Question #1:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
I have been asked this question from this particular person any number
of time, but he keeps coming back from time to time. About 43 years ago,
when I was first born-again, he asked me the same question, "can you
commit suicide and still be saved?" – because he was thinking about
doing so. My answer was the same then as it is now, no.
His problem is that he has monthly visits with a psychologist; instead
of depending upon God. I just received this email this morning and
wanted to forward it to you, to see the what I believe is in agreement
with scripture. You know what my answer would be, faith is the
requirement for gaining entrance to heaven. Eph.2:8-9; Prov.3:5-6.
The reason he is in the spiritual shape he is in is, he does not study
the Word and apply it to his life. He is a multi-millionaire, but won't
ever admit that to me; he has accumulated a mound of gold and silver
stored in multiple safe deposits at several banks, and some buried in
his back yard. In my opinion, because of what he has made his treasure
to be, has caused him to become cold in heart, and does not even
recognize that he is cold. Asking for your scriptural opinion on what he
has written below:
Brother,
We need to talk a little bit more about a genuine, pure, born again
Christian and if such a person is capable of committing suicide and
going to heaven.
Fundamentally, I believe the answer is a resounding YES, even there are
no specific scriptures citing a clear YES. There are some sound
scriptures that support a definitive YES answer. Lets discuss it
sometime. I think we both have the same understanding and definition of
what FAITH is, what a believer is and what sins are.
Here are a few questions with thoughts that support a yes answer:
1. Can a believer (born again) knowingly commit a premeditated and
planned sin? Such as adultery or lying or stealing a fountain pen from
their work place?
2. Do sins keep us out of heaven or is it a lack of faith?
3. Do sins cause us to go to hell, or is it a lack of faith?
4. Is faith (with a few good works here and there) the one and only
requirement for going to heaven?
5. What sins are there that would keep anyone out of heaven?
6. Is a believer who has severe mental illness responsible to God for
intentionally committing suicide with full knowledge of it being sinful,
are they forgiven, even though they do not have opportunity for
repentance after their sin? Is there room for God's mercy to be
fulfilled for such a sinner who doesn't and can't repent?
7. What happens if such a person is not as severely mentally ill and
commits suicide?
8. Is a believer who attends church occasionally, does a few works here
and there, lives by the worldly standards some of the time, repents
perhaps once a week, reads the word on Sundays for a few minutes, pays
his taxes and tithes out of a sense of duty, and is a general good
citizen, e.g. does not rob others, does not rape or kill anyone and
obeys all the civil laws; are they really a believer and would they go
to heaven upon committing suicide?
Some of the question are readily answered, so I don't know why he is
even asking them.
I really think that if I give him concurrence with what he is
contemplating, that is what he wants, acknowledgment from me, but he
will not receive it from me, but I will never concur with suicide as his
answer.
My opinion, you lose faith in Jesus Christ, you lose heaven, period; and
he is treading on dangerous ground at the moment.
This is the very person that told me about Jesus Christ and salvation,
and the one who taught me for a while. So sad.....Again, this is another
one of those doozies that come my way, I suppose from the LORD??? I have
acquired two more pupils that the LORD provided, to teach on Sunday
every week. I am thankful for that.
Thanks always for your great help.
Response #1:
It's good of you to "hang in there" with such individuals, my friend. I am sure
that all of your counsel to him has been first rate.
Your acquaintance starts by asking "[if] a genuine, pure, born again Christian
. . . person is capable of committing suicide and going to heaven". My
response would be, "why in the world would a "genuine, pure, born again
Christian" ever even want to contemplate such a thing? In terms of Christians,
in my humble opinion, you'd have to be pretty close to apostasy, have zero fear of
God left, be so narcissistically focused on self to the exclusion of all else to
do that, that, if done, I would be unsure whether such a person was saved when
they did it. Mind you, only God knows, but that is no reason to play Russian
roulette . . . with only one chamber POSSIBLY empty.
You are also right as a pastor-teacher to avoid approaching "questions" as if
they were only "questions". Our Lord always answered according to the genuine
motivations that lay behind them, and we are responsible to attempt to do the
same to the best of our wisdom and ability – especially since often people are
looking to use our answers as excuses to do stupid things, to do what they
really WANT to do as opposed to what Christ wants them to do.
You are also right on the money in discerning that a person has to be far from
the Lord and not moving forward spiritually to go down the road of fixating on
something like this. What said person (or anyone who is contemplating any
sinful, evil, illegal or self-destructive activity) needs is to turn back to the
Lord just like the prodigal son did . . . and then begin the process of
spiritual growth through attention to the truth of scripture and a good teaching
ministry. That can't all be solved in a single email, no matter how "good" it
is.
Here are some links on this issue:
Congrats on your expanding ministry! I have been praying for that.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
Read my last email that started this thread please. Is "godly sorrow" a
part of repentance to be saved, and how do we attain it?
I just learned from your site that believing in Jesus is more than just
trusting in Him, without commitment to following Him...it actually
requires that you stop wanting this empty life, and become dedicated to
Christ...I doubt this is even possible for me. I realize now that I
never truly wanted to follow God like He needs for salvation. I'm sorry
Doc...I don't think I CAN be saved in my state, not having the emotion
to care about anything but what makes me feel good in the moment.
I'm sorry if it turns out the idea of brain and soul being connected is
occultic. I'm not sure if it is, but I expect that will be your
answer...and also, I truly believe myself to be apostate...I do believe
in and trust Jesus for salvation...but as of recently...I know it's just
in my head...but I started giving in to the temptation to do the
divining....in the name of the devil.
I'll get a knife or gun and see myself off to Hell if I'm truly
apostate. If everything truly is at least partially our fault, it's my
fault this happened fully. It doesn't matter that i couldn't fully
convince myself that it's still witchcraft even though I only do it in
my head, and that doing something "in the name of" something is
glorifying or at least honoring it...I can't live this down even if I
somehow am forgiven for this. I'm sorry Doc...I know you might never
forgive me, and that's ok. Please tell me there's still hope for me to
stop and be forgiven by God.
Doc, one more thing today if you have time? There is proof that people
with schizophrenia for example, have very different brain patterns, even
a lack of brain matter in some places, compared to people who don't. I'm
not saying all "mental illness" is legitimate, multiple personalities
for example is almost certainly completely fake, but surely you wouldn't
say the brain and spirit aren't connected at all.
