Question #1:
You may be right.
With the unfortunate TOTAL election of Trump and it seems he may end up
controlling everything...this may usher in the end.
I don't believe he's the Antichrist but he may play a part for sure.
Harris and the Democratic platform was garbage but this is dangerous.
Don't know where you stand on this or present politics. Our leader is
pathetic to say the least.
Not good.
Response #1:
Re: "Don't know where you stand on this or present politics." That's perhaps one of the best compliments I've ever received for this ministry. Ichthys is not about politics. And of course I always counsel fellow Christians to give politics as wide a berth has possible. Of course we don't have our heads buried in the sand. Of course we have opinions – we're only human. And I'm certainly not saying there's anything wrong with voting, etc. But as believers in Jesus Christ we recognize that He is the One in control, and that no human effort can change the course of a nation. Only God can do that, despite how it may seem to human eyes. Believers. moreover, have an outsized effect on their countries – for good or for ill. For good, if we are doing what the Lord wants us to do in growing spiritually, in trusting Him in the testing that comes to the spiritually mature, and in helping others in this dual process through the ministries He gives us when we are ready and able to take them on. If we do what we should, we become ever "saltier salt", the preservative of the nation to which we belong. But if we do not, then we become part of the problem. And to my lights, nothing is more sadly ironic than for believers to distract themselves with politics and political involvement to the point where they are compromising what would help for the sake of what will not, i.e., slacking spiritually to engage politically when the result will be the opposite of what they desire in doing so. Here are some links on that:
Politics versus Spiritual Growth III
Politics versus Spiritual Growth II
Politics and Political Action on the Eve of the Tribulation (the "salt" principle)
Politics versus Spiritual Growth I
Culture and Christianity X: Military Service, College, Politics, and Race Relations
Culture and Christianity IX: Politics, Tithing, Music, Crucifixes, Alcohol, and Gambling
In terms of "ushering in the end", it seems very clear that all the trends we are seeing in politics and society and culture in this country (as well as events around the world) are leading to the same place, namely, setting things up for the Tribulation.
"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!"
Matthew 24:32-33 NKJV
Our Lord spoke the above specifically about the second advent, but it certainly has application to the coming of the Tribulation as well. We can't say for certain how any particular trend is going to develop in leading into the end, but, as Dylan said, "You don't need a weatherman to tell which way the wind is blowing".
Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.
1st John 2:18
The devil has many agents in this world, and we can bet that as we do approach the time of his final offensive, he is pulling out all the stops, only restrained in his bringing of the beast onto the scene by the Holy Spirit; that restraint will end once the Tribulation commences (see the link).
"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
This passage does make it clear that the salt principle only goes so far. So if we see our country in difficult straits, it doesn't necessarily mean that we personally are falling down on the job. If the remnant becomes too small, even the likes of Noah, Daniel and Job would not be enough to save it. Sodom was home to righteous Lot and Abraham personally and importunately petitioned the Lord to spare it . . . but Sodom was destroyed even so. But the Lord did have mercy on Abraham and He did spare Lot and his unbelieving family. The moral there is that even if the passage above applies to us, then instead of backing off from our good spiritual course the correct response is to double down in our seeking the Lord – because that is the only way to deliver ourselves and the ones we love through whatever may be coming. Getting upset with the conditions in Sodom and running for office, e.g., is not going to fix things; it's only going to take us out of the mix for becoming saltier salt for our own sake and for the sake of our families. We need to take care not to get carried away by the rhetoric on either side to the point that we forget what the Bible has to say on every subject. E.g.:
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.
Deuteronomy 10:17-19 NIV
Emotions are running high and hot in our country today and, in secular terms, it is divided. But there are certain things believers ought to be able to agree on because they are in the Bible – for those believers who are still paying any attention to the Bible, that is. Boys are boys; girls are girls. The law and officers of the law should be respected; lawlessness and criminals opposed. Jews are good; terrorists are bad. Etc., etc. Picking out some things that upset us and abandoning other things which we choose to overlook from whatever emotional motivation is a good way to distract us from spiritual growth entirely. And, after all, none of us is personally perfect. We all are in the greatest need of our Lord's forgiveness and mercy.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Matthew 5:7 NIV
"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:13 NIV
"If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent."
Matthew 12:7 NIV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Hi Bob and family,
I have been watching the US elections with interest and a thought came
to me, and I wanted to run it past you.
Given we know Tribulation begins sometime in 2026, I began to think of
the election timeframe to the end. You’ve just had this one, a day or so
ago, the next is in 2028, then the next in 2032.
I began, using simple maths, to think about that – 2026 + 7 = 2033,
which is 2,000 years after the birth of Christ.
Is it possible – or probable, that could be the rise of the anti-Christ
that we read of in Daniel 9: 27, and coincide with 2032?
As always my friend,
Response #2:
Good to hear from you, my friend (please let me know if you get my
response; as you know, I've been having issues with the bigpond.com
server; I'm sending this to your gmail too).
Of course the plan of God is not dependent upon the US presidential
cycle, but this is the sort of thing we all speculate about. Positing
that the US is going to be Babylon, and that Babylon is the initial
power base of antichrist (see the link:
CT 3B: Antichrist and his Kingdom), it does seem logical that the
beast would start out by being a US president. But maybe not. He could
instead be a figure so large and persuasive that he and his "party" (for
want of a better word) transcend political institutions. A "religious
figure" standing over everything (similar to what they have in Iran)
would certainly fit the bill.
Also in terms of the dates, as detailed in a recent posting at the link
(Eschatology Issues CXXXIV),
the main question is whether or not the seven years remaining in the
tally of the Age of Israel will run coterminous with the last seven
years of the Church Age or, alternatively, be appended thereto. If the
later turns out to be the case (something I personal think unlikely;
see the link), then indeed 2032 would be just before the Tribulation
commences (otherwise 2028 would seem far too deep into the Tribulation
in the scenario I prefer since the beast must be already on the point of
world domination by then). There is also the important fact, detailed in
the posting referenced above, that antichrist is said not to be
"revealed" until the Holy Spirit's restraining ministry is removed
(2Thes.2:7-8), something that only happens once the Tribulation begins (link).
