Question #1:
Thank you for your response Dr. Luginbill.
Is it possible for people to make deals with the devil/demons for fame/wealth/power?
Response #1:
Since we cannot see the devil nor demons, it seems unlikely that anyone who is "making the deal" is doing so with any demon, rather than in their derangement only thinking so in their head. Besides, the devil and his agents do only what they think is beneficial to their cause. They don't care about any human being; they just use those who are willing to be used and discard them when they are no longer useful. So whatever "deal" a person may assume they've made – even if in fact someone somehow like the mythical Faust did manage to get a signed contract from Satan – it is the height of self-delusion to assume that the devil – who betrayed the Lord Himself – would have any intention whatsoever of honoring such a bargain except for as long as it suited him to do so. And you can't sue the devil, after all. Part 4 of the Satanic Rebellion series, "Satan's World System", is a good place to start on these issues. And here are some more pertinent links:
Spiritual Warfare IV: Demons, Demonic Influences and Satanic Methodology
Spiritual Warfare III: Peter's 'Angel', Saul's Death, and Strange Events
In Jesus who has delivered us from the realm of darkness into the
kingdom of His glorious light (Col.1:13).
Bob L.
Question #2:
A. is it legitimate to command an angel?
B. is it legitimate to speak to powers and principalities?
Response #2:
No, we can have no direct contact with angels, and it is wrong to try
and have any such contact: the only ones who might respond are fallen
angels and that could lead to no good. And neither they nor elect angels
would obey us. That will continue to be the case until we are in
resurrection. Things that apostles did
in the book of Acts are no longer being done today (even if some
people are pretending to do them; see the link). Apostles had special
apostolic powers that no one else has; and the period of the early days
of the Church was one of the bestowal of special gifts to make up for
the lack of a New Testament which was still being written. We are better
off with the New Testament than with such gifts (as Peter suggests:
2Pet.1:19).
You might have a look at these links:
Spiritual Warfare IV: Demons, Demonic Influences and Satanic Methodology
Spiritual Warfare III: Peter's 'Angel', Saul's Death, and Strange Events
Faith, Hope and Love: Virtue in Spiritual Warfare
In Jesus our Lord,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Dear Teacher
I was having a conversation this evening with the young man who lives
with my parents now and it turned on the issue of sorcery, namely, how
effective appealing to demonic powers can be. I remembered 2 Kings 3:27
then and wondered if it might have been teaching about such a thing. Am
I right in thinking that there was some sort of spiritual intervention
because of the Moabite king's sacrifice of his heir or might the murder
have just motivated the Moabites to fight back so hard that Israel
turned back and left?
Your student in the Lord
Response #3:
Just saw your excellent reply to our friend (I just replied to him as
well). I'm glad you got in touch with him, and I hope this will turn out
to be beneficial. I'm always guarded in the early going, however. I'll
forward you the email I sent him.
As to the passage, it's a vexed textual problem, but of one thing I can
assure you: demons have no power in turning away believers from
righteous actions. Any power they do have is only that which has been
allowed to them. And anything they might ever "do" for a human being
would be out of the most intense self-serving motives. It's incredible
to me that people who want contact with evil don't understand that
obvious point. Like making a bargain with a thief and expecting him to
be honorable towards you (alone) and not rob you too at the first
chance. But arrogance always blinds the eyes.
I hope you are doing well, my friend! Keeping you and yours in daily
prayer.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Dear Teacher
Thank you very much for the encouragement, Sir. I will try to do the
same. I actually started behaving that way after I began learning from
you but I made an exception with him and our friend. I will be more
careful about that in the future.
About my question, I was wondering if it is possible that Satan uses his
role as the accuser of the brethren to grant the users of sorcery their
desire. If perhaps the Lord were to grant him the right to test a
believer, it may seem to give such people what they want. Is this a
biblical position to take?
Your student in the Lord
Response #4:
You're always most welcome.
