Question #1:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
I have begun to review again your study on Christology and I noticed something
in these verses:
Revelation 12:5 the use of the words "caught up".
1 Thess. 4:17 the use of the words "caught up".
Luke 24:51 the use of the words "carried up"
1. The child "caught up in Rev. 12, being the Lord Jesus.
2. In Luke 24, the words "carried up" being used to describe the ascension of
Jesus into the third Heaven.
3. 1 Thess. 4 "caught up" is used to describe the believers being taken to the
third heaven.
I was just wondering why the use of different words in these three scriptures.
Rev. 12 caught my attention as I was reviewing your study, which made me
remember the other two verses. As always, I am just curious and know that you
will fulfill my curiosity.
Another scripture that I noted was in 2 Cor. 11:3, which to me expresses why the
"church/Body of Christ" is in the shape that it is.
" 3I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning,
your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ."
I believe that this verse summarizes exactly what is wrong with the church
today.
What are your thoughts on my thoughts?
Thanks always for your great help and prayers.
God's blessings to you always,
Your friend,
Response #1:
The first two
passages listed (in Revelation and 1st Thessalonians) both have the same verb,
harpazo (different tenses). The putative form in Luke 24:51 is a
different verb BUT that part of the verse, "and carried up into heaven" (KJV) is
NOT part of the Bible but a latter addition. Our Lord did not ascend at this
time but later (after 40 days total following the resurrection: Acts 1:3). No
doubt this was added by some well-meaning scribe who found the end of the gospel
unsatisfying – much in the same way that there are many apocryphal additions to
the end of Mark.
Great comment on 2Cor.11:3! Of course willful ignorance always enhances
deception. Eve's addition to what the Lord had actually said, "nor shall you
touch it" (Gen.3:3) shows at the very least that she hadn't been paying enough
attention.
Your friend in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Bob L.
Question #2:
Just found something
else out that joins up the dots somewhat. These two genetic engineering
"v-s"' are about Transhumanism or another phrase for it is "humanity plus".
Klaus Schwab who runs the World Economic Forum calls this the Fourth Industrial
Revolution and look what one of the things that will be part of this
Transhumanism = genetic editing
https://www.weforum.org/about/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-by-klaus-schwab/
He has said that the Great Global Reset began in June last year and said the
pandemic was the perfect opportunity to bring his goals into place.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/now-is-the-time-for-a-great-reset/
Apparently Charles Darwin did not want to put the connection of humans and apes
in his Origins of the Species book but was forced into doing it by Thomas Henry
Huxley
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Henry_Huxley
So the theory of evolution was always about getting rid of God and promoting
Transhumanism. Look at this quote from Julian Huxley his grandson: "[I supposed
the reason] that we leapt at the Origin [of Species] is that the idea of God
interfered with our sexual morés." Julian Huxley was a evolutionary biologist
AND eugenicist. He actually coined the term "Transhumanism" himself! So eugenics
and Transhumanism are linked then.
Then look at this site..
https://www.huxley.net/transhumanism/index.html
See how his quote is taken from a book called "New bottles for new wine". What
does that remind you of? Mark 2:22 These people know about God, they reference
Jesus' own words. They are in deliberate and knowing rebellion against God and
they want us to all be a part of their designs on altering humanity so that we
merge with machine. These v-s are only the beginning of this.
Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World. Interesting how this Medical Journal links
this book directly with the mRNA v-s!
https://pmj.bmj.com/content/early/2020/12/31/postgradmedj-2020-139572
Some more info Bob.
Boris Johnson (right wing uk) is using the same slogan as Biden (left wing USA).
This slogan is "Build Back Better". Someone pointed out that the lower case
initialisation of this mantra is "bbb" which looks a lot like "666"..
They are both singing from the Klaus Schwab hymn sheet it seems who is the dark
mastermind behind "The Great Reset" and the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" which
in laymans terms will be a redistribution of wealth while the elite remains
untouchable inside a technocratic and Transhuman dystopia. So that means the
middle class will no longer exist and we will all be poor. This is what he is
all about..
"Schwab set out this agenda back in 1971, in his book Moderne
Unternehmensführung im Maschinenbau (Modern Enterprise Management in Mechanical
Engineering), where his use of the term “stakeholders” (die Interessenten)
effectively redefined human beings not as citizens, free individuals or members
of communities, but as secondary participants in a massive commercial
enterprise. The aim of each and every person’s life was “to achieve long-term
growth and prosperity” for this enterprise – in other words, to protect and
increase the wealth of the capitalist elite." So erm.. basically serfs then! So
basically neo-feudalism then?! Boris is now pushing the "Green New Deal" which
was also the pet project of both OAC and Bernie Sanders, so basically blue, red
or orange polka dot..they are all now puppets for organisations such as the WEF
(World Economic Forum) and the IMF (International Monetary Fund) which are
basically unelected elite think tanks and private Banksters who tell nation
states what to do. Notice how Covid has made the WHO into a health czar for the
whole world. We don't vote these people in, in fact it doesn't seem like there
is much point voting now whatsoever. It's satan's hand under the puppet after
all! The World Economic Forum said that by 2030 "You will own nothing and you
will be happy".
Looks like we'll all be sharing the same bicycle in the future!
In Jesus,
Response #2:
I'm not into
bicycling any more, so you may have my turn if it comes to that!
What I'd most like to point out about this and your previous email is that even
if all of the worst things reported are true and not at all embellished (that
would be a rarity), just because some human beings are planning it doesn't mean
it's going to happen. God is in control, after all.
Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;
Speak the word, but it will not stand,
For God is with us.”
Fear God, Heed His Word
For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:
“Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’
Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,
Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.
The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow;
Let Him be your fear,
And let Him be your dread.
Isaiah 8:10-13 NIV
Even if the whole
world were hell-bent on "transhumanism", the Lord would not let that stand, any
more than He let the tower of Babel stand. In any case, something like turning
the whole world into robots has got to take a bit longer than a few years, even
if all were willing – and the Lord will be returning soon.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #3:
This is a prime
example of why people need to resist the HUMAN urge to be as the secular news,
BE FIRST and worry about the accuracy later, if at all! DON'T JUMP THE GUN!!!
"Look how things are lining up in the Middle East under Trump!" "All the
necessary pieces are coming together through miraculous peace treaties never
thought possible before!" "We are on the verge of THE PEACE TREATY which will
set the stage for the final 7 years!" And, we might as well top it off with,
"Donald Trump is the Antichrist!"
We should know by now how quickly things can change virtually in a day, or in
one election, from one administration to another. Things can fall apart just as
fast, and usually much faster than the time it took to come together. A nation
can be born in a day. An empire, a nation, a system can be destroyed in a day. A
king can be replaced in a day. The Day of the Lord and all of the events
associated with it will occur in a day.
Yes! Jesus made it a point to say, "I tell you these things in advance." We are
to be knowledgeable about the prophetic timetable, but we are to be sober in our
attitude in order to proceed with caution and prudence. We must learn to wait on
God to the point where, as Jesus told us, "When you SEE these things!"
I'd say that pretty well "takes the guess work" out of the glut of insatiable
prophetic speculation and mysteries, which has become a veritable multi-million
dollar industry---False prophets making a profit from the prophetic. Now, that's
an abomination that most don't recognize right under their noses!
If we would only, but critically, listen, be still, watch and pray and not run
with bits and pieces of second hand information, conspiracy theories, rumors,
gossip, inside scoops of clandestine operations, the "prophetic words" of
alleged prophets, who should more accurately be described as fleshly
soothsayers.
Those who erroneously claim to be called our versions of "Chicken Little" and
"The Boy Who Cried Wolf" are confusing, distracting and dulling the senses of
the Body of Christ. Sooner or later they are going to be hit with "The Mother of
All Ministerial Practice Law Suits" from the Supreme Law Firm of "Father, Son
and Holy Spirit." And, don't think that those who aided and abetted them will be
completely exonerated, either!
Isaiah 8:12-13 - “You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’ Regarding everything
that this people call a conspiracy, and you are not to fear what they fear or be
in dread of it. It is the Lord of armies whom you are to regard as holy. And He
shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread."
Jeremiah 23:9-40 - False prophets described and denounced
Matthew 24:6 - "See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place,
but that is not yet the end."
Matthew 24:24-25 - "For false christs and false prophets will arise and will
provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
Behold, I have told you in advance."
I Corinthians 14:33 - "for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace."
II Thessalonians 2:3-5 - (v. 2 - "that you not be quickly shaken from your
composure or be disturbed either by a spirit") "Let no one is to deceive you in
any way! For it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of
lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself
above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the
temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I
was still with you, I was telling you these things?"
II Peter 2:2-3 - "and in their greed they will exploit (make merchandise of) you
with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their
destruction is not asleep."
Response #3:
Thanks Fred!
Question #4:
Hello Bob,
Yes what you say is all true and the scripture is perfect.
I'm sorry to seem to flip flop on these things like v-s and the so called
New World Order theory. Like you said these may be fiendish plans but may never
come to fruition.
I realise that the more I look at the world the more I see increasing shades of
grey but when I look at the Bible I see black and white, darkness and light. The
thing about the truth is that it is singular. There is only one truth and that
is Jesus Christ. The enemy is the father of all lies and a liar needs to make
billions of different lies, one for every person on earth. Jesus only needs to
say one truth for all because there is only one. When we know the one truth, we
then have to adjust to that truth and to accept it but Satan gives a lie that
suits our personality (even one for every day and every outfit). I guess that is
what is so appealing about a lie, it suits us. It tells us what we want to hear
in our fallen state: that we are perfect as we are and we do not need to change,
so back to our sins we go and many die in them because they happily believed one
of the billion lies that Satan told them.
The deceptions that abound at the moment are ridiculous. I think of it as like
those "Russian Dolls" only with these lies, you never get to the smallest lie,
they seem to do go on forever but I guess Satan had a head start on us and I
guess if you lie with your every breath (whether he has been around for
thousands or billions of years), that's a lie every second so we will never
untie the lies so why even try? And even if we do get to the smallest doll and
find the lie that started it all ("Ye shall not surely die!") why would that
even be a moment of triumph when we look down to see that it is only a lie in
our hands.
I sent you these things as they are supposedly "on the horizon" for us. They may
be what is in store for us before the tribulation but may not be. As I've said
before though, I do keep smelling a rat about this...
Satan usually works by stealth and deception and lies are his main weapon. It
seems plain stupid for someone usually so full of guile and treachery to leave
the blueprints of his master plan scattered all over the floor at the eleventh
hour for all and sundry to spot and sound the alarm about. As if he has suddenly
got sloppy in his old age!
All this stuff: NWO, Illuminati, WEF, Bill Gates et al.. Isn't it all a bit
obvious? I mean they are telling us to our faces that they are evil aren't they?
I would even go on to say that they are ornately and ostentatiously evil. There
is no subtlety to any of this at all. They might as well all wear a black cape,
be moustachioed and laugh "muh huh huh" whilst being called "Dr.Evil" or
something.
They are too arch, like a cartoon villain. This is not how Satan operates.
2 Cor 11:14
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan is no dummy. Look at how many people he has wooed into various false
religions with his false light? Millions have been deceived by the Catholic
Church because it all sounds great on the surface. It is only the light of
scripture that shows how false this is. How many people have been killed trying
to expose the Catholic Church during the reformation? Surely that is truly evil
and yet it could be wearing white vestments and saying "religious" words all the
while.
Satan is subtle, he is not obvious. The whole pitchfork and horns is not his
style at all and that is why he is as dangerous as he is.
I have been harmed many times in my life. The people who harmed me the most were
the ones who duped me. They pretended to be something they weren't, they
pretended to be nice and kind. They pretended to love me and have my best
interests at heart. This is the biggest danger, the wolf in sheep's clothing. I
would say this type of wolf is more dangerous than a regular type of wolf for
the obvious reason, there is no warning for they are in disguise. They have
taken the form of a friend, a harmless dove.
Notice how cults work is exactly the same way an abusive relationship works? An
abusive relationship is merely a cult of two people: the abusive cult leader and
his/her abused follower. All cults, whether of two people or two thousand, begin
with the same tactic: "lovebombing".
Lovebombing is when a person promises you the earth (but unlike our Father) have
no intention of delivering (because how can they?) It is about showering you
with attention and praise. It is about mirroring you: copying your tastes, your
values and even your behaviour and mannerisms. It is pretending to love you,
hear you, care for you and support you. It is about seeking out (like a heat
seeking missile) everything you care and hold dear (to mirror and imitate you to
gain your trust) whilst pinpointing your vulnerabilities and weak spots and
making a note of them (to use them against you: to undermine your self
confidence and trust in others at a later date). It is basically the cruelest
form of warfare there is as nothing is off limits, no depths too low to plumb.
There are no gentlemanly rules or sense of fair play at all. There is also a
technique used in Lovebombing called "future faking", where an individual or
group intimates a rosy and ideal future scenario where you will have all the
things you ever wanted.