So it is possible, and even more likely than not, that no one will be
able to recognize the beast before the Tribulation begins.
So we shall have to wait and see. As I often remark, there are certain
trends afoot in society and in the church-visible which make "things
going on like this much longer" very unlikely on the one hand; but on
the other hand it also doesn't seem to be the case that things are on
the point of imminent collapse. We believers don't need to worry about
any of this, of course, because the Lord takes care of us no matter
what, just as long as we stay faithful to Him. So it's our job to stay
faithful to the work He has given us, growing spiritually, enduring
whatever testing comes our way by trusting Him to get us through, and
helping others do likewise through the ministries we've been given. And
when the Tribulation does begin, we will surely not be in any doubt
about that.
(1) And when He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (2) And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. (3) And another angel with a golden censer came and stood by the altar, and much incense was given to him so that he might offer it for the prayers of the saints on the golden altar in front of the throne. (4) And smoke from the incense went up from the hand of the angel before God for the prayers of the saints. (5) Then the angel took the incense holder and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it to the earth. And there occurred thunderous voices(1) and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Revelation 8:1-5
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hi Bob and family,
I got your email through gmail, thank you, and as always, good
information.
I remember you saying you were having problems – thankfully gmail is
working!
Still on this side of the grass and clinging to Jesus – my aortic
aneurysms have grown to 38mm from the last scan 6 months ago and I have
an appointment with the doctor in a few days to review the very last
scan two days ago. Hopefully, they haven’t grown as we all have ‘much
work to do’.
Wondering if you made a typo mistake in your email, saying Tribulation
starting in 2032? I was meaning, could that date be when the anti-Christ
rises?
Again, as always dear Bob,
Response #3:
I will be keeping your health on my personal prayer list. Let me know
how this goes. Praying you don't have to take action on this issue!
On 2032, all I was saying is that IF the seven years is appended to (as
opposed to running simultaneously with) the last seven years of the
Church Age, then that date would be "just before the Tribulation begins"
and so it would not be unreasonable to speculate that the person elected
then and in that case might be the beast. But as also mentioned, he
might merely be one of the beast's minions. For me, it's much more
likely that 2032 will be just a year shy of the second advent and near
the Tribulation's end. Antichrist is not said "to be revealed" until
after the Tribulation begins in any case, so whether 2026 or 2033 as the
start point, it's likely only after that point that we will be able to
know. Believers who are paying attention may have a pretty good idea
earlier, but since we may be only two years out and since no one
presents themselves as likely yet (to my thinking – especially if the
new age religious figure idea turns out to be correct), then perhaps
not.
Please do feel free to write me back about this, my friend, if there's
any lingering confusion.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,
Thank you for your kind words and concern but I've already decided that I should
have the op, hopefully to gain a few more years - but as we both know, that's in
God's hands.
Re-reading my email, I have made the mistake, not you. What I was thinking of
was, could 2032 be when a vile person shall stand up; to whom they shall not
give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the
kingdom by flatteries. Daniel 11: 21.
As always dear Bob,
Response #4:
I'll be praying for the procedure to go well for you, my friend.
OK, I see. Yes, the Daniel 11:21 passage describes the takeover by antichrist of
Babylon, and that most likely happens after the Tribulation begins.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Good Morning,
I have a couple of questions if this is alright.
We know Pentecost began in May 33 A.D.
Now, the Church Age lasts for 2,000 years correct?
Therefore, wouldn't the rapture occur in 2033 A.D?
1. Or, is the seven year tribulation period timeline inserted into the 2,000
years for the Church Age?
Interestingly enough, I noticed something cool.
If the rapture does occur in 2026, the second advent would begin in 2033.
Therefore, it would end in 3033.
3033
That number is significant because the Life of Jesus Christ recorded in the
scriptures takes place when he was aged 30 - 33.
2. What do you think about this?
Response #5:
First off, since we are positing 2,000 years since our Lord's ascension, at the
end of that time He should return. So it's the 2nd Advent that we are charting
here.
Scripture is very clear that the resurrection occurs when He returns (please see
the most recent email posting, the very first response, where this is detailed
anew: Confronting False Groups and
False Teaching VII; at the link).
I'm not fond of the term "rapture" because 1) it's not in the Bible, and 2) most
who use it use it to describe a mythical pre-Tribulation resurrection which
contradicts scripture in every respect: the resurrection occurs when the Lord
comes back. Period. See the prior link above and also the link at
Eschatology Issues CXXXIV.
In terms of the Tribulation, in my analysis of scripture, based on what is said
above, it ought to begin seven years before the 2nd Advent, and that would be
2026. Again, this part is an interpretation of the details the Bible gives us
(scripture does not set a date), but I do believe it has merit (see
the link).
In terms of the year designation numbers in our western system of B.C./A.D., I
wouldn't make anything of this. They can't be spiritually important because our
year system is not biblical; it is an arbitrary system designed by a monk and
OK'd by the pope at the end of the 5th century. Before that time years in the
west dates were calculated from the date of the foundation of the city of Rome
(the A.U.C. system). The "new" system gets the birth year of Christ wrong as
well. We use this system now because it is what we have, but because of the
above the numbers can't have any such significance.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Dr Luginbill,
First, thank you for your writings and responsiveness! It is truly a blessing to
the Body of Christ!
My question is regarding Eph 3:20-21. I have come to believe that “church”
includes all who have chosen to follow Yahweh, not just those who came to faith
after Christ. I also believe it includes those who choose Christ in the future,
up until the future final conflict and Satans final banishment.
However, those who hold to a dispensational model to interpret scripture insist
there is a church “age” and only those born during this “age” can be part of the
church.
Eph 3:20-21 seems to imply an unending status for the church given that the
glory of Jesus will be seen thru it forever.
Have I misunderstood or mis-read the concept of the church or this verse?
Thank you!
Response #6:
Good to hear from you – and thanks for the kind words.
