Question #1:
Good morning Dr Luginbill,
I hope your are well, and that everything is well in your life.
What do you think about this: Sometimes when I read the Bible, I notice
that the Lord will ask a question and consider things in front of us,
but some of the things He offers for
consideration and choice are evil. (I mean, not that He wants us to
choose the evil, of course-but think of the choose life or death with
Moses). But in order to consider as He seems to ask us, we have to
consider the evil way and idea. For the longest time I thought it was
wrong to really ponder/explore evil ideas, but it seems you have to if
you are to follow what He says in certain areas. Though I suppose you
could choose not to ponder the bad and slide of the consideration, but
it seems it must not be a sin to explore it a bit.
I mean when our Lord talks about the man building the tower or starting
a war, with the idea being about choosing to follow Him or not, He seems
to encourage us to really ponder/explore the wrong choice (in addition
to the correct one) before deciding. But I suppose that is not the same
thing as considering sins after deciding, just the choice for or against
Him.
Respectfully,
Response #1:
I don't see it quite this way. This life is all about choice. And there are
plenty of temptations to choose the wrong things. The first choice, of course,
was between the tree of life and the tree of knowing good and evil. Notice that
the Lord was VERY clear. He didn't say, "well, consider which one you want". He
said, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it
you shall surely die" (Gen.2:16-17 NKJV). I find this to ever be the Lord's way.
Some times wrong options are discussed – as with this tree – but never with any
doubt about the consequences of doing wrong ("you shall surely die").
In the parables you mention, it's very clear that we do not want to be the man
who started to build and didn't finish, and we do not want to be defeated in
battle because we chose wrong. The right choices lead to success and victory,
the wrong choices lead always to humiliation and defeat. We are the ones who
deceive ourselves – or allow the world, the flesh and the devil to deceive us –
into thinking there are "options"; when, really, the only "options" are life and
death. It is hard for us believers to understand why so many choose death, but I
suppose we make enough wrong choices ourselves (where the stakes may not seem
immediately as high) that we can appreciate the pressures and temptations to
choose wrongly. But it's never a good idea, and we always regret it.
In Jesus who chose to die for us that we might choose for Him and have eternal
life.
Bob L.
Question #2:
Dear Professor
Thank you for your explanation.
I certainly could not have explained it that way, so your understanding of
languages shines a bright light into the shadowy places where very few venture.
I just received a reply from my friend on Regathering of Israel. I had been
typing out longhand excerpts from ichthys and emailing him to read and for him
to respond to. I have decided I need to be a lot more direct, without being
confrontational (with him and a lot more people).I am hoping from this he will
search your site for himself. (By promoting your site in a logical and positive
way).
His latest response is positive to the subject at hand. “I meant when we are
sorted out after Christ returns some will still not repent. Just like when they
left Egypt. Not disputing what ichthys has written”.
(He is very brief. That is his complete email)
I know that is not the complete story as there is the Resurrection of believers
beforehand, but it leaves room to ask (I will wait for an in person opportunity
for this) about his understanding of the sequence which may be as I understand
it from your writings. My purpose is to get more believers to read your site, as
against “guru” sites, books, CDs and TV evangelists.
[details about deliverance from being scammed omitted]
Before that I had gone with ___ to the mountain province. When they decided to
stay I went alone, getting lost in the mountains near nightfall, cold, wet and
COMPLETELY defeated after trying EVERYTHING to get out from amongst thorns and a
gully I was trapped in. I thought I will die here overnight being cold and
soaked. In desperation I thought the ONLY thing left is prayer! I got up from my
soggy knees and began to walk, and walk ,and walk. The thorns OPENED a way for
me. He lead me to a small goat track, then down the mountain.
No one knew I was lost so no one would have looked for me for many weeks. I
realised only God knew my plight and only God could help me. He has actually
saved me many times before and after, that I know of, and many more times I am
unaware of. It is a humbling feeling to realise I am all alone in the universe,
except for God. Without God there is NO hope. With God ALL things are possible
(even the impossible).
__ has asked for some signs from God, and I am grateful (while not knowing about
the signs).
He was and is SAVING me. You are so right. Without God , life would be
meaningless.
Thank you for your generous service in our Lord.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord AND Savior.
Your student
Response #2:
What a set of deliverances the Lord has give you! He does this sort of thing for us all, I believe, in one way or another, giving us experiences that can only be from Him so that we may understand He is watching over us and thus gain confidence in following Him. Sometimes we only appreciate these things fully after the fact. It's much better in my view to accept such things when they come – rather than ask for them. After all, deliverance means needing first to be delivered, and most of us have enough trouble in our lives not to be asking for any more.
Yes it is true that even after our Lord's return, some of the regathered
Jews will still not accept Him. That is the reason for the apostles
judging them in the wilderness before they are allowed to enter the
land, as the kingdom in Israel will begin with believers only among the
Jews. But of course you are right – the Church is resurrected before all
this (CT 5 and 6 are the
places where all this is treated in the most detail).
Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily, my friend.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Hi Bob,
Thanks once again.
What is your view on predestination (as expressed in this article)? It's
in the word and biblical.
Regards
Response #3:
Predestination is biblical – but most hyper-Calvinists don't understand
what it means.
The Bible speaks of predestination and concepts related thereto here and
there . . . but it STILL tells us to "do X" and "not do Y" on nearly
every single page. In other words, we not only have free will; free will
is the whole reason for the creation of humanity and the whole purpose
behind the image of God we are given wherein our free will parallels the
Will of God and is meant to respond to Him. So whatever predestination
is, it doesn't conflict with these basic truths that govern every
person's life, believer and unbeliever both.