Unless you're going to claim people born mentally defunct Don't have a
spirit?
Or even that people who gen in an accident and become that way lose it!?
Response #2:
Our God is a forgiving God. He sent His Son to die for our sins, after all. Why would He do that if He didn't want us to be saved (1Tim.2:4)? None of us is any better or any worse inherently – we all need God's grace in Jesus Christ, and we all have it abundantly, if we just are willing to respond to the Lord objectively (rather than focusing exclusively on ourselves subjectively).
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:8-13 NKJV
So trust in Him, confess when you do sin (1Jn.1:9), and get back on the track of
picking up your cross and following Jesus Christ.
Of course, "belief" is not mere mental understanding of existence:
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
James 2:19 NKJV
On the other hand, belief is not something impossible to understand or to attain either:
But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, “ ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:6-9 NKJV
We know what it is to trust in the Lord and what it is not to do so. And we have
the Spirit within us making it clear, if we are willing to listen. So don't get
hung up on the small stuff. You know what it is to follow Christ and you know
what it is not to follow Christ. This is a question of free will.
There are of course limits. If a person has their brain severely damaged in an
accident they might no longer be able to use their free will (even if
technically alive on life support). But the exceptions prove the rule. The fact
that the rest of us have bad tendencies or self-inflicted patterns of behavior
does not excuse our decisions – we are responsible for what we think, say and
do. Better not to worry about mitigating factors. Better to do what you can to
start going the right way and keep at it.
If you want to know what true biblical repentance is, please read this link:
"Repentance, Confession, and Forgiveness" (in BB 3B).
Please remember, believers are saved; unbelievers are not saved (Jn.3:18). So
put your faith in Christ if you are not saved; if you are already a believer (as
I know you are), resolve to stop wasting your life. Anything positive you do for
the Lord, including spiritual growth and advance, will be rewarded (link);
everything else in this life, unless it is a necessity, is essentially a waste.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
I'm determined to believe in Jesus until the day I die or until He returns...does this mean I'm saved? I never want to not truly believe in Him, in His entire work and person, and I never want to not trust Him for my salvation...is this enough? Just need to be sure...and how do I stop this vile sin of mine? How do I stop wanting it in my heart?
Response #3:
Sounds like the very definition of a believer to me.
As to "enough?", we trust Jesus for salvation, meaning that we are
following Him through this world to the place of glory. But we do have
to keep following Him, keep trusting Him, keep believing in Him. That
following affects every bit of our lives – or at least it should.
As to "how?", if you are reading a study in Ichthys, you are not at the
same time doing vile things; if you are praying, you are not at the same
time doing vile things; if you are reading your Bible, you are not at
the same time doing vile things. If you are working for a living or
working out for your health or helping someone in the Name of Christ,
you are not at the same time doing vile things. So if you are doing good
things, you are not at the same time doing vile things. My advice
therefore: do good things so that you will not at the same time be doing
vile things.
(16) But I tell you, walk in the Spirit and you will not carry out what the flesh lusts for. (17) For what the flesh lusts for is contrary to the Spirit's will, and the Spirit is opposed to what the flesh lusts for. Since these are diametrically opposed to each other in this way, what you are doing is not what you yourself choose. (18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. (19) The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; (20) idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; (21) drunkenness, orgies – and whatever is similar to all these things. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, uprightness, faith, (23) humility, self-control. Against such things, there is no Law. (24) Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its weaknesses and its lusts. (25) If we live because of the Spirit, let us also walk by means of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-25
The same goes for speaking and also for thinking:
(1) Therefore since you have been resurrected [positionally] with Christ, keep seeking after the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Keep thinking on the things above, and not the things on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Here's a link which will lead to more:
Sin, Guilt, and Salvation VII
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
I'll give you answer my questions in my other mails...but I have
something to tell you...I'm seeking mental help-PROPER mental help, from
an actual therapist. At this point, where I'm deluded into thinking
there's no way Jesus is even Lord and it might even be ok to praise the
devil half the time, then suddenly switching back to struggling to
believe in Jesus and reject everything to do with the occult, and back-I
don't care what you say about "free will", this isn't entirely me doing
it. Surely you can agree that insanity is an actual thing right? At this
point I think I might actually be starting to go insane. I'm seeking
help, and you can't stop me. I've suffered long enough. "But God will
help you-" not while I'm like this, according to your doctrine, unless
I'm getting something wrong.
When it literally gets to the point where you know the devil is the
cause of all the suffering in the world, and God is the cause of all
good, yet legitimately can't convince yourself that the devil is evil
and God is good, that's a call for immediate mental help. I will be
reading Ichthys and the Bible regularly, but I also need actual help
from a professional if I'm going to get out of this. Now, I will do my
best to trust God (the God of the Bible, not the devil who I'm sometimes
deluded into thinking might be God) that He will deliver me, partially
through the therapist or whatever. Please keep praying for me too.
Goodbye for now, Doc. I hope you can accept what I'm doing...
Can't believe I forgot this one, read my last 2 emails please, they're
short. If I sometimes doubt God's righteousness and even holiness when
in great mental and spiritual duress, does that mean I'm not saved? I
always realize I'm wrong sooner rather than later.
One more question i have: I take it that when Jesus told Thomas that
those who believe without seeing are blessed, that applies to all manner
of spiritual truth, that if we have Faith in any truth with just some
evidence and not all there is to know, God will bless us for that?
A couple questions for tomorrow, since I know you probably won't have
anymore to for me today: How do I bring myself to true repentance and
confession? And is Yahweh the name of God the Father, or the entire
triune God? Is that even His true name?
Response #4:
No offense taken. Please do what you need to do for the sake of your
health:
1) I would NEVER tell someone NOT to get professional help if they need
it.
2) I have ALWAYS affirmed that I have known people who have benefitted
from such help.
*3) It's certainly better to get such help than to do something you
would regret.
4) My position is that when it comes to our hearts and minds, spiritual
help is vastly superior in every imaginable way to any secular help,
therapy, medication, etc.
5) However, many people for various reasons are not really willing to
accept God's help, the help of the Spirit, the help of the Word. That
does take time and effort and consistency and genuine commitment of a
spiritual nature. Most people are not even willing to accept salvation,
God's free gift, so I suppose this is not surprising either. So for
those who fall into this category, namely, of not being willing to do
what is necessary to be helped by the Lord, secular "professional" help
is recommended (as opposed to doing themselves harm, for sure).