You are absolutely correct that the Church is not restricted to believers in the
Church Age. Everyone who has ever been saved from the beginning until Jesus
returns is part of His Body. It is odd that so many contemporary Christians get
this wrong – as if, for example, Jews and gentiles before the cross are somehow
not "of the Church", whereas, e.g., Paul makes it VERY clear that we gentiles
who are saved today are grafted into the good olive tree, not the other way
around (Rom.11:1ff.). Cf. Also:
Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:11-13 NKJV
Clearly, the gentiles of the Church Age are blessed to have become part of the
Body of believers which existed before. And since there is only one resurrection
when the Lord returns, how would we not all be part of it, all who have believed
since the beginning?
This is just a very short reprise of a much bigger explanation to be found at
the link: BB 6B: Eccelsiology: the Study of the Church
(q.v.).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Thank you!
I have another sort of off-the –subject question, but you being a scholar may
know the answer. When reading, particularly commentaries, I see references to
other works provided like this: “Martin(1995:182)”. I presume this is the last
name of the author, the year published and the page, but I can’t figure out how
to locate the publication with that information. Do you have a secret web system
that will find publications based on that coding?
And on another note, given the results of the election and the coming new
government, it will be interesting to see if and how the potential 2026 start of
the last 7 years will play out! I suspect that, like with Hezekiah, the prayers
and choices of believers play a role in the timing of future events. Given that
the Lord is longsuffering and “is not willing that any should perish…” I think
His heart is to allow as many people to come to repentance, but once mankind
gets to a certain point, the final saga will play out.
Response #7:
Good to hear from you.
On the reference system, the first thing to say is that this is a press or
journal "style", and that while there have been plenty of attempts over the
years to standardize these references (the MLA style sheet, for example, which
has gone through many iterations), in practice, every journal and press is
different to some degree – and these often even differ with themselves when
compared year over year. Yes, you are correct on all points: the 1995 is the
year and 182 is the page, while "Martin" is the author. Using systems such as
this, the full citation will generally be one of three places: 1) either in a
complete bibliography of works cited (this will occur at the very end of an
article and at either the very end of the book, if we are talking about a book,
or at the end of the chapter in which the note occurs; 2) the first footnote [or
endnote] in which author and work in question are cited; that may sometimes be
referenced in this system: e.g., "[n.17]"; sometimes not . . . which requires
the reader to remember or go leafing backwards through the footnotes [or
endnotes] until "Martin" is found; 3) occasionally where a work is going to be
cited repeatedly, some books will have a list of commonly cited works, usually
at the front of the book somewhere (either before or after the table of
contents).
As to "it will be interesting to see if and how the potential 2026 start of
the last 7 years will play out!" Amen to that, but, as mentioned in the most
recent email posting (Eschatology
Issues CXXXIV), the "interesting" is highly euphemistic. As I also opined in
the previous posting, being then in ignorance of who would win and how big, I am
of two minds about how the present result is likely to play out with regard to
what is soon to come. The bottom line is that we just don't know. If the cross /
resurrection took place in 33 A.D. (most likely of all dates), and if the
Millennial Day interpretation is correct (and based on multiple proofs it
certainly seems to be), then it's simple math to get to 2033. Then it's just a
question of adding or subtracting the seven years remaining from the Jewish Age
(see the link:
Daniel's 70th week). I have previously outlined my strong reasons for
believing that the Tribulation is a joint period between the Age of Israel and
the Church Age (link);
if this be correct, then we subtract and get to 2026.
What you say is absolutely correct, however. God is sovereign and He has the
authority to lengthen or shorten at will. We know that the period of Christ's
life from birth to resurrection, is not part of the 7,000 year schema; that is
also true of the 70 years of the Babylonian captivity. And we also are told that
"for the sake of the elect", the "days" of the Tribulation itself will be
shortened (Matt.24:22; Mk.13:20) – although as the passage says, it's a matter
of days, not years in this final example. The other side of that perspective is
that God knew exactly what would happen when He decreed everything before
initiating creation, so why, then, would He give us specific information that
leads to a very clear conclusion if things were not going to pan out that way?
We trust Him no matter what, in spite of what we see or hear or think or feel.
But it is a good question. The upshot of all this is that we need to stay alert,
watchful AND flexible, not about the truth but about it's interpretation and
application. As I've pointed out many times, even if the day before the
Tribulation begins, the situation in this country and in the world at large
seems entirely unlikely for producing the events prophesied to occur therein,
that can all change literally overnight.
(3) Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For [the 2nd Advent cannot come] unless the Apostasy [the great falling away of the faithful in the first half of the Tribulation] has already occurred, and the man of lawlessness [antichrist] has been revealed, that "son of destruction" (cf. Jn.17:12 of Judas), (4) the one who will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god and object of worship to such a degree that he will take his seat in the temple of God and represent himself as being God. (5) Don’t you remember that I was telling you these things while I was still with you? (6) Even now you know what it is (i.e., the Spirit) that restrains [antichrist] so that he will be revealed [only] in his own time. (7) For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work – it is only the Restrainer [who keeps things in check, and will] until He moves out of the way. (8) And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the Spirit of His mouth, and will annihilate with the appearance of His coming.
2nd Thessalonians 2:3-8
It's pretty difficult to square this passage with there being an indisputable candidate for antichrist visible on the world stage before the Tribulation begins; maybe impossible. Since that is the case, that is, since all of the beast's successes and maneuvers will take place after those seven years begin, all attempts to try and discover how current events are playing into the events of the Tribulation from its initiation to the end are probably fruitless. Human beings that we are, of course we wonder (and speculate). But we can't know before the fact. Being watchful is good. Getting fretful leads to becoming unbalanced spiritually. So we observe . . . but we are waiting on the Lord as in all things. We know that He will deliver us from it or through it, no matter what.
(3) Strengthen the hands that are weak. Bolster the knees that are giving way. (4) Say to those with anxious hearts, "Be strong! Don't be afraid! Behold! Your God will come, as an Avenger. [Your] God will come, as a Rewarder. He will come, and He will deliver you".
Isaiah 35:3-4
And they will say on that day, "Behold! This is our God! We waited in hope for Him to deliver us. This is our Lord. We waited in hope for Him. Let us rejoice and be glad in His deliverance!"