In a nutshell (the details are found in BB 4B:
Soteriology at the link), God knew before His initiation of creation
what every single person would decide about every single thing. And of
course He had to: Christ died for every single sin of every single human
being. How could these even be known if God's foreknowledge of all
things was not complete in perfect detail? Knowing what would happen,
God decreed it; but He only decreed what we would choose, knowing what
we would choose. And in fact, without Him decreeing time and space and
history, we would have no venue in which to exist and in which to
choose. These things may be mind-boggling to human beings, but they are
simple for the Lord. What was hard, truly hard, was for Jesus to die for
our sins and for the Father to sacrifice Him on our behalf.
The other problem with traditional mulling about this issue is that this
is the opposite of why it's included in the Bible. Writing under
inspiration of the Spirit, Paul in Romans, for example, explains the
issue not to plunge us into theological controversy and confusion but to
give us confidence: the Plan of God is absolutely perfect and complete;
nothing has been left to chance; nothing can be changed; assuming our
willingness to stay saved, nothing can pluck us out of God's hands.
As to the article, I found it wordy and confusing (as to what author
really believes). If it helped you, that is fine. It's not the way I do
things.
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,
I hope you and your knees are doing well! Another week at work complete
and mine are still holding up well after making sure I stretch every
day. It's busy and tiring but I'm hanging in there.
I've been reading about Elijah in 1 Kings and I kind of see how I've had
some Elijah moments myself. Although he had his spectacular victories
like in the showdown with the 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, he
was still a man "with a nature like ours." (James 5:17)
Running for his life in fear to the wilderness after Jezebel's death
threat and feeling discouraged and exhausted after remaining faithful in
standing for the true God. The only result he seemed to see was a threat
on his life and that he was the only faithful person left - "I alone am
left". Even after the Lord's victory on Mount Carmel this would not
necessarily bring a quick end to the paganism so rampant in the land.
It reminded me of when I tried to help others to either come closer to
the Lord and His truth or come back to Him. And how I naively thought
that after sharing the truth and giving them details for Ichthys that
they would quickly see and love the truth as I did and turn away from
everything else. In the same way you used to think that if only they
could hear the great teaching you were getting that's all it would take.
I had a "cave moment" too like Elijah.
So he said, I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the
children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars,
and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek
to take my life. (1 Kings 19:10)
I remember crying to the Lord in prayer after doing what He had asked me
to do and trying so hard for others and feeling tired and discouraged.
Wanting them to love the truth as I did, but the results from my sharing
the truth with them were looks that could kill and a return to their
lukewarmness, false teaching and rejection of the Lord.
I definitely had a "I alone am left" feeling too! I remember thinking
where are they all? Where are all the believers who love the truth? Who
are red hot for the Lord and His truth. And being the only believer left
after others who years ago used to sit next to me in church have now
departed from the Lord.
Then the Lord said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Running away and feeling scared and dejected and discouraged and sorry
for himself was giving his enemy Jezebel exactly what she wanted. This
wasn't where the Lord wanted him to be. Elijah's work for the Lord was
far from over and He told Elijah what He wanted him to do next. This was
the Lord saying, "Don't give up!" And Elijah obeyed the Lord's words to
him and he was used mightily of God.
In my discouragement I heard His still small voice encouraging me to
pick myself up and look to Him and not to what was going on around me.
And you reminded me that we mustn't take things personally, that this
isn't about us but all about the Lord. Having the Lord's encouragement
to live by faith and not by sight - to have a quiet trust and a firm
dependence on Him. There was still work to be done for Him and despite
what everyone else was doing I was to continue doing what He wanted me
to do in growing spiritually and also continuing to have faith in my
Lord and keep praying for others. To pray earnestly like Elijah prayed
(James 5:17-18). Through this He is working in ways that I can't always
see. It might not be obvious - like lightning or fire or sudden revival
in their hearts, but He's hearing my prayers and He's working quietly in
the lives of those I love. If I am yielded to Him, He can use me
powerfully for His purposes and His glory.
And as for "I alone am left" -
Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not
bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him". (1 Kings 19:18)
Elijah was not on his own. There were still many people who were
faithful to the living God.
And I am not alone either - I've only got to read all the emails at
Ichthys to know I'm not alone. There might not be many of us but we're
there. Brothers and sisters who love the Lord and His truth more than
anything else. More importantly we're NEVER alone because we have the
Lord. He knows what we really need more than we know ourselves and for
those who love Him and remain faithful to Him He will always look after
us and meet those needs - whatever they might be.
I did what he asked me to do for others and I continue to do what He
asks me to do and you know how much He has blessed me. His love for us
is amazing and He is so faithful.
So those are a few of my Elijah moments from 1 Kings chapter 19!
Your friend in our Lord Jesus Christ
Response #4:
Great application of the scriptures regarding Elijah! Thanks for the
encouraging words!
Glad to hear that you made it through another week. How much longer in
this present situation?
Knees on this end a little cranky when I try to push things too much as
I did today (but we've got rain coming in so I might be rained out
tomorrow, so I went for a longer jog today).
Summer quiescence here in Louisville. Hoping the enrollment numbers will
pick up before next fall (prayers appreciated!).
Yes, our Lord is amazing. His mercy is particularly astounding and
appreciated. All we have – and have been forgiven – deserving none of
it.
Keeping you in my prayers every day, my friend.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Dear Professor
Thank you for your encouraging response.
I agree with your assessment, and even though it was a long painful
process for me to FIND you, I am PRESENTING to them, the already found,
you and your Ministry in an “easy to understand way” and in a few
different ways with the assurance that they can test your whole site,
which is COMPLETELY available for them to examine, unlike any other
coming anywhere near a bulls roar of your detailed Biblical study. It
seems that some other sites are learning what to include on their sites
FROM your site.
I thought it was going to be much easier with Christian groups who
tolerate each other’s views, than it is for obvious cults such as the
mormons, 7th Day Adventists and JWs. Not in this regard, though we still
tolerate each other’s beliefs.