On what it's possible for the devil to do, certainly if allowed to do so
there's no limit to what he might try. I don't think this is tied in
particular to his penchant for accusing us. I would only counsel to go
easy here because 1) we only know what is in scripture (it's safe to
assume that the witch at Endor was being empowered by evil forces, but
there isn't a great deal on the subject as you've posed it); 2) people
have a tendency to run with such things far beyond what scripture
authorizes; and 3) in my opinion it's better for believers to think LESS
about demonic activity, and not more – and so I would be loath to do or
say anything which opens up the "more" gate. After all, we are powerless
to see it or do anything whatsoever about it. We trust that the Lord
will not allow anything untoward to happen to us in this regard, so we
can confidently go our way and concentrate on dealing with what we can
see. And, finally, even if this were all true, there's no telling that
person 'A' who claims to have such abilities / connections really does.
We're just all better off staying far, far away, and telling anyone
who'll listen to do the same.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Dear Professor
I hope your health is improving and your load bearable.
I had have been thinking of a scripture that I was not sure where to
find, but thanks to the Baptist Pastor I have downloaded a free phone
app tecarta.
1 Timothy 4:1. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits,
and doctrines of devils;”
(Also see 1 Timothy 4:1-16)
1. I was wondering firstly; does “doctrine of devils” include ALL false
teaching, including some of what is preached from many claimed
“Christian pulpits”.
Would the “Pre- Trib Rapture” and Annihilationism be “doctrines of
devils”?
2. “Depart from the faith”, seems to indicate leaving the faith.
Verse 7 refers to “profane and old wives’ fables.
There is counsel to refuse these and “exercise thyself rather unto
godliness.”
Having read much of your writings AND searching the relevant scriptures
you list, the above “doctrines” seem to fit Verse 7 above, perfectly.
No need for any quick reply on this one. I was just wanting
clarification, so as I do not go barking up the wrong tree. Of course, I
always endeavour to invite the Spirit when I communicate with others who
believe in these “doctrines”. I also desire their salvation, as I do
mine.
There are different people I sometimes meet, especially now, who are new
to the faith, and have somewhat vague ideas of the truth, and I would
like, if possible, also to prevent them from being indoctrinated into
false doctrines by the preaching of these “more mature” religionists.
I since have renoticed in your series in PE 27 that Tribulational
Security is one of three false doctrines that threaten faith. As some
hold these “doctrines” precious, I am considering mentioning that these
are “doctrines of devils” to prompt or jolt the “mature” to examine the
scriptures, and also to warn new seekers who come to their churches,
that they need to see what scripture really says before accepting
“doctrines”.
I am endeavouring to raise the issues without raising the ire of those
who see things differently - until we all come to a unity of the faith.
At some point, it seems necessary to call these “doctrines” what they
really are (“doctrines of devils”).
These sorts of thoughts have been going through my mind for quite some
time; I have not wanted to offend anyone, and perhaps a little progress
has been made, so I will keep praying to be able to say what the Spirit
prompts.
I do always hope that all will come to a knowledge of the truth,
(including those that believe). I was hoping that if the pastor knows
the truth, he will be able to also protect his flock from these fables.
Also means I have only one to convince, and not a whole congregation.
There seems to be only a few believers that I associate with, that
approximate with all your major teachings on gospel subjects. I am
hoping and praying for a change.
It is hard for me to believe that they believe what they do - yet I also
believed for decades in “doctrines of devils” (promoted by the mormon
cult). I therefore also must have hope that others will come to the
knowledge of the truth.
What is unsettling at times is the thought that one third of all true
believers will apostasize during the Tribulation. Is it possible that
those who believe in “doctrine of devils” will be more susceptible to
apostasy, or are these not counted as believers in the first place?
(Just wanted clarification on this point)
I have been prompted to reread about some of this in
CT3A.
You have written about all this, so no need to answer any time soon.
I remain grateful for your most gracious ministry
Response #5:
Always good to hear from you, my friend, and thanks as always for your
kind and encouraging words.
