Question #1:
Dear Sir,
There has been many "controversial" teachings and arguments about the modern
State of Israel that was formed in 1948. On one side, Bible scholars and
teachers see it as the fulfillment of God's promises to bring Israel back to
their land. They also see it as the beginning of the end time process, the
beginning of the end which would lead to the Great Tribulation and the second
coming of our Lord Christ Jesus. However, on the other side, there are other
Bible teachers and scholars who believe that the formation of the modern State
of Israel was the work of the Rothchilds and was at the center of all kinds of
evil plot to bring about the world government of the Prince that is to come.
They believe that the Church has already replaced physical Israel and they
quoted various passages from the old and new Testament to support their claim
that God is done with the Old Covenant and Israel. One thing they site is the
destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem in 70 AD as the complete
destruction of the Old sacrificial system. They also sited the anti-Christian
and anti-God practices and policies of the modern State of Israel, such as their
continual support of homosexual practices, pride events, etc, as evidence that
this modern State of Israel was not founded by God. (I apologize for the long
preface of my question)
I guess my question is what do you make of this "argument" about the modern
State of Israel and if you can point to me Scriptures and passages regarding the
fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and what role Israel would be playing in
the end times. Personally, I believe the Bible is clear that God's promises to
Abraham is eternal and Israel has been brought back to the land by God and God's
promises to Israel will be fulfilled at the end and the entire house of Israel
will be saved as in Rom 9. However, I also cannot deny the current state of
Israel is still blind to the Gospel and is not the state of the coming
Millennium. So perhaps there are some serious misunderstanding on the parts of
those teachers that writes off Israel completely since 70 AD.
Thank you for all the detail studies on your website. God has used your work to
encourage me and points me back to Him, so thank you for everything.
God bless,
Brother in Christ
Response #1:
Good to make your acquaintance, and thanks for your positive comments –
greatly appreciated!
Just in case you haven't navigated there yet, there is a great deal about
all this at Ichthys. The
"Coming Tribulation" series is a complete accounting of all biblical
teaching about the end times (link), and many particular issues –
including the one you ask about here – have been covered in response to
readers' questions over the course of many years (link
to past postings).
In terms of the opposition you report here, I have to say that what
these two schools of interpretation have in common is that they are both
as wrong as wrong could be. It's important to remember when studying the
Bible or any theological subject that just because one side is wrong
doesn't mean the other isn't wrong as well. "A million angels can dance
on the head of a pin!", "No, only one at a time!" – but angels do not
dance on heads of pins in fact.
People who teach that "the Church has replaced Israel" haven't read the
Bible (apparently); we gentiles are grafted into that olive tree, not
the other way around (Rom.11:1ff.). But the same is true of people who
teach that the present nation of Israel has replaced the Church: Jewish
and gentile BELIEVERS constitute the Church of Jesus Christ, from Adam
and Eve onward to the last person saved during the Tribulation.
To wit, just because the modern state of Israel is NOT the fulfillment
of the many biblical prophecies about the return of the people of God to
the land (and it isn't; for one thing, that return is miraculous,
immediate and total, rather than unremarkable, lengthy and partial;
see the link), does not mean that God does not have a hand in it –
He is in control of all of history, all of which has been foreordained.
On the other hand, just because God has allowed or even enabled this to
happen, does not mean that we should see the secular state of Israel as
anything other than it is, namely, a secular state comprised of
unbelievers. It is true that the Jewish people are "beloved for the sake
of the patriarchs" (Rom.11:28), and as natural olive branches are
capable of being easily grafted back into that blessed tree, but it is
also true that at present "hardness in part" is today the norm among
"this generation" which our Lord assured us would abide until His return
(Rom.11:25; cf. Matt.24:34).
In terms of specific links (as I say, the
CT series is the best place to
get started, and all the "Eschatology Issues" prior postings deal with
this sorts of issues), here are a few you may find helpful – and I'm
also happy to receive any other specific questions you might have about
this subject:
The Regathering and Purging of Israel
Eschatology Issues XI (see Q/A #14)
Eschatology Issues XIII (see Q/A #6)
Eschatology Issues XVIII (see Q/A #16)
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
p.s., your opening paragraph suggests that you have been exposed to same
dangerous antisemitic influences; I would counsel you to stay far, far
away from all such individuals and teachings (see
the link).
Question #2:
Dear Sir,
Thank you for taking your precious time to answer my questions with lots
of references and links. I have been reading the "Coming Tribulation"
series and are in the process of reading through your previous emails
and questions.
One more related question regarding Israel and the Church. You indicated
that all believers from Adam to the last one saved by the end of
Tribulation consist of the Church. However, many Biblical types provided
the two types of women, one the wife of Jehovah, type of Israel, whom
the Messiah was brought out of (for example the woman in Rev 12). The
Bible provides many types of the Gentile Bride, such as Rebecca, Rahab,
Ruth, etc as the type of the Church. Can you please provide some
Scripture support for your assertion that the Church consists of both NT
and OT saints? It is my understanding that Israel and the Church are two
separate entities and they have different callings in God's eternal
plan. For example, John the Baptist refers to himself as the friend of
the Bridegroom, rather than the Bride, which is telling and indicating
such differences exists between OT and NT saints. And this also leads to
another question whether all of the believers of the entire Church is
the Bride? But that's beside the point! These questions and discussions
can go on without end!
Thank you again for all your work. I think one of the precious thing is
that God would use your work to draw people deeper into His word and
seek and prayer to have God reveal to us all the wondrous things in His
word.
God bless,
Brother in Christ
Response #2:
I assure you that all believers from the beginning to Christ's return
constitute Christ's "assembly" or "Church" (as we say in English). For
the details and scripture please see the link: "BB
6B: Ecclesiology"
I consider the alternatives, one variant of which you describe here,
very spiritually dangerous. Separating Israel and the Church, when
Israel is the natural olive into which gentile believers are grafted,
leads to many possible pitfalls. For all who want a short version of the
above link, I would only ask, "when is Adam resurrected?" and "When is
David resurrected?" and "When is Paul resurrected" and "When will WE be
resurrected?" The answer, obviously, is "at the same time, when Christ
returns" (e.g., 1Cor.15:53-54; 1Thes.4:16-17). That being the case,
since we are all one body with Christ at that time, what makes anyone
think that there is a vast distinction now? The arguments to suggest
that is the case are all the sort of derivative ones found in your
paragraph #2; that is, no direct scriptural teaching to that effect. In
the Bible, believers are believers.
It is true that the way God has chosen to reveal His truth has been
different during different times in His plan, the presentation of the
Messiah being different before He came in the flesh versus after for
obvious reasons (cf. Heb.1:1-2; 1Pet.1:10-12). This is the issue of
"dispensations" as it is commonly called in evangelical theology, but
that true concept is often incorrectly understood as well (here's a link
on that:
"Dispensations, Covenants, Israel and the Church I"). And here is
one passage which is difficult to overturn, especially with derivative
logic that is not actually backed up by scripture:
"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
John 10:16 NIV
Jews and gentiles, past and present, we are all "Jesus' sheep", the Body of Christ for whom He died, without distinction in Him.
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Colossians 3:11 NIV
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hello Bob. I pray you are doing well. Have you heard about what people are saying regarding the Mandela effect and the Bible and if so what is your take on the whole situation? I feel like it is just a distraction from Christ however I do not know the Bible well enough yet to know what to think of it. I have spoken with some other Christians and some who have went through seminary school who believe it’s a real thing. They really do feel like the same Bible they have studied for a long time is changing right before their eyes. What are your thoughts?
Response #3:
Hello Friend,
It is certainly true that in these late innings of Laodicea people have gotten
sloppier and sloppier about the truth. But just because people are sloppy in
their approach to the Bible doesn't mean that the Bible is sloppy. The Bible is
the Bible and hasn't changed a bit since it was first inspired by the Holy
Spirit. If anything, as time has passed, more and more manuscripts and other
pieces of evidence have come to light giving serious students of the Word ever
better witnesses to the text to verify that the Bible we have is the Word of
God. Of course, this is true in the original languages only. I'm certainly not
defending any particular translation, and it is true that political correctness,
lack of understanding of the meaning of the truth in the Word, and various other
factors have made newly appearing translations often not as good as what they
are putatively replacing. That said, pretty much all translations (except for
those produced by cults as in the JW's NWT) render the scriptures in such a
similar way that any believer reading multiple versions will get the same basic
things out of all of them.
Building doctrine on any English translation is always dangerous, but any
believer who is more than just out of diapers, so to speak, should understand
that serious spiritual growth is not something that can be attained in complete
independence in any case. We are a Church, not lone rangers. To grow, believers
need to find a good Bible teaching ministry where the Word of God is taught in
sufficient depth and truth to provide them the spiritual nutrition they need to
do so.
As to the "Mandela Effect", here's something I wrote on that a while back:
[Positing a] theory of collective "false memories" could be a way to undermine almost anything. To the extent there is actually anything to it I suspect this has to do with the present sloppiness in all things historical and the present very weak ethos about checking facts (very understandable in a society which is moving away from the written word to an entirely visual interface).