I am so thankful for your Ministry online. I desire many more around me
to be as well.
My wife was listening to
Curtis Omo this morning and that IS a blessing [link]. Makes a good
change of tone from my voice.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior
Your student
Response #5:
Thanks!
Question #6:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
I just finished reading your response about whether and how much
teachers should reveal to their students, etc. I will say that your
reply was excellent as always and I will remember what you have written.
Secondly, In the subject study I read one of the references inCol. 1:24
concerning the fact of suffering for Christ which I do not understand.
"24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my
share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is
lacking in Christ’s afflictions.
Look's to me like Paul is referring to what is lacking in the church,
not what is lacking in Christ's afflictions? I think this translation
(NAS) could have been worded differently, that is, on the first read of
this verse, it appears to say that "Christ's afflictions are lacking".
It is just the words that are misplaced I think. ESV says:
"24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am
filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his
body, that is, the church". This version makes it clearer.
I looked at my wife's German Bible to see what the subject verse reads:
Here is the verse in German as well as the English translation.
Paul verkuendet die Botshaft im Auftrag Gottes.
"Was ich auch immer fuer euch erleiden muss, nehme ich gern auf mich;
ich freue mich sogar darueber. Das Mass der leiden, die ich fuer
Christus auf mich nehmen muss, ist noch nicht voll. Und ich leide fuer
seinen Leib, fuer seine Gemeinde."
Translation:
Paul proclaims the message on behalf of God.
Whatever I have to suffer for you, I like to take on myself; I am even
pleased about this. The measure of suffering that I must take upon me
for Christ is not yet full. And I suffer for his body, for his church.
My question: Is this a more accurate translation in German and English
in your opinion. Curious as to what the Greek actually says/
This English translation flows better and seems to have a better flow
than the NAS.
What are your thoughts?
Hope I'm not to nip-picky, I guess it comes from my profession I used to
have.
Thanks for all your help.
Your friend,
Response #6:
It's a good question inasmuch as this is the sort of passage which is
both difficult to understand in most English versions and also one which
admits to abuse based on misunderstanding.
What it does NOT mean is anything to do with what He suffered for us in
dying for our sins. Christ was the only One who could die for the least
sin of all mankind – and He died for them all.
I'm not crazy about the German version, but that is the gist of it; one
could also translate "what is yet destined for me to suffer in behalf of
Christ and in behalf of His Church".
What I can tell you is that
"sharing the sufferings of Christ" is a theme that is common in the
NT (see the link). What it means, essentially, is that Christ suffered
in His earthly life so we as His followers are going to have to go
through similar things.
Paul's level of suffering was unique (see the link), but even with
all he endured, it's nothing put together into one big mass compared to
dying for a single sin.
Hope you are doing well, my friend! Keeping you and yours in my prayers
daily.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hello Professor,
I know it’s been a while since I have contacted you. I’m just at a point
in my life where I find myself questioning whether God cares about those
who believe and love him. I have been praying and praying and he has
consistently ignored me. My heart is beginning to hardened and I don’t
know what to do. V/r
Response #7:
Sorry to hear that you are having some hard times, my friend. Job said the same thing – about God not listening (e.g., Job 30:20). But we know that wasn't in fact the case. It's not the case with you either, my friend. God always listens, especially to those who belong to Jesus Christ His Son. And He always answers too. Sometimes He doesn't answer HOW we'd like or WHEN we'd like – but He always hears and He always answers. If there is a problem, it always lies with us. Learning patience and joy in trouble is not the stuff of spiritual immaturity. Sometimes the best we can do when things are really hard is to have peace and hold onto that peace until the storm abates (Jn.14:27; Phil.4:7; Col.3:15). There's a lot about that in BB 6A recently posted (link).
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
Psalm 37:4-6 NKJV
He loves you, my friend. And He will vindicate your cause in the end.
Our part is to hang on and hang in until the spiritual victory comes –
continuing to do what He wants us to do in the meantime, namely, growing
spiritually, walking closely with Jesus, and helping others do the same.
Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Thank you for your response. I needed to hear these things! Sometime no matter how much we read the Bible or how much word we have knowledge of, we still need to hear or read in our case a good word from our brothers and sisters in Christ! V/r
Response #8:
Amen! That is SO true, my friend. That's why we have the Body of Christ,
after all. I know you have ministered to others many times.
I pray for you daily, my friend. Keep fighting the good fight for Jesus
Christ!
Bob L.
Question #9:
Bob, everything is back to normal in Whaley Bridge now!
God heard our prayers and despite forecasts, there were no storms or
rains the whole time we were praying and the diversions were being made!
God is great! He is so kind and merciful and He will never forsake us!
What a beautiful reminder of His awesome power and tender compassion and
grace!
Lots of love and thanks!
In our incredible Saviour, Jesus Christ
Response #9:
Wonderful news!
I'll be praying for your sister to draw the right conclusions from His
deliverance from this crisis – which no doubt was brought about for just
such a reason.
God is good!
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hi Bob,
Hope today was a good one for you.
[details about work omitted]
But what the Word tells us and the way I see it is that it's never
anything we should worry about anyway. It's the Lord who is in control
not man. We belong to Him and it's He who decides what's best for us and
meets our every need.
Thanks so much for your prayers, Bob and I'm praying for you and your
family too.
Your friend in Jesus
Response #10:
Wonderful news!
A real answer to prayer! I was hoping that perhaps you might get back into the
rotation at this place where you are both comfortable and have already been
providing an excellent witness.
Yes, it is so great to have a job where you don't have butterflies in the
stomach on the way in. Not that many jobs offer such a great benefit!
I got tagged to be on a search committee which means a good deal of work and
unpleasant (for me) socializing when I should be working on this ministry; and
have just found out that there will be an active role for the more or less
dormant planning committee I volunteered for; also a lot of department and
college meetings this semester WAY beyond the norm. So while the teaching is a
known load, that's not the case with the admin part of the job which has gotten
heavier. Believe it or not, though, I'm NOT complaining! I have a GREAT job.