Isaiah 25:9
In Jesus,
Bob L.
p.s., good point about Hezekiah. I will note that Hezekiah on the point of being
taken home to heaven besought the Lord with tears and was given fifteen years
more life (2Ki.20:6). His son, Manasseh, was only twelve years old when he
became king (2Ki.21:1), which means that the worst king in Israel's history
would never have been born if Hezekiah had been grateful to go home instead of
mournful. It's always better to recognize that God knows best.
Question #8:
Thank you so much for this week's emails my friend!
It has been very edifying to me especially the first couple of emails! The
emails about 'evangelism' and the 'hardening of the heart' are so relevant to
what I am going through right now. I usually go through your site one subject at
a time. When I first came to your ministry I would look up things that were
pertinent and personal to me and my own situation (as I am sure many do) but
then I decided to commit myself to proper organised and systematic study over
your whole site.
It has been a long time since that I would focus on a single issue but
'evangelism' and 'the hardening of the heart' is so urgently relevant to me
right now that I have taken time away from my planned study to go over these
resources to study and take notes. I will go through your study on
Soteriology fully in due course but I felt it time
to look on these things now while it is very current.
Thanks again for all your Spirit led hard work which glorifies the Lord!
I really am seeing all of this now with much more acute spiritual sight! I am
sad to say that some of my old friends have fully embraced all types of nonsense
instead of the truth now the going is getting obviously tough (even to the most
hardened of individuals). One couple has embraced Jesuit mysticism and the New
Age after abandoning atheism. Another friend has gone from atheism to interest
in Shamanism and Incan and Peruvian tribes. Another has fully embraced socialism
and the pro-Palestine political movement.
It never ceases to amaze me that people will embrace ANYTHING as long as it is
not Jesus Christ. One of the 'gods' in Hinduism is a blue elephant. A blue
elephant?!! Yet people worship it and believe and entrust their whole lives to
this blue elephant!! Yet they say WE'RE NUTS for trusting in the creator of
everything, the Alpha and the Omega? Who died for us because of His love for us.
What has the blue elephant ever done for them? Or could ever do...
Romans 1:23
I am of the understanding now that they DO KNOW that Jesus Christ is the only
way but they just don't want Him. I know this for a fact. It is not ignorance
but blatant disregard of Him and if they perish without embracing the truth that
they will be without excuse. In their heart of hearts THEY KNOW!!
I know this Bob because when I was at the end of my rope as an unbeliever I
prayed to the one true God and I KNEW who that was! I didn't pray to any blue
elephant for help, I knew the name above all names, I knew it was only Jesus
Christ who could save me. If I knew then as I do now whose name is above all
names, then they know too! They know it just as I know it but they hate the
truth and that is why they reject it. They call the Holy Spirit a liar as they
know that if Jesus Christ is God then that means they can't be. They would also
have to admit that their whole life has been lived under a lie and they have
squandered their time here on useless pursuits and distractions.
In Jesus,
Response #8:
Thanks for the good words.
The substance of what you say here is also largely true of most Christians today
in Laodicea. What are we spending our time and effort on? So many are guilty of
leading pointless lives: "We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy
rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it"
(Ps.39:6 NLT). The world IS pointless, but believers should
realize that.
The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them.
Ecclesiastes 2:14 ESV
Given that "the same end" awaits us all, we ought to be diligently following our Lord's advice daily:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:19-20 NIV
Unbelievers have the excuse of having deliberately hardened their hearts to the
truth so as to see the world through the prism of the devil's lies. It's like
dope to them. But what excuse do we believers have, whenever we act like
unbelievers do? None of us is perfect so that this criticism applies equally to
us all, myself included. It is a matter of degrees. But the more we struggle
against the lies the world tells us, the happier we will be now – in spite of
opposition – and the better the outcome we will receive before our Lord on that
day. The time is short and growing shorter day by day. Adjusting our way of
thinking now will make life a great deal more endurable once things heat up – as
they are surely going to do, and shortly too.
Thanks for your good testimony, my friend! Praying for you and for your ministry
daily.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Thanks so much Bob for your prayers!
I haven't been up to much being ill. Have instead been looking at the news and
keeping up with social connections and both have been a real eye opener.
[omitted]
It will be a 'C of E' service with a vicar. It has been crazy to hear all the
things that have to be done first. I guess I should at least be grateful that
the vicar is a man, heterosexual and married (to only one woman). That is quite
old hat for the C of E these days as they (pardon the pun) pride themselves on
'inclusivity' and having as many gay and women vicars as possible. They even
have transgendered vicars and 'drag queen.
What I have found ludicrously hypocritical is that the vicar can only do the
wedding in the chapel of their choosing with a signed affidavit from the
Archbishop of Canterbury.
Apparently the historic chapel hasn't had a wedding or a service in it for some
time. Maybe it has something to do with it not being 'consecrated ground'
anymore. Maybe this affidavit makes the ground and chapel 'magic again'. I don't
understand it at all but it all seems completely hopelessly superstitious and
unbiblical to me!
The reason I mention hypocrisy is that __ (like his predecessor) is a very
'woke' archbishop and the one behind all the women vicars and drag queen
services. They have been threatening a schism in the C of E for sometime (just
as there is a schism in the RC church from Vatican II).
He's lately come under fire as the cathedrals in England are not economically
sustainable so they have to find all manner of secular ways of raising the money
to keep them going. They are now using the cathedrals for crazy golf and the
latest is a 'silent disco' with fully licenced bar.
The nadir was installing a helter skelter in __ cathedral and the vicar or
bishop actually conducted the sermon whilst sliding down it. Things are really
bad when they go beyond the point of self parody.
I know these buildings are not important at all and that we are the temple made
without human hands. The worrying thing is that many people are more worried
about these buildings being 'desecrated' than the fact that the Bible is never
taught in any one of them. It's the tradition that people fear losing, not the
Word.
People are actually leaving these churches in droves and ironically embracing
the Latin Mass of Catholicism or the Eastern Orthodox church. Some are even
going so far as to join Islam instead! Talk about leaping from out of the frying
pan and into the nuclear reactor!