I will continue to pray for you.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Thank you Doc. I can't tell you how glad I am it turned out you're one
of the few good teachers I've met. Most I've followed were just bullies,
well intentioned as they were, using Scripture as an excuse for their
abuses. I'm sorry I assumed the worst of you, I was just scared you
would turn out to be the same after so long, like almost all teachers
I've followed. I've followed many, many well-intentioned false teachers,
who turned out to be very wrong on key issues, and even unintentionally
abused their following in the name of their theology. Here's some I can
remember, not in chronological order:
Various Messianic teachers
Taught that we must keep all of the Mosaic Law to be saved, were
generally legitimately humble, but that only increased their zeal for
their false teaching.
The Church of Christ cult
I was obsessed with a website called Bible.ca that taught tons of very
convincing false doctrine. It turned out this whole thing was promoting
an abusive cult called the Church of Christ. I even physically attended
one of their churches for some time.
The Living Church of God cult
An Armstrongian cult that offshoots from the Worldwide Church of God
cult. They taught going to the doctor is having "little faith in God",
leading hundreds of their members to unnecessarily die over the years.
Also teaches extreme works salvation.
David J Stewart
Runs a website called Jesusissavior.com, which spouts all sorts of
extreme fear mongering conspiracy theories, as well as an extreme
version of once saved always saved.
I'm glad I've finally settled on a good ministry like Ichthys. Please
pray for the people who follow these false teachers and ministries.
Why do you say fantasy and sci-fi are so bad? Now, I know for me it
should be avoided, since I actually struggle with temptations of the
occult, but most fantasy stuff doesn't resemble the occult as far as I
can tell, and I think if someone is strong (mature) enough of a believer
to accurately discern good and bad, it shouldn't be a problem.
Doc...you don't need to answer my last email. I'm not sure if I believe
in Jesus anymore...I WANT to deep down, and that's why I never stay in
my delusions for long...I'm scared of going to Hell...must I truly give
up everything to be saved? If I was saved, I'm sure I'm apostate at this
point...I'm scared most of all because I feel like I'm losing even that
will to believe in Him. It's all my fault I'm like this...I'm sorry.
It's all because I kept trying to redeem my favorite activities and
entertainments while I was in such a dire state. Now I can barely do
anything I enjoy without getting the Strong urge to...praise the devil
for it. I've been playing and watching things less and less though
because I feel like an actual monster for insulting Christ in such a way
while doing it, giving in to some of my most vile temptations while
doing it...it's almost escaped my head at this point, and I feel like
even more of one when I try to return to it without doing such things,
most of all when I try to do it to God's glory only to regress back into
such things...I need some time to think...I'm sorry I didn't focus on
Bible study and prayer and all that. If I truly wanted to change, I
would have...but I've realized now this unholy beast is just who I am,
possibly possibly who I want to be, and I couldn't be more ashamed...no
amount of apology or even sorrow can make up for any of this. If I'm
condemned to Hell, unable to repent...it'll only serve me
right....there's but one hope. How do I bring myself to godly contrition
for sin, the kind that leads to true confession? And what kind of
dedication is needed to Christ to be saved?
Response #5:
First, thank you for the good words, and also for your enlightening
testimony. I'm sure this will be helpful to others. That is ministry too
- on your part.
Second, I don't ever recall saying that "fantasy and sci-fi are so
bad". What I probably did say is that 1) it is a mistake to take any
work of fiction seriously, and that making decisions of any kind based
upon "what is likely to happen" when one's basis for making such
assumptions is entirely based upon fictional representations (rather
than the reality of life experience) is a truly bad idea; and 2) that in
a perfect application we would use all of our time and effort to serve
the Lord. The latter is aspirational. None of us is perfect – certainly
not myself.
I have remarked in the past that in terms of what we find in scripture
the apostle Paul probably came the closest to a "total effort" for the
Lord. As he himself says, he worked "much harder" than the other
apostles – and yet the other eleven also have their names emblazoned on
one of the foundation stones of New Jerusalem just as he does. So
between doing nothing (and only unbelievers do nothing: Jas.2:17; 2:20;
2:26) and between doing everything (and only our Lord managed that)
there is a WIDE spectrum of possibilities. In my estimation from my
study of scripture, most believers will have precious little to place
before the Lord on that day of evaluation, but they will still be saved.
Salvation is based upon believing in Jesus Christ; what we do in
response to our faith in Him after we are saved is the basis for our
eternal rewards, not for any determination of salvation.
This is issue is important. If we are not moving forward, then it's
highly likely that we are moving backward, and faith is thus either
growing or decaying, even if very slowly. And faith can die. If a person
stops believing in Christ – and that is a decision just as believing in
Christ is a decision – then there will be no rewards because that person
no longer belongs to Him.
So by all means, we all ought to let go of the bad past and determine
instead to get moving forward spiritually (Phil.3:12-16), both for our
eternal security and also because we surely ought to want to be highly
rather than minimally rewarded by our Lord, winning a "well done"
instead of a bonfire (even if saved nonetheless: 1Cor.3:11-15).
Therefore the more we dedicate ourselves to spiritual growth, progress
and production, the better for us in every way.
But it is a mistake to see this as all or nothing – because no one could
be "all". It's just that by not striving for what we have been called to
strive for, "next to nothing" might be the best possible outcome we can
hope for. And why settle for that?
So on the one hand, please don't neurose over salvation since you know
you do believe in Jesus Christ; and on the other hand, please don't
think that it doesn't make any difference how you use your time: every
decision we make down here is important.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 NKJV
Christ called us to peace. We have a right NOT to be constantly upset
and on "pins and needles" about our salvation. That is absolutely secure
. . . so long as we maintain our faith in Him. And that the best way to do
that is also the best way to glorify Him and bless ourselves for all
eternity: spiritual growth, progress and production. Q.E.D.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Thank you Doc...I'm definitely getting cognitive behavioral therapy for my
compulsions to do evil things...I have a hard time discerning fiction and
reality as of now, with how badly I am mentally, so couples with the vile
whispers of lies (more like them screaming in my hear at the top of their lungs
at this point) from the enemy, that's probably why I'm having faith issues...or
maybe I'm just THAT addicted to such evil? Why must these things make me feel
good...I don't want them to be good, they only brutalize and maul my faith.