And, no, I don't have to retire – and with tenure it's almost impossible for
them to get rid of me. As long as the legs will carry me to the classroom and
the voice still works, I can keep doing this. God is good!
Amen! The plan is perfect. We are walking on a rainbow road over all the
turbulent waters and we have a right to ignore them, in complete faith that this
road takes us directly into the presence of the One we love more than life
itself.
Praying for a great day for you tomorrow, my friend.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #11:
You give great info & a lot of interesting verses for me to study. Thanks! I actually need some advice. Every time I build consistency with praying, reading scripture, worshipping, etc. I always end up becoming less & less energetic, motivated, and determined to keep doing it. I usually fall off for a bit. I always get back to the rhythm sooner or later, but is there a way to strengthen my perseverance or will power when it comes to this? Have you ever experienced anything similar? I know I have to be great at this given the time left before the Tribulation. How do I achieve THAT close of a relationship with God? Is there something I’m doing wrong? Thank you!
Response #11:
What you relate is not at all uncommon. Being consistent at anything is not
easy. A person has to be really dedicated to the "whatever it is" in order to
sacrifice consistently. But that is how all races are won, after all (2Tim.2:5;
cf. 1Cor.9:25-27). And if athletes can be consistent in striving for a
perishable crown, how much more should we believers not be motivated to
sacrifice for one that is eternal?
Along with free will, God gives us time, and how we use that time after
salvation is the basis for our
eternal rewards (link). Reward motivation is very helpful in remembering why
we are here, who we are here for, and how important it is to run a good race
(Heb.11:6). We ought to want to get a hearty "well done!" from the Lord when we
appear before Him, and also to win all three of the crowns given for responding
to Him as He as told us to do (see prior link).
"His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' "
Matthew 25:23 NKJV
The more we grow spiritually, learning and believing and applying ALL the Bible
teaches, the better we usually become at being consistent in our race – and the
closer we find we are walking with our dear Lord Jesus Christ. There is a great
deal about all of this at Ichthys, the most concentrated study on this being
BB 6A: Peripateology (link).
Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Ok, I forgot to add this to my last email to you. A question regarding the mind,
body and spirit. Is there a separation of mind, body, and spirit? A Christian
friend of mine in the medical field believes there is no separation of mind,
body, and spirit. She said that keeping your mind and body in optimal condition
nutritionally will allow for sturdier defense against spiritual attack. Would
you agree with this? I did, but then I gave it some consideration just to be
safe before I made a conclusion.
[good news about health omitted]
I must say that I was really fooled this year by satanic attack. It was and has
been so difficult that I "became surprised at the fiery ordeal I was facing as
if something out of the usual was happening" and was on the verge of spiritually
fainting. But I can finally lay this all to rest thank goodness.
In His Grace
Response #12:
Good to hear all this, my friend!
On your question, people are composed of a spirit – which is invisible
to science – and a body. Our spirit is the true "us", but it has to
express itself through the body. That leads to conflicts and problems at
present because our bodies are infested with a sin nature and currently
very imperfect. The resurrection body will allow for all manner of
wonderful things we cannot as yet even imagine (with all the negatives
absent). But now we have great limitations – and temptations.
The words "mind" and "heart" and "soul" (in the Bible; contemporary
English usage of these words is often inaccurate) all refer to the inner
"us" where the spirit and body come together, the inner place where we
feel, and think and wrestle with our consciences. But that is not a
"third thing" (tertium quid), and the conflict and struggle exist
in this world only because of the sin nature. Best place to read about
all this is at the link: BB 3A: Biblical
Anthropology.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Dear Robert,
I have a new question for you.
1. What is your definition of what the Bible describes as The Hidden Man
of the Heart?
2. Why are both genders quoted as having a Hidden Man of the Heart when
there are two genders?
3. Does The Hidden Man of the Heart have a form?
4. How do we strengthen The Hidden Man of the Heart?
Some of these questions might seem simplistic but they would likely be
helpful for me and others.
I await your response.
Best regards
Response #13:
You are referring to this passage:
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
1st Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
Note that NKJV has "person" not "man", and this version is NOT known for
making gender-accommodations of the sort so common in our day. The Greek
word is 'anthropos, and it means "human being". Now a human being
is also a "man" – at least that was the case in English a hundred years
ago. In Greek "man" can be a male or female human, and in this passage
Peter is talking about women, not men – but the point surely applies to
us all (just as most often when the Bible speaks to "men" it does not
dis-include women).
As to what he means by "the hidden person of the heart", he means "who
you really are inside". In other words, if you are growing spiritually,
and thus becoming INSIDE what God wants you to be, that will have all
manner of positive results on the OUTSIDE as well. But if all you are
doing is "whitewashing the tomb", trying to make the outside presentable
without working on your inside, that is pointless and not what God is
interested in. So this passage, addressed to women, has direct
application to men as well: the Lord doesn't care if we are immaculately
presented every day in finery; He DOES care if we are day by day doing
what He wants us to do, namely, growing up spiritually, progressing in
our walk with Jesus Christ, and helping others do likewise through
ministry – that is all "inside stuff" which is not always obvious to
others (although the difference in us when we do these good things is
impossible for others to miss in the aggregate: cf. Matt.5:16).
This doesn't mean that believers should be sloppy or dirty or smelly –
not at all. It does mean that what's going on in our inside is
exponentially more important than that admittedly somewhat important
outside.
Hope this answers your questions – do feel free to write back.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Bob,
Hope your week is going ok so far. I also really, really, really hope
that you manage to get some rest at some point in your busy weeks. Got
to look after yourself too.
Have a few gems for you from Peter again.