As to "doctrines of demons" and "deceiving spirits", the latter
certainly includes false teachers (that is the primary meaning), while
the former includes all false doctrine. The critical point in the verse
is the one you note, "depart from the faith", and the verb there is
aphistemi, the verb from which the noun "apostasy" is derived. So
this is talking about the trend in the latter times toward falling away
from the faith entirely through giving allegiance instead to satanic
lies taught by teachers in Satan's employ. Primarily then, this is
talking about
the Great Apostasy (link), but in terms of application it is
certainly a trend active today in Laodicea. Yes, the "pre-Trib rapture"
is one of the three I list as
threatening faith; that is primarily because of the shock to the
system all adherents are going to receive when they find out that it is
not true on the other side of the Tribulation's starting line. Not that
it is edifying before that; just the opposite, of course: all that is
false undermines the edifice of the whole.
Christians should esteem and seek the truth with their whole being,
because that is the only way to love the Lord with all our entire "heart
and soul and mind and might". Without the truth, there is no true love.
So keep up the great work for the Lord, my friend! I always draw great
encouragement from your evangelistic efforts on behalf of the truth and
Jesus Christ who is the very truth, the Word of God.
In Him,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Bob,
Hope you had a good weekend!
I wanted to ask you something, Bob that's confusing me a bit. I read in
hamartiology that a "perfect, holy God cannot have direct contact with
anything or anyone impure." I understand this from our point of view
where that barrier can only be removed through the saving work of our
Lord Jesus. But then I keep thinking about what I learnt in Angelology
and how Satan is still allowed access to the throne room of heaven to
accuse us before God. And that just as the elect angels appear before
God at certain appointed times so too there is evidence that the fallen
angels on occasion present themselves before God. So I'm not sure how
that works in these situations when Satan is impure but is having
contact with God who is perfect and holy in heaven. I always think there
must be a pretty tense atmosphere up there sometimes with Satan still
being allowed to hang around!
Thanks as always for your help, Bob.
Your friend in our Lord Jesus
Response #6:
On the "devil in heaven" question, it is a difficult one and one I've fielded
before. It has to do with the parameters that God has laid down for the
adjudicating of the conflict we are presently in, and that includes – for now –
allowing Satan into His presence to, among other things, hurl accusations at
believers. Think of it as a truce situation on a battlefield where two parties
which would normally be pulling out all the stops to kill each other stop
temporarily to parlay for one reason or another.
The cherubim, four
replacing Satan, serve to protect the holiness and sanctity of God, so there is
no pollution or compromise (and of course as God it is impossible for Him to
actually be affected in such a way). Here are two links on this which will lead
to others: "The Devil's Access to
the Presence of God" and "Angelic
Issues IV: Satan's Revolt in the Plan of God".
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #7:
It’s been a while hope you are well. Could you give me scriptures I
could look into that prove the bible is not a magic book. Someone argued
with me recently that psalms is a book of spells? I had no idea there
was this alternative view this is what they wrote :
“The entire book is full of people performing magic. So yes, it is. The
book of psalms is a spell book as well. God doesn't forbid sorcery or
anything of the kind. The Bible is an entire book of people using
sorcery FOR god and man. People who interjected and wrote in the Bible
much later decided they didn't want other people having power so they
said magic is bad mmmkay? Like they added a lot of stuff to subjugate
people, which is clear whenever earlier texts and manuscripts are found.
“
I don’t believe this at all I just don’t know where to start looking to
refute this with the scripture which makes me sad and confused. If
there’s something you’ve written on the website that covers this please
direct me to such link. The discussion had started as I had said that
tarot or anything similar does not fall under the doctrine of
Christianity but people for some reason have this belief that they can
serve God and also practise Wicca, new age beliefs etc and this is not
true.
Response #7:
Dear Friend,
I can't imagine why you'd be "confused".
All you have to do is actually read the psalms to see that there nothing
even remotely like that in there . . . anywhere. The few people in the
entire Bible who try to perform magic are always clearly evil (such as
Pharaoh's magicians) and are always defeated by the power of God.
It's hard to refute a negative like this (as in "prove to me that the
moon isn't made of green cheese" without being able to fly the person to
the moon). Ask this person for a single scripture that purportedly
teaches anything of the kind. Then you will easily be able to point out
to him/her the lies being told about it.
So, speaking of Psalms, here's an appropriate one.
You love every harmful word, you deceitful tongue! Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: He will snatch you up and pluck you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living.