It is so ironic that ___ is so concerned about weddings on 'consecrated ground'
but not worried about anything else. I guess this is a modern day 'straining a
gnat and swallowing a camel'.
The sad thing is that, to my family, my faith is peculiar and strange. I have
been called a 'purist' just for holding onto the Word and believing it. They
think it odd that I don't compromise and throw my lot in with the church
visible. I have almost been accused of a type of religious snobbery.
So glad now though that I have nothing to do with Laodicea. At times it has
almost been profoundly lonely not having face to face fellowship. I have lost
count the number of times I have cried whilst taking communion on my own but it
has been worth it as I have grown and entered into maturity and God really can
use me now that I am prepared and see things as they really are without being
bogged down with politics and denominational membership.
I have to say again my friend, when you first pointed out to me that although
there is a church on every corner, precious few would be teaching the Word of
God. I didn't want to believe back then that things were as bad as all that.
Well now it is a lot worse, where most church buildings have been demolished or
turned into pubs and even the churches that did read and teach from the Word
have become so compromised with either the trappings of the world or being
legalistic.
I am very, very glad not to be a part of any of all that.
It has been a tough and lonely walk at times but I am so, SO VERY glad that I
have never compromised on the truth and I have so much to thank you and your
ministry for that!
Many thanks my friend for your tireless support over the years, I greatly
appreciate it.
In Jesus,
Response #9:
This is one of those situations where a person can almost make things worse by
trying to help. People have a tendency to dig in their heels when they feel they
are being criticized, even if we're just trying to get them to see the disaster
ahead (Prov.24:11-12). That is a tough situation indeed if we care about the
person as is the case here.
Interesting information (and pics!) about the C of E! We are already seeing
things in this world than a mere couple of decades ago people would never have
believed remotely possible. In this country we've gone from the most august
left-wing political figures solemnly proclaiming that "marriage is between a man
and a woman, period" to throwing in jail people who even dare to say such a
thing in public now. The pace of the decline is really scary too. A few years
back I didn't see how things could deteriorate sufficiently for the necessary
conditions for the Tribulation to develop in time; now I'm inclined to wonder
how the world will last another two and a half years the way things are going!
Re: "I am so, SO VERY glad that I have never compromised on the truth",
amen! I am glad for you and I am very much encouraged by you, my friend. Things
are tough (on both sides of the pond). Knowing we have stalwart believers who
will never compromise on the truth in our corner is a blessing not to be
underestimated.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Thanks so much Bob,
Yes things are descending into chaos so rapidly around the whole world that I
have recently described it as going from a slippery slope to completely free
falling.
I was going to list how bad England has fallen but I know that you know how bad
things are...it exhausts me to talk about it as it isn't just happening on some
socio-political level but also in the reactive and indulgent behaviour of
neighbours, friends and family that encompass me. It can be summarised neatly in
a similar fashion to how Paul put it 'no one is doing what they are supposed to
be doing and everyone is doing what they shouldn't be doing'. I also have
noticed that my family are leaning on me a lot and enjoying the fruit of the
Spirit that I can bear around them yet refuse the truth that brings the Spirit
in the first place.
I remember in one of your recent postings about how the prophets of old would
rebuke unbelievers. I really saw myself in this, as I often found myself
rebuking unbelievers but like you said, this is not a good tool for evangelism.
In fact they tend to dig their heels in and double down on their perverse ways
and false beliefs more so than ever!
Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love
you.
The wise are believers after all but the mockers are the unbelievers and they
outnumber us to an enormous degree. The less we say to them the better and I
have learnt the hard way that prayer is more beneficent to open rebuke.
I do try to keep my head down and my voice out of the fray of the 'culture
wars'. It serves no Godly purpose to weigh in. We know what the Bible says but
why should we be shocked that the world doesn't know or care? We try to warn
them what is coming and how soon and yet they mock and revile just as they did
thousands of years ago when Noah built his ark. Plus ça change, plus c'est la
même chose and there is nothing new under the sun.
Yes things are very bad all around us and as I often say 'you ain't seen nuthin'
yet!' It shocks me to think but judging from the Bible, humanity has not
completely plumbed the depths of depravity yet so it will get a lot, lot worse
before it gets better more than ever forever amen!
I get angry and frustrated about it all and sometimes it bleeds into despair so
I am trying my best to stay out of all of it and just keeping on, keeping on
with my spiritual growth, maturity and production.
[omitted]
Maybe the Lord wants me to go through the Tribulation, maybe He has big plans
for me that will glorify Him and win for myself maximum rewards! I know it
glorifies Him to want to strive for the crowns and push on with the desire to
best serve Him while we are here.
Everything else is just dust isn't it.
In Jesus,
Response #10:
I think it is very wise to be emotionally dis-investing from any deep concern about our countries and their cultures at this point. The more we grow spiritually, the more we are swimming against the current, and as we make progress in doing so, the more alienated we are likely to find ourselves from everyone and everything around us. That is not a bad thing. But it can be a dangerous thing if we fail to realize from smiles and outward appearances just how different we are becoming from most of those around us – and more to the point how different they are becoming from us. And it's not as if they are going to listen to reason based on the actual truth, because this is indeed all about the truth and they, for the most part, are more and more vehemently rejecting that truth.
Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof.”
Genesis 19:6-8 NIV
We are rightly appalled at Lot's offer. We might look at things from his
perspective, however. He knew something about the depths of degeneracy to which
the inhabitants of his adopted town had fallen. From his point of view, this was
the only thing he could offer to protect these visitors, which was to his mind
imperative. He also might have been hoping that this might have prompted his
prospective sons-in-law to intervene as a result.
The larger point is that the gulf between the righteous and the unrighteous had
become so vast that only complete destruction of the latter and divine
intervention in rescuing the former would avail aught. No words of Lot's could
effect anything positive, not even through this horrific if heart-felt offer. We
are getting to the same point. Better to keep one's head down as much as
possible and as long as possible. Even among believers, there are many who are
taking the loss of things we've held dear for so long far too seriously – by
which I mean being emotionally connected to a country and/or a culture which is
in truth beyond saving, and likely to be upset with us if we point that out or
fail to be as distraught about it as they are. Only God can help when things get
to a certain point.
Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.
Amos 5:13 NIV
Do not believe a friend. Do not put your confidence in a companion. Guard the entrances of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom. For a son will treat his father disgracefully, and a daughter will rise up against her mother, and a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law. A man's enemies will be those of his own household.
Micah 7:5-6 (cf. Jer.9:4-6; Matt.10:34-35; Lk.12:51-53)
In any case, we who belong to Jesus Christ AND who are striving to please Him,
are concerned about growing spiritually, passing the tests He gives us AND
ministering to others to help them do likewise. We are also preparing for
tribulations to come, not least of which is the Tribulation itself. Compared to
these far more important objectives, the loss and destruction of everything else
is in truth of small moment in the end. It won't make any difference to us in
New Jerusalem. Not one bit.
Keeping you yours in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Hello Bob, in a vision given to Jeremiah concerning good and bad figs in
Jer 24 , God shows how he will support, protect and continue doing good
to one group of exiles (good figs) and how he will let and give over the
other group to utter destruction in exile ( bad figs). What caused this
difference in God's treatment to these two groups, was it the behavior
of their leaders?
2) Concerning the Day of the Lord, I saw your chronological assessment
of the terrible future events that The Day starts at the end of the
great tribulation, Second Advent, Armageddon, through Millennium up
until the burning up of the present heavens and the earth as Peter
describes it.
You make a good sense, but I was thinking of beginning the Day of the
Lord from Gog and Magog right through to that end for the reason that we
can't have the millennial reign of Christ run simultaneously with the
judgements of God upon the rest of the world since this is the time
prophesied to be a time of peace in Isaiah 65.
What do you think?
In Christ,
Response #11:
Good to hear from you!
God treats us as individuals. There is no indication from scripture that the
leaders of the "good figs" were necessarily any better than the ones who stayed
in Jerusalem. And collectively speaking, we also have this:
"I will pursue them with the sword, famine and plague and will make them abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth, a curse and an object of horror, of scorn and reproach, among all the nations where I drive them. For they have not listened to my words,” declares the LORD, “words that I sent to them again and again by my servants the prophets. And you exiles have not listened either,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 29:18-19
So while the exiles did constitute "a remnant according to the election of
grace" (Rom.11:5 NKJV), it is not as if they were extraordinarily special
believers. They were marginal, but they stood out "in the midst of a crooked and
perverse generation" (Phil.2:15 NKJV); that is to say, they WERE believers while
the others, though "of Israel", were not.
This is analogous to where things stand today in Laodicea. Those who claim to be
Christians but who are not are in the majority. Those who are in fact believers
are in greatest part lukewarm. The bad figs are obvious (unbelievers); the good
figs are special to the Lord . . . but that doesn't mean that He is happy with
the way most are approaching their Christian lives, being rather than red hot
for the truth, mostly lackadaisical and lukewarm in regard to spiritual growth.
On "the Day of the Lord", there are a number of interpretive "ins and outs"
concerning this phrase. These are discussed in detail in the first part of the
CT series at the link:
"The Day of the Lord Paradigm". And while I do say there in the
introduction, "The "Day of the Lord" commences with the 2nd Advent and
concludes, as the passage above shows, with the "advent of the Day of God"
[i.e., eternity, the end of the Millennium when this world is replaced with the
New Heavens and Earth and New Jerusalem]", as the discussion in the link shows
(along with various passages where this and similar terminology is used), the
"eve" of the Day or the "threshold" of the Day, namely, the Tribulation, is not
to be completely excluded. That is to say, because the Tribulation is the
prelude to Christ's return, many passages describe the "Day" in conjunction with
it: the worst night will be followed by the best Day.
I don't think this is any sort of issue in interpreting passages where these
terms come up (i.e., where it would shift one's understanding of the obvious
meanings of such passages one way or another), but I'm happy to consider
individual cases.
In terms of the second half of this question, if I'm understanding it correctly
(please feel free to write back if I'm mistaken things here), I would say that
the "dawning of the Day" is different from the remains of the Day thereafter.
The Day of the Lord starts when Christ returns with repaying the Lord's enemies
(Armageddon and all of the "thunder judgments";
see the link), but proceeds once Christ has taken up His righteous rule with
the blessing His people during the Millennium, and finally ends up with "all
enemies being put under His feet", something that only completely happens at the
end of the 1,000 year Day when the Gog/Magog rebellion is crushed and when those
who have rejected the Lord in this life are cast into the lake of fire at the
last judgment . . . and then eternity commences. Best place to find
these matters is CT 6: Last
Things: The Millennium and New Jerusalem.
That all these things should be blended together in Old Testament prophecy is a
phenomenon known as
"Prophetic
Foreshortening" which the link addresses. It is the New Testament
which gives us the details so that we may clearly see the sequence of future
events clearly, even as we now clearly see the distinction between the 1st and
2nd Advents of our Lord (also blended in OT prophecy).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
[omitted]
Response #12:
I'm glad to hear that your back is recovering. These things can be
annoying. When I tripped and fell jogging about six weeks ago, I really
jammed my shoulder and it's not right yet. Same one that "froze" a
decade or so ago, so I try to keep it limber. Taking its time healing
up.
I'm sorry that your circle is only reinforcing the impression you've had
of it for many years now. I know that it's not for lack of sharing the
truth on your part that they are stuck in their bad ways. We are all
down here to make these choices. I rejoice that you make good ones. And
I wouldn't worry about being a pariah. This world is the devil's at
present. And the world loves its own. But what they are running after is
ephemeral. Myth-happiness that can never actually be caught and
dissolves at the slightest touch. No doubt that explains the need to
brag and show off to others – proving that these things aren't actually
making them happy since the only happiness they are deriving comes from
trying to make others feel jealous.
And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person's envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 NIV
There's a lot about this in SR 4 (at the
link), always worth a good review. So we ARE pariahs here – in terms of
the world and those who love this world. We are not pursuing the world
or the things of it. Rather, we are striving for imperishable crowns
which will glorify our dear Lord and please us for all eternity
(1Cor.9:25).