Sometimes when I'm caught up in trying to enjoy life (as in a very unhealthy
level of indulgence of this world), I just wish both God and the devil would
just disappear. I know it's wrong to feel that way though, for the devil it
makes sense, all he does is cause suffering, but why would I want God to go
away? I always remember how without God, there would be no standard of good, so
it would be perfectly ok for anyone to do whatever they please, even the very
worst people. I also remember that these things never give me any true
happiness, the pleasure they give is fleeting, and they will ultimately be no
more once everything is said and done. God gives true joy and peace, something I
want yet don't seem to be motivated to pursue...
Response #6:
"I also remember that these things never give me any true happiness"
Good! That puts you ahead of 99.999% of the rest of the world (link).
You are figuring this out. Good for you! Keep fighting. This sort of
fight isn't won in a single day. But you can win it. You have the Holy
Spirit. Start relying on Him more and on yourself less.
In terms of dedication, best practice is to set yourself to do what you
reasonably and consistently can where you are at now in your spiritual
status – and try to expand that day by day. It's a mistake either to 1)
try to get by with doing as little as possible (because that approach
can endanger your faith) or 2) try to do everything perfectly at once –
not even Paul was perfect, and he didn't get to his near-perfect
application overnight or with no effort.
You know what is good to do: pray, Bible, Bible study, walk with your
eyes on the Lord – more is better than less; move forwards, not
backwards.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
I have a life question I am really hoping you can help me with. I don't
have any other way to learn this. Could you please bear with me, and
help me? Because it is about daily life which cross-sections living in
faith.
1) The easiest way is to give a concrete example. My
former-teacher-who-is-now-an-engineer and I were walking around her
neighborhood. And she was mentioning some shoddy work done by
construction workers (that the way they did it meant it would last 10
years not 20). And my first reaction was to almost shrug that off, and I
know she did not like that. But I know as a worker on the bottom, we
have to do what the people above us say. (I was thinking it may have
been a situation similar to what I have been in). At my job I have done
lots of inefficient and useless things that they wanted, (that wastes
company time at least) and put on a false face (because that is what
they want). Am I misguided or wrong? If we don't put on this face and
just obey we will end up let go. But would it be any different at any
other job?
2) Secondly, that coworker is doing the baby shower next month. I messed
up the date and drove over an hour there and then over an hour back, and
decided I will just give her the gift when she comes by the office. Part
of putting on a false face is pretending to be best buds FOREVER!!!
until they leave and we never speak their name again. Like they never
existed.
Is it bad for me to pretend, though I feel like I have to? Is it the
Christian duty to have charity towards a pregnant coworker? I hate
having to pretend like this, and I feel like because I am pretending I
don't get spiritual credit. In my mind I don't know if this coworker is
deluded that we all really care (because as I say I have seen MANY
coworkers come and go whom no one mentions their name again, who we did
the parties for), or maybe she is knowingly exploitative of the
situation (knows we have to attend and put on a face and buy her gifts
or we get in trouble), or am I deluded and like a psychopath for not
caring?
My dear friend, thanks for being patient with me and helping me. If you
could give me any guidance I would really appreciate it.
I think I also was wondering if I was living in sin with this constant
pretending (it feels like lying), and doing the other not-so-moral
things I mentioned (like not the best work), but I feel it is all I can
do. Do you think most workplaces are like what I described? If so we are
all stuck doing it right?
How are you doing?
Response #7:
It would be impossible to find a perfect workplace because no person is
perfect. In this day and age, finding a moderately good one is a
victory. Even at places like my university that like to put on a face of
ethical behavior and care and concern for their workers, the truth is
otherwise. If I adopted the course of action you are worried you ought
to take I'd certainly have to quit . . . and would be hard pressed to
find a school that wasn't like this (even if they were willing to hire
me at this point). Why? Because people are people and the people in any
country/culture reflect the overall values of that country/culture
generally, with believers being the rare exceptions when the values are
bad (along with the occasional exceptional, moral unbeliever as well).
In short, I think you'd have to leave and go to some other place that
doesn't exist to avoid this sort of problem. In scripture, we are
responsible to do a good job as unto the Lord. As long as they are not
illegal or anything like that, if you are faithfully carrying out the
orders of your superiors, even if they are stupid, that is honoring to
the Lord. After all, "stupid" is not a crime. If it were, we'd have to
build a lot more jails.
As to responsibilities to co-workers, I'm terribly sorry that you wasted
your time like that. Maybe there is a lesson there. If someone is
genuinely my friend, I will socialize with them. But I resist
socializing with co-workers, even though I realize that there is a price
to pay for not doing so. For me, at this point in my career, that price
is minimal, so we do have to "count the cost" for anything we do or fail
to do. It's no crime to go to a party for work, and it's no sin either.
You have to be able to live with yourself. If not going is going to
bother you more than going, then think about going – and vice versa.
There's no blanket Bible answer here because this depends on knowing
yourself and what you resolve to do or don't do. I'll say a prayer for
you on this.
I'm doing pretty well. It's going to be a busy one here with final prep
for the new semester one week out. Hope your week goes well too.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
I basically have great social struggles, struggling to understand social cues or what people mean emotionally. Being online without any vocal or facial emotion in text only makes this worse. I tend to worry about doing or saying something wrong...then failing to realize what I end up doing is considered weird or otherwise abnormal when I finally decide to say something. Please pray for me in this regard, I've decided to try my best, with God's help if He's willing, to learn to properly socialize and whatnot, not just for everyday means but to be better as a Christian in this regard.
Response #8:
I believe that social media and the internet, complicated by the Covid
shutdowns, have damaged many young people at a critical time.
However, socializing is overrated because we socialize with people, and
as Christians we know what is truly "in" people (Jer.17:9; cf. Jn.2:25).
That said, we all do need some contact with people – in person, not
online. For all good Christians who are trusting in the Lord and
spiritually advancing, our God answers our prayers and satisfies all of
our needs. So persevere in your spiritual advance, put your petitions
before the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart
(Ps.37:4).
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:4-8 NKJV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Please pray that God would save me I'm 64 and I'm scared I never been obedient to God I want to now but God won't hear me please I'm so scared.
Response #9:
God hears you. He hears us all. He is God. And He is merciful. All who believe are saved; only those who are not should be scared:
'"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
'John 3:18 NKJV
If you are concerned, please say a prayer of confession to the Lord, and you WILL be forgiven all of your sins (Ps.32:5; 103:3; Matt.6:12; 1Jn.1:9). Never underestimate God's mercy:
'The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
'Psalm 103:8-13 NIV
I am praying for your daily, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Would you pray that God would take away my frightenedness. I have it all day fore the past 7years or more.