Psalm 52:4-5 NIV
In Jesus the Lord,
Bob Luginbill
Question #8:
Hello Dr. Luginbill, I pray you are well and may God bless you and your
ministry
Just wondering, about the number of angels on each side of Michael and
Satan. Who is outnumbered and how do we know?
Thanks in advance
Response #8:
Hello Friend,
His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.
Revelation 12:4 NKJV
Since in the context the devil and his angels are thrown down to the
earth (Rev.12:7-12), and as angels are commonly referred to as stars,
this has generally been interpreted to mean that Satan induced one third
of the angels to revolt – and I concur in that interpretation. There are
other deductive reasons to believe this (the information is woven into
parts 4 and 5 of
the
Satanic Rebellion series, q.v.).
So to answer your question, the devil is outnumbered, but we shouldn't
assume that the third defecting to him were not more warlike individuals
generally speaking. We'll have to wait until we're on the other side to
get the details on that, but as any Christian can testify, they're
putting up a tough fight. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ has already won the
victory, and His Church will prevail.
And I tell you that you are Peter [the little rock], and upon this [mighty] Rock (i.e., upon Christ Himself; cf. 1Cor.3:11) I shall build My Church (cf. Dan.2:44-45), and the gates (i.e., the fortified defenses) of Hades (i.e., the devil's kingdom) will not [be able to] resist it.
Matthew 16:18
Thanks for your prayers, my friend!
In Jesus our dear Savior,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Dear Dr. Luginbill,
I have read two Bible commentaries which theorized that when all of the
fallen angels are replaced in number by souls that are saved, then Jesus
Christ will return to earth to set up His kingdom. Do you give any
credence to this statement or debunk it?
Yours in Christ,
Response #9:
I have a lot about this in the five part
Satanic
Rebellion series (link). To give you the gist here, since the role
of mankind in the plan of God is to refute the devil and replace him and
his rebellious followers, the Church will replace them one for one,
while the Millennial believers will constitute Christ's double portion.
So, since the fallen angels are one third of the whole (Rev.12:4), the
end result will be an equal number of elect angels and saved human
beings in the eternal state.
I would certainly quibble with the idea, however, that the Millennium is
waiting on this happening. The plan of God has everything perfectly set
up, and the Tribulation will arrive right on schedule (very soon now).
But it does just so happen that at Christ's second advent return, when
the Church is resurrected, that the number of the members of the Body of
Christ will precisely equal the number of angels who followed the devil.
It's the cause and effect inference I find misleading here, as if we
might advance the time-table by doing more witnessing or delay it by
doing less, e.g.
I am very surprised to learn, however, that you have some commentaries
which also advance this teaching, even in a warped way (I've never
personally seen or heard of it anywhere before). Would you mind sharing
the titles / authors with me? Thanks!
Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #10:
When satan is bound for 1000 years. Nothing is said about the third of the fallen angels. Are they bound with him?
Response #10:
Good to make your acquaintance.
Yes indeed – and resurrected believers apparently have a role in the process.
See the link:
The Participation of the Resurrected Church
In Jesus our dear Lord,
Bob Luginbill
Question #11:
Thanx for the reply
I am a bit isolated and need to fellowship
But I came through the whole shabang of churches and have to unlearn a lot I
typed in at google reborn Jesus loving fellowship and all I get is dating sites;
not surprised though. In His time He knows my frame. Keep fighting for the truth
Response #11:
These are common complaints on behalf of many who make use of this
ministry, both the problems and false teachings in Laodicean churches
that have to be unlearned, and also the paucity of Christians out there
who are likewise willing to do so (a lot on this at the link in
BB 6B).
The Lord knows your needs. Sometimes we do have to wait a minute for
these needs to be fulfilled. I appreciate your good witness in being
willing to wait and trust Him. That is exactly the right approach.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Dear Dr Luginbill,
Do you have any ideas as to why the Enemy got only a minority of angelic
type beings to follow him, but got the majority of humans? I was just
thinking about it, and wondered.
I hope you are well. I am becoming more human (suppose I should say
healthy psychology) as time passes. God treats me so well, too.