So I'm not sure what your seminary friends are talking about. If they actually
learned any Greek or Hebrew (or Aramaic), then they will surely know that the
Bible is the Bible – in the original languages in any case.
Here's a link at Ichthys where all of the issues above are covered in great
detail: BB 7: Bibliology
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hello Robert, it's been a long time since my last e-mail. I hope you are
doing well in these troubled times we are living. If you don't mind, I
would like to ask you about the Hebrew word nachash, which is
often translated as snake (both in Genesis and when prophesying about
Dan). I read that some scholars say that "Nachash" can also be
translated as "erected or standing and enlightened being". Is that
translation correct?
Hoping and praying you are safe and blessed.
In Christ
Response #4:
Good to hear from you!
I have no idea who these "some scholars" are, but I can tell you that in
language study a word means what it means in context, and in terms of
dead languages where the corpus is finite, lexicographers and scholars
determine the meaning of words primarily on the basis of how they are
used. This is sometimes tricky if the word only occurs a few times (or
even only once) and/or the contexts are questionable. Such is not the
case for nachash. That word occurs 31 times in the Old Testament
and always means snake or serpent as is clear from the contexts. So I
would say that "is often translated as snake" is really "always" (or
some synonymous word like "serpent"). I suspect that the "scholars"
you've bumped into are not worthy of the name and are actually
individuals who are attempting to make the snake in Genesis 3:1
something other than a snake (I've bumped into that heretical teaching
before;
please see the link).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Dear Dr Luginbill,
The NT goes on and on to us that we are heirs and have an inheritance.
Specifically, what are we the heirs to? What is the inheritance? Is it
simply referring to Eternal Life? Is it simply referring to that we will
be in the Lord's presence and have physical spot in the New Heavens and
New Earth? What is it specifically referencing?
Hope you are well! Please take care,
Response #5:
Just as every Israelite entering the land of promise was given an inheritance therein, so everyone in the Church will have an inheritance in New Jerusalem. The rewards we may earn are over and above this wonderful promise of an equal share in Christ and an eternal home.
(1) Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God [the Father] – believe also in Me. (2) There are many rooms in my Father's house. If there were not, I would have told you. For I am going in order to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I shall come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.
John 14:1-3
See the link: "Imperishable
inheritance". For rewards: "The
judgment and reward of the Church".
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
You were a bit unclear what you were referencing by 'promise', did you mean to say that the promise was the entry into Heaven? Because then what you said makes sense.
Response #6:
The fundamental "promise" is eternal life and all that this entails:
resurrection, reunion, and reward.
Scripture treats this promise in two ways: 1) it often stresses that
what's most important is what we all have in common (cf. the parable of
the workers who all receive one denarius: Matt.20:1-16); 2) it also
stresses that we are individually rewarded for our efforts (e.g.,
Heb.11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those
who diligently seek Him." NKJV).
So when we feel we are being pushed backwards we can always comfort
ourselves with the knowledge that we will have a place in the New
Jerusalem and a resurrection body and be one with all our brothers and
sisters forever; and we can also always push ourselves forward with the
knowledge that nothing we do for the Lord will fail to receive it's
reward (not even something so simple as giving a cup of cold water to a
fellow believer: Matt.10:42; cf. Heb.6:10), and that everything we do
will be scrutinized by the Lord (1Cor.3:12-15).
Of course, everything we do that really is good and worthy of reward has
been "prepared" for us to do ahead of time (Eph.2:10), and is done only
in the power of the Spirit without there being then anything for us to
boast about (1Cor.4:7; Eph.2:9).
So we believers in Jesus Christ are in a "win / win" situation,
anticipating an inheritance that all who believe will get (resurrection
body, oneness with the Lord and our brothers and sisters in the Church,
and a place in New Jerusalem forever with life eternal), and also
wonderful rewards that expand that inheritance in ways we still cannot
yet see or appreciate.
"But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."
Mark 4:20 RSV
"And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ "
Luke 19:15-17 NKJV
In anticipation of that glorious day to come in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi Dr. Luginbill -
I hope that you are doing well. We are good - and slowly moving the needle with
our insurance company in order to restore our home post flood.
I wanted to pass along an email I wrote to a friend who is in leadership
(teaches women) in a large church in So. Cal. - my old stomping grounds. She is
receptive to the discussion after a series of rounds on social media regarding
the end times - and differing viewpoints. She is a former theology student -
Moody Bible Institute. I am hopeful - and please be praying for her as she
starts to explore your Bible teachings (I always route people to
Eschatology 2B but emphasis to go back Top-Down
once done).
We are all so grateful for you. Thank you!
Slowly pushing the boulder up the hill,,,
Celebrating our Resurrected Savior and Coming King, Jesus Christ -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Good morning:
Okay, so where do I begin? First and foremost, I subscribed to the false
teaching of a pre-tribulation rapture the majority of my life up until about
2010. I had been searching scriptures and attempting to find solid teaching
since 2006 on this particular Bible subject matter. My journey that led me on
this quest is an absolutely beautiful God story - which I would love to share
with you while sitting under the oak trees and attempting to count the stars.
Bottom line; there is no pre-tribulation rapture or even mid-tribulation
rapture. It simply is not true, the scriptures do not teach it, the Bible does
not include it - man has in error vastly taught this false teaching in
seminaries and the "church visible" for many years (it was a false teaching that
gained in popularity in the late 1800's onward). Man has in error interpreted
passages to mean something that the Bible (at the root) does not teach. The book
of Revelation is for us - believers. It is not for those who get "left-behind"
to attempt to scramble and decipher one of the most difficult books in the Bible
in the most harsh, severe, and challenging times the world has ever known - and
with no Bible teachers around, according to the false teaching - plus factoring
in the restraining of the Holy Spirit removed. How's that all going to work?!.
Why have so many pastors (and loosely using the word "teachers") given this
false teaching "lip service?" I can warrant many guesses; tribulation is not a
popular subject, it doesn't make someone "feel" good or even comfortable, it
does not bring people into the pews, professors in seminary taught them falsely
and they have embraced it whole-heartedly birthing thousands of pastors who
teach the same false "story" (which I can certainly understand how this can
happen).
In addition, if any one Bible pastor/teacher truly spent the time to dig deep
and to find an actual Bible teacher who has spent decades in the original
languages and texts - they would be very, very hard pressed to continue to take
a stand for a "rapture" (pre-trib, mid-trib) - and not seeing it to mean the 2nd
coming of Christ. Yes, I know every argument and passage people throw around to
support their beliefs (I was once there too), but it is again where passages are
mis-interpreted, taken out of context, altered the meaning to where one feels
comfortable with what they choose to believe versus what the Bible actually says
and means.
Why do I feel pastors do not look closer into this "false teaching" or allow
themselves to be challenged and stretched to seek and find that possibly what
they believed to be true is false? Because it's a very, very, very hard pillow
to swallow - and, more importantly, they would have to humble themselves to the
point of being able to tell their flock, "I got it wrong." Who wants to admit "I
am a false teacher" in evangelical Christendom? I had to go through that
process. I had to first admit to myself - and then to God - that I got it wrong.
I was grieved for days, weeks even, but I was willing to go there. That's the
difference, and that's the point.
My question to the Lord during an intimate conversation with Him based on a
passage I had been reading in scriptures (back in 2006) was to simply ask Him
this one question, and with sincerity of heart; "Lord, have I ever been taught
falsely?" My answer in my head was, "Surely, not!" I was wrong - and on many
fronts. Humbling! Shook me to my knees. Grieved me to my core. Repented. After
the shock and awe (because that is exactly what you will feel) I picked myself
up and said, "Okay, I have much to learn!"
I grieve for my brothers and sisters - terribly. On my heart, in my prayers, and
I try to crack even a window for anyone of my "church family members" to be
willing to at least open to door to pursue the discussion and willing to seek
the truth even if they find it's not what they originally thought. It's an
uphill battle, a boulder that barely moves, and too many are far too ready to be
comfortable in their beliefs - versus be moved to a place of discomfort (because
that is what it will feel like when the truth regarding the tribulation is
grasped based on what the Bible actually says).
Church is not a high-school of choice where there is an allegiance to the
home-team. Church is not a building with members. Church is not about programs
and "feel goods." There is the "church visible today" - and then there is the
real church which is a worldwide body of believers who have accepted the Lord in
faith, become students of the Word of God, work to grow spiritually (past saving
faith) - building-up one's faith (reliance, dependence, trust in God and His
word in all things no matter the circumstances) - in order to do one thing -
grow and grow up others. That's it.
Why do I grieve so badly for my brothers and sisters? Because the Bible says
that 1/3 of actual believers who are not "solid" with what the Bible actually
teaches will apostatize - maybe because they will be absolutely and horribly
confused at the onslaught of the tribulation - with no rapture having occurred
(which they had been taught by those they "trusted"). They will question
everything else they ever believed and will get "caught up" in the lies of the
anti-Christ ("Messiah" returned). 1/3 of the true church will apostatize.