Response #10:
I'm praying for you daily.
If you start reading the materials at Ichthys with regularity, I am sure that will help.
The Peter series (link) is a good place
to start.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Doc, what's the "Session of Christ" and why is it so important to
salvation?
Also is it really bad to celebrate Christmas with presents? I mean, the
Bible does say we shouldn't make any day more important than another if
i remember correctly, we aren't in the Old Testament anymore where there
were all these special feast days after all, but in all honesty, i don't
see why it would be bad to use the opportunity to give some gifts to
friends and family.
Sorry, I tend to forget what you've already said if it was even a little
while back for some reason...re-read your answer to my previous
Christmas question, and it answered the last email nicely. I have
another question though: How do I recognize when suffering is testing
from God, when it's my fault from my sin, or unjust entirely by others?
Response #11:
Christ's session was the official acknowledgment by the Father of the successful
completion of the mission of salvation (see
the link).
On how to evaluate suffering, the closer we are walking to the Lord, the less we
will need to wonder whether or not "we deserve it". So another good reason to
stay frosty on defense (avoiding all serious sinning) and to keep up the
positive forward progress in spiritual growth.
When it comes to discipline, moreover, if we make a habit of repentance and
confession whenever we DO stumble, then it doesn't really matter the cause of
suffering since from the point of our confession we are forgiven so that all we
suffer is for our good and our blessing thereafter. The question thus becomes a
bit academic, but even here we get better at evaluating ourselves and thus
better at answering this question for ourselves the more we grow.
See the link:
"The Fact
and Purpose of Divine Discipline" (in BB 3B)
Wishing you a nice run up to Christmas.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Bob,
Thank You so much for sharing. Congratulations to you. God bless you,
your family, and your ministry.
You have been a blessing to us.
Response #12:
My pleasure – thanks for the good words!
Keeping you and your son in my prayers.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob,
I am presently examining the concepts of testing and temptation, and
have a couple questions:
1) In Matthew 4:5-7, the devil takes Jesus up to the top of the temple
in Jerusalem.
I came across an interpretation that inferred that there would have been
a crowd present, an "audience." So, the thinking would go, this was
really about Satan telling Jesus to "show off" -- to launch himself off
the temple, be saved by God, and then have the people marvel at this
public display. And that this would be part of the "temptation."
Up until now, I'd never given much thought to the idea of others being
present during these temptation of Christ proceedings. I think I'm a bit
skeptical because the text never mentions a crowd, but on the other
hand, well, the temple is in the city, and unless it was the middle of
the night or something, people likely would be about.
Would they have been able to see them from the street/be aware of their
presence, do you think? Would it have been supernaturally prevented by
God or or even Satan?
Thoughts on the line of thought mentioned re: showing off to the
audience being part of the temptation?
2) I'm trying to wrap my head better around what exactly "testing God"
means. If Jesus says we shouldn't do it in Matthew 4:7, well, what
exactly is it?
Is it something like "placing requirements/demands upon the Lord that
are not consistent with His Will?"
Here in Matthew 4, Jesus would run afoul of this if He demanded God save
Him supernaturally from falling from a great height. Other passages that
seem relevant:
The Israelites at Massah in Exodus 17:1ff. (cf. how it is referenced in
Psalm 95:8, Deuteronomy 6:16)
The punishment by serpents in Numbers 21:4ff. (cf. how it is referenced
in 1 Corinthians 10:9)
The Israelites generally in the forty years in the wilderness (Hebrews
3:7-11). Also, cf. Number 14:20ff
Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1ff.
Acts 15:10
Lots of other references too in the Psalms etc.: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Testing-God
I guess why I'm trying to pin down exactly what "testing God" means is
because in popular consciousness people seem to make it just about not
asking for "signs from God" and the like. Something along the lines of
"If I flip this coin and it is heads, I'll date him, if not, I won't.
God, tell me what I should do -- it's in your hands!"
God doesn't want us to make decisions by coinflip, but by reading and
studying His Word, and listening to the still, small voice of the Spirit
that operates on that truth we have learned, believed, and applied in
our lives.
But, in any case, I don't think testing God is just refraining from
asking for signs. How do all the passages make sense then?
Basically, if it's not as simple as that, then what is the best way of
explaining the concept?
3) Everything gets even murkier when one considers that sometimes asking
for signs is not even a bad thing, but a good thing. Cf. Ahaz's refusal
to do so in Isaiah 7 being described as trying God's patience. Also,
Gideaon asking for signs comes to mind too.
You can compare what you've already written in this email response, Q/A
#19.
So how does this new observation of "well, it depends" interact with
trying to define what testing God means? (As in, the thrust of question
2 above)?
Not calling contradiction here or anything, just trying to figure out
how to best explain the concept.
Hopefully all the questions are clear, but let me know if not.
Your friend in Jesus,
Response #13:
1) I share your skepticism. Lots of reasons why this might not have been
seen (i.e., the back not the front of the temple where the courts were;
the fact that this was all supernaturally occurring – no one saw the
devil, I'm sure); but no compelling reason to think otherwise and the
Bible says nothing about anyone watching.
2) 1st Corinthians 10:9 in its context provides a good clue. In that
context (1Cor.10:1-13), Paul describes the exodus generation as a
negative example, an example of how NOT to behave. Verse nine is merely
one of four incidents mentioned – and of course the Lord had said that
this generation "disobeyed me and tested me ten times". From which I get
that testing God is disobedience to Him and vice versa, and also that
all of these things in 1Cor.10:1-13 amount to testing God. So any time
we disobey Him, any time we sin, we are testing Him, that is, foolishly
pushing the limits – just as children do with their parents. Of course,
obviously, some such behavior is far worse than other manifestations of
it, and chronic bad behavior is worse than an occasional stumble. But
just as with our parents, that authority line is something we need to
learn to respect.
3) I wouldn't worry too much about popular misconceptions unless you're
forced to confront them. Otherwise, you'd probably have little time for
anything else! Clearly, asking for a sign when God has already made
something clear is a mistake. Circumstances are important here. God did
not blast Gideon, although any believer reading about the fleece would
be embarrassed for him, I think. Our Lord's generation asked for signs
in the presence of the One who had raised the dead and restored sight to
the blind (e.g.). At some point, such "asking" is disingenuous. But
sometimes people need such things. Look what the Lord did for Moses in
giving him signs to do (Ex.4:1-9). So if the Lord tells you to ask for a
sign (as with Hezekiah and as with Ahaz), refusing really is "putting
God to the test".