I was thinking about the commandment to love the Lord with all our
hearts and love our neighbours (preeminently our fellow believers) as
ourselves. I know we can still minister to our brothers and sisters
before we are spiritually mature in certain ways, but also by putting
our all into growing spiritually that in itself IS loving them because
once we are spiritually mature it's then that we really can help them by
ministering to them in a much more helpful and effective way. We're not
just doing it for ourselves but we're firstly doing it in obedience to
the Lord which is loving Him with all our heart, soul, strength and mind
and we're also doing it for our brothers and sisters in Christ. So
pursuing spiritual growth and progress IS an act of love towards the
Lord and others.
I've been reading 2 Kings and I haven't started reading the CT yet, but
I accidentally came across the analogy of the Assyrian invasion of
Judah. How the King of Assyria is a prophetic type of antichrist etc.
It's REALLY interesting and I'm looking forward to learning more.
Your friend in Jesus
Response #14:
So far so good! Demon possessed mosquitoes done in. Rat not yet caught,
but working on it. Classes going well. Social events and committee
meetings plus teaching through mid-day Saturday, then posting. Sunday
should get a little break.
Thanks for the buried treasure! You sure are good at this!
Yes, there are many parallels in the OT, and in the prophets these are
deliberate.
I also certainly agree with you on your point. We're not much good to
anyone if we are not "fighting fit" in a spiritual sense. To expand the
military analogy, a "soldier" who is sent into combat without proper
conditioning and weapons training – and all of the other training that
prepares him to cope with the stress and work as part of a team under
pressure – is more of a liability to himself and others than any sort of
"help". During the last six months or so of WWII in Europe, the Army had
run out of properly trained reinforcements and sent a lot of green
troops into combat units in the Hürtgen Forest and in the Battle of the
Bulge. These guys usually lasted less than a week because they either
couldn't handle it or were killed / wounded because they had no idea
what they were doing. On the one hand we are not getting "mortered"; on
the other hand this is even more serious as all dedicated believers
know. So by all means we have to take care of first things first. That's
the only way to be of real help to others when they need it. A great
many men jump into the "pastorate" when they are nowhere near prepared
to feed a congregation, not being spiritually mature themselves, let
alone having enough seasoning to be of use to others in teaching the
Word. Help other believers in various ways is something we can all do
from the day of salvation forward, but our dedicated ministry often
takes specific preparation – and it certainly requires prior spiritual
growth. That's the best way to help the most in the long run – and the
best way to please the Lord.
Thanks again for YOUR help!
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Well it's been busy here. I've been busy getting my house together after
it not being attended to for over a month.
I got a flat tire the other day so I had to go get it fixed.
[details of past abuse at the hands of family and friends omitted]
On another note I've been reading The Purpose and Creation of man. I
have had a really hard time lately with all the past favoritism. It's
been real heavy on me to the point I just start crying and can hardly
bear it. I want it to go away and I can't seem to get rid of it. I keep
thinking of forgiveness and I feel like I have forgiven as I don't hate
them or I'm not mad. I guess it's mostly hurt. When someone does wrong
to you and its hurtful to the extreme, how do you get rid of that. I'm a
caring person and so it's hard for me to understand the opposite and if
you care you have love. Somehow the devil has found a crack in me and I
don't understand.
You have so much on your site to read, I keep bouncing from one thing to
the next trying to find something that I can grasp onto but I can't seem
to find it. (Any ideas?)
[details omitted]
I'm at my point with his family I'm no longer going to engage with them,
just like I don't with my side of family. Its just to hard on me. I need
to be free of all the nonsense and hurt. I have found myself completely
walking out of the room when their name comes up. I want them out of my
mind as it's just so hurtful and when I get like this it's not a good
thing.
Response #15:
I'm sorry to hear that this maltreatment by family has gotten under your
skin again. It's very difficult to ward that sort of thing off, I
certainly understand. People have a hard time letting go of any sort of
maltreatment; how much more is that not the case when it has come at the
hands of those who are supposed to be loving and supportive – and with
whom we often have to continue to have some contact! I have seen this a
great deal; it is far from uncommon (sad to say).
How to cope? There isn't any magic bullet or special scripture or
detailed teaching. The best way to be able to cope is to keep growing
spiritually. The closer we get to Jesus Christ, the less hard (I don't
say 'easy') these things can become. But in addition to spiritual
maturity (of which you obviously have plenty), it's also a case of day
by day application of the truth we know and believe. All we have to do
is let down our guard – or be ambushed – and we can find ourselves right
back where we were in anxiety and pain over past abuse. Temporarily. But
then we rally our hearts in the Lord. Then we remember that this world
is so temporary that it will be gone in the blink of an eye. We remember
that all who are evil will regret every evil choice. And we remember
that we will be eternally comforted, blessed and rewarded for all of our
good decisions in believing, following and ministering the truth. We
have a perfect Shepherd. So we remember that this path is the right one,
even when the darkness seems to overwhelm us. He will lead us safely out
the other side. Just as He always has done. Just as He always will do.
So we strive to more like Moses who knew God would part the sea and less
like the unbelieving Israelites who were convinced that disaster was at
hand.
When it comes to people who've abused and misused us, we remember to get
back to "considering the source", to being glad that we don't behave
that way, and to remembering that our happiness and our prosperity is
not dependent on anyone else except the Lord. We can only be made
unhappy by other people and circumstances when we let it happen. But
Jesus is standing right beside us and showing us the right way.
I am praying for you, my friend. Praying for the job(s) situation to
work out and all other things as well. You have a budding new career
opportunity and you have wonderful children and good health. And you are
in the process of racking up a wonderful eternal reward through your
commitment to the truth day by day. This is light years ahead of where
all the people that have the potential to upset us are – or probably
ever will be (sad to say).
Flat tires can be fixed. Rats can be trapped (I'm hoping on this end).