Staggering!
How easy to justify and say, "Well, those people never really knew him," or "I
will just trust God if the tribulation does occur without a rapture. He'll take
care of me." While the latter may be true, and especially for someone who has
faith so deep that they are committed with the resolve to serve until the end no
matter come what may, even martyrdom - boy, will they be at an extreme
disadvantage and scrambling to understand "what's coming" or "what's next" or
"what am I to do?" Yes, the Bible is for all - but it only means something to
the one who believes it. All through-out the NT - a good and gracious God - is
teaching his flock, training his flock, shoring us up, reassuring us, giving us
our marching orders, encouraging us to prepare - and telling us what is going to
happen. One of those things we are to prepare and be equipped for - no matter
come what may - is the tribulation.
No, it is not far off - and yes, the Bible actually gives us much information on
timelines that has been skipped over, misinterpreted, or simply ignored. God is
not a God of confusion - only man can be confused. Man can choose to sit in
confusion, man can choose to sit "comfortably" in a false belief, or man can
choose to sincerely ask the question, "Have I ever been taught falsely" - and
willing to go there even if uncomfortable or ultimately having to admit, "I got
it wrong."
Please start with Eschatology 2B (The Study of Last
Things). Scroll down on the home page. www.ichthys.com
Please read Dr. Robert Luginbill - Bible professor's
Curriculum Vitae (he too, like me, was
a Pastor's kid who believed in the "rapture" false teaching until understanding
what the Bible actually says).
2B is the easier "overview" versus the exhaustive study
'The Coming Tribulation.'
It took every effort and strength on my part to work my way through the studies
on the site (my learning style is different than the norms). I am so thankful
that I did and I am so grateful for solid, sound Bible teaching. It's like
lapping at water in the dry desert.
I love you, friend - and I miss you. I am praying for you - and I love our
conversation and discussions (iron sharpens iron).
Response #7:
Great letter!
Would you mind if I posted it? [permission granted]
You've certainly hit the nail right smack on the head!
I do promise to say a prayer for your friend – and I'm keeping you and your
family and house situation in my daily prayers.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Hi Bob,
Luke 21:7-13 (NASB) 7 They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, when
therefore will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these
things are about to take place?” 8 And He said, “See to it that you are
not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The
time is near.’ Do not go after them. 9 When you hear of wars and
disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place
first, but the end does not follow immediately.”
Things to Come
10 Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation
and kingdom against kingdom, 11 and there will be great earthquakes, and
in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and
great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all these things, they will lay
their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the
synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My
name’s sake. 13 It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.
From my understanding the Lord outlines the events of the Tribulation’s
first half in verses 8-11. However, to start verse 12 He says “before
all these things”, and then proceeds to describe an event that will not
take place until the start of the Great Tribulation in vv. 12-13. Do you
know why the Lord says this to start v. 12?
In Jesus Christ whom we love,
Response #8:
"Before these things", while a defensible translation in the abstract, is not what pro touton means here. I translate the phrase "But, [what is] even more [grievous] than these things (i.e., the events of vv.8-11)", taking "in front of" / pro as a metaphorical use "more important/significant" rather than temporal/spatial. This is very common with prepositions in all languages. In English "about the house" is literal, but "thinking about" is metaphorical, "putting one's thinking around" something. This is sometimes called the pro of preference (cf. Smyth, para. 1694 c.). In English we say "I rank this before that" in terms of significance, and that is what is going on in this passage as well. Translation and note from CT 4:
But, [what is] even more [grievous] than these things (i.e., the disruptions of the Tribulation's first half),(48) they will lay hands upon them (i.e., believers during the Great Persecution), betraying them into [the hands of] their [religious] assemblies and prisons, haling them before kings and governors for the sake of my Name.
Luke 21:12note 48: The use of the Greek preposition pro in the phrase pro de touton (πρὸ δὲ τούτων) is misunderstood in the versions as being temporal, whereas it should be taken here as preferential in degree rather than in time, that is "more significant" rather than "more recent" (cf. 1Tim.2:1; Jas.5:12; 1Pet.4:8). The point is that for believers the Great Persecution will be much more of a shock to the system than even the horrendous and notable judgments for which the Tribulation is renowned.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Bob,
I have two questions to ask you and they are both controversial so please bear
with me. I'm not being deliberately controversial, I genuinely want to know your
views.
Firstly, do you think the antichrist will be 33 when he first make his
appearance or at the culmination of his reign?
It seems as though he will be a inverted counterfeit of Jesus so that would
include the age of Jesus during His ministry. Jesus ministry was 3 and a half
years and the antichrist rule will be 3 and a half years and the 3 and a half
years prior could be seen as "his ministry".
So he seems to attempt to parallel and imitate Jesus.
I know there has been wild theories about Obama and Trump but they are obviously
not true. I think it more likely him to be 33 or younger when he appears.
So if Jesus was born at year 0 then the antichrist presumably would be born in
the year 2000.
I noticed the other day that there was a "comedy show" on British tv that was
about the birth of the antichrist. That episode was shown in 1999. I noticed
that 999 is 666 inverted. This may mean nothing at all but then I thought what
if that really was his birth year.
All this is speculation but for a while now I wonder about 9/11 and that the
twin towers with smoke coming off them looked like birthday candles. There are
two of them so I thought maybe it was for his second birthday which is a
chilling thought but that would put the birth date to 1999 instead of 2000.
The reason I'm wondering about all this is that we've just been sent a census
that we have to fill out. There was also a census here in 2001. There was a
census taken when Jesus was born also.
Do you think Jesus was born in September? Is this the feast of trumpets?
Then it could be possible that the antichrist in imitation was born in September
too? It isn't too much of a stretch to say September 11 then and then we would
known what that was all about.
I hope all this isn't too controversial to ask. The antichrist will have to be
Jewish though and a fairly young man. All these ideas about American presidents
are just silly distractions.
He will look Jewish and be Jewish. That is the only way that Jewish people will
accept him.
I am convinced that he will look like this thousand year image we accept of
Jesus that is in all the iconography. Bearded and with longish hair. There was a
recent tv show called Messiah that depicted him as such.
I'm afraid this next one is a bit of a bombshell of a controversial question. Do
you think the earth is flat?
When I was just leaving the conspiracy theory movement, everyone was talking
about flat earth and many said the bible confirms that the earth is flat. As I
have never personally left the earth myself, I either have God's Word or man's.
I have already ascertained that man is a liar (like the devil) and the Bible
says that God cannot lie.
So does the bible confirm that the earth is a ball or refute it? The evidence I
have from the bible to refute this has often been seen as metaphor rather than
literalism. In the Bible the earth is described as a circle rather than a ball.
The earth is described as having four corners and Jesus describes it as His
footstool. He also says the earth has pillars as its foundation.
When I look for interpretation then they all say that this is just metaphor.
What if it is literal?
Isn't the firmament described as being like molten glass? Then is it not like a
dome over our heads? Hebrew cosmology was thought of like this
Response #9:
I wouldn't be surprised if the a/c is youngish now and still will be so
when the Tribulation begins. But that is just speculation on my part. I
think it will be beyond obvious to believers who are growing in the
truth who exactly the beast is by that time. That won't be the problem.
The problem will be that nearly EVERYONE else will think he's wonderful
and suspect . . . then later come to accept . . . that he is Christ. We
positive believers will be the proverbial "skunks at the garden party"
for not sharing in the general enthusiasm.
On 1999, I should point out that 666 is an Arabic numeric sort of
designation which was non-existent in the west when Revelation was
written (χξϛ is the Greek shorthand, meaning six hundred, sixty and six
rather than three identical symbols/integers in a row;
see the link for discussion). Also, they didn't have birthday cakes
in antiquity, at least not in the sense we do today (not to mention
candles on them). Lastly, it's not unlikely that Christ was born in
December (no particular day can be established, however;
see the link); September would push Luke's language a bit too far in
my estimation (i.e., when he says that our Lord was "just about 30"
meaning very close to being so when baptized by John in the spring).
On the earth, first, I can assure you that the earth is not flat. If it
were, it would be impossible to fly from e.g. Tokyo to Britain – at some
point one would fly "off the earth". Second, I believe the Bible does
teach this correctly, merely in terms that pre-modern believers could
understand (see the links:
"Does the Bible Ever Describe the Earth as Being Round?").; and Q/A
#13-15 in
"Cults and Christianity VII").
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hi Bob,
Thanks not for laughing! So Sheol is in another dimension rather than
inside the (hollow) earth globe? There are still a lot of things that
are like a stone in my shoe.
The waters above? Could they not be why the sky is blue above the
firmament?
If we are to trust the secular earth globe model then everything the
bible refers to would have to be in another dimension rather than
directly above or below.
Space, we are told, is infinite and we are careening through at alarming
speeds. Where could the waters above and below and firmament be if
outside the whole of our solar system and space itself. It is so much
easier to picture these things on a closed and fixed system.