This is the true face of evil, the true character of Satan. Just like with Eve,
first he comes as a friend and tries to gain your trust. He plants a seed of
doubt and suggests that the people you already trust mean you harm and only he
really understands you and cares for your needs. This is how an abuser and a
cult works also. They seek to exclude you from your family and friends and those
who you love and trust, just like Satan lured Eve away from God by getting her
to doubt that God had her best interests in mind. Satan had found this tactic to
work previously with the other angels who rebelled with him.
I feel that studying how cults and abusers work gives a good insight into how
Satan truly operates.
We have been primed for hundreds if not thousands of years to look for a hero
and wait for a rescuer. All secular myths and narratives are about this. The
caped crusader frees the damsel in distress from the evil villain. Seeing as
most of the world has rejected the one and only true saviour Jesus Christ, the
caped crusader who will come to save the world from all the villains will be the
Antichrist.
So it shouldn't be surprising that the world is full of "James Bond style"
villains right now. The ones who tell the world that they are evil, that tell us
that we will be their slaves and boast about killing us or locking us up, who
threaten to censor us or force us all into a technocratic nightmare. Though it
is actually James Bond we need to be wary of because he will be the antichrist!
Another thing I have noticed about manipulative abusers is that they don't leave
a person time or space to think things over. They tend to crowd you and rush you
and bombard you with either attention or information so that you can no longer
think clearly. They always try to hustle you into making a big decision without
thinking it over or consulting other people. The reason they are always in a
hurry is that lies tend to age badly. The truth is the same yesterday, today and
tomorrow. A lie has a time limit and an expiry date and a liar knows this. They
know that the longer they are hanging around with the same lie in their mouth,
the bigger the risk of their mask slipping. The only way a person can prove that
they are true is OVER TIME. A liar knows this and that is why they will
disappear pretty quickly if you prefer to move slowly.
I think about God and how wonderfully patient He is. He also wants us to be
patient with Him too. Because God is true (and all men liars), He has no need to
prove himself and is not worried about time revealing anything other than how
true and perfect He is! For time is the great revealer after all! Even though He
doesn't need to, God will and does prove His faithfulness again and again and
again. How long do you need for God to prove Himself faithful? God could ask you
"how long have you got?" God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow for all
eternity. Because God is as true as He is faithful. One that is faithful has no
fear of time revealing all. For time will only reveal how perfect God is more
and more!
Satan however is the exact opposite, he has to work stealthily and at speed. The
antichrist will only manage to keep the mask in place for three and a half years
before he lets it slip. By then everyone will be happily drinking his Kool-Aid,
heavily spiritually, emotionally and financially invested in him and his lies
(again like all cults and abusers).
Be wary of the ones who are drawn in broad strokes as mastermind criminals and
villains (they have to make it obvious and spell it out to those who are a
little slower to pick up the obvious) but be MORE wary of those who claim to
SAVE YOU from them!
Remember the techniques that cults and abusers use. The real villains hide their
evil intentions and disguise themselves as friends. Anyone who tells you upfront
that they are a villain are easier to avoid and are more than likely a
smokescreen for the villainous "hero" who will come to pretend to rescue us all!
In Jesus,
Response #4:
Excellent points, my friend!
"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."
John 8:44 NKJV
As posited in the CT
series, six hundred and sixty six are the "ways" to enter antichrist's religion
– but there is only one Way unto salvation (Jn.14:6). The truth is pure and it
is simple – and we know it when we see it or hear it (Jn.10:27; cf. Jn.10:4-6).
If we are listening to our Shepherd, we won't be deceived by the false shepherds
nor fall victim to the wolves in sheep's clothing. It's all about our obedient
response in the end, and preferring the truth to the devil's false promises as
you so wonderfully lay out.
"You will surely not die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that on the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God [or "gods"], knowing good and evil."
Genesis 3:4-5
Most people want to be gods. Satan certainly did. The problem (for them) is that there is in truth only ONE God – and never ever will or would or could be another.
"I am the LORD, and there is no other;
There is no God besides Me."
Isaiah 45:5a NKJV
In Jesus our dear
Savior,
Bob L.
Question #5:
The following was
written in 2002, but one year after 9/11. Compare this little observation to all
the recent "Thus sayeth the Lords" and determine which is the more genuinely
prophetic...
America’s Spiritual Awakening: A Post-Mortem
How quickly this nation’s alleged spiritual awakening “has gone the way of all
flesh.” The events of 9/11 simply stirred this “sleeping giant” just long enough
to reach over, turn off the alarm clock, roll over and go back to sleep. Was
America’s invocation of God’s Name simply for the purpose of receiving temporary
relief until she was able to return to business as usual?
When Pharaoh finally allowed the children of Israel to depart Egypt, there was
no repentance, only the desperation of seeking relief from God’s plagues, or
judgments upon his kingdom. It is worth noting Pharaoh’s final words as he
instructed Moses to take his people and depart, “and bless me also.” He had no
heart towards God, yet he wanted His blessing. Most of us are familiar with how
quickly Pharaoh returned to “business as usual.”
For America, God consciousness faded long before the lettering on our bumper
stickers, which proclaim, “God Bless America!” Like Pharaoh, will America be
destined for even greater judgment for lack of true repentance? Maybe when we
see bumper stickers which read, ”America Bless God,” can we expect to experience
true spiritual awakening. But then, “Judgment begins with the Household of God.”
Response #5:
Good points, Fred!
Question #6:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
In Luke 18:8b, Jesus says: "However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find
faith on the earth?
Since this verse is referencing the "Second Coming" of Jesus Christ, would it be
improper to say that the answer to this question is a definite no?
All of us believers would have already been removed by the "First Resurrection"
before the Second Coming, so what remains on the earth are those unbelievers who
have made it through the Tribulation and have not taken the Mark nor worshipped
the beast.
Am I correct in my assumption?
Thanks always for your help and insight.
Blessings to you with Grace and Mercy, Love and Peace.
Your friend,
Response #6:
It depends on what "returns/comes" means precisely. We believers will be resurrected . . . AT the second advent as part of it (not before). So I take this verse to mean that maintaining faith through the Tribulation so as to be found faithful at the glorious moment will not be easy. But with God, all things are possible. He will get us through – even the Tribulation – if that is what we have been predestined for.
"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
In Jesus our dear
Savior,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Dear Teacher
Thank you very much, Sir. The joy of being alive is possible for me because of
your work for the Lord and because of the gift of __'s patient love too. I'm
thankful for both of these gifts.
[details omitted]
As much as I don't care for the current unpleasantness or the future one, I do
like that we are heading for a resolution of this long war that humanity has
been at the center of. I have never really wanted a long life in this world.
Only finding the Truth and a partner who actually wants to share in it with me
made life desirable. I didn't know that I could ever look toward the future in
this world with any anticipation of pleasant and godly experiences, but now I
do. I'm thankful for that, but I really hope that things work out as I have
learned through you. To move on to a perfect eternity is far more desirable to
me than to endure even the most pleasant experience of this life. Time here in
this world for me is only meaningful in so far as it provides me with an
opportunity to qualify for the greatest rewards, and I don't even use it well –
yet another reason why I would rather just be done with it sometimes.
I'm thankful to the Lord for keeping watch over you. I'll continue to keep you
and yours in my prayers.
Your student in Jesus
Response #7:
I love your godly
perspective, my friend! And thanks as always for your very kind words. Still, I
am distressed about the situation with your ___. For it is worth, I think you
are handling it and the potential distraction of it very well (better than I
would).
Keeping you and and your families in my daily prayers.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Hi Bob,
What verses formed your basis for connecting each tribe to a gemstone in the
structuring of the New Jerusalem wall? How did you know that Sardius = Judah,
Jasper = Gad etc.
In our Lord and Savior,
Response #8:
Read the discussion
in SR 4 about this (at the link:
"The Jewels on the High Priest's Breastplate").
There is a relationship between these jewels and the tribes based upon their
encampment order. That has to be straightened out first to figure out which
tribe is matched with which gem in Hebrew. The interpretive problem from that
point onward is to figure out what the Hebrew gemstones actually are (not an
easy task, I might add) and how they relate to the Greek names. One has to take
into account what the LXX of Exodus 28:17-21 and 39:10-14 says but keeping in
mind that the names in Revelation do not necessarily exactly follow the LXX's
lead. Still, it is possible to determine this by process of elimination and
understanding the ordering.
New Jerusalem's gates are enumerated counterclockwise: east to north to west to
south; but John's tour of the gates began on the east (the highest ranking
side), and proceeded counter-clockwise to conclude on the south. On top of all
that there is a serious textual problem on this in Revelation where it is not
clear from most of the versions that this is the case.
Finally, we may add to all this that identification of all ancient natural world
items (species of birds and plants and anything geological and also
geographical) with modern equivalents is VERY problematic. People in later times
knew the names from the Bible and from Classical texts and often assigned them
to different things that they may have assumed were the same but were in fact
NOT the same (that accounts for many of the Greek/Hebrew names being different
from the English names I and others give them).
So since in all of the renditions in the Bible there is an order which cannot be
violated, one first has to understand the ordering and use that info to put all
the pieces into place. Judah being a Sardius is one of the easier
identifications because the Greek σάρδιον / sardion and the Hebrew
אדם
/ `odhem, both refer to red gemstones, the Greek by identification and
description of this word in the sources, the Hebrew also by the etymology (cf.
"Edom" which has the same root consonants). We link these two together through
comparing the gemstones on the high priest's breastplate with the order of New
Jerusalem's gates (mentioned above but no easy task to figure out in the first
place). Long story short, Judah is the first gem on breastplate (upper right /
left as one looks at it) and the first gate of New Jerusalem; etc.
As I say, if you read over the SR 4 discussion carefully first, and then the CT
6 one, then compare the Greek and Hebrew names (they are given also in the CT 6
synopsis), you'll be able to see how it works.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hello Dr.,
In your DropBox you should find the following audio file:
The Nature, Perfection and Inspiration of Scripture pt.1
Life is interesting these days and not without it’s stresses - to say the least.
On the upside I've found that our present set of circumstances have provided
several unique opportunities to witness to individuals concerning the Truth of
our Lord and His Word, not to mention it’s all good training for the coming
tribulation (as you’ve written many times).
Hope you are getting along ok. Got you in prayer here daily.
All the best,
Rev.22:20
Response #9:
Thanks so much for
the latest offering, my friend! Uploaded and tested.
I'm also pleased to hear that you are finding new witnessing opportunities.
That's wonderful news. I find myself bumping into less and less people with "all
this". Today, the university was a ghostly place. Lousy weather, cold and rain,
Monday, yes, but almost no one walking around the Humanities building other than
me and a handful of students (low attendance too).
I love it when people find the "silver lining", so keep up the positive attitude
for Jesus Christ, my friend! You're an encouragement to us all.
Keeping you guys in my prayers daily.
In Jesus our dear Lord,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Dear Professor
Great to hear from you as well. I am more on the absolute necessary projects,
though I’m a bit slow this morning. My ex farmer friend gave me a lesson in
fence fixing yesterday (after I had already done a days work on the shed
framing), so a bit sore today. We joke (though it is mostly true) that we are
decrepit old blokes trying to do young blokes work.
Considering we have been dealing with the usual “curly doctrines”
(rapture,OSAS,) at our little Bible Fellowship somehow the topic of
Annihilationism came up. Later he sent me a text with the “evidence”, quoted
below:
“Corinthian 1:35-50 [which I could not find; perhaps he meant 1 Cor.15:35-50?]
Coupled with Genesis 3:22-24. No evil can take from the tree of life equals no
eternal life as I understand it. Enjoy bro”
End text quote.
I must admit to not following the premise that this says there is annihilation
for unbelievers.
I had been reading from your Subject Index and found that some of the long
winded “explanations” of proponents of Annihilationism (often in the small
print) done my head in. A hard slog for a plain brain. This false doctrine is a
comfort to many who worry about their loved ones who emphatically deny salvation
through Christ. They falsely believe those will not have to suffer for eternity
- whew, what a (false) relief!
I view it as an extension of the Comfort Foods false doctrines of Rapture, OSAS.
All viewed as “easy outs”. A friend who is a believer but says he doesn’t think
he will make it, says that he will go to sleep so won’t know anything anyway, so
it won’t matter. No existence in any form. He finds that kind of comforting.
False “comfort doctrines” certainly have their appeal to the natural man. Some
seem to convince themselves of them and if the first don’t work (rapture), the
second might (OSAS), if even that fails - or the person’s faith fails in
Tribulation, the third false comfort “option” (Annihilated) is a fall back
semi-comfort position.
There ARE very many scriptures which teach eternal life AND eternal punishment.
I am mindful of your observation that sometimes people cite heaps of scriptures
to no avail, so I will just mention a few.
Matthew 25:46. “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the
righteous into eternal life.” ESV [plain speaking, no resorting to riddles].
Revelation 14:9-12 [no rest day or night]; 20:10 [beast and false prophet, devil
tormented forever] 20:15 [ANYONE’S name not found written in the book of life,
he was thrown into the lake of fire]
Mark 9: 47-48 [torment lasts forever]
Please correct if I am off course with any of this, as this is what I will be
presenting at this weeks Bible fellowship.
Oh, if only the “comfort doctrines” were in play, we could watch Disney movies
all day!