But we only are given so many days to demonstrate that we love Jesus
Christ more than anything in this world.
Your friend in Him for all time.
Bob L.
Question #16:
Thank you for your kind words. Sometimes it's just good to hear that
some one understands. I think some of my problem is I fight this feeling
of something telling me to just adjust to bad treatment as it's not that
big of deal, just get used to it, it doesn't seem to bother anyone else.
I don't know why but when family treats me wrong it really takes my self
confidence down. I really struggle with that. When I took my real estate
test I actually thought I wasn't going to pass it and I was going to
have to take it 2 or 3 times or even more but I passed it the first time
and I'm still in shock. I for the first time was so proud of myself. I'm
sure past experiences from when I was a child had to do with the low
self-esteem and confidence. I remember being laughed at and told I was
stupid in school many times. Of course I'm able to see past that now and
it doesn't bother me. I have even been made fun of from __ which should
be no big surprise. [details omitted]
I've read your email at least 10 times. I get something good out of it
every time. I need to keep remembering our happiness and prosperity
isn't dependent on anyone else but the Lord.
You are also right- I need to remind myself of the blessings, I have
thought of that lately. Healthy family and awesome kids and a wonderful
spouse. That's more than half the battle here on this Earth.
Thank you again for your kindness and good words.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend,
Response #16:
I'm happy to be able to be of some help to you, my friend! And congrats
again on passing your test. That is sort of like a lawyer passing the
bar the first time – it's not easy to do and not unusual and no shame to
have to take it several times! Quite an accomplishment to get it on the
first go round!
Yes, there are a whole lot of people in this world who make themselves
feel bigger and better by making the rest of us feel smaller. Of course
they can only do that if we let them. That is not to say that when
someone says something unkind or unpleasant or dismissive about us and
what we are doing it doesn't sting. Of course it stings. But as mature
Christians we understand that this means absolutely nothing. If the Lord
is pleased with who we are and what we are doing, it wouldn't matter if
the whole world despised us. And even if the whole world loved and
respected us, that wouldn't mean anything to the Lord – and would be no
substitute whatsoever for His good pleasure. We just have to remember
who we are working for. Or as one friend said about this, "I used to
let people like that rent space in my head; but I finally got around to
evicting them all". Amen!
Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior – the One we are
here to serve.
Bob L.
Question #17:
Thank you again Bob. I really appreciate it. I need to learn to get away
from the negative thoughts of myself and keep reminding myself that
other people's opinions don't matter, especially if they are negative. I
like your friend's saying. I think I'll keep that in my mind when I have
that someone in my head that is giving me a headache or trying to stir
things up to evict them immediately. It's the blessing God has given
us-Our own free will to choose. Ill just replace the thoughts like I did
while sitting in church when I was young; that's a happy place in that
space.
On another note ___ is having a blast in college. She texted me saying
she is meeting lots of friends and loving it. She has added to her major
already and is going to go back into Art (Minor in Art) she said every
time she passed the art building her heart sunk. She will start next
semester. She is getting all A's right now and said college is crazy
fun. We miss her like crazy but so happy for her.
Thank you for all your wonderful advice again and hope you have a
wonderful week.
Response #17:
You're most welcome, my friend. I think everyone has some of this to
deal with. Those who have such heavy doses of it and from those who
least ought to be dishing it out – family who are supposed to love and
support it – have a harder row to hoe. But I know you're up to it
through the Spirit.
Great news about ___! I was a business major . . . for one quarter. I'm
sure glad I didn't waste my time going further down that road. We all
have certain talents and natural interests. It's always better – if it
is possible – to match our education to these (rather than to go after
things for which we have no particular aptitude and in which we have no
particular interest).
In my prayers daily, my friend.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Bob,
I'm having a rough go of it at the moment. One of my classes this
semester is focused on group work, and while I like the people in my
group well enough, they would be happy to settle for lower grades than
me so care less (and therefore work less, leaving more for me). The
class is also harder than most I've taken, and since the instructions
given to us are more ambiguous than I'd like, forward progress has been
frustrating.
This pressure (combined with a serious amount of burnout-induced
fatigue) has me in a situation that's not my best, shall we say. The
nearest deadline is Thursday, but I'll have midterms coming up soon
after that. I feel a bit choked by the constant looming due dates for
big group projects, and have been on edge most of the semester,
accordingly. This feeling is what I'm hoping to escape after college --
the feeling caused by life-sucking commitments than follow you around
day-in and day-out -- the feeling of impending doom à la Sword of
Damocles.
Your prayers would be appreciated. I'm not doing particularly well
taking hold of peace and joy amidst the storm.
Your brother in Christ,
Response #18:
Good to hear from you as always, my friend.
Sorry to hear that the "extra semester" is such a load. You've been at
this a long time. No doubt you could use a break (being on the go all
summer didn't give you much of an opportunity to recharge).
School has its issues. The semester system grinds away and forces you to
stay on your toes. I should know after a life-time of it. Only thing
worse is the quarter system. But school has in common with
life-after-school that there are always pressures and always constraints
on time. Will things be better with the USAF (or any other employer)?
They will be different. But you will still have to have at it, one day
at a time. I encourage you to hold onto that one-day-at-a-time
perspective on this last leg. When you're in the last mile or so of a
long race, you really do have to just keep putting one foot ahead of the
other and try not to think about how much more is left.
I sympathize on the group work. As a professor, I personally would never
place any serious evaluation on anything "group" related. It makes
absolutely no sense to me – unless we are expecting this "group" to go
get hired "as a group", etc.
The Lord will be with you, one deadline at a time, my friend. You are
honoring Him in what you have chosen to do, and He will most certainly
not let you down . . . and He most definitely deals with us "one on
one".
I will be praying for you.
Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Bob,
I have been reading your questions and answers to:
Spiritual
Warfare III (link).
Love it. Your answers are spot on.
