http://ichthys.com/ 
Believers in the World XVII

Question #1:  
Thank you so much!

I had a question to ask you but I had a hunt around in the subject index (always do that first) and found the answer in one of your email responses. Very helpful answer - lots of detail - thanks Bob!

Hope everything is going well for you at work - back in tomorrow for me too.

Keeping you in my prayers - appreciate yours very much too!

In Jesus
Response #1:   
My pleasure.

Well done you, finding something at Ichthys! I'm aware that navigation of the site is not the easiest thing. It has gotten pretty big, especially when it comes to all the email postings. I've noticed that Google has stopped indexing everything like they used to do, so oft times the Google search will not turn up things that are in fact there. So please do let me know if you're ever trying to find something and can't. I have a way here of searching the entire site which others can't do – unless they download everything on the site to their own device (see the link).

Tomorrow is "hump day" here – if I can get over, the rest of the week is smooth sailing (no meetings this Friday). Best wishes for your work!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:  
Thanks Bob. I'll remember to ask you if I'm trying to find something. I noticed too that Google isn't indexing everything now. Do you know of many who have downloaded everything on the site?

My mouse died on me yesterday. Not the furry variety - the one I use for my laptop. It was quite elderly though so I can't complain. I'll just have to treat myself to a nice new posh one. I seem to make more mistakes without a mouse.

Hope you managed to get over the "hump" today, Bob!

In Jesus
Response #2:   
Sorry about your mouse! It happens. I used to have one of those wireless ones, but it never seemed to work right. No problems using the ones cabled in.

It's not difficult to download the whole site. On the archive page I have everything in Zip files in several formats. The difficulty and time required to be searching the whole corpus in, e.g., Word, would depend upon the power of one's computer and the program or app used, I think. 

Thanks for your prayers! Keeping you and yours in mine daily.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:  
Hi Bob,

I hope you had an easier day today. Just tomorrow to go and then hopefully you can rest up.

I downloaded all of the emails from the archive page today. It's been great to read through some of them. I think for anything specific I wanted to know, it would be quicker to ask you for the links.

[omitted]

Back to work tomorrow!

Keeping you and yours in my prayers too.

In Jesus
Response #3:  
Thursday turned out to be pretty busy, but I got everything done, so there is that.

You do have your hands full! It's always difficult to balance all the "fronts" we have to fight on: family, home, livelihood, finances, health – and then there are the distractions and pressures and temptations of the world and all the satanic attacks. Being consistent with spiritual growth even so is a victory, and one we all need to commit to winning "no matter what".

It's good to hear that you sound pretty happy! Praying for all of your family . . . and for their salvation.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., FYI, the HTML versions of all of the email postings are the primary ones; I almost never go back and "fix" the Word files (just in case you find any typos).
Question #4:  
Hi Bob,

Thank you for your prayers for my family. I really do appreciate it. I'll never stop praying for their salvation too.

Thanks for letting me know about the HTML emails. No worries - I wasn't going to attempt to send you any email typos in the Word files.

Yes, it's a fight to the finish. But the Lord is guiding me especially on spiritual matters and I'm following His guidance. He knows what's best for me. 

Hope you have a good weekend!

In Jesus
Response #4:  
My pleasure!

Hoping to hear good news on that score anon.

Still much to do tonight, and the posting tomorrow promises to be a bit involved, but not too much university catch-up to get to on Sunday, so that is a plus.

Have a great weekend yourself!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:  
Hi Bob,

Just checking in with you to see how you are doing? Something came across me this evening to check in with you. We are doing good, not much has changed with the house situation. I'm just patiently waiting for God's perfect timing. Still working...it's been a whirlwind. We keep having hope that we will make enough to have some dirt to put our camper on but nothing yet. The KOA campground is not easy or a fun safe place to be. I was hoping something would happen before the winter but it's not looking up. Wish there was a follower of Christ out there somewhere to help. That I've never would ask of someone but was hoping would just come our way out of nowhere.

Sure hope you are doing well my friend. 

Hope to hear from you soon.
Response #5:   
I'm doing pretty well, thanks. Still fighting the fight and holding my own – with the Lord's wonderful help – on all fronts.

I'm sorry to hear that you still haven't managed to swing a place of your own. I have been diligently praying for this every day, and I am hoping to hear good news on that score soon. I know that the real estate market – like everything else in the economy – is headed down, with the double-whammy of interest rates going way up in a hurry. Perhaps that will loosen up some sellers before too long and give you guys an opportunity. Most people I know have been sitting on past expectations . . . but if you've got to move, you've got to move.