Are the pillars then just romantic language? If I put together
everything that is said about earth; stationary, cornered, a circle,
standing on pillars with Sheol beneath and the firmament above us like a
dome or vault.. If I put these all together I can really see a
footstool! And isn't earth God's footstool! He could mean it literally!
You can't rest your feet on a speeding ball.
There are verses that say we are fixed and stationary.
1 Chron 16:30b
The world stands firm never to be moved.
This is quite different from NASA saying we are travelling at 1.3
million miles per hour!
Being on a plane rather than a plane(t) would also solve the problem of
Satan showing all the kingdoms from a high mountain and also help every
eye to see Jesus when He returns. Of course as I said before, Jesus
seeing all the kingdoms and everyone seeing Jesus could be supernatural
or it could be literal.
I saw that someone said something that made me think. He said "How could
the Tower of Babel be a threat if it was sticking off a spinning planet
in space that was nowhere near God at all (as He is safely in another
dimension). If it came close to a domed ceiling (like molten glass) that
of course is another matter. Then of course you have Jacob's ladder
which again would have to be links to other dimensions completely
outside the system rather than just from a literal "above".
It just doesn't seem to me to be like God to put His children on a
runaway train. If I had a child and had a choice to put that child in a
cot within my loving gaze (footstool) or in a sports car with the hand
break off down an infinite hill, I know which one I'd choose and be
surprised if God chose the latter. It just isn't His character at all
unless the endless dizzy spinning is a result of the fall.. It doesn't
seem like what I have come to know about God at all.
I have no problem with the world lying about EVERYTHING, even our home.
When I say I don't have a problem, I mean it wouldn't surprise me.
Copernicus and Galileo could've made a mistake/ lied. NASA could be
hiding things. These things are not beyond the realms of possibility.
They already convinced everyone we came from apes and if you try telling
someone we came from an original pair, (made from dust and a rib) they
already look at you as though you have two heads.
Why lie about everything else but be truthful here? All the technology
we have and there is still not a photo of us from space that isn't a
photoshopped composite? I find myself really scratching my head here.
Why can it not be exactly like the bible says it is and "all men are
liars?"
It would make sense that Satan would lie about what we are sitting on in
fact that would be one of the most important lies of all! I realise that
some may say that getting people to doubt the globe is a "satanic lie".
It's a pretty lousy one if it is bringing people to Jesus and the Bible.
Maybe the whole flat earth thing is part of a bigger end time deception
(or used as such). It just seems as though you have to do gymnastics to
put the bible descriptions into a spinning globe in infinite space
rather than a stationary plane.
Speaking of planes. If you look at flight paths, they are very screwy
for a globe model. Also a plane probably should have its nose mostly
down to keep up with the curvature and yet it flies mostly horizontally
(which should logically overshoot the globe.)
Maybe the earth is far more vaster than we have been led to believe with
greater amount of sea around us and an ice wall (Antarctica) around that
makes the boundaries mentioned in Job which also makes the earth like
"clay under a seal".
In Jesus,
Response #10:
No worries, my friend.
I really don't think the earth is flat. The Bible does use
phenomenonological language – as we all do (the sun doesn't actual
"rise" or "set" after all) – and also poetic and metaphorical language
(pillars are man-made architectural devices but we don't see anything
like that in the world God actually created and we're not supposed to
take that poetic description literally). But as in the link I shared
with you, what the Bible has to say is actually consistent with a round
rather than a flat earth. How could the sky be a "vault" if the sky were
flat, and how could the sky not be flat if the earth were flat?
I certainly don't subscribe without a quibble to all of the other
cosmological principles that science adheres to (there is no actual
evolution; there was no "big bang"; and I don't know if the universe is
actually expanding or contracting or if it is stationary – and honestly
I don't much care). We believers are given in scripture all we need to
know for our faith and practice. But "flat earth" is not something I see
the Bible affirmatively teaching – not at all. And I also don't see any
single element of the truth which would be affected in any way by
accepting such a teaching (or rejecting it, for that matter).
Along with the convex/concave appearance of the sky from which even the
ancients rightly posited a globular form for the earth, I do think my
airplane example is a good one (one of very many that may be adduced).
If you are flying to Japan or India or from India to Japan and vice
versa, well, it IS POSSIBLE to do that – but if the earth were flat, it
would be impossible to do that . . . because at some point you would
reach "the end"; you would not "go round in a circle" . . . if the earth
were flat and not circular. I honestly don't see any way around that
one.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Dear Bob,
I read Peter lesson #34 when you posted it as an email
replacement, and believe you me I NEEDED IT. There is so much lying, bearing of
false witness, misinformation, and just plain evil going on that Peter #34 will
be a FREQUENT re-read along with Psalm #37! My husband and I have cut way back
on TV news but there are still times when I find myself yelling at the
television...and my husband kiddingly reminds me to “take my chill pill”.
All is well with us here. Even though we are both in our seventies, we are
holding off on getting the v-. Would prefer the Johnson & Johnson one shot
if things become mandatory. Talked to __ on the phone for the first time two
weeks ago. It was wonderful!! She has the same phone personality as revealed in
her emails. She had heat during the “storm”, but lost her water. Everything back
to normal for a while now.
Bob, there is just no way to thank you enough for Ichthys. It/you are my church
and my spiritual “lifeline”. Keeping you and yours in prayer. Especially asking
the Lord to protect you from harm...of ALL types.
Your friend and student in Christ,
P.S. Loved Bibliology too!
Response #11:
Thanks so much for the encouraging update – and your good words!
I've so far passed over my opportunity to get the shot – to the dismay
of some who love and care about me. I do know a number of folks now
who've been dosed, and no ill effects . . . after the first 24 hours.
However, I do know a number of people who have had a very hard time
after their first dose, and I just heard a microbiologist of standing
suggest that getting the v- if one has been infected and recovered
is "bad medicine" and possibly dangerous. As I might have mentioned, I
suspect I had a mild case of the bug the December before it gained
notoriety. We'll see how it plays out going forward. The virus seems to
be burning itself out in any case, even without the v-, so I'm not
sure it'll really be necessary to keep on with this – but as you imply
it might just be mandatory down the road. After all, they went to all
this expense and have got all this extra v- laying about so . . .
Good news about ___. I have been in contact with ___ and he seems to be
doing well. Sure wish there was a way for him to get released early. It
really is ridiculous that he is "inside" and all those knuckleheads in
Portland have never seen the inside of a jail cell. Maybe I need a
"chill pill" too! We'll have to keep him in our prayers.
Keeping you in my prayers daily, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Hello Bob -- again,
Psalm 139:15 Is this verse poetic hyperbole or is there more to it?
In Jesus,
Response #12:
The "lower parts of the earth" in Psalm 139:15 (which is what I assume
you're asking about here) is usually a reference to Hades (cf. Ps.63:10;
Is.44:23; Eph.4:9). Comparing the womb to Hades is metaphorical – both
being dark and unseen places – but also significant for those who want
to claim that there is "life in the womb", because that is not at all a
comparison one would make if thinking about things in that way. The
comparison seems to be physical birth (coming out of darkness and into
the light) being analogous to re-birth (coming out of the kingdom of
darkness and into the light of the truth) and also to resurrection
(coming out of the darkness of physical death and into the light of life
eternal).
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob, My daughter just sent me this (Here is some Dr talking about ivermectin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URwVc-SKQSw&feature=youtu.be). I'm weighing options on how to proceed with this situation. Hope you are having a good week. Mine, not so good yet. Septic blocked at inlet, sewer backup to floor ( 2 toilets, 1 shower, 1 bathtub ) Tank pumped, now I get to pull 2 toilets and change the wax rings. It's a dirt job, but someone has to do it ( i.e. me ). I'll be glad when this is behind me! Never a dull moment! It will sure be great when we get delivered by our Lord from all our present troubles. Take care, Bob! Your friend in Jesus,
Response #13:
Great link!
My good friend had the v- the other day (Pfizer) and was knocked out for
two days. I really can't afford that at the moment. This semester has been THE
most difficult in my career, and I've not been able to skip a beat. I'll be glad
when this one is finally in the books, but a lot of unfinished business between
now and then. By the time things calm down in May, the bug may have "bugged out"
so that I don't need to worry about it. As this video you shared makes
abundantly clear, if you have a doc who will actually be willing to treat you,
Covid is not nearly so big a threat.
Sorry about your home repair troubles! But at least you can handle it. I'd have
to have a whole team of plumbers here for a week.
Keeping you and your family in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Thanks for those prayers, praying for you also that all the bugs in life will get knocked out, resulting in some smooth sailing for a while. We'll surely be thanking God for His providence and care as we navigate through our present troubles! Hang in there, Bob, and I'll be trying the same! In Jesus,
Response #14:
Thanks!
Question #15:
Hello Bob,
I hope this finds you well. I've realised that I've lost about a month
worth of spiritual growth lately and have been getting really down.
I have a relative who is relentlessly bombarding me with emails, phone
calls and DVDs about conspiracies. I think the enemy is using him to
throw me off my walk and my faith has been suffering because of it. I
think the enemy has noticed that I not only want to grow in faith and
closer to Jesus that I also want to produce fruit too through ministry.