I don’t know anything about the subject, but ___ said that Biden was sworn in by
the west wall (something to do with Cyrus and the eastern mystic gods - whereas
Trump was done at the entrance steps). He said all the original players in the
USA constitution were Freemasons who hold to the eastern mystic religion. May
not have a lot to do with the price of eggs and probably not your area of
interest/concern.
A few days ago I did manage to have a rusty nail pierce my leather work glove
and cut the back of my right hand. The failing light and leather glove also
somewhat obscured the blood stain and contained the blood while I kept working
in the semi moonlight. A good reminder to wait for the full moon before
moonlighting.
Next day ___ noticed my scruffy bandage and asked had I had a tetanus shot - I
forgot about those. Later, as I was on my way back out to the paddock, the
bakers wife (I had called in for a pie) asked me the same question and STRONGLY
suggested I go to hospital emergency to get a shot. The nurse also cleaned up
the wound and I went home where my wife said someone is looking after you (God),
because you are not looking after yourself.
All this brought to mind the covid conversations on your email postings and the
whether or not to get the jab. We can rest assured from what I heard from one
health person on the media, that it will NOT be compulsory, though people in
certain occupations may be REQUIRED to be jabbed as they work in areas where
they can easily transmit to vulnerable persons, children may be great spreaders
of the new strain so they may NEED to be dealt with (I don’t think they are sure
it will work on new strains -and annual shots may be the go if they do/don’t?),
then travel WILL require a covid v-ion certificate, and supermarket staff
need to be protected (the best way is to include their customers in
v-ion).
Who doesn’t like to eat occasionally? Nice to know you won’t need the jab if you
DO decide NOT to eat! Free choice for ALL - after all.
I believe that a similar choice will soon be available in another format. I am
not equating the two, though I think at the least, the grooming makes the
worship and zeal that you rightly point to, all the easier to flow “naturally”
when the mark of the beast arrives - the current proposed “choice” a false type
of preparatory “gospel”. Of course most would grab for the mark anyway. This
“preparatory gospel” may be more designed to groom now, and entice soon,
marginal believers (initially) and the elect (if possible) to follow antichrist
through miracles the false prophet is allowed to perform in the sight of men.
A well spoken British health and/or media spokesman, talking to ABC radio was
such a measured responsible voice that I immediately felt respect for what he
was saying. Much comfort to listen to a voice of reasoned calmness. He
seamlessly wove into his articulate answers that the real problem is of course
over population. He naturally flowed to the next aspect without the reporter
even asking for elaboration on this point.
Always a comfort to listen to such voices. I am not sure at this stage whether
to add this rendition to the “comfort doctrines” above, promoted by religionists
(though the “radio doctrine” is, in any case, definitely a worldly doctrine).
Prudent to not take everything on face (or fake) value. These are the last days
where DECEIT will break new bounds.
Thank you for your interest in us out here in the world (same place you live
in), but endeavouring not to be of the world. I will also be rejoining the work
routine next week.
A great blessing to have your Ministry teaching the truth at this VITAL time.
Hope things are going well for you in the new school year.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior
Your student and friend
Response #10:
Glad to hear that
you are getting things done, my friend. Too rainy and cold here to even think
about anything outside – except to get as quickly from point A to point B while
trying to stay dry in the process. Saw something telling today. Walking into
work through the wind and the rain in near freezing temps today I passed about a
dozen students. They were all wearing masks (what's the point of that outside in
these conditions?) . . . but none of them had umbrellas and they were getting
soaked. Covid, after all, is not the only "bug" out there to be concerned about
if a person catches a chill.
I love the "comfort doctrine" analysis. Hadn't thought about it that way before
but indeed this is right on the money! These are all convenient lies, fantasies
people delight themselves with in order not to have to face and deal with
reality. That is dangerous at any time and in any sphere of life. How much more
so is that not the case with critical, biblical truths when the Tribulation is
right around the corner! It's always better to know the truth, even when it is
not necessarily what we would prefer to hear.
Blessedly, this is ALL over eventually – and not to long from now for us.
Hope you'll be able to get a little R and R before your work starts up again, my
friend.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Hello, Bob,
This weeks email posting (Eschatology Issues LX) raised a question I hadn't
considered before. What happens when these v- created proteins cross the
blood/brain barrier? Could that change personality? Could someone lose their
faith or commit sin(s) under that influence and not repent? Could it cause
behavior similar to an addict who robs and steals to support his habit?
Specifically, would actions and or beliefs changed under those conditions result
in the loss of salvation?
These mRNA v-s go directly into the blood stream which will quickly pass
the blood/brain barrier. I don't see how that's avoidable. I'll have to ask my
microbiologist. I'll let you know what he says, though I don't think anyone has
looked at that. But I do have to add that Isaiah 5:20 comes to mind.
I pray all is well and safe with you and yours.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Response #11:
I think it could
kill us. But I know it can't take away our free will. At some point we have to
have faith that the Lord is not going to allow something of no particular
spiritual import to have that kind of disproportionate eternal effect. That's
not the Savior I know.
Do feel free to pass along whatever your friend has to say, however. I know of
several readers who benefited from his previous input (myself included).
Hope you're staying warm and safe out on the prairie!
In Jesus our dear Lord.
Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Bob,
The questions I asked: "The v- goes into the blood stream rather quickly
and I would suppose, also crosses the blood/brain barrier. Has anyone looked at
what affect that may have? Also, if mRNA is manufactured by cells, do we know it
and the created proteins would die with the cell? Would the cell manufacture
modified mRNA until then?"
Here's what he answered:
"Not sure what is known about nervous system infections from crossing the
blood-brain barrier. It does end up in other organs other than the lungs,
especially the heart and kidneys. As far as the mRNA and spike proteins, cells
have great mechanisms for cleaning house. The mRNA are not particularly
long-lived, so they are cleaned out reasonably quickly (can’t give you a
definitive time frame). Once the mRNA is gone, the spike proteins are no longer
produced, so they are ultimately cleaned out as well, but not before those
proteins elicit spike-specific antibodies. Part of the reason you need two doses
of the v- is to maintain the levels of the spike protein long enough to
elicit the maximum antibody response. This v- is so much easier on our
cells than the virus would be. Replicating viruses produce lots of mRNAs and
spike proteins but also hijack lots of other cell processes."
Clearly, I'm in way over my head on this issue. Maybe the v-'s not so bad
after all.
All is well here on the prairie and warm for January. My figs and pomegranates
may even fruit this year. Too wet, for a rare change. to do any tilling but I'm
thankful for the water.
In Jesus,
Response #12:
Wet here too! And
cold! Got a bit soaked today and chilled to boot, but a little hot soup and rest
after work and I seem to be good as ever.
"Maybe the v-'s not so bad after all."
It's that "maybe" that concerns me. And now we hear that there'll be a "booster"
since the original (which few have gotten yet) won't do the trick on its own
versus mutations . . . of which there are more every day.
Guess we'll all find out sooner or later, one way or another. But I'm not
confident in the "happy talk" that is coming from all media. I'll save my
confidence for the Lord, trusting that He'll see me through whatever betides.
Thanks again for sending this along, my friend! It is helpful and it does
contribute to our necessary base of knowledge, even if, as you say, most of this
stuff is over our collective heads.
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Thanks for this Bob!
Before I received your reply as was looking over your material myself. I also
noticed that there was a conference on all these hyper Charismatic teachings
held by John MacArthur called "Strange Fire".
What I gleaned from the conference was that a lot of the extreme teachings is
not actually the fringes of this movement but the very heart of it. Moderate
charismatics are actually at the fringe and the hyper charismatics who seemed to
have dispensed with the bible altogether seem to be the rule rather than the
exception.
I am going through your links now and they are very thorough! Thank you!
I want to share a few more details of my experience as it may help others as it
was very troubling! This Reverend suggested that although I was saved, I hadn't
received the Baptism of the spirit and he claimed by praying over me, that he
had actually asked for that for me. Is that not blasphemy? Surely it is God that
imparts the Holy Spirit to people when they have faith and not something you can
demand from God as though God were in our service not the other way round?
He insinuated that I was in some sort of spiritual hinterland and without the
Holy Spirit because I wasn't speaking in tongues and this really alarmed me! He
separated the baptism of the Spirit from the moment of coming to Jesus in faith.
Isn't that really dangerous? He claimed that I only received the Holy Spirit at
the point after he said the prayer not at my point of faith which is years ago
now! Because he was so certain that I had received the Holy Spirit BECAUSE of
his prayer and "asking for it" rather than my automatic receiving of it based on
my faith in Jesus Christ! Isn't this actually a blasphemous removal of Jesus
Christ from the one true baptism?
I am kicking myself now. When he asked me if I had been baptised in the Spirit
(after he had asked if I had been baptised in water) rather than confidently
shouting YES instead with concern I said "how would I know". But I KNOW based on
scripture that I have the Holy Spirit. I hope that I am showing the fruit of the
Holy Spirit when I walk in the Spirit.
Bob, have I blasphemed the Holy Spirit by saying this and then allowed him to
pray over me for this? He made it sound as though the baptism of the Holy Spirit
was something that had to be asked for. I have never asked for it because I
assumed I already had it through faith and so he made me confused. He also asked
me about feelings and that you know these things through feelings and so I began
to doubt whether I had had the "right feelings" and so I started to panic.
It was awful as I felt cornered and because of my past of being abused by people
and wanting people's approval, I suddenly was being forced into saying a prayer
I didn't want to say in front of him. Even my own prayer wasn't enough he
actually told me to "plead the blood" and now I am really scared that I have
prayed a prayer that is both blasphemous to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I have
prayed for forgiveness and now worry that this is the unforgivable sin, to tell
a person that you don't know you have the baptism of the Holy Spirit when you
already know you have the Holy Spirit. Have I not denied the Spirit's witness?
I am really scared now that I have blasphemed the Holy Spirit by somehow
doubting that I have had the baptism of the spirit. He put so much doubt in my
mind and I was actually frightened that I hadn't had the baptism because I
wasn't speaking in tongues. He then "spoke in tongues" which sounded like a low
and groaning form of Arabic and I had that moment of doubt that it was the Holy
Spirit but THEN I was terrified in that moment that denying his "tongues" was
the Holy Spirit was actually the "blasphemy of the Holy Spirit" so I was
spiritually checkmated so to speak. If I denied what he was doing was the Holy
Spirit then I was attributing it to Satan which is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
and now that I have allowed him to pray this prayer for the baptism of the Holy
Spirit and to "plead the blood" that I have blasphemed the Holy Spirit whilst
being in a state of guilty confusion and ignorant fear!
For me now, this feels like spiritual abuse and is exactly how a cult leader
operates. He had the audacity to say that my prayers were not correct and that I
had to parrot his own words and now I am very worried at all of it.
What should I do? I'm really frightened about the whole thing and worry I won't
be forgiven.
In Jesus,
Response #13:
part 1:
I'm off to work so I have to be very brief.
1) This is just what the charismatics do!
2) You have NOT 'blasphemed the Spirit'!
That is rejecting His witness about
Christ and refusing salvation (link).
3) You DO have the Holy Spirit. All believers do (Rom.8:9).
4) Let Him comfort you – and take heart that instead of being sucked into this
horrible movement for who knows how long to come (as very many have been), only
to come out bruised and battered in the end, you have instead seen through it
quickly.
5) Think of this as an inoculation: it may sting a little, but it will prevent
you from being deceived in the future.
I'll write you back more later tonight.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
part 2:
What I wrote to you this morning was short but exactly what I would have written
with more time to think about it. Please don't let this throw you off. Chalk it
up to experience and move on. Almost any Christian who is serious about the Lord
and interested in spiritual things and who's also never bumped into one of these
sorts before is going to be a bit vulnerable to a "reverend" who says "you may
be saved but you haven't had the 'baptism of the Spirit' so you don't have the
wonderful experiences I am having". They actually seem to believe this as well.
But in the end it's all hen's teeth. Best link for what the baptism of the
Spirit actually is (as opposed to refutations of false claims) is in BB 5: "The
Baptism of the Spirit".
You wouldn't have the joy in Jesus Christ you do without the actual baptism; and
no amount of working oneself up into emotional states is going to ever be able
to compete with the quiet and peaceful confidence and encouragement that "still,
small voice" of the real Holy Spirit gives us.
No worries. Nothing to see here! Move along . . . and forward.
And one final point. If a believers, even "pastors" of a sort, can be so
powerfully deceptive and occasionally "get to us", how much more the anti-Christ
and his false prophet with all of their signs and wonders? It will be enough to
deceive "even the elect, if that were possible" (Matt.24:24). Blessed in your
case and in my case and, I certainly hope, in the case of all those who make us
of this ministry, it will NOT be possible.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Bob,
Thanks for this. I am feeling much better now and now I can label what was
happening, I can see why it happened. It seems that I have had an experience of
the Charismatic first before actually knowing who they are and what they're all
about so it was shocking to me as it was a doctrine I have never heard of before
so it did throw me a bit! I was blindsided by the language he used and his
unwavering confidence in this "new doctrine" he had. I should have been a Berean
and asked him where in the bible does it say that but instead I was a rabbit
caught in the headlights!