Glad you got back safe and sound.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #14:
I was reading this part: "For example, Adam and Eve became mortal,
were cursed, and were expelled from paradise for eating of the forbidden
fruit, an act which does not seem particularly immoral, sinful, bad, or
evil in and of itself, but which was a clear and willful rejection of
God's authority," and one thing I have thought of is that the act of
sin, regardless of whether it is small or large (whether in our eyes or
the Lord's if there is such a thing as a small sin to Him)-the act
itself of treating God like that....the God who gave us all good things,
and sustains us, and we could writes books upon books of His
goodness...that treating Him like that in and of itself is evil. And
this is before you get to the issue of rejecting Him and His authority.
Which is like the limb cutting itself off from the base of the tree.
Sort of like the idea in, if you have parents that always loved and took
care of and helped you, and then you do something bad against them even
if it seems small, maybe we get more of a sense of how the fact of the
act itself has its own depth of evil/badness.
Or maybe I am overthinking lol
But please do tell me how you are?
Response #14:
It is true that sin is an act of rebellion against God.
Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
1st John 3:4 NKJV
That said, there is no believer who does not sin and there is therefore no believer who does not have to confess, and saying (or thinking) differently is calling God a liar.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
1st John 1:8-10 NKJV
So it is a blessed thing that Christ died for all our sins – and that He is our Advocate when we do sin.
My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
1st John 2:1-2 NKJV
Doing well - glad tomorrow is Friday. Hope the week has gone well for you
too!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Doctor L.
Greetings in the Lord.
I have read through your general ideas behind the False Doctrine of
Absolute Eternal Security. While I generally agree with your conclusions
and agree with not being on pins and needles salvation, there are a
couple of conclusions you reached which I would counsel revisiting.
First, God does discipline us. But the discipline of God is not always
effective. We see evidence of this in Amos 4 for example where God’s
repeated attempts to discipline his elect was ineffective. I think God
describes 5 different types of discipline each time resulting in “yet
you have not returned to me” Furthermore, why would God not discipline
us when we are falling away if its always effective? We also see in the
NT, God did not choose to discipline Ananias and Sapphira but killed
them outright. I understand you believe God is able to discipline in a
manner that gets people’s attention and in general agree as there are
many places in scripture where this is demonstrated but it is a mistake
to assume that all will respond equally to the lash. In the end, God
destroyed 90% of the 10 tribes and most of the 2 remaining ones. If
God’s discipline is always effective why did they need to be destroyed,
especially His Treasured Possession? The answer is clear: God tried to
discipline them but it was not effective. Finally, there are plenty in
scripture that God did not discipline; He just punished or killed.
Second, I understand as you do that if we sin, seek forgiveness and
earnestly turn back to God we will be forgiven. Yet the history of God
shows that He does not suffer ongoing rebellion. Paraphrasing Oscar
Wilde if I may “To sin once may be regarded a misfortune. To continue in
sin, smacks of disregard.” The point is that there is no doubt that loss
of faith will lead to loss of salvation, but the essence of refusing to
live as the Spirit leads us, is also loss of faith (or a dying faith). A
slowly hardening heart is just as spiritually damaging in the end as is
outright repentance away from God. We are taught throughout scripture
what a true faith looks like and what it produces. You may have noticed,
save for the thief on the cross who did all he could, every
determination of where men spend eternity is based on works, not faith.
Let me know if you want the list. This is also the reason we are warned
three times in the NT about the Israelites and their behavior who
demonstrated their evolving unbelief through their actions.
We retain our ability to choose whether to follow God or not after we
come to Him. Praise the Lord that we have the Holy Spirit to guide us
but as you know, we can grieve or quench the Holy Spirit rejecting where
He leads.
All His Best.
Response #15:
Good to make your acquaintance.
As to "there are a couple of conclusions you reached which I would
counsel revisiting", it's not clear from your email what these might
be. In terms of the gist of the article to which you refer there seems
to be no substantive disagreement on any major point. Here are some
comments on other things you raise:
You wrote, "God tried to discipline them but it was not effective".
There is a difference between how God comports Himself towards
individual believers on the one hand, and towards nations – especially
towards Israel as a nation – on the other. There is such a thing as
blessing by association (the salt principle); there is also such a thing
as cursing by association. Jeremiah was a great believer and so was his
associate Baruch, but their lives were greatly impacted by the fact they
belonged to a sinful nation at that point (cf. esp. Jer.45:1-5). What
they personally suffered was most assuredly not divine discipline.
Also important to note is that divine discipline is technically
something which the Lord reserves for His true sons and daughters, that
is to say, for believers (Heb.12:3-11). Unbelievers are not judged by
the same standard nor are they treated the same way He treats us. Each
time the Jewish nation was severely punished or ejected from the land,
the reason was not so much that the believers therein were misbehaving
but rather that the people therein were not believers at all. They were
following the Baals and/or involved in other activities not as believers
for the most part but as those who had never put their faith in the Lord
as their original forefather Abraham had done (Gen.15:6, e.g.).
Also important to note is that the "ten tribes" were never completely
destroyed. There are representatives from all 12/13 tribes who survived
in antiquity and whose offspring are still alive today (here's a link
which lead you to others:
"Lost
Tribes").
Finally, when you talk about God "trying" but being "ineffective", it is
good to remember just how wise and powerful our God is. He created the
universe through Jesus Christ in the blink of an eye and exists in glory
outside of time and space. He foreordained the entirety of history – the
history of the universe and that of His creatures – in absolute
precision covering every event down to the subatomic level before He
initiated creation. He not only knows everything that would happen –
nothing could ever happen unless it was part of the perfectly ordained
all-encompassing plan He ordained before time began. Nothing is an
accident. Everything He does / has planned is perfect (even if from our
very limited human perspective we fail to see it sometimes).
We do indeed have free will. But we could not have it, we could not be
free to choose, unless God had ordained that ability and integrated all
those choices into the one perfect plan from the beginning. So it is not
as if God is "surprised" by any event or any human reaction. He never
"tries" to do things. Instead He is working "all things together for
good
for those who have been called according to [that perfect] plan"
(Rom.8:28).