I think the enemy is going in hard against me. Remember you said I was
almost running the walk at one point? Well I have had terrible flak of
late.
I said before I would go cold turkey over the conspiracies and I did.
The problem is that this relative tries to lure me back. I'm ashamed to
say that these conspiracies have an almost addictive quality. I think
that they are designed to be seductive by the enemy, just like occultism
and the new age is. Almost like a siren's call to woo us to crash our
ships against the rocks but this siren wants to end my progress and
production and eventually to take my faith.
I am getting back though by listening to my audio bible. It is helping
me to get back. I realise how dangerous it can be to not be in the Word
everyday. The enemy loves it when we don't find the time or make excuses
or are drawn back into the things of the world (the weeds).
He is the person whose friend tried to get me to speak in tongues that
really threw me for a while. I have to say that I was probably naive to
think I was mature enough to evangelise to him to believing in Jesus.
All he has done is none stop evangelising me back towards conspiracy.
I've noticed how he hooks me in. He says a lot of things that doesn't
interest me at all but it almost seems as when he finds out what is my
drug of choice then that is what he focuses on. He has become like a
drug dealer to me! Should I just cut ties completely?
I will get back on my feet again and walk on. It will be difficult as I
have lost time, bearings, confidence and the worst of all, I've lost
some of my faith. It was getting so strong before and so the enemy has
just used one weapon after another on me. I realise that bible study and
growth is just an essential part of my day as food and drink if not more
so. I've really suffered lately but I realise that it is because my
faith is so precious that they enemy wants it so badly. I will get back
to where I was before, I am determined and despite my losing my footing
and a bit of my faith, I do love Jesus Christ more than anything in this
world.
I know I have to show Him my faith by trusting in Him even when attacks
have hurt my faith and I have lost ground. Amen!
P.s it looks like your theory of the antichrist's religious system is
gaining weight by the day!
Have you noticed that everything that is ugly, destructive and evil is
promoted whilst at the same time there is a strange puritanical
rejection of saying the wrong thing and thinking the wrong thing.
It seems as though everyone is just "doing what they want" what ever
that might be, but if you criticise them or say the wrong word about an
ever changing array of subjects, you are "cancelled".
All the more reason to keep our eyes down in our bible and keeping our
sights on our prize, Jesus Christ.
In Jesus,
Response #15:
Don't be too hard on yourself, my friend. You're righting the ship – and that is
what counts. It is good to remember, however, that whenever we get off track, we
always pay a price; whereas, whenever we are walking closely with the Lord and
"hitting on all cylinders", we always feel much better about everything. Not
that it's about "feeling", but an easy and peaceful joy in the Lord is much
preferable to having to fight our way up that same hill again. Still, we all
have a certain amount of that . . . because none of us is perfect.
It's good to learn exactly where our main weaknesses and vulnerabilities lie.
That way, when we are tempted for the 142nd time perhaps we will see it coming!
And after the 298th time of seeing it coming, perhaps we will think twice about
succumbing!
The Christian life is a learning experience. But retraining ourselves is not
just a matter of information. It's a matter of true priorities, will-power, and
finally getting around to putting the Lord first in all things. Praise God for
His great patience with us all!
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Exodus 34:6-7 NIV
Thanks also for the positive comments. Being correct about how terrible things
will become, however, isn't exactly the stuff of joy. But it's better to know
than not to know (Eccl.2:14).
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Hello Professor,
Hope your are having a great week! I am writing to ask for your help. I am
leading a small group (5) through your eschatology series (bible basics) and I
am using your larger coming tribulation to provide additional details and
explanations. I am currently struggling with the "Great Apostasy", specifically
the 1/3 number and how you came up with that. Now on a basic level I understand
the concept. Matthew 25:1-13 leaves out the Martyrs, so if we have two half's
and we include another group (the Martyrs), that leaves us with three equally
divided in thirds. Is that right? What exactly does Zech. 13:8-9 mean? Who are
the 2/3 that shall be cut off, and who is the other third?
Also, I kind of understand the dual application of Rev 12:4, but how do we know
that because Daniel 8:10 talks about host of heaven (I assume that means earthly
believers, who because of their faith have positional and eternal
sanctification) and than are cast down because of apostasy (lose that
sanctification)) (is that right?) that we should assume that is what Rev. 12:4
also means?
I hope these questions make sense. I just completed leading the group through
your Peter Series and it went well, although I may have learned more leading it
then they did! By the way all of us were raised Pre-Tribbers and although I
always had reservation about that teaching, it was you work on eschatology that
absolutely convinced me that their is no scriptural support for that belief, and
I believe my class is listening! (they are really open minded, so praise the
Lord for opening the door for me. I was quite surprised that after
Peter#27, three false doctrine's that they wanted to do
eschatology!)
Anyway, thanks for all your wonderful work and resources! I pray for you daily!
Looking forward to that great day when I get to meet you and tell Jesus why your
probably the reason I'm their!
Have a Great Day!
In our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Response #16:
"But when the Son of Man returns, will He find faith [still existing] on the earth?"
Luke 18:8b
The verse above is sufficient to demonstrate – as if there were necessary given everything else the Bible has to say about the Tribulation – that surviving it with faith intact will be no easy lift. After all, Revelation is replete with warnings about the need for staying faithful, e.g.:
(9) And yet a third angel followed them, saying in a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives [his] mark upon his forehead or upon his hand, (10) he himself will also drink from the wine of God's wrath which has been mixed undiluted in the cup of His anger. And [that person] will be tormented in fire and sulfur before angels, [and] saints,(58) and before the Lamb. (11) And the smoke of their torment will go up forever and ever, and they have no rest day or night, those who worship the beast and his image and whoever takes the mark of his name." (12) [But] the saints have perseverance, [even] those who in this way (i.e., by refusing the mark and worship of the beast) keep God's commandments and [retain] their faith in Jesus. (13) And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on so that they may rest from their labors", says the Spirit. "For their deeds follow with them."
Revelation 14:9-13
Furthermore, the other passages and discussion in loc. (CT
3A: "The Great Apostasy") do make it abundantly clear, I hope, that
a great many will fall away from the faith (this is a possibility at all
times, after all; see the link: in Peter #27: "Three
False Doctrines" under "Positional Security").
So I assume this has to do with the precise number, that is, the "one
third". If so then, the first thing I would ask is that people not get
put off by the interpretation of passages about the number. People tend
to get over-excited about such things, and that is always problematic in
terms of the Bible since the cultures and individuals who produced the
Bible in the Spirit don't think about numbers the same way we do in our
"modern" world.
The second thing to point out is that sometimes quibbles about
insignificant particularities (i.e., it's a BIG number even if it
weren't literally 1/3) often mask deeper disagreements. The Tribulation
IS coming. It will be VERY difficult. Being a believer will NOT
guarantee successful navigation of those terrible times. And MANY will
apostatize. Only those who are prepared – or become so very quickly once
the "balloon goes up" – are likely to make it through so as to be able
to give our Lord the answer He desires to the question in the verse
first quoted above as to whether ANY faith will be found on earth when
He returns: "YES! My faith did not flag under the pressures!" That
really is the important point, and I dare say the entire reason for this
ministry in the first place and a great portion of my personal
motivation in working on it for so many years, namely, to help my
brothers and sisters in Christ get ready for the most difficult time in
all of history (whether it's one third or less . . . or even more
falling away).
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Matthew 24:21 NKJV
Even for many of us who have escaped (or never been subject to in the first place) that other terrible false doctrine (Pet.27) of assuming that we'll be "raptured" to safety before it all begins, there are no doubt some residual "ticks" of not taking this issue as seriously as we should. So if someone were really not able to accept the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 breakdown (which I affirm here that I completely believe to be what the Bible teaches), I would counsel them seriously not to let something like that throw them off of a good course of diligent preparation. After all, we DO know that many will be martyred (e.g., Rev.13:10); and we DO know that many will fall away (2Thes.2:3-4; 1Tim.4:1; cf. Dan.11:33-35; Zech.13:8-9); and we DO know that hanging in there with faith will be doubly difficult – and that would be true even if the numbers of those who fall away were not exactly one third or much less (or even greater):
"Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown."
Revelation 3:11 NKJV
As to the method used, I think you have it just right: the main passages are Matthew 25:1-13 (where we see two of the thirds, not the third martyred), and Revelation 12:4 (which, while it does have a double application to angels, is put where it is in the context of the persecution of the newly saved Jews at the conclusion of which the devil goes off to "make war on the rest of [the Woman's] offspring – leading to martyrdom for some and apostasy on the part of others).
(10) "And at that time many will fall away (i.e., will apostatize) and will betray each other and will hate each other, (11) and many false prophets will arise and will deceive many. (12) Now because of the increase of lawlessness [at that time], the love of the many will cool. (13) But he who endures until the end, this [is the one who] will be saved."
Matthew 24:3-13
The internecine strife described by our Lord above (and prophesied elsewhere in scripture as well) stems from former believers casting in their lot with antichrist (i.e., apostates).