Can I ask what you think or make of something? It is not directly
related to the Bible, though one might say tangentially it is-but I
won't waste time on that. There is something about my generation's
cohort, and younger that I have noticed. We seem to live very virtually
with screens and constant music, and I almost wonder if it isn't partly
a coping mechanism and fill in for the fact many of us don't have lives,
and weren't taught how to live. We can't cook, can't dress ourselves,
can't clean, don't know etiquette, don't have families or close friends;
and so spend our time playing video games or watching shows where we can
have those things. Now, I know there are people my age and younger who
do have the real thing, I just mean as a general trend, and some have
some of these things. But it isn't like in your day where the parents
were expected to actually raise the children to be adults and ensure
they got there. I don't want to be bitter against the people just older
than me who chose not to do this, I am learning on my own, but I don't
know how pathetic it is when I myself go into the virtual often. It is
hard to learn it all on your own as you go, though. I don't know.
I am thankful to God, because I can have a Life even though those other
things I said-I can have Life now, reading the Bible, and praying, and
trying to obey Him. I just get frustrated sometimes with what I said
before.
Response #12:
God is indeed good – amen!
Every generation is different, and things are changing in this world
faster than ever before. You have managed to do well despite the
obstacles you've had to overcome, and you are running a good race,
giving a good Christian witness. That is all any of us can do –
regardless of age, generation, worldly circumstances or whatever.
As to your first question, I suppose we can look on that as surprising.
On the other hand, given just how much angels knew – and the fact that
they did not have sin natures – one could also see it as surprising that
so many followed the evil one in a rebellion against God which seems so
obvious that they could not win (arrogance is a great deceiver). And in
terms of human beings, it can also be seen as surprising that so many
choose to trust in the Lord without ever seeing Him in person, and given
the fact that sin infests our bodies and we are awash in a world of sin
and evil. What both situations have in common, whichever perspective a
person wishes to take, is that God has worked this all out perfectly so
that each free-will creature He created has had a full and complete and
perfect opportunity to choose what we all really wanted: to give
ourselves to God the Father and live with Him and Jesus Christ forever,
or to be our own gods in despite of Him, regardless of the consequences.
Hope you had a good weekend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi dr,
I hope all is well with you and your family. Thanks again for the
continued email postings. I appreciate it. In Daniel 10:12-13, the
person speaking is that the preincarnate Christ or another angel? If it
is the preincarnate Lord, why did he allow the prince of Persia to
restrain him? Curious
Thanks for your response.
In Christ Jesus our Lord
Response #13:
You're very welcome my friend!
This is an elect angel, an angel of high rank (most likely an
archangel); this passage is reflective of the unseen angelic warfare
that is swirling around us invisibly at all times – and a reminder that
the Lord is always in control of that warfare too, since the restraint
was only temporary (cf. 2Ki.6:17). There's a good deal about all of this
sort of thing in BB 2A: Angelology (link).
Keeping you and your family in my daily prayers.
In Jesus our Savior,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Dear Professor
Thank you for attending the Jeremiah part of your Index so quickly. I
will forward it to you for now.
There is no trip. I am doing all that secular stuff on the home dining
table.
It is always uplifting to engage with your site for the scriptural
understanding it provides. There is so much benefit to me, and
indirectly with those I “rub shoulders” with, who have different views,
such as last night at our Bible study of Daniel. They are all in the
same church fellowship; I am the lone one flying the message from the
Ichthys Ministry.
“Interesting” stuff listening to the pastor's wife's views of
amilleniumism, my reply of we are definitely not in the Millennium; a
Tribulation to happen first. She said she may be pan Millennium (wait
and see which way it pans out). I am grateful that, where as once I
would be vehemently opposed, they now listen to my view, as I say that
is what I read in the scriptures (of course with the excellent teaching
at Ichthys).
She said that she and her pastor husband while building their straw bale
house, listen to some CD which explains that Elohim is a counsel of
beings that God meets with. They make suggestions, and if it is a good
one, He says, “We will go with that”. This is because He allows us to
rule - that is why we were created - we share this rule now on earth (aMillenniumism?).
She quoted something about , now the kingdoms of this world are become
the kingdom of our God. (A lot of confusion out here).