In short, I think you have misread this article somewhat or at the very
least not understood some of its points because you are not familiar
with the teachings of this ministry overall. That is certainly
understandable since you are coming to it for the first time. It would
take you several years, I would imagine, to come close to reading
everything that has been posted over a lifetime of working on Ichthys,
let alone to digest it.
So as long as we are making suggestions, I would suggest that you read
Bible Basics 3B: Hamartiology: the Biblical
Study of Sin (at the link). The
Peter series, from which the article you cite comes, is very basic
(especially in the early going where you are at present) and so is
generally the one I send people to first when they are just beginning to
study at Ichthys. But "Bible
Basics", despite the name, is essentially a complete systematic
theology wherein the issues covered in Peter et. al. are examined in
much greater depth. For more on the awesome nature of our God, see
BB 1: Theology (at the link).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Dr Bob (or do you prefer another title?).
Good to meet you too.
I apologize, because I had not looked through your site and only caught one
three-part article and it was that I referenced. It was the article “The False
Doctrine of Absolute Eternal Security I, II, III”. The specific statement I was
referencing with my first counsel was this one “Moreover, God disciplines us for
our sin, and He knows very well just how to make us rue our sin (see the link:
"The Fact and Purpose of Divine Discipline").”
As referenced in your article people are not on pins and needles salvation. That
means they do not momentarily fluctuate between saved and unsaved. When people
drift from God, He sometimes attempts to bring them back, especially with those
that are His people. This is done through discipline. But this is the specific
reference in Amos 4. God’s purposes was to bring back those had drifted. They
had not ceased being His people; at least at that time. When God disciplines
people he is discipling believers as you say. The people in Israel at that time
did believe even if their actions were inconsistent with their beliefs. Remember
that God disciplined the Israelites leaving Egypt too and they had a constant
reminder that He was with them. Yet God’s discipline did not bring about in this
case the repentance and trust He desired. In fact it’s the posture of much of
the modern church that believers live inconsistent with what they believe
(although the early church did not believe this). This is the essence of the
purpose of discipline, to call people back to God who were drifting in the
faith. They did not reject God outright but by their actions showed they were
drifting. Once they are completely gone, it is judgment. I would also offer that
the discipline of God could be much more selective if He desired it, but when
nations are disciplined so are the individuals within in most cases however I
take your point as regards Jeremiah.
I am aware of the remnant of the tribes of Israel and did not say anything that
contradicted that as far as I know. So we agree here.
For those that love God of course…..it does not say that plan applies to all
people or all events in the universe (next paragraph). We agree on where our
free will comes from.
I recognize how wise and wonderful God is and agree. It is much less clear to me
that he foreordained (that is using the definition of ordain: to order or decree
by virtue of superior authority), all events. Allowing something is not causing
something. If you have an article you can point me to that supports that
biblically I would appreciate it. However if God actually ordains, that is
decrees, every event, that does make God logically, the source of evil which is
not consistent with my understanding of who God is.
Furthermore, I don’t think the statement that God ordains (again as defined by
the classical definition of ordain) everything comports with your statement
about human free will. We agree that God knows all past, present, and future
events and agree that God is outside of time but as far as being the cause of
all events, I doubt this with the difference being between the subtlety between
foreknowledge and causality. I don’t dispute that what God does is perfect, yet
the creatures he deals with are not and for Him to afford them the ability to
choose there are things that God has desired and even decreed which do not occur
because of man. For example how do you answer when God says things will happen
but they don’t. This happens at both the national and individual levels. I
actually have an answer to this but not sure you would agree but would really
like your perspective here.
I will take your other counsel although I am not sure the reason as relates to
the issues I raise. My guess is we agree on sin but am intrigued as to what you
may have to say about it. I have studied through this and will be interested to
see if we come up with the same conclusions.
I am sure you are busy and if this seems too taxing, no problem. I will
understand.
All His best and thanks for engaging.
Response #16:
"Bob" is just fine.
Re: "My guess is we agree on sin but am intrigued as to what you may
have to say about it.": Best place for the full scope of Ichthys'
teachings on sin is at the link: BB 3B:
Hamartiology.
Re: "Allowing something is not causing something." Certainly not
(I never said anything like that).
Re: "I don’t think the statement that God ordains (again as defined
by the classical definition of ordain) everything comports with your
statement about human free will": Best place to access the teachings
on how free will and the plan of God interact is in
BB 4B: Soteriology, the section on
"Free-will faith and the Will of God" (at the link).
Have a look at these links, and then feel free to ask regarding anything
you have questions about.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
I'm feeling bad because I've failed. I gave into temptation to a
particular weakness of mine. Whenever I sin in this way, I always feel
awful and I always want to confess right then - but I think only because
I am scared of what God might do. I know that I am supposed to have the
proper attitude in confession, not just rote prayers but actually a
repentant heart.
I try to have the correct attitude, and I try to purpose in myself that
the next time I am tempted, I will not sin. But I usually do. Even
though it makes me so unhappy and scared. What do I do to make sure my
attitude of repentance is genuine? I know it's wrong, and hurts my
relationship with Jesus, and I still keep doing it. I'm afraid God's
going to lose patience with me. I want to conquer it once and for all,
but I think it will be a fight. How do I confess this when I keep
messing up over and over? I don't want God to be tired to me and my sin,
I do want to make Him pleased. I want to be on the straight and narrow.
I haven't been feeling well for a few days and now I am afraid He might
just lose patience with me.
Respectfully,
Response #17:
Please take heart. We all stumble and we all fail from time to time.
When they sin against You – for there is no man who does not sin . . .
1st Kings 8:46a (2Chron.6:36a)
If You, O Lord, kept a close watch on [our] iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand?
Psalm 130:3
For there is no man on earth who is [so] righteous that he [always] does what is good and [never] sins.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
For all sin and fall short of God's glory.
Romans 3:23
For we all stumble (i.e., sin) in many ways.
James 3:2a
Granted, we are supposed to be staying far clear of sin,
and pursuing sanctification (Heb.12:14; 1Pet.1:15-16). But everyone
falters from time to time. When we do, we need to remember 1) that all
of our sins have already been paid for by Jesus Christ (1Jn.2:2); 2)
that we were forgiven everything when we believed (1Jn.2:12); 3) that we
are forgiven as believers whenever we sin as soon as we confess our sins
to Him (1Jn.1:9); 4) that He is our Advocate before the Father when we
do sin (1Jn.2:1).