Thanks for checking in – and thanks for your prayers! Keeping you in mine.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:  
Hello Bob,

Good to hear you are doing pretty well. It is quite the fight alright and of course not done without our Lord's help for sure. We got our camper ready for the cold weather today. I broke down in tears while I was helping prepare the skirting around the camper. It hit me pretty hard not wanting to endure the cold weather and being in such a small space for a 3rd winter. Real Estate has slowed a bit, prices have stabilized but still on the high side....supply is low. We spent all last week with some buyers that sold their home in Oregon. Very nice people but unfortunately there isn't much on the market in their price range in the type of home they want. It's looking like they may go somewhere else in the state but unfortunately it's higher everywhere. We have been dealing with realtors and sellers who are unhappy because there houses aren't selling and buyers unhappy because they can't buy what they want for the price they want. It's just a crazy world... ...good ole real estate and people.

Selling real estate and not having a home is a really hard thing to do. My advice...don't do it. 

It's like working in a grocery store and not able to buy any food but maybe some junk food and having to check everyone out that can afford the good whole foods that feeds your body well... amongst treating you bad while you pack their groceries. 

Most people we know are also like you said...sitting in past expectations. Who knows the future but for some reason this run seems different to me. 

I've sent a seller of ours to your website. She may or may not email you. But in case she does, just letting you know.

Thanks for your prayers, they are much appreciated. 
Response #6:  
Some tests last a long time (been there / done that) – but the Lord is always faithful, and He always comes through for us in the end. I am praying for you. 

Thanks for your prayers too, my friend.

By the way, this next Saturday's posting will be a special one, so be sure to check it out.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:  
Hello Dr.,

In your DropBox you should find the following audio file: hebrews-intro-pt1

As always, great stuff! Looking forward to going through the entire Hebrews series with you. __ has just finished your Peter series and is beginning your Bible Basics series, it’s been very good for her, I do hope and pray she keeps it up. Currently I’m finishing a refresher on Bible Basics and will be heading back into the Satanic Rebellion and the Coming Tribulation for my annual refresher. Not much else new here at this point, except for problems with vehicles and my lawn mower, oh well, that’s what comes with owning a vintage fleet, beats monthly payments, I think?

How are you Sir? Sounds like the bureaucratic process of the job is a little frustrating for you, I’ll pray for the increased thickening of your skin, as well as all your needs. I’ll have more for you in the near future.

All the best,

Rev. 22:20
Response #7:   
This one seems particularly good! You're training "Ryan" up pretty well.

Good to hear that you guys are hanging in there with the truth. We all need refreshers, myself included.

Car payments certainly are "toe-jamb" – you've got that right. Of course, so is not having a car that will start when you're already running late for work. Pick your poison on that one I guess.

U of L "is what it is". The woke-monster is gnawing away at the edges here as well. Just glad we're behind the times a bit on that as with everything else. Also glad to be in a language department where no one else really understands Classics, so I'm left pretty much alone. God really worked this one out for me nicely, and I greatly appreciate it. So we endeavor to persevere.

Keeping you in prayer – and thanks for yours!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:  
Hello Bob,

I have been distressed to read in your weekly email list that we cannot communicate via Hotmail anymore from US to UK due to anti-christian censorship (of the coming antichrist).

I find this so upsetting as if it weren't for your emails I probably would have given up with them altogether as you are about the only good thing I get from it. It also angers me considering the detritus and filth that is allowed through to my account and not even to my junk mail.

I know it shouldn't shock me when things "get real" as I often think of it. I know that this is Cosmos Diabolicus. I also know Satan's time is running out. 

What hurts me is that this has been a lifeline to me so that you have been able to minister to me during some of my greatest trials and darkest hours. The light of Christ has shone through your messages to me even at my most lowest moments on this walk of mine. Even the moments when I despaired of life itself. 

It hurts to know that someone somewhere is reading this and callously hitting the delete button without having a single clue of the spiritual realities we speak of or the damage it does to a person who is struggling. That indeed they are doing the devil's work for him just to say they work for ___! I pity that person. Just a bowl of pottage. Just a few short miserable years here on this dying planet and then that's it, eternity away from God whilst we will be enjoying paradise forever.

Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world! Amen!

I shouldn't be shocked..after all the Word tells us that we will be "hated by all nations". If we are to share in our Saviour's suffering then how glorious that would be Bob! What an honour and great privilege that will be! We should rejoice over that shouldn't we as our reward will be great! 

Thank you so much for looking out for your flock in the United Kingdom.

I will send this from all three accounts, just in case. Please send a reply, a short one will suffice just, so I know where we can continue to correspond.

Have a lovely Sunday my friend,

In Jesus,
Response #8:  
I just resent you my last three emails to you via your other account.

I checked this morning and it's still happening with hotmail; my ISP claims it is a known problem and affecting things system wide; they say they are working on it, but for the meantime we should probably use gmail, not hotmail (I've had more problems with rejected emails on both sides of the exchange with that service over the years than with any other by far).

I don't think this is deliberate, conscious anti-Christian censorship in this case (not that the evil one is uninvolved – of course he is), but it does give us a taste of things to come!

Patience is a virtue that has never come naturally to yours truly. I guess we're all going to need a tune-up on that one prior to the "balloon going up".