Just a question that came up last night at the meeting regarding Daniel
4:8-9. Some versions have a capital ‘G’ for
(8) “......,he who was named Belteshazzar after the name of my god, and
in whom is the spirit of the holy gods - and I told him the dream,
saying, (9) “O Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that
the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too is too
difficult for you, tell me the visions of my dream that I saw and their
interpretation.
Where should there be capitals?
I had several other questions:
1. Why does Daniel allow himself to be called Belteshazzar (after the
name of my god)?
2. Daniel the chief of the magicians?
3. The spirit of the holy gods (small ‘g’) is in you?
No hurry for answers. They are all looking up their Bible commentaries
and stuff to find an explanation for next week.
Thank you for all you do in your Ministry.
In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior
Response #14:
Thanks for the index file (uploaded).
On Daniel, as to capital letters, this statement (Dan.4:8-9) is made by
Nebuchadnezzar, so a translator, interpreter has to get into his head to
see what he might have meant at that time. The first instance "according
to the name of my god" seems to reference "Bel" (Baal), which was "his
god"; since it is singular in the text (according to the MT vocalization
at any rate), lower case seems right. The second instance, "in whom is
the spirit/Spirit of" can go either way. As you know, 'elohiym is
a plural, of majesty when referring to God, but truly plural when
referring to pagan gods. Many versions have Spirit and God because
Nebuchadnezzar was a believer when he reported this, and Daniel
certainly did have the Spirit of the one true God within him. That is
how I understand it (but the discussion lets you see how some would not
have caps).
1) Daniel was a eunuch and a slave and had not much choice in the matter
if that's what his masters wished to call him. Also, it's far from
uncommon for people in a trans-cultural situation to have a different
name in the new culture. Many Chinese people I've known have an
"American name" which is different from their Chinese name (not all,
however). I suppose Daniel could have put up a fight, but that is a
judgment call we were not in a position to evaluate. He must have
decided that there were "better hills to die on" and that turned out to
be the case.
2) Daniel was the head of these "wise men". Etymologically this word
means "sacred scribe" along with its cognate in Hebrew. The word
"magician" comes from Greek magos from which we get the "Magi"
who come from the east to worship the new born king of Israel in
Matthew's gospel. These were "scholarly descendants" of Daniel, and both
terms refer to the "wise men" of Babylon. They could be called
"scientists" inasmuch as they were as much astronomers as astrologers.
In the ancient world, the line between science and magic was blurry –
just as it is today, in my opinion.
3) See first para.
Thanks again for your help!
In Jesus our dear Lord,
Bob L.
Question #15:
[question about which mythology story is correct]
Response #15:
I've always disliked mythology (sorry). The Bible is inspired and there
is only one truth which never changes. But what I can tell about
Classical mythology is that there is almost never a "correct" answer
because every new poet was free to change things around – the way they
do in "comic book movies" today. So there are things that are accepted
and for which change would not be accepted (e.g., you can't claim there
was no Trojan war or that Troy never fell), beyond a bare bones
narrative anything goes (went).
In terms of what people believed at that time, that would be a hard
question to answer even if applied to today: "What do 21st century
Americans believe about God?" Answer: "It depends on the person". And if
it were posed two thousand years from now, it would be harder still.
Blessed, we know what we believe – and IN WHOM we have
believed, dear Lord Jesus Christ,
In Him,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Dear Dr. Luginbill,
Once heard a person who seemed to be knowledgeable in this area say that
demons can't possess a Christians mind but they can change the chemistry
in our brain so that we will yield to a temptation or other wise be
influenced negatively.
For example in the Scripture, the Devil tempted Jesus to think about
gaining things thru supernatural means Matthew 4:1-11.
Do you agree with this assessment?
Response #16:
I guarantee you the devil was not able (or allowed) to "change the chemistry of
Christ's brain" – nor ours either. Scripture does not give us as much
information as we would like about what demons et al. can and cannot do (and
also even more importantly what they are allowed to do or not),
but there's no indication I can see from scripture that anything like this is
the case.
Temptation is a universal constant within the human race. We get better at
fighting it when we fight it – and as we grow spiritually. If we don't grow and
if we don't fight and if we make a habit of giving in, we will be easier marks.