And [the little horn] (i.e., antichrist as a type and representative of the devil) magnified himself against the host of heaven (i.e., the family of God, men and angels both), and he cast down to the earth some of the host (i.e., antichrist seducing believers into apostasy) and some of the stars (i.e., Satan having seduced angels into rebellion) and he trampled them underfoot (i.e., their rebellion or apostasy in association with evil leading to their subsequent destruction; cf. Dan.7:7; 7:19; Rev.11:2). He even magnified himself against the Prince of the host (i.e., Christ). The daily sacrifice was abolished by him, and the holy place (i.e., the inner court) was desecrated. And along with the daily sacrifice, the host (i.e., believers) fell into his power on account of [the] rebellion (i.e., the Great Apostasy, with persecution advanced through the help of apostates; cf. v.13). And he threw truth to the ground, and was successful in whatever he did.
Daniel 8:10-12
Revelation 12:4 is clearly meant to parallel this passage. In both cases
the forces of evil are casting the forces of God "down to the earth".
What does that mean? It means debasement, loss of heavenly status for
former believers (and also in a literal sense for the fallen angels
being cast out of actual heaven during the Tribulation's second half).
As to Zechariah 13:8-9, while this verse does offer a parallel and a
support for the numbers breaking down roughly along these same lines,
the specifics actually have to do with contemporaneous Israel where only
a third would survive the coming round of divine discipline and even
that third, the remnant, was to be refined as in a furnace. That really
does speak to the Great Tribulation where the third which makes it to
the end is greatly tested (cf. Dan.11:33-35; 12:10). So we are talking
about the same "one third" (prophetically) but the other "two thirds"
lumped together are different in Zechariah from what will occur in the
Tribulation.
". . . although I may have learned more leading it then they did!" Amen!
That is always every teacher's experience (every GOOD teacher, that is).
Thanks so much for your encouraging and positive words, my friend! They
are greatly appreciated. Hope this is helpful – do feel free to write
back.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Dear Professor
Thank you for your latest Peter # 34 addition. Timely, as myself and a few close
to me have been and are experiencing quite difficult challenges in the area of
relationships at work. Your latest addition certainly gives guidance and
challenges us to improve in this and other areas of our lives.
Meanwhile my friend has asked me how do angels eat if they do not possess a
physical body? Do they temporarily take on a human form to enable them to eat?
He quoted Genesis 18 and 19.
I have looked up quite a few of the ‘angel’ listings in your Subject Index and
the couple in your ‘Translations’ yet I do not have a definitive answer for him;
if indeed there is one.
Quite flat strap here with everything at the moment so will make this short. No
hurry with your reply as I am surer you are flat out too. My flat out in
comparison would be more akin to the colloquial “flat out like a lizard
drinking”. (Lizards I take it drink very little). Though right now I have to
dash and see about some repairs as a overseas worker is taking up residence in
our old house tomorrow.
Thank you continually for your excellent Ministry. I am amazed at what you
achieve.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior.
Your student and friend.
Response #17:
Angels do a great many things that cannot be understood if we think of them as
being spirits only in the sense of not having any physical dimension. Clearly,
they are "spirits"; but also just as clearly they have some sort of "celestial
body" which is neither physically corporeal like our present or coming
resurrection bodies nor completely without context and substance, even if that
context and substance is not something discernible by science. After all, they
are bound by time and space and have a definite and recognizable form. They
interact in the world all the time and can become visible (ground rules
permitting). They are capable of destroying physical things (when ordered or
allowed, Sodom in the prior example, Job's family and possessions in the later).
They engage in combat with each other. They can lift people up by the hair
(Ezek.8:3). The fallen angels engendered the nephilim. One could go on (here's
a link). So angels CAN eat (as our Lord eats in His resurrection body); but
it seems that they do not NEED to eat (nor, I surmise, will we in eternity –
although we shall).
Things are "flat out" here too! But though the road is rocky, the "pogo sticks"
are pretty good.
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Dear Professor
‘Eat’ was what I heard verbally when speaking to him on the phone; his
email actually asked “how do they stand out”, which I interpreted as
“are able to be seen”. Hope my answer was somewhere in the ballpark.
[start answer]
By “stand out” I suppose you mean that people were able to see them?
Demonstrates that angels can be seen if God allows it, and they occupy a
certain volume of space similar to us. They do not need to eat but seems
they can choose to do so when they are permitted to. Seen by and struck
Peter. Acts 12:7 God sets the ground rules. When angels disobey they are
punished. 1 Peter 3:19-20
[End answer].
Turns out one of the drivers I share the bus shed with is an elder in
the Jehovah’s Witness. We had a bit of a chat today. I had also been
inviting him (even before I knew he was JW) to the coffee mornings.
Thank you for your answer. Read and will read more of your links.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior.
Your student
Response #18:
OK, thanks – that did seem a little weird.
Your analysis of the "ground rules" is spot on.
Best wishes with the JW – that is a tough nut. Few people go there (or stay
there) if there is anything not hardened down. Be careful with those pearls.
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Dear Professor
it is usually only in passing that I speak with my colleagues when and if we
coincide at the shed to collect our buses. I had thought he may have been JW
from some previous remarks he has made such as “no human solutions to man’s
problems”.
Yesterday I thought the direct question might be best. “Are you a Jehovah’s
Witness?” Followed by “are you an elder?” Yes to both. I am not expecting that
everyone will “see the light” and I try to keep in mind the pearls. I told him I
have had contrary conversations with JW’s on my doorstep and that I have had
some “conversations” (me preaching) to a city colleague of his where his
colleague might rather me keep quiet than disturb the “peace” (within him of the
correctness of JW doctrine). None of the issues I mentioned shut down the
conversation with this elder - such as a literal new heavens and earth. Perhaps
he is biding his time and place with me. No time like the present as we are
never sure there will be another time.
He talked about religions being of Satan to which I responded that the majority
will follow the antichrist. He agreed with religions = satan lead, but obviously
the penny did not drop for him that this might also include the JWs as a natural
phenomenon. [I agree with your assessment that initially antichrist will deceive
most as his father the devil is the practitioner of clever deceit]. Even now he
is the pied piper to the world.
There was a moment when we looked into each other’s eyes that I felt real
unease. Might be nothing, though I have not felt it with other JW’s. Elders are
the foundation of their religion so perhaps this man is one of their solid
authorities. Got me wanting to ask if he counted himself as one of “the
144,000”. He is authorised to perform marriages.
On the subject of angels; they are visible with our spiritual eyes (which are
closed in lieu of our fleshy eyes). Alisha knew this.
Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So
the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold the mountain
was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17) ESV.
Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD
standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and
fell on his face. (Numbers 22:31) ESV.
Because even a donkey can see an angel, we will likewise be able to see
spiritual beings when our time comes. And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD
standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. ..... (Numbers 22:23) ESV
[omitted]
The scriptures above attest to the reality of life beyond what we see and when
our eyes are opened we too shall see what is now for the most part unseen.
Thank you for the solid teaching from the scriptures. I am most grateful to you
for your diligence in your Ministry.
Your student in Christ Jesus.
Response #19:
I appreciate your bold witnessing for the Word and for our Lord! That is
a better default than timidity and reluctance . . . for certain.
I agree with your assessment that anyone in the upper ranks of an
organization such as this is usually long past entertaining doubt or
having a scintilla of openness to the truth.
There are "strange" and sometimes "wonderful" things that happen – or
are alleged to have happened – in this world that are beyond our ken. My
policy on that is to allow other believers in Jesus Christ their
personal experiences without judgment or comment (unless they are
something that leads dangerously in a bad direction), but also make it a
point not to "build doctrine" from experience (mine or anyone else's);
for we know for a fact that there is much deception out there – a trend
which is prophesied to intensify greatly once the Tribulation begins.
Indeed, if we could "see" the invisible conflict swirling around us,
that would be most illuminating. But I, for one, am very grateful that
we cannot (for a number of reasons). As it is, we have to rely on the
Lord purely through faith – and that is a very good thing. I believe our
Lord's comments to the returning 72 makes plain what our general
attitude and approach should be:
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:17-20 NKJV
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Bob,
I just finished "Eschatology
Issues LXIII" and wanted to comment before doing my yoga of weeding
and prepping the spring garden. (I loved #19, BTW. He sounds like a man
after my own heart:) His comments and your reply prompted this response.
The Church of Scientism is much like organized churchianity; you can
find any opinion or approach that suits your preconceived notions. When
it comes to Sars-2, there appears to be two political parties -- those
who believe in and promote the boogieman and those who deny the
boogieman and don't believe in it. We can call them Neoboogies and
Nonboogies. Practicing physicians seem to be in the later party. Unlike
other corona viruses, we're told this one is mutating rapidly and
getting more virulent, where before, virus mutations went in the
opposite direction. Now Ebola and Zika are trotted out to keep us
frightened and in line. Psalm 58 continually runs through my mind.