So Catholics can be "Charismatic" too then! It figures. They are quite keen on
building doctrine on one misinterpreted verse in the bible and then really
running with it! Look at what they did with Mary!
Reading around this it seems that they read "tongues of angels" in 1 Cor 13, not
as an example of Paul's hyperbole but as an actual literal "angel language" or
"prayer language." There are terrified people online, both old and young in
agony straining themselves to have this "gift of tongues". Another verse they
think qualifies this as an unknown tongue/ language of the non-human variety is
1 Cor 14:2.
It seems that they either claim that the "tongues" is actually this angel
language (that apparently is so holy that "Satan can't understand it". Their
current claim). Another camp of them say there were two types of tongues: this
angel language and the ability to speak in a foreign language.
I think that when contemporary Charismatics refer to "tongues" they are usually
referring to this "angel language" rather than a foreign one. (To be honest
though I may be wrong as my research on this was brief as I find this stuff
quite worrying to read.)
It seems convenient if they claimed it wasn't a human language and so only God
would understand because then it would be impossible to disprove it! That isn't
how God works though. He is not the author of confusion so I fail to see why God
would communicate like this.
All this seeking signs and experiences does not seem wise to me.
Matt 12:39
He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will
be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
John 4:48
Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never
believe."
I know there are rich and deep meanings to Pentecost. Wasn't it fulfilment of
prophesy too? I am starting to realise that miracles are to aid ministry and are
signs for the unbeliever and are always purposeful.
All of this has made me look at miracles more intently. Would you agree that
what people say are miracles today are more likely to be the providence of God?
John MacArthur said that a miracle actually breaks through the natural laws by a
supernatural means that defies any other explanation whereas providence is God
changing things for us whilst operating within the natural laws. Would you agree
with this distinction?
I don't understand why they practice these "tongues" in churches as it was meant
as a sign for the unbeliever and for missionary work (from my understanding).
The problem with Charismatic churches putting on these displays, when
unbelievers see it, they are not in awe and then believe, instead it draws
mockery and derision.
Also there will be plenty of lying signs and wonders during the tribulation and
after all the antichrist will be a "charismatic" leader!
MacArthur said that the Charismatic Movement has brought nothing good to
Christianity whatsoever. He said their theology is terrible because they do not
seek scripture and their claims of saving people in their millions means
nothing. What are these people actually believing in when they do an altar call?
This man I had this run in with claimed that his prayer "baptised me in the
Spirit". He has no way of proving that but I can disprove that it was something
he did himself by using scripture. A person trapped in the Charismatic Movement
without the guidance of scripture can literally believe anything just from peer
pressure. You then add the postmodern rubbish from the Emergent Church with
their ideas that there are is objective truth and that nothing can be known for
sure and you have a recipe for not just a spiritual breakdown but a compete
mental breakdown also!
I have learnt so much from all this. I suffered something for a few hours and
then on for a day or two rather than for years! I am so grateful for that.
God caught me sleeping on the job so he has given me a little kick so that I get
back to work. I realise that to have your faith attacked when your defences were
down and slumbering is a very alarming experience so now I am back to read,
study, apply and WATCH!
In Jesus, who we have not seen and yet believe,
Response #14:
You've gotten the
"lay of the land" very quickly, my friend. Good for you!
Yes, "angels' tongues" are just that, angelic languages for angels and only for
angels, at least until the resurrection. What would be the earthly point of us
being able to speak in any language neither we nor any other human being
understands (1Cor.14:7-11)? But now – news to me – I hear that this is so so
that we can reproach demons?! That is the most dangerous sort of nonsense. Our
combat is not with flesh and blood, true (Eph.6:12), but our weapons for that
warfare are also not fleshly (2Cor.10:4). We fight the fight by doing what is
right, looking to the Lord day and night, focusing on the truth and helping
others do likewise – and NOT by trying to have communion with things we cannot
see and have no part in directly. That was the end of Saul, after all.
Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 19:31 NKJV
And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people.
Leviticus 20:6 NKJV
When they say to you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,” should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?
Isaiah 8:19 NASB
"And I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes."
Micah 5:12 ESV
As to miracles, well, the plan of God, everything that happens, is a miracle – a "little wonder" and actually an immeasurably large one. Here's a link to where I have written about that subject and how to classify such things. God can do anything. People are amazed when He does things they don't expect or think possible – but not enough, for the most part, to change their ways. If they didn't repent at the teaching of our Lord – and the miracles He performed – there's no point in putting stock in such things. The truth is what's important. There's no power like the power of the truth. That is what the world misses. That is what the charismatics miss – to their great disadvantage. But when the anti-Christ and his false prophet begin to do such "signs" – which seem to me to fit pastor M's definition, believers need to be prepared to turn their back – and believe the truth regardless of what they see with their own eyes.
"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand."
Matthew 24:24-25 NKJV
In the One for whom
nothing is too miraculous, our dear Savior who bought us with His own blood,
Jesus Christ.
Bob L.
Question #15:
Bob,
Great, I definitely got the sense from all the emails that things were going
well. It's definitely a weird time for people in academia, I guess. I am
graduating in May so it will definitely be an unusual final semester for me. I'm
ready to be done with classes for once but now have to think about what kind of
job to get. I'll be heading back home later this week.
With the family stuff, it definitely has gotten a little better. They still
don't really understand, but that is understandable. They still treat it like
it's any other thing I do, but I'm still able to do it without too much
opposition. I'm glad that they are kinda on my side because they are willing to
help with the job stuff. To be honest, I really don't need a lot of money once I
graduate, so I'm thinking about how to minimize my work time in order to
maximize my study time. While I do have some trouble going hours on end
studying, for example, I do feel that I should be buying as much time as
possible to grow. It makes no sense for me to get a laborious job that will take
up a lot of time and energy and that does not provide a lot of spiritual
benefit. The problem is that it's hard to find jobs that do not require a lot of
you. Overall, my parents have been helpful in talking about it because they
don't really mind what I do. On the other hand, if I were to start my own small
business or something, that would definitely not necessarily be a "smaller"
commitment.
Like I said, I've been keeping up with my spiritual growth. I'm currently
reading through the Coming Tribulation series and am going through
Curt's Daniel
series [link]. Daniel is really just a great book. I'm about to get to Ch.7 so
it should coincide well with CT since I'm reading "Antichrist and his Kingdom".
I've been a little lax with my individual Bible reading because I think
sometimes I read something and then immediately forget a lot of it, so I have to
get better at it. Regardless, I'd say I've been averaging 3 hours a day or so on
this vacation, so I've been staying fairly disciplined. That said, I often feel
that I should be doing even more. The reason I've had trouble is due to some
lingering sleep and cognitive problems where I feel that I just don't process
and retain all the information I learn the best I possibly can. It's hard to
explain, so it's kinda a whole other discussion. But once I go back to school
I'll have to continue managing everything.
Anyway, this is a lot, but it has been a while.
In our Lord,
Response #15:
Thanks for the
update! I'm happy to hear that your family has more or less made its peace with
you loving the Lord first and foremost. Perhaps they'll even turn out to be more
responsive down the road – I'm certainly praying for that.
I'm impressed by your dedication to the truth, my friend! Any thoughts about
ministry going forward? You certainly have the necessary commitment and
discipline. I'm sure you've discussed this with our friend.
Charting the course forward is never easy, and in Covid times, I would imagine
it's a lot more problematic. But the Lord is faithful, and I know that your
obvious love for Him is not to no purpose.
" . . . for them that honour me I will honour."
1st Samuel 2:30 KJV
In Jesus our dear
Savior,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Bob,
Yes, I've definitely thought about ministry options a little bit, but I'm also
not entirely sure what it would be. I still feel that it's gonna take a little
time for me to figure it out. If I decide I want to teach the Word, I'm really
not anywhere near ready to do it. On the other hand, if I decide to do more
evangelism-based stuff, I'd have to figure that out as well. I've definitely
talked to our friend about all of it because I know he's hard at work growing
and studying. I enjoyed watching his YouTube videos but I guess he decided to
change course a bit. It's also amazing how he managed to create his business and
how God has just worked everything out for him. It makes me think about what to
do because, like I said, I still don't know what I'll do once I graduate. That's
kind of where my head is right now.
All the best
In our Lord,
Response #16:
I very much enjoyed
our friend's videos as well!
It is wonderful how the Lord did and continues to work things out for our
brother. He does the same for us all, don't forget – we just have to trust Him
and wait on Him. I'm confident that with your excellent approach to things,
everything will be made clear in due time.
Keep running your good race, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Interesting article;
may be the basis for the set up for the antichrist creating Babylon, though I
think he will turn the currently developing system on its creators to the great
approval of those who will have suffered under it; still think he’ll be
seemingly rightist in the beginning as the current power folks really hate
Christians and Jews; something will happen to bring him into prominence and many
will follow for pay back time to their previous tormentors; he may even
institute forfeiture of his enemies’ property and wealth like the Romans did and
distribute it to others to win favor; imagine Bezo’s billions being given to
military families, then they being asked to swear allegiance to him personally;
what a wild time we’re in
https://spectator.us/topic/oligarchy-america-rome-athens-jeff-bezos/
Response #17:
Great article. Every
point I had in mind on the theme the author eventually got to. The only
potential criticism I would have is not putting enough emphasis on the role of
the media in expanding this cabal's power.
Your scenario is plausible [current changes in how the military is being vetted
for "loyalty" and treated generally now reinforce it]. The status of the
military in effecting the "change" is one I can't fathom in either case. Not
sure it will play the out-sized role it did in Roman times. But add that to the
LONG list of things I don't know. As Niels Bohr said, "Prediction is difficult,
especially about the future" – and that is so true that old Niels didn't
actually say it.
Question #18:
Thanks Bob, your
email means such a lot to me and there's absolutely nothing ruptured here! It's
all very good as usual.
I hope you had a good day at work today. I managed to get to and from work
safely in the snow. It looked so pretty yesterday but having to drive in it
isn't so much fun.
I agree with you that thinking and talking about the v-s is very draining.
But I'm very grateful to you for your guidance and for walking alongside us with
this even when it's such a difficult decision for you too. I think you're doing
the right thing now by waiting as long as possible. Best not to have it through
persuasion or because everyone else is doing it - you've got to be at peace with
whatever decision you do come to in the end. If the one I've had doesn't turn
out to be very effective then I don't think at the moment I could be bothered
having a different one!
Anyway, talking about getting out into the yard again is much more pleasant!
Even though it's still a few months away for you it's something to look forward
to. It will do you good. I forgot that your old lawnmower had died - it'll be
nice to have a new one. Hopefully it should make life easier for you too.
I better stop waffling now. I'm on to SR part 5 now and it's so good. It doesn't
stress me out or give me brain ache like Covid, v-s and lockdowns!
In Jesus our dear Lord and Saviour
Response #18:
Thanks for the
encouraging email, my friend. I greatly appreciate it!
Very rainy and cold here too. Difficult Monday! Should be grateful it wasn't a
few degrees colder because all this rain could very easily have been snow. No
sympathy now for snow-commuters . . . because U of L is looking even more
deserted this semester than last with most of my colleagues teaching remotely.
The hy-flex class didn't go so hot as my tablet and pen wouldn't work on the
very old Mac installed in that room, and I didn't have the admin rights to login
and download a driver. But I made do. Attendance wasn't bad for first year
Greek, but only a third for the next class (very unusual), and I'm going to have
to do something about the hy-flex class's attendance too. Only about half in my
last class, but I did receive a flurry of half a dozen emails or more letting me
know WHY they couldn't come today. Anyway, I made it home safe and not too wet.
A little hot soup and a rest and I'm good to go. Nice not to be having to go
back down until this system passes us by and the sun comes back out.
Glad to hear that you made it through your commute OK as well. Sorry about the
sore arm. From the sound of your reports from co-workers, it could have been
worse. I need a haircut too. Shops are open here (by appointment), but it may be
a minute before I get around to it. At least I'm not growing a beard!
Keeping you in my prayers – and thanks for yours!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,
Sorry to hear about your hy-flex class not going so well. We use computers at
work and just recently we've had new tablets and pens to use as well. Sometimes
they feel like working and sometimes they don't. The patient has to write their
signature on the tablet which is a bit of a struggle sometimes - it ends up
looking nothing like their signature. Writing their signature with a normal pen
and paper only takes a couple of seconds but using these tablets takes soooo
much longer!
It can't be easy for you dealing with these problems while still trying to teach
your students everything you need to. I wasn't surprised to hear that U of L is
looking even more deserted this semester. I'm sure you must get quite a variety
of reasons why students aren't coming to class - maybe sickness or having to
self-isolate. There must be a lot of fear of the virus as well.
I'm so very grateful to the Lord that even though we're living amongst all of
this we have Him to lean on and to help to carry us through. While the world is
panicking and fearful we can have His peace in our hearts. It doesn't mean it's
easy for us and we still have our struggles but we know we'll be okay no matter
what because we belong to the Lord. We have somewhere else to focus on too - our
heavenly home. And using this opportunity now to store up our treasures there.