That is why all of us need to commit ourselves to "resisting to the point of
blood" when it comes to temptation of any sort (Heb.12:4). Scripture is also
very clear that life is all about faith and choice – faith being the true choice
of choosing to trust the Lord. Free will is what all of this is all about; it
makes no sense to allow the devil and his minions to be able to take that away.
So blaming our failures on the devil is merely a dodge to avoid responsibility
for we ourselves have done or have failed to do.
On the other hand, it is true that WE can harden our hearts and that WE can make
ourselves more susceptible to temptation; but as long as we are alive we can
also do the reverse. The man possessed by a legion of demons was still able to
run to Christ and seek His help, after all. Better we turn to Him with all our
hearts long before that.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Bob and family,
Just a quick question. I’ve been thinking on Hebrews 13: 1 & 2 very much
of late as I would like to write another article on that scripture
simply because of the beauty in that scripture. I am wondering, because
it’s in the N.T., can it be taken literally in this day and age (I tend
to think so) or is it only a metaphor in that angels could be also to
mean as a saint or a messenger?
In other words to break it down, we might often unknowingly meet another
believer by chance and that we should always show kindness and respect
to all. I also understand that in this day we should remember Matthew
10: 16.
I can’t remember if you’ve addressed this question before in emails or
ichthys and I am interested to know your thoughts on that scripture.
Hoping you are well and as always dear Bob, with brotherly love,
Response #17:
I don't think I've ever discussed this passage before. The passage "says
what it says" and we know of instances in the OT where indeed those
entertained were angels even though this fact was not known at first
(e.g., Lot in Sodom). So what is said is true, but of course that does
not mean it's happening now – and certainly not that it would be a
regular occurrence even if it were (it certainly seems to have been
extremely rare in biblical times).
But the application of the passage is clear enough as you
see: we can't know why the Lord has led others to us, but we certainly
can treat them with Christian love (and should), remembering that His
plan is perfect and that there are no accidents in it. One small caveat
here: this principle does not abrogate the need for us to be "wise as
serpents" in our dealings with others. There are wolves out there too.
Discernment also has to be used, spiritual common sense, to avoid being
exploited by those who are definitely NOT "angels", literally or
metaphorically.
On the point of surviving the first week back (busy because of visits
and other complications), so thanks for your prayers! Hope you and yours
are doing well – keeping you and your family in my prayers daily as
well.
In Jesus our dear Lord,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Bob,
I have made an addition to the text that I had thought of before I had
finished the article that I wanted to include in it as it is a beautiful
piece of scripture. I was annoyed with myself for not remembering it
when I read it though before sending it. I hope you will understand my
sending it again.
Response #18:
Good to hear from you, my friend.
On angels, Hebrews 13:2 says it did happen; it doesn't say it still will
or can happen. In any case, how would or should a human being be less in
God's eyes than an angel? Seems to me a human being is "more" in the
sense of possibly needing help (angels need no help).
Your relation of the TIA incident is a perfect parallel to the Samaritan
story our Lord tells. For key points about that passage
please see the link. You were clearly no threat to anyone and
clearly needed help, nor would the help needed be likely to have been
particularly onerous or expensive. Not helping someone in that situation
is egregious – especially an elder (spoken like an incipient elder!).
However, I'm always leery of leaving the points in the link unsaid. In
my experience of sermonizing, far to many preachers use this story of
the Samaritan to induce guilt AND to encourage behavior our Lord
wouldn't sanction – He was careful to use the example He used for a
reason. If a woman drawing the wrong conclusions from comments I made
about this incident stopped to help some seemingly stranded motorist at
night and became a victim, I don't know if I could ever forgive myself.
Hoping things are going well for you and your family, my friend!
Keeping you in my prayers daily.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,
Looking at it again I’m thinking this is better.
Please, there is no hurry so at your leisure.
Response #19:
Thanks for this. When you have it on "hub", send me the link and I'll
link on the
Specials" page.
