventional
denomination that actually teach the Bible? As near as I can tell, most
putative Christians don't even read the Bible?
In our Lord,
Response #20:
Re: "do you know of any conventional denomination that actually teach the
Bible?" I certainly don't know of one I would recommend. There are some groups
where it's really church-dependent on the degree to which that might be true (of
course, it's always pastor-dependent, but some groups have more leeway or at
least are less tradition bound by "order of service"). One of the problems of
course is that "churches" mostly have buildings and that colors and eventually
governs most everything, and "denominations" have tradition, and that usually
takes care of ruining the rest. This has been a problem for a good long time.
I'm pretty happy with my job. That is probably because I don't have any close
friends on faculty and never talk politics with colleagues or students (and only
talk "truth" when someone expresses an interest . . . which is very rare).
Otherwise, I really do have to watch what I say. Assuming that because someone
seems nice enough that they would be tolerant of anything truthful is a very
dangerous assumption to make. Good practice for the Tribulation generally.
Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips.
Micah 7:5 NIV
Thanks for your prayers!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Hi Bob,
Well, I don't feel so bad. None of the "churches" that I've encountered
seemed to have anything to do with the Bible, so I'll stop thinking
about it. Outside of you, I've only encountered one or maybe two with
whom I could have such a conversation.
I'm glad everything at U of L is good. I've pretty much come to the same
conclusion -- I don't talk about politics or even associate much with
people in general. I'm living much as an hermit. I don't eat locusts,
though and normally wear jeans, but... Outside of the grocery, I rarely
see people. And I don't feel bad about that.
Actually, I'm getting control of my mouth. Thoughts are another matter.
I'm happy you're found something you can continue. Many years ago, I
gave up on the "modern" world and retired to gainful unemployment. God
bless you for keeping up ichthys.com for those of us who rely on you for
sound advice and understanding.
In Jesus,
Response #21:
Thanks for the good words and encouragement, my friend!
I'm very happy that the Lord granted you a good place to land. We'd all enjoy a
bit more face to face, genuine and truly godly Christian fellowship . . .
without having to be submerged in pabulum or put up with lies and legalism.
Sadly, as you note, that's not so easy to achieve these days. Which is no doubt
why Ichthys is on the internet and not in a building. Most readers have the same
story in this regard: no others (or very few) in the same vicinity who are the
least bit interested in learning and living the actual truth of the Word of God.
Keeping you in my daily prayers, my friend – and thanks so much for yours!
In Jesus,
Bob L.