It would be nice if those about whom we are concerned could see these
things with the clarity with which we see them. And they certainly
could. But they choose not to. Hardness of heart is always
self-inflicted. Our job is to keep ours tender and receptive to the
truth, grabbing the joy and the peace that are our heritage as those who
belong to Christ, and holding on tight all the way to the end.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Only good things ahead! Keep running your good race. You'll never regret
it.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob,
A few weekly posts ago, you cited verses talking about trusting no one
-- not even your wife. It came to memory and I couldn't find the cites
again. Can you share them with me again?
I've finding one of the problems with reading multiple translations is I
can never remember exact wording in searches. Ah, well...
Thanks for your patience.
In our Lord,
Response #13:
I'm not sure which post it was either, but here is the verse you're looking for, I believe:
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
Here are some other similar verses that counsel us to be wary of other people, especially in times like these – and how much more so during the Tribulation!
"Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning."
Jeremiah 9:4-5 NIV
"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
Luke 12:51-53 NIV
And here is another group of passages which describe the present and future situations which demand cautious behavior:
The wicked strut confidently about, when what is despicable is exalted in the eyes of men.
Psalm 12:8
When the righteous exult [in victory], it is most beautiful [to behold], but when the wicked rise [to power], men hide themselves.
Proverbs 28:12
When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
Proverbs 28:28 NIV
When the penalty for evil deeds is not quickly enforced, men's hearts are filled with thoughts of doing evil.
Ecclesiastes 8:11
Since truth is lacking, he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey.
Isaiah 59:15
Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.
Amos 5:13 NIV
All of these passages are good to keep in mind as we approach the
Tribulation wherein even more caution will be necessary under
antichrist's regime. Also, I know what you mean about versions.
Personally, I'm "blessed" with never ever being able to remember English
translations word for word. And it is a sort of blessing, because all
translations take liberties and fail to reflect with absolute precision
what's in the original. That is the nature of translation. So whenever
there is a doubt, I'm all the more likely to have a look at the
Hebrew/Greek . . . and get to the real bottom of it.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Bob, my friend, that was exactly the verse I remembered. And so much more. Thank
you. After all the years in the business, my search skills stink. Your knowledge
of the Bible is truly stunning. I wish I had just 10% of the knowledge you do.
I think we're there where scripture describes and I'm getting concerned. We
can't beat it, of course, but I think it wise to be cautious. Since the '90s, I
saw the locked rooms in the telco switching stations where IP was duplicated to
the Utah data center. Of course, no conspiracy theories were extant back then.
but I've never known government to give up anything. Since all internet traffic
(and all voice traffic is VoIP after the local switching station) goes through
the Utah data center for analysis, I'm very cautious.
Thank you. I'll file this where I won't lose it!
In our Lord,
Response #14:
This was a tricky one to find.
In terms of knowledge, I just keep reading the Bible every day. I wish I knew it
better than I do! One of my professors in seminary when asked how he could find
so many passages instantly said something like, "after a while, you become your
own concordance". I'm not there yet!
Interesting comment about comms. You don't think the govt. is spying on us, do
you?! Reminds me of an old Latin proverb: Quis ipsos custodes custodiet?
Or, "Who's going to guard the guards?" The problem with any system is that it is
run by people.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
I apologize, Bob. I didn't mean to run you through a drill. I do appreciate it,
though! I was having no luck finding it in my searches at biblegateway, emails.
ichthys or concordance. For me, the Bible has been much like Isaiah 28:10. Every
time I read in it (every night) I learn something new. The book of Micah,
though, seldom springs to mind, sadly. I need to work on that.
Do I think the govt. is spying on us? Of course. Some of it may be justified
seeing how evil things have become. But from my experience of government, I
wouldn't expect them to do anything intelligent with any threatening
information.
I appreciate your prayers. You and yours are in my prayers daily as are your
troubles at U of L. Are they over? Have you survived that bureaucratic nonsense
successfully?
In our Lord,
Response #15:
No worries whatsoever, my friend! That's what I'm here for.
Re: "Every time I read in it (every night) I learn something new". Amen!
That's what ought to happen, especially for anyone who is supplementing Bible
reading with good Bible teaching. The two are supposed to go hand-in-glove.
Leaving out either one is a problem.
Re: "I wouldn't expect them to do anything intelligent". That is the
"saving grace" alright!
Meanwhile, we who remain here to serve the Lord, rejoice in all the good things
He's done for us, anxious rather to be with Him when He so decides.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Hello Professor,
It been quite a while since I last emailed you. I wanted to let you know that I
am still going strong here in PA. I was able to retire from the Fire/Rescue
business last year. What a relief on my mind and body! Praise the Lord! The Lord
was with me through getting a hernia repaired and brought quick healing over the
winter. Still on your site daily taking in the truth and learning more and more
each day.(after several years you would think I would have read it all!) I still
pray for you almost daily! What a blessing you have been to me, and others
through all your hard work. Thank you!!
I have been gearing up to lead another Eschatology Bible Study (BB2b). I needed
a break after leading Pneumatology into the Fall last year. Wasn't expecting the
kickback from some in the group, but they all stuck it out even if it was hard
for them to accept (tongues, prophecy, etc.). Prayers appreciated for the
upcoming class!
That said, I have a question about Deuteronomy 32:15. Is this a prophecy about
God bringing other nations (gentile) into his Kingdom? I ask because in Romans
Chapter 10 Paul quotes part of that verse from Deuteronomy. Any help would be
appreciated! (Probably could find it somewhere in your work if I looked hard
enough. I usually do, that's why I try not to bother you too much! We had a
saying in the Fire Service "try before you pry"!)
Anyway, hope all is well with you and your work!
In our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Response #16:
That's great! It's a strenuous (and dangerous) profession, that's for sure. Good to hear you are out in one piece.