Hopefully a few more unbelievers will look up to the Lord and realise how much
they really do need Him. And for us believers it's very good. I know I'm
learning some very valuable lessons. I know my weaknesses and the Lord has shown
me a few more! I'm being stretched and tested and I'm learning to rely and trust
Him more. It can be uncomfortable but things that are good for you don't always
come easy. I'm embracing it so the Lord can shape me and build me up even
stronger and reflect His glory even more. How amazing that this is the power of
Christ at work in our lives - and we can have the joy of experiencing this even
in the most difficult times. Our God is so good! (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Praying for you and your family - thanks so much for yours too!
In our dear Lord Jesus
Response #19:
I heard from our IT
person that it's fixed – I'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out if that is
really so [not, as it turned out]. Then there'll be other issue to work out if
it is. Seems there's never a "one program" solution to any simple problem.
Putting my quizzes for our remote day up today, I found out that there is still
no Greek font on the application, and loading a new font is trickier than
sending a rocket to the moon – and less likely of success for all the effort.
Also, my work-around, plugging in screen-shots instead, has been limited from
what they had before (improvements, don't you know). But we endeavor to
persevere.
Thanks so much for your wonderfully positive attitude, my friend! We're only
down here for the blink of an eye, after all. As long as we are doing what the
Lord wants us to do, and putting a little something in our heavenly treasure
chest day by day, we can count the day a success – and look forward to that
wonderful LAST day when we finally see Him face to face (Phil.1:21).
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Bob,
How was it today? Was it all fixed? It certainly sounds very challenging for
you. Keep persevering and I'll keep praying for you!
Busy day at work for me today but a good one - and all the snow has disappeared
now - phew!
I LOVED your last paragraph. I'm going to write that one down and remember it.
Also the verse - Phil. 1:21 - I can't wait - it's all getting to be a bit of a
drag down here now.
Keeping Philippians 4:8 in mind too right now in these difficult times.
Hope you have a good day tomorrow, Bob. Keeping you in my prayers!
In our dear Lord Jesus
Response #20:
Today went well, but
the problem wasn't fixed. Which is to say that the "problem" was fixed (driver
downloaded) but the drawing tablet still didn't work (actually worked worse –
before, the pen moved the cursor and didn't write; now it doesn't move it).
Still, I did a passable job drawing Greek with the mouse. Still have some fixes
that need to be input and the system is problematic, but a good thing I was able
to do what I DID do - because today I had three out of seven students – but all
online (some tell me they're listening to the recordings). It's OK. Covid you
know. We push on. Other classes were low in attendance too, though first year
Greek has been, so far, better than the end of last semester. I think the
students get burned out quicker than usual wearing masks and walking around a
nearly deserted campus. Trying to give them SOME college experience, but
swimming against the tide, I fear.
Glad your snow is gone. Ours is just coming down right now! Very happy that I
don't have to attempt any sort of commute until Friday.
Keeping you and yours in my prayers daily, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Hello Bob, thanks
for writing out your thinking on this and also pointing me to the link in SR
part 4. As I seek to understand the Bible, it's important for me to learn the
basis of the different things you teach, and I appreciate you laying that out
for me here.
I have a question about the burial and killing of the antichrist. We know from
Revelation that antichrist will go into the lake of fire alive when Jesus Christ
comes back:
Revelation 19:20 (NASB) 20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false
prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who
had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two
were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.
Isaiah 14:19-20 lines up with Revelation 19:20 where it describes antichrist not
getting a burial and killing his own people. Although it does say antichrist is
“cast out of his tomb”, which I’m assuming means that he will never get a tomb
in the first place?
In other Old testament accounts of antichrist’s death, it makes it sound like he
is physically buried. In Ezekiel it says,
Ezekiel 39:11 (NASB) 11 “On that day I will give Gog a burial ground there in
Israel, the valley of those who pass by east of the sea, and it will block off
those who would pass by. So they will bury Gog there with all his horde, and
they will call it the valley of Hamon-gog.
From my understanding I thought that antichrist and the false prophet will be
disposed of before the slaughter of the armies at Armageddon. This verse makes
it sound like he is killed along with his army and then buried rather than
chucked into the lake of fire straightaway.
Also, in Habakkuk 3:13b-c it says “You struck the head of the house of the evil
to lay him open from thigh to neck. Selah.” (NASB)
Again, this seems like a case of Jesus Christ physically killing the antichrist,
but in Revelation 19:20 it says he is thrown into the lake “alive”. Perhaps this
is a case of Jesus Christ mortally wounding the antichrist similar to his wound
after the second campaign? Then after Christ awesomely humiliates him, he will
chuck him into the lake of fire?
Unger might also provide a solution by taking the KJV translation which instead
of translating “him” open from thigh to neck, it translates it as laying the
“foundation” open thigh to neck, which would be referring to antichrist's
armies.
I know that Scripture never contradicts and that there always is a solution, so
I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction in putting these
passages together, especially the Ezekiel one. Thanks!
In the grace of our Savior
Response #21:
Here's how I translate the Habakkuk passage:
(13) You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness, you stripped him from head to foot. Selah (14) With his own spear you pierced his head when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though about to devour the wretched who were in hiding.
Habakkuk 3:13
On the Ezekiel passage, "giving him a burial place", you are correct, does not result in antichrist being placed in the dirt – but his entire multitude is slaughtered in that place. So his fate and their fate are linked. And he does meet his end there – which is what this phraseology means, after all. They all die NOT of natural causes. So this is a way to say that this is where they will be slaughtered. After all, we can't expect Ezekiel to have to explained the precise end of Gog as antichrist with a long footnote. We'd love such explanations, but that is not how the Bible was written. Progressive revelation means that we are given things incrementally over time. So we don't find out about the precise fate of the beast until the end of Revelation.
On the Isaiah
passage, this one has a triple fulfillment: 1) the devil; 2) antichrist; 3) the
last king of historical Babylon. Progressive revelation and multiple
fulfillment of prophecies are biblical realities. After all, there turned out
to be two advents so that many prophecies related to our Lord double (e.g.,
riding the colt on the triumphal entry into Jerusalem but also when He returns)
as well as not so clear before the fact of their fulfillment.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #22:
Hello Bob, I'm
trusting and hoping all is well. I was pleased to hear that everyone had a good
break and enjoyment at Thanksgiving and Christmas. God is good! My wife and I
had a good time and great food as always, though no in person contact with
family/friends. Being retired and living on a small acreage in the county, we
are blessed to be where we are, out of the "humdrum" of the world. I am just
recently coming through another test/trial, having been "hit" with a severely
painful condition, which is finally getting under control, with stronger pain
med. and much prayer to/from our great Physician. Our Lord is making
intercession for us, and I greatly appreciate not having to deal with the pain
that lasted >6wk. So now I can move on till something else comes. Not sure why
all this is happening, but I think God has allowed this for a good reason, a
faith test I guess ( James 1:2-4). I'm coming to the conclusion that we don't
need to know "too much" because He has all things in control all the time, even
when things look bleak or perilous. We belong to Him and He is and will always
get us through no matter what treachery, peril, or trouble of any kind comes
upon anyone of His children. Our trust lies 100% in Him! All the "chatter" that
is going on, with the concomitant confusion it has imparted is certainly a call
for all believers to draw closer to our Lord. I remember a time, back in 1996,
going through what at the time seemed like an insurmountable "battle" till I
read 2 Chron. 20:1-30 whereupon I received such great victory and peace from our
God. Our reality is "in Him", and He makes us "conquerors". Truly the battle is
not ours, but God's." Ye shall not need to fight this battle: set yourselves,
stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you......"
(2Chron.20:17). We all know things are ramping up to the darkest time in human
history, but I am certain that with our eyes upon Him we shall overcome every
obstacle and arrive in his "rest" on the other side. This is definitely a time
for unity of His Church, as we prepare for this final "battle", staying strong
in the faith! We will be going to Jerusalem with joy; for the Lord had made them
rejoice over their enemies.( 2 Chron.2:27). I'm very encouraged, and pray all
His children will be also, and stay in the fight for the victory and praise of
the One who won it. His mercy endureth forever! We will be celebrating Him
forever!
On another note, Bob, I wanted to let you know I concur with the fellow from
Australia (per a previous email post) as to your credibility. I also appreciate
his candor, testimony, and wisdom. I must confess, given my "background," I was
a "leery Berean" when I first stumbled onto your site ( not sure how this
happened, but I think God was involved....He knows how much I love the Truth).
Anyway, after doing my "due diligence", I have confirmed that your teachings are
correct and your approach in disseminating these materials, without unnecessary
speculations, is a huge benefit to all of us. Thanks to you for all your hard
work in sorting the Truth out so we can grow in His grace and knowledge. Christ
is building His Church, and I'm glad to be a part, even if I'm a "foot". Your
friend in Jesus, the One who made us His through the greatest victory of all
times,
Response #22:
Where would we be
without our feet?! If I only had one instead of two (it nearly came to that in
the USMC after my run-in with that M-60 tank), I can't even imagine how I'd
function. If I were missing one, I'm sure I wouldn't say that it was "only a
foot". We need all our parts; and we suffer when we're missing any or when any
are ailing.
Speaking of which, I'm sorrow to hear of your continuing struggles, but I have
to say that your good attitude is quite an encouragement – and a prod to try and
do likewise when things are aching or not working as they should. So part of
"the reason", I would suggest, is the good witness and encouragement you're
giving to others. Or as Paul said . . .
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
2nd Corinthians 1:6-7
Encouragement IS
comfort – and I thank you for your great witness and excellent example, my
friend.
I do promise to keep this on my list when I pray for you and your family daily.
Thanks also for your very kind words! They are a great encouragement as well.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #23:
And thanks for your insight and encouragement when I was languishing in my " Jr. Job" situation. Things are improving on that score, so thanks for your considerate prayers for this as well as the other messy issues! I am keeping you in prayer also...it is so needful for all of us in "the Body". The reference, coming from your own personal experience as well as Paul's "take", are making this situation crystal-clear. Your "season ending" injury must have put you in a deep depression at the time, Certainly it would have been an extreme challenge for an experienced foot surgeon, along with a painful, lengthy uphill battle with rehab. for you. I hope this injury is not causing any chronic agony presently or in the future. 59 yr. ago, at age 12, I had the misfortune of getting my right thumb caught in a huge hinge, smashing the two bones and cutting the tip off. It was a lengthy surgery, followed by 3 days in the hospital, on morphine every 6 hr. The Dr. said that it would be a 50-50 chance that the operation would save my poor thumb. I had to get the dressing changed every 3 days. It looked horrible, stinky black flesh for a few mo. And then, miraculously, the ugly flesh sloughed off and pink new flesh appeared Thanks to the power of prayer, and a loving merciful God! Best of all my "rebuilt" thumb is working pretty well! I was looking at the testing part of your study of the Christian walk when I came upon the "count it all joy" ref. from James 1:2-4. I really got a "booster shot" from your comment that we have permission to "feel good" and rejoice in this testing of our faith ( my situation at the time). I feel confident, after receiving this " truth v-," that it will be 100% effective, and last a long time, with absolutely no adverse side-effects! As far as that "other v-" goes I think it might be a bit hasty to get it right now... maybe down the trail...no incentive yet. We will see....time will tell, as it usually does. Have a great day, Bob! Your friend in Jesus,
Response #23:
For the record, it
was actually my ankle – and the doc at Ft. Knox rebuilt it really well! No
problems with it since, even if the range of motion is a lot less than the other
side. I do wonder if my problem with the knee on that side isn't related though
(the breech under hydraulic pressure caught the thigh just above it and pushed
down on the ankle with enough force to crush the ankle into multiple pieces).
The steel pins seem to be holding up nicely, however.
Great story about the thumb! I too can vouch for our Lord's faithfulness. While
I am appreciative of the doc's efforts, it hasn't escaped my notice that if the
guy raising the main gun had kept it up a fraction of a second longer, I'd have
been crippled for life. God is good!
And thanks for your contagious enthusiasm, my friend! That's the kind of
contagion we need nowadays!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #24:
Hi Bob, We are
surely appreciative of our doc's efforts, and can see how, behind the scenes,
God's Divine intervention has/is playing a supernatural part as well. These
situations are not mere coincidences, thanks be to Him!! Your "alternative "
outcome is proof of this. I'm truly amazed how "big" God is in how He interacts
with us on an individual basis, not knowing the count (10-12 billion perhaps?)
since Adam. Saving me was the greatest 'Gift" (thank you, Jesus!) of his
"Providential Interference". The Holy Spirit conviction and my response of "yes"
was all it took! Later on a revelation came to mind after He reminded me of the
times while I was foolishly cruising through life without Him. My life was
hanging in the balance so many times, a fraction of a second from death. Without
His merciful intervention, during those times, I'd be existing in "Torments",
awaiting the final destination of "the Lake of Fire". Those near death
experiences (ex:. the bullet coming up through the floor, just missing my head;
the "turn" of logs that swept over me that would have knocked my head off; the
dynamite charge that went off too soon, before I could get "cover"; nearly
falling off a 2 story bldg.;....and the list could go on!) But God loved me so
much and I can never thank Him enough for the patience, love, grace, and mercy
He has bestowed on me. He is not a respecter of persons, plus He is a rewarder
of those who are diligently seeking Him. I owe my whole life to Him, am planning
on persevering in faith, continuing to drive straight for the tape, towards the
prize. The past is over...the good... the bad... the ugly. As you have taught
us, Bob, the best thing to do now is to keep on progressing with spiritual
growth to gain us the "muscle" that will be necessary to navigate in the soon to
appear "Tribulation." Thanks for helping me to stay focused! Your friend in
Jesus,
p.s. Should have "proof read" the note : Providential intervention, not
interference. Our free will is not interfered with, that is our choice. Have a
great day, Bob, and I 'll be checking in on the emails tomorrow night Your
friend
Response #24:
No worries – I miss
things all the time even when I DO proofread. In any case, I'll take
"providential interference" any day!