This is not an accident. That it's worldwide unlike previous plandemics
is a concern. My belief is that this is all engineered and that it
resembles the French and Russian revolution is no coincidence. I believe
Satan is behind it today and then. It's a foreshadow of tomorrow. Being
a pessimistic curmudgeon, I don't think things will improve for 12 or so
years. So it's good for us to move on to more advanced training. I could
rhapsodize on this at length, but I've bothered you enough with my
notions on this.
It occurs to me that if the Lord establishes governments, we must have
seriously fouled up for Him to give us this one. As I've mentioned
before, AI can create lifelike images of people that can't be
distinguished from real human beings. They're using it in movies/porn
today. I expect it to be a major factor in the Tribulation. It's idle
speculation, but I wonder if that's not what we're seeing from the White
House.
I suppose my only question today is this. There appears to be a
discrepancy between what David wished on his enemies and what Christ
said in the sermon on the mount. Would I be wrong taking Psalm 40:4 to
heart:
"Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not
the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." That seems to describe
government?
Spring is springing down here. Early trees have started to leaf out. The
mesquites haven't leafed, yet, which is the mark of last freezing
temperatures. I'm finding more plants have survived. Figs and
pomegranates won't show signs of life, if they do, until after the
mesquites leaf. Weeds are growing in glorious exuberance of ecstasy and
early season seeds I recently planted are germinating. Unfortunately,
the fire ants survived quite well and invading most everything. I'm
convinced Texas is one gigantic fire ant mound. But that's another
rant...
Otherwise, all is well here. I hope and pray all is well with you and
yours. Your tech issues, as I read them, seem like a recurring case of
mental shingles. There's a reason for that, I suspect. I hope it all
resolves.
Yours in our Lord,
Response #20:
Thanks for the update – and for your good comments as always.
People often get exercised about David's "imprecatory Psalms", but I've
come to love them. We do wish the best for all and love all (not
personally but wanting them to be saved), but we also have a right to be
joyous about God's justice leveled on His enemies who are persecuting us
(e.g., 2Thes.1:3-10). These principles are not contradictory but
actually complementary: we fulfill God's mandates by putting our enemies
and all resolution into the Lord's hands instead of taking vengeance (or
trying to) ourselves. That is what David actually did (refusing, e.g.,
to harm Saul, even when it was in his power to do so).
Things are OK now on the tech front at work (mostly). Busy weekend
(shortened by an hour at that) and busy week ahead.
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Dear Bob,
I hope that all is well with you.
I’ve been talking to ___’s Pastor who is Seventh Day Adventist and have been
debating the ‘State of the Dead’ with him.
I’ve shared a number of the readings from your website with him but he is going
through a process to explain some other readings from the Bible first with me
which he is using to defend his position of Soul-Sleep:
One specific scripture is from Acts 2:34 – “For David did not ascend into the
heavens”. He made the point that David was a Holy person but in this reading, he
points out that David did not ascend into the heavens. So if was saved/Holy, why
did he not go to heaven?
The other scripture is from Job 14:21:
21 His sons come to honor, and he does not know it;
They are brought low, and he does not perceive it.
If we are conscious in our ‘interim state’, then how does this fit in with Job
14:21? I’d appreciate your thoughts on these 2 readings in the context of
‘soul-sleep’.
With blessings in Christ.
Response #21:
Good to hear from you.
On your question, for the first passage, Acts 2:34, no one "ascended to
heaven" before our Lord did. Our Lord tells us that Abraham and Lazarus
were in paradise below the earth with a "great gulf fixed" between them
and the unbelievers in torments (and the conversation between them and
the rich man certainly shows they were NOT asleep). Only after Christ
ascended to the third heaven were departed believers brought to the
third heaven.
Here's a link on that.
As to Job 14:21, all this verse says is that unbelievers in torments
below the earth (they are still there and will remain there until the
last judgment) are not directly aware of what is happening on earth
above. That certainly does make sense. Besides, the thrust of the verse
is that a man who has died and gone to hell cares about his own trouble
and torment there, not about what is happening on the earth above.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #22:
Thanks Bob, your feedback is always valuable and appreciated.
If I may ask, is it therefore fair to argue that Saints have passed to
heaven with Christ and that they are able to hear our prayers and
intercede with Christ on our behalf? As you know, many Orthodox
Christians, like me, and Catholics have been taught to also approach the
Saints to pray to our Lord and God and intercede on our behalf. This
does not mean that we can't pray to Christ directly but just as we ask
our loved ones to pray for us, the same happens with the Saints? They,
like believers, are part of the Body of Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Response #22:
Life down here on earth is all about free will. But free will choice –
to believe or not and to act on that belief or not – is restricted to
this life in this body on this planet. Once we pass to the next life,
there is no more intervention or need or opportunity for it by those on
the other side. This is essentially what the rich man asks Abraham to do
– and Abraham says it's impossible. In terms of observation, however,
the "heavenly sea" in Revelation is essentially a viewing port for what
is happening on earth (cf. the vision of the martyrs being oppressed in
Revelation 15:2). Since the conflict taking place here is THE matter of
interest, it would be odd to assume that departed believers – in heaven
– cannot view what's going on (they have that privilege but departed
unbelievers do not). But in terms of intervention, they have had their
opportunity. All the more reason for those us still here to make the
most of the one we now have!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #23:
Dear Professor
Thank you for your answer. I have always taken the scriptures to read
that both those taken care of in the “wilderness” (those that escape
from Judaea at the mid-point of the Tribulation) and also those few
believers scattered over the earth who are remaining at the Second
Advent are caught up to meet our Lord in the air. The two men in the
field being in the second mentioned group. Matthew 24:40.
I have no doubt the Tribulation will be much worse than we might imagine
- in any event it is MUCH easier to read the account than to see and
live through it. Daniel who saw this time in vision was “...appalled by
the vision and did not understand it”. Daniel 8:27. He suffered a
terrible affect from seeing the vision (worse than a terrible nightmare
). Living then, will be living the nightmare. Hence you could imagine if
our Lord had no assignment out in the field for us, that one and many
might choose a “vacation” to Judea or Idumea around or before the time
of antichrist’s “victory festivities”. (Covid v-ion certificate
might need to be current).
I notice my NIV Bible footnotes attribute Daniel 8:23-25 as referring to
Antiochus IV deceitfully rising to the Seleucid throne. However this
does not seem to fit in with the end times which seems to be the main
purpose of the book of Daniel and Daniel 8:26 where he is told to seal
up the vision for it concerns the DISTANT future - and nothing was more
distant from a history point of view than the Tribulation. 2
Thessalonians 2:3-4 also has that man of lawlessness yet in the future
from Paul’s day.
Because he works in aged care __ has had his first jab (he got the
Pfiser - most of us will be offered the Astra Zeneca). No doubt he
wouldn’t mind a bit of company to the Holy land and a passport to safety
for the duration of the Great Tribulation until the rapture at our
Lord’s appearance. I know this may not be our purpose here, or might not
even be a possibility - I state it because I know how terrible this time
will be - from reading the scriptures, your writings and from Daniel’s
reaction to the vision. Also Jesus’ statement in Luke 18:8. Perhaps from
verse 1 and especially verse 7.
I really appreciate your Ministry and was grateful to your correspondent
for last weekend’s Q5 (Eschatology
Issues LXIV). Striked me that similar images of Jesus were portrayed
in the Mormon church. They would claim to know as Joseph Smith had a
“vision of the Father and the Son” which you can see in their literature
and even his “earthly image” that they print they say is pretty much how
he looks. “Amazing” how close a resemblance to popular art the
“revealed” image by the Mormon church of Jesus is. [All those religions
in favour have ALREADY said “aye”].
I can see how that all religions could be seconded by the antichrist -
they have the image in their minds already. It was good you put in the
‘Marion’ link as I went to its 49 pages and got some more eye opening
information on the Catholic “visions”. Even though I had downloaded it
quite awhile ago I hadn’t read it until it came up in context in your
latest email postings. We need to be spiritually alert for the satanic
signs and tricks which no doubt will be much more convincing than
anything we have ever seen or heard before. I am sure the false signs
will be much more spectacular and convincing than the Fatima “visions”.
Touted as the real thing, the next level to impress not just Catholics,
but the whole world.
Did I mention that your latest Peter instalment #34 is a bit of a
challenge, so I have obviously got a distance to travel. Weather is up
and down a lot - hot, cool, almost cold, then hot again. Quite cool
today. Not complaining, just saying. The eastern states have copped
flooding on top of the bushfires so in the west we are faring rather
well in comparison - some folk over there having their houses washed
away or destroyed by water.
__ got back from South Australia after putting their house on the market
over there. SA hasn’t been flooded and normally the other eastern states
take all the water out of the river for agriculture before it reaches
SA. The authorities put him through the covid hoops and wanted to know
what he was doing over there (his previous home state). Complimentary,
(sorry compulsory) proboscis probe included. He reckons the long stick
didn’t find any brain cells at the back of his skull so they let him in.
Slipped my mind to ask him if they were then sad to see him leave the
state again.