But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
Deuteronomy 32:15 KJV
"Jeshrun" is a poetic name for Israel. It means "righteous one" and is
descriptive of the way Israel ought to be (cf. Deut.33:5,26; Is.44:2). But it is
typical of people that when we "get what we want" or "have so much we need
nothing" or "are living in complete security", that we have a tendency not to
esteem the Lord as we should. Getting "fat and lazy", spiritually speaking, is
something everyone needs to guard against. It's easier to walk close to the Lord
when because of our circumstances we really need Him – and that is obvious –
more than it is when everything is going well.
Re: "kickback", anyone who teaches the truth is going to be opposed,
often on grounds which may seem unimportant. But the evil one is always
scheming. Glad to hear that you are handling it!
I keep you and your ministry efforts in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Bob,
I have just found out that one of my more distant cousins is engaged to a same
sex partner. I may be jumping the gun here but what should I do if I am invited
to a union ceremony? Even if I am not invited (due to familial distance), how is
it best to handle the situation?
___ exploded at me today for suggesting that it is not a good choice. How is it
best to walk the narrow line between saying the truth in love without
immediately being labelled as being hateful or bigoted?
[omitted]
I tried to explain how similar it is in fact to Islam in that the moderates tell
the public it is about peace but the fundamentalists admit (by their actions)
that it is about war. Similarly these individuals say it is all about love but
the actual scene (or the fundamentalists) is riven with lust and its associated
vices.
They didn't want to hear this. I thought I made a compelling argument that there
was a similarity in the promotion of both as being benign but the reality does
not reflect this. I also showed them that Islam is a rigid legalistic tyrannical
cult that promotes the destruction of others whereas this is a rigid hedonistic
tyrannical cult which promotes the destruction of self.
As I said before, they didn't want to hear this as they "knew someone once and
he was a very nice fellow". In the end it seems to boil down to the fact that
they don't really put much store in anything I say full stop.
In Jesus,
Response #17:
It's an apt analogy. I guess the one observation I'd make is that in addition to
destruction of self, this supposedly loving movement is not above destroying
anyone or anything that opposes it or even suggests that there is anything wrong
with it whatsoever. It's "cancelled" a lot of people in this country and cowed
many others into silence.
I'm not surprised that people who are not interested in the truth gave you flack
for it. We have to remember that only believers have any real interest in the
truth – and for many of them in Laodicea it's a half-hearted interest at best.
One of the reasons our Lord told us to be wary of casting pearls before swine
was "lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you"
(Matt.7:6 KJV). It's just what happened too. First, reject and "trample" the
truth, then turn violently against the source of the truth. You are courageous
and have no fear of such things, but when it comes to sharing with unbelievers,
discretion really is often "the better part of valor". No doubt this
observation/analogy will be a good one for your ministry, but very few of those
who have already "drunk the Kool-Aid" are likely to be accepting of it.
I'm praying that you can avoid this situation.
Keeping you in my prayers for all other things too, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
How are you doing? I am doing well - although it's a work in progress, I think
my body is starting to respond to the good nutrition and exercise I am getting
here.
A lot of doors in my life seem to be opening and closing, especially in regards
to work and I would like to ask for continued prayer as I am not sure what to
do. I will have to talk to my boss at some point, which I'm not excited about -
she relies on me a lot since we are a small business and good friends at that
and I just don't want to hurt her. I know she would understand if I have other
opportunities for work and for health, but our relationship is so much more than
employer/employee that it's more complicated.
I read Psalm 121 this morning which was a nice reminder that God looks out for
us. In verse 7, where it says "The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will
watch over your life;" does that go along with Romans 8:28? Even though "bad"
things happen to us, it's not harm since God is allowing it/working it for our
good?
Something happened the other day that made me appreciate God's kindness.
Remember how we were talking about little things (ordinary things) that God uses
to get our attention? The farm cat had kittens and we were having a good time
watching them grow up. Then, all but one disappeared and we were afraid that
something had gotten them (we're right next to the mountains, woods, etc). I was
pretty sad when I went to sleep that evening. The next morning we saw another
kitten! And eventually we found them all well and good - the mama had just taken
them somewhere else. God used that to show me His kindness again, that He gives
us good things too. With my health this past year, it's sometimes been hard to
keep up my usually sunny personality.
Sorry for this long email.
Respectfully,
Response #18:
Good observation and application, my friend! Yes, I think you are absolutely right. Everything that happens is part of God's perfect plan. No detail in our lives is so small that God hasn't factored that into His all-encompassing plan for our lives.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
Luke 12:6-7 NIV
I think many believers understand this on some level. But do we REALLY "know it" so well that we can "live it"? If God has absolutely everything under control – and He most certainly does – then how do we have any fear or anxiety or doubt whatsoever? As I've said before, our Christian life is in many ways a process of building up our faith, from a mustard seed to a mighty tree. If we follow the path the way we should, we can get to the place where we are worried about nothing whatsoever and can handle whatever tests come our way, no matter how severe. Not that we will ever enjoy suffering. Of course not. But we can get to the point of appreciating what is really happening. We are NOT being abandoned. We are NOT being punished. We ARE being given an opportunity to demonstrate that we trust the Lord more than what our eyes see or our ears hear or feelings feel. Anyone who doesn't get that needs to read the book of Job.
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
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1st Peter 1:6-7 NKJV
Of course actually applying these truths effectively requires a great deal of
spiritual growth and many small tests passed successfully preparing us for the
big ones. And there is a REALLY big one ahead . . . for every one of us.
I am praying for your health and guidance too, my friend, every day.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
I have an amazing praise to share with you!
Due to health concerns and just the direction life is going right now, I decided
to quit my job but was worried about telling my employer. I called her and told
her I had to quit. Turns out, God was guiding her to end the business due to
things in her own life. The way God worked it out was so amazing! None of the
things I worried over happened. God has answered part of my cry for guidance, so
thank you very much for those prayers!
I appreciate the reminder on the testing. I do see God's goodness in it all, I
do. And I hope that when that huge test comes, I am prepared for it. I will try
to remind myself of that when it does come.
Still got things to work out, but I will trust that God has it all planned.
Respectfully,
Response #19:
That's wonderful news!
So glad to hear that the Lord resolved this for you without compromising your
friendship, and He also built up your faith in the process.
Keeping you in prayer for guidance and success going forward.
In Jesus,
Bob L.