Feeling bad when we fail is normal. In fact, it is part of the divine
discipline which comes to believers who are actually trying to "fight
the fight". We naturally will be determined NOT to fail the next time,
and all the more so to the extent that we are feeling bad about our
failure now. So next time we should remember how we are feeling now. And
it's also good to keep in mind that if we are not feeling bad enough to
avoid this same trap laid down by the devil next time, that the Lord is
capable of making us feel even worse, so that if we are slow on the
uptake, we can expect our Savior – in love and concern for us, not in
anger and vindictiveness – to amp up the "medicine" until we finally get
the "dose" necessary to cure us of whatever the problem may be.
Rejoice that you are a child of God! Rejoice that Jesus loves you as
part of His precious Bride! Rejoice in all of the wonderful things in
store for us as the Church of Jesus Christ!
And make a mental note the next time out to be better at applying the
truth, listening to the Spirit, and avoiding whatever things contribute
to defeat.
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the LORD pities those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:8-13 NKJV
Keep growing in grace through the truth, and don't allow one trip-up to
rob you of your spiritual momentum – that is just what Satan wants.
In Jesus our patient, loving and merciful Savior,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,
You always encourage me, and help me to keep fighting the fight,
although I still have a long ways to improve. I think I am making
progress, but I know there are a lot of things I can do better.
Thank you for your patience with me. I'll try not to bother you for
awhile!
Respectfully,
Response #18:
Thanks for the good words!
It's no bother. Please feel free to write any time.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
I think I am very slowly learning spiritual ways of thinking.
Today my car is at the mechanic. And a taxi was supposed to pick me. I
will spare you the waiting an hour calling, and having to rebook twice,
and skip to that the mechanic was nice enough to drive me about 13ish
minutes to my apartment and may help me again a little later when the
car is ready.
And normally I would be really freaking out because I would have
thought, what if he won't or can't help, what if I lose the job because
I can't get my car on time, etc. I will admit to being a bit stressed
and anxious. But not like before. I was thinking that the apostles were
often in what we might call desperate situations, and it is good for me
to learn how to handle them especially if I live through the
Tribulation. So I don't feel as put upon (like 'some strange thing is
happening').
I mean there is also a little general worldly confidence from experience
too, but it is also the other thing I just mentioned. I just wanted to
share that with you.
Tomorrow I am off. I sometimes wake up with headaches and then am very
limited in what I can do dailies/studying wise (have to be gentle
mentally).
And so sometimes I try a little drawing and recorder. Is it bad or
useless to even do them though? I mean you'd need to do it regularly to
be any good, and what good is drawing well? And being more regular would
take away from the dailies. Oh goodness I am going to just not think for
a while. Goodnight!
Response #19:
Sounds to me as if you handled this unexpected pressure very well.
Anyone can be shocked by negative and trying events that surprise us.
Mature believers recover quickly and put things into the broader
spiritual perspective . . . just like you did!
Hope you feel better soon too (your R&R seems very healthy and
reasonable to me!).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Thanks! Two more short questions I have.
I get why people call the prosperity gospel the prosperity "gospel" but,
in a certain sense, isn't the word "gospel" something that needs to be
explained a bit in detail since many churches that adhere to this
teaching teach that salvation is by faith through grace alone (which
means they are teaching the true gospel)? The teaching is obviously
false and dangerous with many risks that make apostasy all the more
likely for those who hold to that belief (in the end, nothing will have
mattered if you stopped believing). However, I do believe that many
people who attend said churches are actually saved (even if not all of
them). If a person has believed in Christ alone, they are a believer and
they are saved, even if they end up believing in the prosperity gospel
later on. I know the issue with Laodicea has to do with wealth and much
of the distractions and worries of this life (yet we know they are still
genuine believers), but I never took that to mean most in the church are
(and have been) lukewarm mostly because of the health and wealth
teaching. I have heard people call the prosperity gospel a "false"
gospel. But is it really a gospel presentation since many of them
believe in and teach faith by grace alone? The problem is that it makes
it sound as if everyone who believes in that false teaching hasn't truly
come to Christ and aren't genuine believers just because they hold to
that belief.
Onto my other question, (I'm writing a small topical on this), we are
told not to take the Lord's name in vain. However, many swear words
don't mention God's name at all, the Sh** word for example. I have heard
people say that word when, for example, something scared them, and they
go, "oh sh**! I would imagine this to be an example of something
unwholesome (Ephesians 4:29) I understand swearing is never a good idea.
Another example- He's a D*M good worker! I've heard that one plenty of
times too. But can we say with absolute certainty that swearing (with
words not involving the Lord's name) is always sinful? Can they be
sinful? Of course they can and often are because they are used in all
sorts of sinful ways by people all the time. But in every single
instance (depends on what word is used and how it is being used- the
motives behind them)? What is your view on this and what do you think of
the examples I provided?
Response #20:
Sorry for the delay.
1) The word "gospel" actually embraced the entirety of the good news of the
kingdom (see the link); so in that sense, I suppose it's not really a misnomer.
However, I do get what you are saying. For many things in life and in all fields
of endeavor we are "stuck" with poorly named concepts and other things – but we
use those names because that way people will know what we are talking about.
2) On the second question, using foul language is not the same thing as
blasphemy or "taking the Lord's Name in vain". However, it's not a good idea for
believers to indulge in it because it reflects poorly on us and on the Lord
(your citation of Eph.4:29 is spot on). As with all things, this is a matter of
application so that the extent and type of restraint any individual believer
chooses to use is between him/her and the Lord.
In the USMC, swearing of this sort was just part of normal everyday
communication. I was careful not to take the Lord's Name in vain when I was in
but didn't bother to refrain from salting my speech with curse words . . . until
a fellow officer who was a believer took me aside one time and said, "I
appreciate the fact that you don't misuse the Lord's Name, but I have a problem
with your use of swear words". I decided that, while it wasn't a huge issue,
given the environment, it was apparently causing some fellow believers
unnecessary distress . . . and not giving the best witness.
We don't want to be legalistic about this (excommunicating someone from our
fellowship if they shout "d***" after stubbing their toe), but this is surely a
case where in most venues "less is better". And in the example given, just whom
are we upset with, and just whom are we cursing? Anything said in anger is
likely going to be regretted later.
In Jesus,
Bob L.