While sick (brain tired to read) I did watch some Youtube of Living
Waters (Ray Comfort), Cross Examined (Frank Turek) and John Lennox. They
have some good things though I find your writings much more satisfying
and your explanations of such things as the creation, the flood
(especially your accompanying explanation of the Nephilim in the scheme)
, and the “whyfore” of the scriptures are more convincing and detailed.
Frank has some good explanations though admitting to not knowing about
things he does not know too much about.
There is a couple that I found quite good, if you have time to look at :
The first is just 3 1/2 minutes: Where Did God come from? - Best answer.
1.4 million views - 4 years ago. ghitamoldovan The second is a bit
longer: Creationist Stumps Evolutionary Professor with ONE question!
(Living Waters).
Thank you for all your Ministry work and for the contributions of fellow
believers that certainly strengthens and adds to our knowledge. I pray
all the adaptations you have had to make at U of L will just about be
done and you can get back to a bit more normality like we enjoy over
here - at least limited normality. Still is a case of you don’t have to
be ____ BUT ....... (not sure if it is PC to say anymore after the
“after midnight” safety comment of the Australian defence chief got him
a blast of rage from the mobbers and media). Even our top brass are
hounded to heel to Political Cillyness, so I am careful not to spell the
word with an ‘S”. Can’t be too careful! Oops again! That phrase
definitely would not go down well with PC people.
There is no doubt the world is rapidly going down the gurgler. Though I
heard a voice of calm reason on the “race issue” on the ABC radio show
Counterpoint yesterday. Don’t know how much longer they will permit
calming voices (“dissenters” from the world’s satanic storyline) to
continue in ANY form. Will see if she keeps her job after that choice of
academic excellence on her program. The devil’s lot are ratcheting up
the PCers rage on almost all fronts. Their “answer” for multiple issues
is compulsory “education” for all students on these issues (China? Are
we?) Our taxes fund all this antichrist teaching in our schools,
universities and work places. They want everyone barking from the same
dog pound and everyone singing from the same hymn book to the same
idols.
Keeping you and your Ministry in my prayers.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior.
Your student and friend
Response #23:
Thanks for the update, and for your good observations as always.
Apologies for the brief response. I've been in "dental emergency mode" since
Friday afternoon when half of one of my lower molars (on the only side that
still chews) sheered off. I was blessed to find an emergency dental place that
saw me after queuing up at dawn and Saturday and by that afternoon I had a temp
filling – but was wiped out by the procedure and the novocaine in particular had
a telling effect (did manage the posting, as you know). Sunday I recovered
enough to do Monday but today I had to go back for the crown prep – and it was
twice as bad as Saturday and lasted twice as long as they ground my old tooth
down to nothing and had trouble getting the temp crown on. So I have just now
finished grading my exam #2 set for three classes and almost finished prepping
classes.
Good to have this almost behind me . . . if I can muddle through tomorrow and
Thursday . . . only one more trip to the dental dungeon for a while (God helping
me!).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #24:
Hello sir,
I saw the new posting and I will be reading it soon after I complete the
"John Questions". Thanks for letting me know about it.
Things are ok now after a couple of months of very rough time. My mother
suddenly fell ill after her blood sugar went very high and got infected
with a terrible fungal infection and also suffered from Maxillary
Sinusitis. Doctors initially suspected that it was cancer but the tests
found no malignancy. We never new she had diabetes. She underwent a
laproscopic surgery to clear the infection. The infection has not
completely gone though and her right eye doesn't open anymore and she
has lost vision in that eye. Doctors say that the infection might
reoccur if her blood sugar doesn't remain normal. By the Lord's grace we
found financial help.
I just found out that even I am diabetic. Well, that explains why I was
always tired. I think I had it for several years without knowing it. I
always thought it was a rich man's disease lol. Just trying to loose
some weight and being careful of what I eat. I haven't started
medication for it yet.
Lord has been kind to me through all of this, He gave me strength and
courage even before He sent help.
I have been praying for you and all those on the "special prayer
request" list and will continue to pray.
Nice to hear from you Sir.
In Jesus our dear Lord,
Response #24:
I'm very sorry to hear about your and your mom's health troubles, my
friend! I will definitely be keeping all this in my prayers (I've
updated your request at Ichthys).
Things here are continuing to be troubled by Covid, politics, and Covid
politics. I'm doing OK (some dental problems but nothing like what you
and your mom are dealing with).
Haven't heard a lot from ___ lately – hope you two are continuing to be
in touch. Last I heard he'd found a good job, so that is a blessing.
I've been teaching in the classroom but also streaming my classes and
recording them. It's been a difficult semester with all manner of
additional admin duties to keep up with this crazy new way to teach with
things going in multiple directions at once. I'll be glad when it's
over, but have committee responsibilities now continuing into the
summer. Grateful to the Lord to have a job, however.
Take care of yourself, my friend. It's not easy to keep weight under
control – I know that well from personal experience!
You're in my prayers every day, my friend.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #25:
Hello Sir,
Just messaged ___ on whatsapp. He doesn't speak much these days. He says
he is writing a fictional novel on the tribulation and they are also
expecting a sixth baby(due in October). I think he has a hectic life and
doesn't get much time for anything else. I will keep praying for him.
I have lost a few kilos in the past one month. I hope to continue that.
early dinner(before sunset) and and not having anything for at least 16
hours till next day is helping. I would eat just about anything and
whenever I wanted. With the Lord's help I have quickly made these
adjustments. also a BAMS Dr. is helping me with all this.
You take care of your health. Dental problems do get irritating. oil
pulling helps a lot to keep teeth healthy also massaging with a mixture
of mustard oil salt and turmeric helps.
I will continue to pray for you. I have been reading your email postings
and I am aware of the difficulties you are facing at the work front
because of COVID-19. Lord will get you through everything.
Thanks again for reaching out.
In Jesus,
Response #25:
Thanks for the update on our friend. I can't imagine having six kids! I'm sure
his life is hectic and then some! I do keep him on my list.
Good for you that you've been able to lose a good deal of weight, my friend! I'm
hoping to get to that too once summer starts (though my semester got a bit
elongated this week as I signed onto a search committee – in order to make
things a bit more palatable in the fall through keeping me off of another
committee). The left knee is tolerating some light jogging without getting too
achy, so I'm hoping that as the weather gets better and I have more time I'll be
able to increase the amount of calories I'm burning. That hindrance, and the
fact that I'm not getting quite as much physical activity at school because of
Covid (75% of face to face teaching and kept off of campus Tues./Thurs. in my
case) has made losing that much harder and gaining that much easier.
Thanks for the advice too, my friend!
Keeping you and your family in my daily prayers.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #26:
On a completely different theme (though all still related to the end times we
are now living in):
Q. Mark 13:20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would
be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.
ESV
Q1. Does this mean that even those who fled into the mountains from the
abomination that makes desolate, would perish if the time was not shortened?
Rev. 12:4
Or does it only refer to the relatively few people (including the elect)
remaining alive on the rest of the earth?
Response #26:
Sorry I neglected to answer this question. I'm usually averse to reading
too much into our Lord's counter-factual arguments or playing them out
"as if" they weren't the case. These are given only to help us realize
things that are true. So as in the case where "if the miracles done here
were done in Tyre" etc., the point is that THIS place is so hard in
heart that it makes gentile locations look good. And in this case, it
merely means that everything would be "up the spout" but for the timely
and actually before-time intervention of the Lord – leading us to see
just how terrible things will be at Tribulation's end.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #27:
I've been reading Jeremiah this week. It's been pretty amazing reading it over the past few days. I feel like I can really relate to him at the moment. His anguish at the people of Judah for their disobedience to the Lord's will and them not listening to his warnings and even being persecuted. Yet despite his anguish he fulfilled his ministry and remained faithful to the Word of God. He's a great example to me.
Response #27:
As one professor pointed out to me one time, Isaiah volunteered, but not
Jeremiah. He also had it very rough, with plenty of people trying to kill him
for telling them the truth, and no one ever believing him (aside from the
remnant, such as it may have been, too small in any case to deliver the country
from destruction).
The "Jeremiah experience" is one that many of us are likely to have in the not
so distant future, so paying attention there will no doubt be very beneficial.
Easier to read now than to cope with on that future day. Or as Revelation says,
"sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach".
Question #28:
Hi Bob,
I think you're right about the "Jeremiah experience"!
What's most important for me right now is to continue to grow and
prepare spiritually especially so I'm able to endure the Tribulation.
And if things don't change pretty quickly I already know those lukewarm
family and friends who are going to need my help too when that time
comes. It's going to be the toughest thing I've ever had to go through
in my life but if the Lord has placed me there then I have full
confidence in Him to help me through.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 1:19
They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
How has your week been, Bob? I hope you get to have some rest soon and I
hope tooth #30 is still hanging on in there! Not too long now till Derby
day! I can't believe how quick that has come around again.
In our dear Lord Jesus
Response #28:
Thanks for all your good efforts, my friend.
Just got news today that my crown is in. The temp crown is already loose, so . .
.
We will all be "Jeremiahs" when the Tribulation begins, all of us who love the
Word now – but at least we have each other! Praise the Lord for that!
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.