I sure do like how you respond to others. What love and kindness you
give regardless of how arrogant, prideful and self-centered others can
be. You are always referring straight back to the truth of the Bible.
How blessed we are to have met you!
Response #19:
Thank you!
Hope things are going well with you and your family.
Keeping you in my prayers – thanks so much for the encouraging words!
It's a pleasure and a privilege to know you guys as well.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Hello again Bob,
With regards to the verses we've discussed (Matt 11:30 and 16:20) when
Jesus says the words in Matt 11:28 does this also relate to Jesus being
Lord of the Sabbath and in Hebrews 4, is this referring to Jesus being
our sabbath rest?
What does Hebrews 4 mean and what weariness are we resting from? Our we
resting in the weariness of carrying our own crosses and denying
ourselves?
Sorry to bother you again but what are "Dispensationalism" and
"Calvinism" and where do you stand on both of these?
I'm sorry if I've asked about these things before but certain doctrines
or historical movements or
theories take a while to settle in!
Many thanks for your continued support and exegesis!
God bless.
In our loving Saviour, Jesus Christ,
Response #20:
Good to hear from you.
1) It's a nice observation! We're only truly at rest in Him.
A Prayer of Moses the man of God.
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Psalm 90:1-2 NKJV"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 NKJV
2) On Hebrews four and the replacement of the seventh day Sabbath with the moment by moment Sabbath for us with the Spirit today, please see the following links:
3) "Dispensationalism" refers to a school of interpretation to which most evangelicals today belong; the school correctly sees differences between the different ages of the plan of God, but incorrectly interprets them often (for one thing, seeing Israel and the Church as different though we are all part of the Body of Christ), and over-interprets many things so as to, for example, wrongly ignore much that is in the gospels as being "a different dispensation". Links:
4) Calvinism is the school of theology whose founder was John Calvin of
Reformation fame. His seminal work was "Institutes of the Christian Religion".
His followers, however, have taken his teachings to extremes and largely out of
context from the time in which he lived and wrote. T-U-L-I-P is the acronym
associated with this modern school: Total Depravity (aka "original sin");
Unconditional Election (essentially no free will); Limited Atonement (i.e., the
wrong idea that Christ only died for believers); Irresistible Grace (variation
of point two); Perseverance of the Saints (also known as Once Saved Always
Saved). Except for the first one, all of these points are dead wrong.
Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Just wanted to let you know that you say on one of the questions that
someone had the gift of discernment, but on your studies you say that
gift was temporary. I suppose that question was before you came to the
conclusion it was temporary. Maybe it is nothing.
Or maybe discernment isn't a sign gift, just healing, miracles, prophecy
and tongues. The latter ones are listed as a sign. But not discernment
specifically.
Or maybe there is a more miraculous version of the Spirit's Gift of
Discernment during the apostle's time and and not-miraculous but still
Spirit given gift of discernment like the Church of Ephesus must have
used to keep out the wolves. Is that it?
Response #21:
It's a very fair question and observation. Sharp eyes, my friend!
What I wrote isn't wrong, but it might have been better to have phrased it differently. The gift which has ceased is "discerning of spirits"; all Christians ought to be discerning, and some are clearly better at that than others, partly through superior spiritual growth, partly through the Spirit's gifting. There are all manner of empowerments and gifts of the Spirit which no doubt pass beyond what we are told in scripture. But if I gave the impression that this person had "the gift of discernment of spirits" as a unique category of gift described as such in scripture, that would not be correct. From BB 5:
That is not to say that the functions of "knowledge, wisdom, faith, and (further down) discernment" have ceased; what it does mean is that however a believer may be specially gifted in these respects today, the truth that empowers those gifts will come in each case from the Bible through the same process of spiritual growth in the power of the Spirit that all believers experience (or should).
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #22:
Hi Bob,
I know that man wa made in the image of God because mankind has the ability to
reason, has intellect, and emotions and will; but are angels also in the image
of God since they share similar traits as humans do? The angels are also
referred to as "sons of God" -- and I understand that being the [son] of a
Father means to have the same nature (e.g., "Jesus as the Son of God"). Are
there any clear passages in Scripture which says that angels are/are not created
in God's Image?
Also, please pray that my family members will be saved, and that God would
invite them to accept the message of Salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Thank you in advance!
God Bless,
Response #22:
Good to hear from you, my friend – it's been a while.
I do pray for you and your family daily and will continue to do so.
As to your question, your reasoning is exactly correct. Scripture does
not say this outright – because the Bible never tells us about the
creation of the angels in the detailed way it describes the creation of
mankind (see the link: in
SR 1:
"Angelic Pre-History"). The image of God is all about free will.
Having "will" is a godly and God-like thing. To be able to decide one's
eternal future (based, may we never forget, on the cross of Jesus
Christ) is an amazing thing – and it is indeed the reason for all of
angelic and human history. That is what the image of God is. Clearly the
angels have this too – since we know that a third of them choose for
Satan against God, but the other two thirds chose not to rebel.
Keeping you in my prayers every day, my friend!
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #23:
Good morning Dr. Luginbill -
Thank you so much for the prompt regarding the community site. I did a
search using __'s name in my inbox and found the invitation link. I just
signed up and have spent the past hour exploring and navigating the
site. Thank you!
As far as our move/travels - we have been in a very interesting season.
We boxed up our home and pulled away from the curb on July 31. Within 7
days of departure three of our clients informed us independently that
they could not pay us our retainer fees. These clients are not connected
and reside in varying locations across the United States. [details
omitted]
The irony is that we decided to take this travel path to lessen our
monthly expenses and allow us to have some financial freedoms to assist
some of our struggling children - plus help with some large looming
expenses. With all of the above, this has reduced us to living on 33%
income. Our home was sold with no equity to rely on. The nature of our
work does not easily on-board client projects. It is often some time
before the project receives the green-light which then makes funds
available and where we are then also paid. We have had a strong history
of client referrals plus long-standing clients to date (at least within
our industry and space). There are other odd and unusual financial hits
that we have recently taken too. Very interesting (another spiritual
level of boot camp).