Thanks again for your strong testimony, my friend! None of us could last a day
down here without the Lord. But with Him, we'll be here and soldiering on just
as long as He wants . . . and as long as we are willing to keep trusting Him.
In Jesus Christ or faithful Savior,
Bob L.
Question #25:
Hi Bob,
"I will ascend heavenward": Not "to heaven" as we have seen (see section II.6.a
above). The primordial Eden, it will be remembered, was on earth. Furthermore,
the "heights" of the mount of assembly were apparently dizzyingly high so as to
make this expression quite apropos (see "above the heights of the clouds"
immediately below, and compare the massive dimensions of the New Jerusalem, some
fourteen hundred miles high: Rev.21:16).
Hi Bob, do you interpret that the mountain of God in the New Jerusalem reaches
1,400 miles in height so that the New Jerusalem is basically one gigantic
mountain gradually going upwards with God’s throne in the center at the peak of
the mountain?
Snowy day here.
In our Lord and Savior
Response #25:
While I do suspect
that the center of New Jerusalem will be greatly elevated (see CT 6 at link
below), I don't have any idea how high it will be. We know the dimensions of the
city proper, but how much of the height is "air space" isn't made clear. The
holy of holies is the model / type, and we know that the roof was 20 cubits
above the floor or thirty feet. That is very high ceiling and it was not
necessitated by anything actually in the holy of holies where a pries of average
height would stand well above ark and the mercy seat. This is one of those
things we'll have to wait and see about, I think (fore more on this, see the
link:
"the measurement and design of New Jerusalem").
We got an inch last night just as the three inches from Friday were melting
along with the ice. Wasn't able to get my full "constitutional" this morning as
the hill was too treacherous to risk. Maybe it'll have melted enough by tomorrow
to get back to "regular order".
Hope you're doing well, my friend. I've gotten a few emails from our friend
lately. We both miss your "crash course"!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #26:
Hi Bob,
I am sure you have answered this question before, but I could not think of a
place to look for to find it.
If God is in the third heaven to keep Himself holy and unstained by sin (the
reason pre-cross believers dwelled in paradise and the place where He went after
satan's rebellion), why does He allow satan and his demons to assemble with him
considering their sinful ways?
In Jesus our Savior,
Response #26:
Yes, I get this
question a lot. I think there's a response on it in one of the more recent email
Eschatology postings too. In a
nutshell, we are in the midst of a conflict between the devil who revolted and
God who is crushing the revolt in the perfect way – a way in which there is more
blessing on the backside than there was in the beginning (through the creation
of mankind). Since mankind is the means God is using to refute the devil and
restore wholeness, there must be a way for the niceties of the battlefield to be
adjudicated, and that happens in the presence of God. We may think of this as a
truce wherein the two parties – totally unequal here – communicate. In the case
of this conflict, however, God uses these occasions to allow the devil to
present any accusations he pleases, and then to refute him (as in the case of
Job). This process will end in the middle of the Tribulation when Satan and his
angels are finally confined to earth . . . in anticipation of being confined in
the Abyss at Tribulation's end. But as to the holiness of God, the four cherubs
who replaced Satan – backed up by innumerable elect angels – protect the
sanctity of God at all such times. God is capable of communicating with the
devil – on His terms and in His special venue – without it profaning His
holiness in any way. Something similar will happen at the Great White Throne in
the last judgment. The habitation of God is now in the third heaven for
precisely this reason of separation, but God's separation has never been
isolation – praise the Lord! He has always been intervening on our behalf, and
is here presently for our help at all times. That, after all, is the plan of God
in essence, based on the intervention of interventions at the cross.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #27:
The NHS has just
offered me the v-. The reason I have been offered it early is because I
used to have asthma but don't actually suffer with it anymore. I'm not sure
whether it is the Pfizer or the Astra-Zeneca one so even if I looked into each
one again, I won't know for sure which one I'll be getting so the research won't
help me.
I have to let them know yes or no so then someone else can have it if I say
know. ___ was on the phone this morning really annoyed that a relative in
another town has been offered it. It was sad to hear that my relative Sue was
"dancing for joy like a schoolgirl" when she found out. Pity she doesn't feel
that way about Jesus and salvation!
My family would be hopping mad if they knew I had refused but then again they'll
be hopping mad when I refuse the mark of the beast. It might be good for me to
learn how to cope with them being "hopping mad" about my decisions all the time.
Especially if these decisions are for God rather than the flesh and the world. I
am a God pleaser now, not a people pleaser. I hope in time they will be hopping
mad ABOUT the mark of the beast, not at those who refuse it!
The Holy Spirit has said one word on the current crop of v-s "WAIT!" so I
am going to wait. Hopefully the more traditional style v-s will come at
some point and then I will seek counsel again.
Today I received both "The Kingdom of the Cults" book and also "Strange Fire". I
was also interested in an exhaustive documentary on YouTube on the Emergent
Church and the Charismatic Church called "Wide is The Gate".
I finally found out what "Ancient Future" faith means, it is Catholic mysticism
like the "desert fathers"which involve various monastic practices that have
nothing to do with the truth at all. This movement is also creeping in.
Apparently it is for the young people who find traditional Protestantism "too
dry" and find the seeker friendly churches such as Hillsong "too superficial".
So instead they seek churches that give them a "profound mystical experience"
such as contemplative prayer or walking Loyola's "Prayer Labyrinth".
. . . . . . . . . .
False alarm!
It was a scam phishing email that directs you to a site that asks for your bank
details!!
Apparently there are scam SMS messages going around on cell phones too so be
careful!
__ told me that there has been people knocking on old folks' doors and giving
them phoney v-s for money! Scary stuff!
My parents said that they are now "desperate" for the v- so they can have a
few more years here. Never good to be desperate for anything of this world!
Just another v- related update. The recently touted Novavax is also
experimental "biotechnology". Looks like it will be a wait to get the
traditional type of v-.
In Jesus,
Response #27:
Glad you didn't fall
for the scam! I hear people over here are also clamoring for a dose and calling
hundreds of numbers trying to get one. Whenever there's that kind of panic
buying, scammers always have a field day.
In terms of waiting, since they're telling us over here that "it won't matter"
even after v-ion is widespread: we'll still have this horrible "new
normal" forever anyway, I don't see any incentive personally (unless and until
they start penalizing the non-v-ed).
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #28:
Hello Bob,
I hope you are well. My parents have dates set for their Covid jabs, the 9th of
Feb. They will only know which one on the day. I will be praying for them on
this day that the enemy does not harm them through them. Please could you pray
for them also?
I've almost finished the excellent series on false teaching "Wide is the gate"
and have been reading the "Strange Fire" book.
I was crying again tonight about the proliferation of false teaching and
teachers. I don't know how anyone can deliberately lie about such an important
issue, THE most important issue, the reason we are here after all. Do these
wolves not fear God at all? What possible reward could the enemy give them that
could compensate them even momentarily for their eternal fates in the lake of
fire! They must be crazy!
I know Jesus and I love Him more than my own life. I don't know how anyone could
fake faith or lie about knowing Him and loving Him. It is such a huge betrayal
of the sheep who trust these false teachers. I see the congregations of these
mega churches and presume they are there for the lust of the flesh: the
prosperity Gospels et al. However, I cannot underestimate the lure of being
around so many other people. It must be comforting but I know I could never have
that and even if I was there surrounded by people, I would know it would be
false and would have to leave. I couldn't bear to hear it. It is a lonely life
standing for the truth. I know that it will be even lonelier during the
tribulation and we will be really tested over our need to be drawn to the false
fellowship of large crowds. The rejection I have already received over standing
up for the truth against various groups and people I have been involved with is
good practice for those times. I can imagine the pressure though to be really
ramped up what with the food, economic, domestic, military, familial and church
visible situation of the period. It is good practice at the moment to keep our
heads down in our bibles, keeping our eyes, ears and hearts on Jesus and ignore
the current distractions of the world as much as we can. I'm completely with you
now that getting involved politically is a 110% mistake and a temptation that
all believers must avoid, avoid, AVOID at all costs. As people say: left wing,
right wing, same bird!
I often see others say the same thing. A person on France saying they are
surrounded by unbelievers and someone in Sweden saying the same thing. I guess
we all feel like this these days. Maybe it has been like this for a long time.
I'm not sure if I agree with everything that MacArthur says either. Someone
claimed that he believes in limited atonement and that we can be forgiven for
taking the mark of the beast. Was also shocked to hear that Sproul practiced
infant baptism?
Are they all false? Are they all wolves?
It really grieves me it really does. My faith means so much to me and the truth
is everything to me. I know that I am not experiencing any real persecution
right now but it does get very lonely at times.
In Luke 18:8, Jesus asks will He find faith on the earth. Is referring to the
fact that all believers have been killed or that they have all apostatised or
both?
I always like to think that if I was alive when He returned that I would be
determined to shout out "Yes! I still believe!"
Following on from Luke 18:8, is Matt 24:22 about the "flesh" of believers or
human flesh in general. I wondered if these two verses are connected and
prophesy that most if not all believers will be killed.
I listen to my audio bible every night before I sleep. It is such a great
comfort. It's amazing to think I will be spending eternity with people like
Moses, Peter and Paul! Then again will that even be a marvel as I will be face
to face with my God and Saviour!
It is tough to have to wait for these things. I'd sooner be there tomorrow than
here as other than loved ones, there's nothing I would miss here. I just don't
want to go empty handed with lots of burnt stubble.
All this false teaching and the end times getting closer and closer just makes
me all that more determined to learn and grow and share with others! Amen!
Your friend in Jesus,
Response #28:
"Left wing, right
wing, same bird!" Never heard that one before, but I love it! So very true.
Although "dragon" instead of "bird" would be more correct.
As to your very reasonable bewilderment about the motives of those who proffer
false teaching, I can only repeat that the devil is the father of lies
(Jn.8:44), and the very first person he deceived was himself.
"Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty;
You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor."
Ezekiel 28:17a NKJV
Arrogance corrupts
the heart and completely so if left unchecked. Once that happens, arrogance
rewrites what is true and not true – to the benefit of the lusts of the arrogant
person's heart. The next step is to convince others – because if the truth can
be put to death on a large scale, then anything is possible (Gen.11:8).
After all, it's madness to assume that God could be dethroned! But that is what
Satan has been busy with trying to accomplish since his revolt began.
While no one is perfect, and while I would not want to subject all other
Christians or teachers to a series of litmus tests regarding true doctrine, I do
suggest staying away from people and ministries where they clearly have things
wrong, especially when the things they have wrong are of no small moment. In
terms of mega-churches, one could attend most of them for a good long time
without being too terribly offended since they are not generally purposed
towards teaching the truth for spiritual growth. But it is true that beliefs
come out even in pabulum presentations, and whenever what comes out is
depressingly wrong, it always gives me a moment of intense nausea. So I'm not
darkening their doors personally. Where money is at the core, it's usually a
sign that the core is rotten. If they're constantly appealing for money, that is
a signal to me. And what do they want it for? To build and grow and expand and
hire more of the same for the same pointless purposes so that they can ask for
even more money – of which there will never be enough. I'm very grateful to the
Lord that He has allowed me the means to keep Mammon out of the equation at
Ichthys. I know that many readers would love to have traditional books in hand,
but the problems with that are large – and I also have to say that just on the
basis of typos I'm glad nothing went into hard print last year, let alone twenty
years ago.
"I'd sooner be there tomorrow than here" – Amen! But like you, I'm not
keen to even ask for anything the Lord doesn't have planned. If we have jobs to
do in the troubling time soon to come, we best make our peace with doing them –
and with gusto – in the hopes of a good reward.
On Luke 18:8, this is our Lord's way of expressing how difficult it will be to
maintain faith during the Tribulation. As the Great Apostasy demonstrates, many
believers will not do so. But we also know that a great many will survive to the
end, in spite of the difficulty and also in spite of the Great Persecution,
because many will rise to meet the Lord in air without having experienced
physical death (1Thes.4:17).