Also, saw and remembered today that Rahab "entertained 'angels' " –
meaning the spies; James 2:25 usually translated as
"messengers" but the Greek word is angeloi . . . because in
Hebrew and Greek both an "angel" is literally a "messenger" (of God). We
only have it as a technical term in English (but Greek and Hebrew don't
distinguish).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #20:
[lengthy self-criticism omitted]
Response #20:
You're always most welcome, my friend.
The evil one puts all manner of traps into our path. It's the rare individual
who can sniff them all out and so avoid them all – and I have yet to meet that
person (or to read about him in the Bible – Daniel, maybe . . .). I'm sorry
about the loss. One thing I can certainly identify with is that it is very
common for us to be emotionally rocked by something or other and to then let the
dis-ease which results color everything else. In fact it's typical human
behavior. But we believers understand that none of this really makes any
difference. Only what we are doing for the Lord in growing, progressing and
producing is of any lasting consequence. The rest of life is laughably
insignificant.
That, of course, is not how it FEELS down here on planet earth. But our departed
loved ones and other believers watching from above are certainly rooting for us
to realize this truth more and more. The Lord has it all planned out, including
making up for all losses, including recovery from all stumbles, including
abundant joy and peace right here at hand, if only we are willing to pick it up
when things go sour in the world. And that is what we need to do. Pick it up.
No failure or disaster or loss has any real weight compared to the least reward
we will be receiving for the least thing we have done for the Lord in this life.
It's not even close. And nothing that happens on this earth can take away from
us that least reward – or anything we've earned by faithful service to the Lord.
As long was we make it to the other side, all the treasures in our heavenly
chest are safe and sound, and will delight us for all eternity. Even if we
failed today. Even if we suffered loss or disaster today. Even if it really was
ALL our fault. The only thing letting ourselves get upset about these things
which genuinely are upsetting, especially to those who have no hope, can do is
to keep us from adding more treasure to the chest until we get around to picking
back up the peace that is our heritage as those who belong to Christ, rekindling
the joy that all He has done for us and all that is to come demands, and
refocusing on the hope of resurrection and reward that is the point of this race
we are running.
(9) So there does remain a "Sabbath day's rest" for the people of God. (10) For he who has entered into [God's] rest has himself ceased from his works just as God did from His own. (11) Let us therefore be eager to enter into that [continual and spiritual] rest, lest anyone fall [from grace] following the same pattern of disobedience [as the Exodus generation did].
Hebrews 4:9-11
This is our duty. In fact, it's a commandment (commandment #4 as we are to apply
it in the Church Age).
Keeping you in my prayers always, my friend.
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior – who is our peace, our joy, and entire
hope.
Bob L.
Question #21:
Hey Mr. Luginbill. Thanks for all of the help so far. I was recently reading about NASA’s Mars 2020 mission & people have been talking about life on other planets. Does the Bible say anything about God creating life on other planets? Is it possible from a Biblical perspective? It’s a very confusing topic for me. If we somehow do find some form of life on Mars, how should a Christian react to such things? Of course it COULD be a hoax as well. Thanks man.
Response #21:
Your very welcome.
"We" landed on the moon in 1969; a couple of forays after that. 50 years
later nothing of the sort has happened again. So I doubt that any
serious space travel is going to take place in the next 14 or so years
before the Lord returns.
No, there aren't "space aliens". That is impossible. When Satan
rebelled, God allowed him and his to run riot on the former divine HQ,
namely, the earth; this went on for a while (eons, it seems), but after
a long enough time had transpired to let all the angels see that nothing
whatsoever good would ever come of the devil ruling the physical
universe, God devastated it in an instant, blacking it out and
inundating it with the soon frozen Abyss. No life could survive that.
Restoring the universe somewhat and the earth particularly in order for
it to sustain life for the new species which would replace the devil and
his angels, namely, "us", was done in the six days of re-creation, with
the seventh a day of rest, the seven in toto forming the pattern for how
human history would play out. So while the age of the universe is
unknown, there has only been life anywhere in it after the devastation
for six thousand year now. And that only "intelligent life" in it
(meaning those possessed of the image of God), creatures created by God
Himself, are the angels and we human beings.
The
Satanic Rebellion series (at the link) deals with all these matters
from top to bottom (I recommend it).
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Bob L.