But we have also been seeking and praying over the past year or so if
the Lord is leading us to a new season. We are also very mindful
regarding the times - and knowing what's to come and quickly advancing.
The financial hits have been an onslaught and stacking up. Plus we have
some large expense items looming over the next 8 weeks that have caused
me to grieve greatly. My firstborn son is getting married on New Year's
Eve. We wish to help with some of the financial burden and to bless my
son. There is so much more here based on great pain/history my sons and
I have experienced with their biological father. His father has great
wealth but will not help or contribute - his lifelong pattern. As you
know, I came out of a very abusive former marriage - walking away with
nothing and starting over like I was 18 years old yet with 4 sons to
carry. It has been years of me struggling to find my feet and carry-on
plus help my sons.
We have been petitioning God for deliverance - and I have been
persistent before the Father. I trust God! I believe Him for his Word. I
know His character. We need the mustard seed of our faith to move this
mountain. He has done it before. He will do it again. We are asking it
be now.
Please, Dr. Luginbill, will you join us in our prayers?
Quick note: We are so thankful that when all of this began (financial
hardship) about three months ago that we both agreed to pre-pay __ both
support and advancement on his work for three months. We think of him
and pray for him daily. He is very dear to us.
As mentioned above, we truly covet your prayers, Dr. Luginbill.
Thank you for your faithfulness to me, mine, and the rest of the Ichthys
community. You are greatly appreciated - and we truly keep you in our
prayers as well.
In the precious name of Jesus - our Savior and King,
Response #23:
I've added your concerns to
the
Ichthys list, and I will definitely be praying for you on this.
I do think you are correct that all this sudden adversity is no
accident. One thing I always stress is that if we have done nothing
wrong – as was the case with Job – then such sudden pressures are
definitely tests, and we have every right to feel good about them rather
than becoming despondent. Because we know that our heavenly Father loves
us and that our dear Lord Jesus is walking with us through the "fire and
water" of whatever it is we have to face. We know that He will part the
sea in due time. It's always wonderful to be able to look back after the
fact and know that we have not been found wanting in trusting the Lord
when these unpleasantnesses come our way. And even better to be
confident of in the Lord that this will happen before we even see it
with these fleshly eyes.
I draw great encouragement from your courageous attitude expressed here,
my friend!
Good news about the list too.
We'll keep those prayers coming.
In Jesus Christ our faithful Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #24:
I must say, you have smitten me with your very clear and easy to
understand interpretations of Revelation. I thank God that your on our
side. I am a fellow believer and fairly young in the Lord. But I have
been as non-stop as possible (job and wife) reading your articles and I
have been trying to keep a skeptical filter as I believe anyone should
when your reading someone’s interpretation of Revelation. I do have so
many questions but one in particular has led me to actually write an
email. I am conservative, and I have a reformed view. I wouldn’t call
myself anything to the extent of a Calvinist but I do hold him in high
regard. My point is I believe in the perseverance of the Saints. Real
believers cannot fall away from the faith. You said,
The apostates in question here are, on the contrary, genuine believers
in our Lord who will exchange their precious faith for worthless and
temporary worldly concerns under the pressures of that terrible time to
come (cf. Dan.11:30-35).
I’m probably ill prepared to use scripture but doesn’t the Lord say he
won’t lose one of His own? Isn’t there ALOT of scripture to back this
doctrine?
I do understand your point of view. One of my weaknesses is impatience
and I should’ve read and prayed more before emailing you. And not your
point of view but what the Bible clearly says.
I do have to say, as a young Christian that your words have inspired me.
It’s giving me a healthy fear to not take me place in Christ lightly. To
warn others of the coming end & to be prepared! Especially when you
spoke about having any hate in your heart will lead you further away
from the truth in the end. How right now we have to prepare spiritually
and be ready for the future.
Question: Why haven’t you published any of this stuff? This is beyond
the most detailed and honestly accurate exegesis of the Bible I’ve ever
read. If anything, it’s changed me. I’m thankful for your service and I
have prayed a pray of thanksgiving for you and that this brings even
more glory to God.
Response #24:
Good to make your acquaintance, and thanks so much for all your kind
words.
On the reasons for why there are no traditional Ichthys books, see
FAQ #1 and
"A
question about Ichthys books".
As to "once saved always saved" or the over-interpretation of what Calvin meant by perseverance, please see the links: "Being Saved" and "Apostasy and the Sin unto Death".
There are plenty more links on these and the other questions you
probably have. Do feel free to write me back. When it comes to a thirst
for the truth, impatience is no vice.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob Luginbill
Question #25:
I really wish for us to be There already. There is no lasting pleasure or joy here. We just keep chugging along to the finish line. It will be so nice being able to talk to God and the family face to face, and so nice for there to be no more pain or trouble or sin. Ever.
Response #25:
As my dear departed father used to say, "Everything is always over".
Meanwhile, every day is nothing but an opportunity to put more in our
"heavenly
treasure chest" by thinking and saying and doing what the Lord wants
us to do in spiritual growth, progress and production.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #26:
The only other iron is a long shot but, the Lord has a great aim, so we
will see where that one leads. I am still sure that the Lord sees people
through rather than miraculously delivers to build up faith, patience
and endurance. Thanks for the prayers.
In Christ Jesus our Lord
Response #26:
It's a good point, my friend. But we will continue to pray for your
deliverance "from" this trial, even as we pray for endurance for you
"through" it until it is over.
I'm very much encouraged by your steadfast faith, my friend! And I love
"the Lord has a great aim"!
Keeping you and your wife and family in my daily prayers.
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.