On Matthew 24:22, that is indeed referring to the fact that if the Tribulation
were to be allowed to run its full course of longer, in the end all of humanity
would be wiped out. As it is, earth's population will be greatly reduced. We
don't know before the fact by how much, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if
only ten percent make it through or even less – and of course that number will
be further greatly reduced by 1) the living resurrection, 2) Armageddon, 3) the
baptism of fire (of all who took the mark). So in terms of how many
non-resurrected start off the Millennium, that will be even less. But we do know
that the return to Israel will be substantially large. Nevertheless, we are no
doubt talking about millions (in terms of aggregate survivals) rather than
billions.
Blessedly, we believers will be enjoying the Millennium in perfect new bodies,
so our perspective on all that is and will be wonderfully different.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #29:
Thanks for this Bob!
Yes I was just thinking aloud. I've never been good with crowds and always been
suspicious of mob mentality (the madness of crowds and all that). Even in my
secular days I never enjoyed big concerts, festivals or sporting events. I used
to get panic attacks if I felt surrounded! Was trying to understand the mass
appeal of these churches from an outsiders' perspective. I guess I have always
thought that a herd mentality was a dangerous thing and always preferred the
quiet were I can go and think for myself without the pressure of peers or going
along with the group. I guess this makes me a little anti-social but I guess it
will be the sociable types that will suffer the most during the tribulation
seeing as all social contracts will be controlled by the mark of the beast
system.
I was looking at Schuller's Crystal Cathedral the other day. I'd never heard of
either until now! Apparently the Catholic Church have bought it.
It looks like something from the Wizard of Oz!
It's funny because I know next to nothing about the evangelical movement. I
don't even know what makes them different. It's been an almost vertical learning
curve to learn all this as a newcomer. I guess that is why many immediately want
an established body they can join because all the "options" and "denominations"
are bewildering.
Coming from Catholicism, I knew I didn't want to go from one type of religious
system to another. That is all the church visible has to offer though. So I'm
pretty much done with that system.
It's a shame about MacArthur and Sproul. I've only just found out they are
Calvinists. Sometimes a ministry has sound apologetics but then their teaching
ministry is flawed and you get into one by reading the other.
I agree with you that Calvin didn't go far enough but at the same time he had a
huge battle on his hands so it is amazing he made as much of a break as he did.
So I'm happy to stick with yours and Pastor Omo's ministry and my Unger
commentary books that you recommended to me.
So you think the false teachers actually believe they are right and doing God's
work and just deceived and blinded by Satan and therefore themselves? Do you
think any of them are deliberately working for Satan knowingly and trying to
damage the church from within like a double agent?
It's funny but it has occurred to me that the ones who deceive the most and the
most deceived themselves. Do they expect Satan to dethrone God and give them a
piece of the kingdom after? Do they believe they can rule in hell? I can't even
begin to understand the lunacy behind this!
Have they not figured out that heaven is only so because God is there? If they
got what they wanted, everlasting life in an "Edenic" paradise without God (look
at that awful Lennon song "Imagine") it would become hell in a nanosecond.
Considering a lot of these people are the movers and the shakers in this world,
they are not very bright are they.
In Jesus,
Response #29:
I would shudder to
call Schuller an "evangelical", but perhaps it's the correct designation. He was
more in the line of a new iteration of traditionalism. A rogue Presbyterian or
Episcopalian or Methodist or generic Calvinist. Hard to tell since I don't think
he was ever much interested in theology; pop psychology, rather, "power of
positive thinking" in the vein of Norman Vincent Peal. But it does also show
that building-worship is part and parcel of this mega-church phenomenon just as
it always has been with Catholic cathedrals. In the Greek Orthodox tradition
this is even put out as a virtue, the church building supposedly representing
heaven.
All cults and false teaching and false teachers and false groups always have
something to offer, something the customers "want", and the more of "it" they
have, the more successful they generally turn out to be – success in worldly
terms, of course. Success is bigger buildings, larger crowds, growing numbers of
adherents, growing "buzz" and fame – and OF COURSE more money coming in.
Ultimately it's all about the money.
We may have nothing – or next to it. But we actually have the Lord and His
actual truth. And there's NOTHING better than that!
Blessedly and justly, moreover, we will be rewarded for actually doing what the
Lord would have us to do in diligently growing spiritually, determinedly walking
forward with our Lord closer day by day, and sacrificially helping others to do
the same as our Lord has charged us and gifted us to do. But these others, how
many of them will even BE in New Jerusalem?
So it really is all madness out there in Laodicea, especially for those who are
worse than lukewarm. But embracing such madness is always a choice.
Keep fighting the truly GOOD fight, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #30:
Sorry to bother you
Professor Luginbill-I just have a quick Greek works question. I was reading a
modern retelling of Beauty of the Beast and the main female is over educated,
and at one point talks about things like the "unexpurgated Ovid". What does that
kind of thing mean? Do the books in the original language-do those selling them
alter the texts to keep out offensive things? Or just the translations? Does
that phrase mean anything special to you?
Did I ever tell you about my job? It is all on computers [omitted]
Respectfully,
Response #30:
When it comes to
works like Aristophanes' comedies (and some of Ovid's stuff), modern editions
often do censor particularly "colorful" things. "Expurgate" is from Latin; a
fancy way of saying "clean up". It's always a question when it comes to using
words that may not be in common parlance. I (apparently) use a great many in my
teaching that student's haven't heard before – and it's getting worse as time
passes. Not that I'm getting more obscure (not sure that's even possible!), but
times are changing and many phrases and words that were once well-known are
falling out of the lexicon (NO one in my first year Latin class had ever heard
"pulchritude" before when I used it the other day as a way to remember the
adjective pulcher). And I confess that there's a lot of "new" vocabulary
in the world of RAP that I'm not conversant with – in spite of four plus years
in the USMC. If a person uses a word or phrase they just learned, knowing full
well that others are unlikely to understand it, that is silly. But if we use
legitimate words and phrases that won't necessarily be understood by everyone
but which "fit the bill" (I was tempted to say, "is the mot juste"), then
I don't see anything wrong – or arrogant – about that. Still, we do have to keep
in mind that if we're trying to communicate, we do need to tailor our efforts
somewhat to the audience we're trying to reach.
Sounds like an important and interesting job! I can also see how an unjust boss
could easily load someone down with more work than it's possible to do well in
the time allotted. A good boss would understand how important doing such a job
well and not cutting corners (on account of being pressured) really is.
Keeping you in my prayers daily, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #31:
Dear Professor
Firstly a big thank you for your wonderful Ministry and for your complete
faithfulness in providing for our Lord’s sheep scattered around the globe, yet
together in the Spirit and the truth of the Word.
Our Saturday Bible fellowship went well, though one brother could not make it
and after the meeting I learnt one attendee left because something that was
discussed or mentioned re-triggered an emotional reaction to a past trauma. May
have been a scripture that was read - I am not sure. I may need to follow it up.
I do not know the family very well so talking/listening and getting
understanding (while endeavouring to stay within what they are comfortable to
share) could help.
Yesterday (Sunday) 6pm, a 5 day Covid lockdown of Perth and the South West came
into effect shortly after being announced by the Premier. I only turned on the
news because my employer rang to say some of my bus students may be “over the
border line”. Work said they would contact all the parents affected so I need
not worry that I would be picking up goats instead of sheep (my interpretation
of words - not theirs).
Morning chit chat with bus drivers was interrupted by the office at the high
school ringing and saying that I had had some goats on board. The school was
ringing the parents (who live out at whoop whoop) to come and take their kids
home. I got chastised for picking up another 3 students at my starting point -
their mother assured me they lived this side of the “border”. The school is
going to “blow up” a map to try to ascertain whether they come from the “safe”
side of the road. Their neighbors kids (staying with the goat analogy) are
definitely NOT sheep, even though their letterboxes in the village are side by
side. School rightly pointed out that they do not make the rules - the Premier
does (he’s on the radio news right now). A bit of a slip up in hotel quarantine
where a young security guard tested positive.
Toilet rolls have again raced out the supermarket doors along with most other
goods leaving empty shelves - and many panic buyers with nothing to buy. Masks
are mandatory in the lock down area ($1000 fine currently on offer). Oops;
though not a lockdown in our area yet, I need to find some Jessie James gear -
whip of the tongue changes things instantly. Though even now we cannot go over
“the border”.
I have moved the bus to its new depot which is in the industrial area so I need
to buy a few things to keep the bus in order. Of course the Baptist pastor
loudly broadcast in the cafe, my “Mexican border running“ activities. Apparently
he also reckons I would have to travel on the incorrect side of the road at my
turn around point to stay “legal”. The pilot/bus driver reluctantly sold his
plane last week to a persistent buyer offering him above what he wanted, even
though he did not have it on the market. Says he can afford to retire now as a
private plane is costly to maintain. He looked sad.
Yesterday my young son was wondering how long we would go this year before covid
capers interrupted normal life - turns out day one of the new school year. Is he
to blame for wondering out aloud and being answered immediately ? Most of the
state’s students have another week’s “holiday” - at home only. Wheatbelt
students (mine included) went back to school today.
Hope you are doing well over there in Kentucky. Keeping you and yours in my
prayers.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior.
Your student (sheep)
Response #31:
It's most reassuring
that the virus down under is content to stay on the correct side of these
boundary lines. We have similarly well trained bugs here in the states,
requiring one side of a state line to lock down completely while allowing the
other side to ignore it. Too bad our sheep and goats are so easily cowed.
A month or so into the term my students are already getting burned out of coming
to class with masks on. I would normally see fall off of enthusiasm at this
point in the spring, but I think the fact that for many of them my class is the
only one not taught remotely makes the snow and ice we got last night and are
still suffering through today all the more intimidating – or all the more
conducive to turning the alarm off and rolling over in any case. They are paying
for it, so I continue to "stand and deliver". U of L actually had an uptick of
enrollment in the spring, but not in Arts and Sciences. We were the black sheep,
if I can still say that. I think we're also teaching a higher percentage of
remote classes – so that makes sense to me. I find it hard to be down on my
students for professing a desire for face to face instruction but then being
reluctant or at least bad about actually showing up. It all makes a certain
amount of sense, even if it does make my job of trying to teach them something
pretty difficult. I could stream and tape all of my classes now, but the
attendance record and overall performance of the upper level classes where I did
make that an option leads me to believe that it would have just made things
worse [ended up doing it starting this week]. Now student sheep can roll over in
bed into goat-land, comforting him/herself with the thought of listening to the
video later . . . which of course they never get to (and it wouldn't be half as
good as being in class in person even if they did).
I should sell my private plane too. First, must remember where I parked the
blasted thing.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily, my friend.
In Jesus the Chief Shepherd.
Bob L.
Question #32:
Dear Professor
Thank you for your update. Sounds like a hard slog, though I am sure you inspire
your students with your diligence and expertise. I had great respect for my
maths teacher who was in the same age league as we now find ourselves in. Some
fond memories last forever, even for ol’ timers like me.
My pilot colleague delivered his plane to it’s new owner who paid for his return
flight to Perth. My colleague looked after his plane meticulously - he had
built/bought a hanger for it at the common airports he used to visit. The new
owner asked him to stay a few days but pilot just wanted to leave right away so
the pain of the deal was over. He boarded a small passenger flight, looked out
the window, and there was his moments before prized possession sitting on the
tarmac - out in the open! Hard to bear.
If only you would park yours in it’s hanger. Easy to find and protects it from
the elements - then on selling you might get above asking price as well.
Our covid v-ion programme is meant to begin sometime In February. I am not
decided yet whether to have it though it may become a requirement - it’s
initially going to be voluntary, supported by a big budget advertising campaign
- though sudden pronouncements are becoming the norm.
Last night I watched a Four Corners ABC programme on the events of February 6
2021 in your nations capital. Very disturbing watching and listening to what
sounded like lynching chants from the mob once they had smashed their way into
the legislature building. One can see how prophecies of the last days and
antichrist can occur suddenly. We need to keep close to our Lord to endure what
is to shortly follow.
There is a big bushfire in the Perth hills with some houses lost already. The
owners of the bus company evacuated to her daughter’s place and are waiting to
return to see how their property fared. They only shifted to their property
fairly recently. I will wait until I know their situation before I think to ask
for equipment I need for the depot.
The USA has signed this big trade deal with China who are taking huge amounts of
corn. I hear from one climate expert that with a drying climate Australia might
become a net importer of food. Kelloggs cornflakes may become much more
desirable here in future. The driver of the bus bringing students from over the
“border” just rang to see if I was going the full distance - yes, but only sheep
and not goats are getting on. He cannot pick any of his students up until at
least next Monday, so has an extra week’s “holiday” along with his students
(students in “lockdown” at home) - excluding any sudden new vocals. No new cases
to date so we are hopeful. Also the Lord has blessed me with being able to work
this week.
I just thought how you might be able to build a snowman with your students at U
of L to involve in your classics “classroom”. Just a thought - they say it is
sometimes better to bring things out into the open. Something they will
remember. [perhaps I will not want to know what you think of this “bright
idea”].
Thank you for your life lived for Him so that we may be led to the truth, live
it, and share it with others. A long way to go to where I need to be and the
time is so short and getting more interesting with everything including the
numerous vocal pronouncements.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
In Jesus the Word of truth.
Your student
Response #32:
It's better to have
a hard slog than no slog at all! So I'm very grateful to the Lord for the job.
Of course the only plane I actually own is an old somewhat rusty one I
occasionally use for taking a little bit of the edge off of doors and such
(might bring a quarter at a garage sale).
On account of the rain, not enough snow left for a snowball today, let alone a
snowman. In any case, students would have to stay six feet apart from each other
building him while wearing masks. Doesn't sound like much fun. Also, difficult
to teach Greek or Latin that way. They come so rarely now (two out of three days
officially and of course they're having a hard time of it so they don't show as
they should), that I hate to waste any time I do have with them.
Thanks for the US news too. We are being spoon fed here only things thought
"important", so I hadn't heard about the trade deal. In fact, I only heard by
accident that we apparently invaded Syria last week (part of it, any way). Not
something the news media seems to think it's important for us to know. If I
didn't know we weren't yet in the Tribulation, I'd suspect we were in the
Tribulation. I am getting less and less keen on experiencing it first hand,
however. We ALL have a long way to go in terms of preparing if that turns out to
be our lot.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #33:
Dear Professor
In earlier days I thought it might be an adventure to live through to the 2nd
Advent of our Lord. Nowadays I am thinking that living through the Tribulation
is unthinkable.
My employer sent through a photo of their paddock. Doesn’t look too bad so I am
thankful their house was spared. 5 of their neighbors had their homes destroyed
by the fire and at last report 71 homes lost. Evacuation has taken priority over
the Perth Covid lockdown with families having to flee and are now grouped
together in evacuation centres. Perth is full of smoke so I am grateful not to
be there. I used to work in Wooroloo where the fire started. We lived in one of
the shires affected by the current blaze. That was all in a former life.
Hopefully we will be rejoicing in a new life to come. Nice to have the bad stuff
over and done with.
Bible study recommenced; started at the beginning of John last night. __ and
family having a hard time with the circumstances of his daughter having a
stillbirth which according to the autopsy was due to infection which was not
treated on presentation to medical staff. ___, their pastor’s wife has exhausted
chemotherapy options and is on some other “treatment”. The pastor is having a
hard time coping with everything.
My neighbor just told me that the EU has banned sending v-ions to other
places, including Australia (one for the conspiracy theorists to latch onto), as
they need to treat their populations first. I can see that point, especially as
we have such low infection rates due mainly to our isolation/quarantine
measures. So it may take much longer to dish out all the jabs we were
anticipating to start this month.
Mentioning the 4 Corners programme to a friend, he immediately responded with
“the BLM movement started by the ‘other side’ (Democrats) has resulted in many
more deaths of black people”. Your point of trying to pick sides - of supporting
the “goodies” verses the “baddies” is indeed problematic and will probably
become more so. As it was, seems there was not a lot to go before civil war
ignited.
Total fire ban for most of the southern part of the state today as resources are
exhausted. No grinding, welding outdoors and there are restrictions on vehicle
movements in paddocks.
No social distancing on my bus and no masks. Have found a packet of ten to share
at home should the order be given. You are required to wear them in Perth when
you go out for shopping or on your one hour of exercise within 5 km of home. You
could still do your jog - I run around (drive around) in the bus every day but
hasn’t stopped me gaining weight. Hopefully the 5 day Perth and regions lockdown
will be lifted this Friday 6pm. No new cases found so far.
I am grateful to our Lord blessing us with all we require and more.
Keeping you and your family and Ministry in my prayers. What a great blessing
you are to us all.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior.
Your student and friend
Response #33:
We actually did get
news of the fires over here (one thing cable channels love to cover is any sort
of fire or disaster). I'm very happy to hear that you are not directly affected.
"Nowadays I am thinking that living through the Tribulation is unthinkable."
Amen! Unfortunately, we do have to think about it somewhat – but in total faith
that if it is our lot to go in and go through, the Lord will help us get
through, at least to whatever point He wants us to reach. Everything down here
is temporary anyway, liable to "go up in smoke" with a change of the wind. We
only imagine through the madness that is in our sin natures that things are
durable. Give it enough time, and nothing is. And very often in the course of
history, "enough time" has turned out to be "no time at all". It will be
interesting to see the elites of the new oligarchy reduced to nothing but ashes.
Having nothing is a sort of blessing, as my maternal grandmother was fond of
observing.
Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city,
Whose merchants are princes,
Whose traders are the honorable of the earth?
The LORD of hosts has purposed it,
To bring to dishonor the pride of all glory,
To bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.
Isaiah 23:8-9 NKJV
Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.”
Revelation 18:21-24 NKJV
For us who have next
to nothing, "fleeing Babylon" when the command comes, not even going home to
retrieve our coats, will a good deal easier for just that fact.
Great to hear that you are still on it with your Bible study, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #34:
Thank you for your
reply. Your words and the scriptures you cite are a reassurance of our Lord’s
complete faithfulness and love, and especially to realise we will be here for as
long as the Lord has determined.
After reading from ‘Mark Questions’:
Mark 4:41 “... and they were filled with great fear” ESV (after he had calmed
the storm).
Q: Is it the Apostles who asked Jesus if he cared that they perish in the storm?
Q: Is it Jesus they are then afraid of? (cf. Matthew 8:27 which says
‘marvelled’).
The next question came up (from me) at J’s Bible study.
Q: What does John 4:14 mean?
Q: Does it refer to a one off “drink”?
We are told to continually drink from the Word of God. This seems to be similar
to needing the physical water for our physical bodies daily, just as we need to
drink of the spiritual water daily for our spiritual bodies. I see that once we
have found Jesus, Him and His word are what satisfies our spirits, yet we still
need to “drink daily” this spiritual food from scripture and prayer.
What is the explanation; I do not quite understand here?
Another day of total fire bans. Strong winds started again. With the aircraft
brought in from the east, thousands of tons of retardant dropped in a line
managed to save (at least for now) the Shady Hills community. There is flooding
some hundreds of miles to the north and the hope is that the weather system will
move south and put out the fire. No human lives lost which is indeed a blessing.
Somewhat ironic that some of the news you don’t hear in the USA we get from the
USA! Via our media speaking to relevant authorities in your country. Then again,
the partial invasion of Syria by the USA I did not hear about. Strange times
indeed.
We are wondering whether Google will pull the plug on Australia. Our government
and Google in dispute over payment to news organisations for news content. I
don’t know whether that would mean that this gmail address and emails would
cease and be lost? Or just the search engine access in Australia? Just in case
Google carries out the threat, you might receive emails from different
addresses. Or who knows how long our electronic communications will prevail into
the near future. As you say, nothing is permanent in this world. Strange times
aren’t so strange - in many ways, same old, same old (natural man). The
accelerant, however, may be much more akin to the present hot gusty winds
fanning the bushfires here. Waiting for the rain while the country burns.
I am thankful to have the blessing of having access to your site.
Keeping you, your family and ministry in my prayers.
In Jesus for whom we wait.
Your student and friend
Response #34:
Mark 4:41: Yes, they
did not "get" who Jesus was, even if Peter did understand it intellectually. We
should not be too hard on them, however, because if we really "got" who Jesus
is, we would never be afraid of anything in the least (as well as many other
positive benefits). Learning just how BIG God is constitutes a large portion of
spiritual growth – and since He is infinite, that process will never come to an
end (probably not even on the other side).
John 4:14: This is speaking of salvation. We do need the water of the Word
daily. But the Word that saved us was a one time thing – as long as we don't let
it depart from our hearts. This is analogous to what the Lord tells Peter about
the footwashing incident in John 13, distinguishing between salvation washing
and the washing of confession; analogously we need a salvation drink of the
truth of the gospel – and then plenty of drinking of the truth ever after.
It wouldn't be the end of the world if Google pulled the plug on the US! In
terms of email, with big tech shutting down everything else, many have opined
that email will be the next thing to be sternly regulated. We'll use the
work-arounds the Lord gives us if so.
I'm keeping you and your place in my prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #35:
Dear Professor
Thank you for your answers to my questions. Mark 4:41: Until recently I had not
considered that the Apostles were afraid of Jesus. I certainly understood that
they were afraid of the stormy seas - then they were afraid of the solution, the
one who had power over the elements. I can see that it would be spooky
witnessing such power and control coming from a “man”. I wasn’t being hard on
them, rather seeking more understanding and now almost “get it” (the one verse)
myself.
It is fairly obvious how small we are, with death coming to all. Amplifiers such
as our current bushfires and gusty winds make it even more starkly obvious,
especially as today the weather is cooling and all of us have the hope of rain
to douse the inferno. 81 homes lost to date. The Australia government and Google
are having much more friendly chats today so it seems I may yet keep this email
address for a little while.
There were a few things that I was thinking to talk to you about, but because of
ol’ timers they have slipped my mind - bit tired the first week back into the
early morning routine. A bit annoying - like trying to recall a dream (some
understanding here for Nebuchadnezzar’s frustration). If only I had another week
or two of holidays maybe I could have got those big projects under control.
No new cases of covid here so it seems the lockdown will end 6pm today.
Restrictions still in place. Those “over the border” are required to wear masks.
Be interesting on Monday when those from over the road join us from the “safe”
“States” who are not required to wear masks, bundled into the school bus
together. So far I haven’t heard anyone on media or anywhere ask this question
and I haven’t either. On my namesakes bus are all over the border so be
interesting at school seeing how the masked and unmasked get along. Also I
haven’t thought of asking him about it - though he has asked about my
border(line) operations this week.
I am waiting for the official “jump how high” command. Could come at any time,
day or night - last night’s announcement started at about 830pm. One is required
to be continuously glued to the screen, radio waves and perhaps the next type of
app allowing for rapid response.
Of course we all need to sign in at shops, businesses, churches - basically
everywhere, with our Covid safe phone app, or register our details with pen and
paper for each premises we visit to allow for tracing of any new outbreaks.
Be nice to get back to normal sometime but we are told that we never will.
Meanwhile we will continue enjoying the things that are permitted. We are still
in the good times, before the storm.
Praise God for all His blessings now.
In Jesus our master.
Your student and friend
Response #35:
"I had not
considered that the Apostles were afraid of Jesus" – they were certainly
awe-struck on this occasion on account of what He was able to do (but they also
had very short memories).
"It is fairly obvious how small we are" – it may be obvious, but it seems
to be very difficult for human beings to internalize. God is infinite, "bigger"
(though there is no right word for it) than the universe to in infinite degree,
yet human beings tend to imagine Him rather small and far away – when they
imagine Him at all. This seems to be part of the free-will apparatus we and the
angels share. After all, Satan was in His presence, but a certain degree of His
glory and extent (another inadequate word) must have been veiled for the devil
to imagine he could somehow defeat God! And human beings, who should know that
"death is coming to all", tend to live as if they personally were an exception
to that nasty rule. It really is amazing how "big" human beings imagine
themselves to be, how important, and how nearly immortal too. This is part of
the madness that we are born with in these bodies of sin.
The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.
Ecclesiastes 9:3b NIV
A big part of
spiritual growth in coming around to a small measure of humility where we start
to reverse in our hearts this "Me big / God small" fallacy of thought with which
the human race is naturally afflicted. Bushfires and other disasters and
personal tragedies ought to have some effect there, but one should never
underestimate the power of free will to harden the heart – to the point of
blaming God for whatever goes wrong (about the only time many people ever even
give Him a thought).
"Be nice to get back to normal sometime but we are told that we never will."
These people who are fond of "telling us how it is and how it will be" are going
to meet their end much sooner than they imagine. In the states, we have a phrase
going back to WWII, "Tell it to the Marines". All these "wise and powerful"
individuals will have a chance to "tell THAT" to the Lord in just a few short
years. This – and the judgments from Him that will precede His return – is a
solace that all believers have a right to embrace. Evil WILL be refuted and
justice IS coming.
(5) [These tribulations which you are enduring] are evidence of the righteous judgment of God in His [judging] you to be worthy of His kingdom on behalf of which you are also suffering. (6) Since indeed it is just for God to repay with tribulation those who are subjecting you to tribulation, (7) and to give you who are being distressed relief along with us at the revelation of our Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, (8) wreaking vengeance in a flame of fire upon those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (9) These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power, (10) when He comes on that [great] day to be glorified in the midst of His saints (i.e., resurrected believers) and to be marveled at among all those who have believed – as our testimony has been believed in your case.
2nd Thessalonians 1:5-10
Keeping you and
yours in my prayers daily, my friend.
In Jesus our dear Savior, the righteous Judge of all.
Bob L.
Question #36:
Last thing. I was looking at the most luxurious cars and apartments. And I thought 'this is what people give God up for?' It is so underwhelming. None of it is appealing. Of course nothing is worth losing Him; it is just that I certainly didn't expect such a low level of nothing.
Response #36:
Esau gave up everything for "a mess of pottage". You are right, NOTHING would be worth losing Him. And whatever people trade out for, a little or a lot, is only "a mess of pottage" in the end.
(26) What point is there for a man to come to possess the entire world, if he should then come to lose his life? Or what can a man pay to regain his life? (27) For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay every man in his own coin.
Matthew 16:26-27
Praise be to our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for whom we have given up everything temporary but through whom we have everything eternal!