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:  
Hello Dr. Luginbill! 

I’m doing much better than when I reached out to you. I no longer fear the verses in Hebrews thankfully. I still wrestle with doubts about salvation but I am much less tossed about by every little doubt.
Response #9:   
I'm very happy to hear that you are doing better.

The solution to feeling better about your spiritual status is spiritual growth. Growth brings us closer to the Lord and likewise gives us ever greater confidence in Him. We have to keep moving forward with the Lord to experience His presence in the Holy Spirit as we should.

So I commend the Peter series to you (a good place to start if you haven't already read it).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:  
Hello Dr. Luginbill!

How are you, sir? Is there any way I can be particularly praying for you or your ministry? 

Thank you for your prior time on correspondence.

To clarify the confusion about the mentioned forum, [omitted]

I do appreciate how you’ve emphasized over and over regular, consistent, sound teaching. It really does make such a difference in a way that’s hard to explain. 

I have some more questions brewing, but wanted to message in the interim. 

Lastly, I hope I’ve not caused any offense or disrespect by lack of more “personal” or frequent exchange. 

Have a blessed day in the Lord!
Response #10:   
No offense taken at all!

I'm happy to have you pray for me and this ministry however your heart moves you to do so!

No worries about the forum. It's not everyone's cup of tea. To allow free exchange of ideas by others, I'm not on it myself either (as I no doubt already mentioned). But it is a blessing to have it and it has benefitted those who participate in it greatly (we all have to make our own decisions about these things).

Re: "I do appreciate how you’ve emphasized over and over regular, consistent, sound teaching. It really does make such a difference in a way that’s hard to explain." That is an excellent observation. We grow spiritually like a mustard seed does. One day you turn around and it has become a tree! But you never could actually see it growing day by day. It's just like our Lord told us:
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Mark 4:26-29 NIV
Analogously, if we continue doing what we ought to be doing, namely, praying, reading our Bibles, listening to / reading good Bible teaching, believing and applying the truth we are being taught, before we realize it we have grown spiritually in a way that can't really be seen on the outside . . . except by our behavior which has naturally developed into more Christ-like patterns (as opposed to the superficial white-wash jobs which legalism recommends).
(14) Now the unspiritual man does not receive the [deeper] things of the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him and he is not able to understand them because they are appreciated [only] through spiritual means. (15) But the spiritual man does appreciate them all, though he himself is not appreciated [in this regard] by anyone. (16) For [as it says] "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who will instruct Him?" But we do have the very thinking (lit., "mind") of Christ (i.e., His truth from the Spirit).
1st Corinthians 2:14-16
So keep running your good race, my friend! I'm keeping you and your family in my daily prayers as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:  
Thanks Bob for reorienting me again biblically wise!

Yes indeed! This is not my home but just temporary digs until the whistle blows and then we down tools to fly away to be with Him in a far, far better kingdom than this one could ever be!

Hebrews 11:13-16
All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

The Lord has given me enough impossibles in my life now to know not to seek human answers for such things. In Him though all things are possible!

In Jesus,
p.s. You know how we are not supposed to change any major things when we become a believer but to be content with what we have? (Don't marry or seek to be free from marriage as two examples). I have also realised myself that anything 'new' in my life always brings complications. It has become clear to me that 'new' people in my life are invariably deceived by the enemy and so bring trouble with them. Unbelievers will always mean trouble for a believer but also believers who are themselves deceived can drag another believer down especially when we are baby believers. I have just noticed that the enemy makes use of any changes in our lives to create an inroad of testing, tempting and tribulation. Of course, as long as we are learning and growing, the Lord can use these as training and refining opportunities (for our good) but only when we follow Him and trust Him. I have noticed that my life is a lot (a LOT) easier if I stick to the few things in my life that the Lord has already given me and keep the blinkers on to not be sidetracked. When I keep things small and simple then I make progress but I see 'opportunities' or 'NEW THINGS' are usually snares from the enemy to throw us off our walk and fight. I am learning to ignore such things, keep my head down and plough on. [omitted re: witnessing to family]
p.p.s. My family keep saying 'God bless' all the time and it has become a habit for them. It is almost more like superstition and OCD as they can literally get angry with me for talking about the Bible and then say 'God bless' just before they put the phone down. It is so much harder with people who already think they know God through Catholicism than those who are completely unbelievers. They think that rituals and nods to God are all that is necessary.
Response #11:   
I scrupulously avoid using this and related phrases since they can be taken the wrong way. If we mean, when we say it, "I wish God's blessing upon you and I am praying for that, but of course this is in His hands, not mine", then well and good. But most people who mean anything at all by these phrases mean – or are often taken to mean – "I favor you so I am calling down blessing upon you – and I have that ability". 
Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their mouth And honor Me with their lips, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their fear of Me is in the command of men learned by rote."
Isaiah 29:13 LSB

He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.' "
Mark 7:6 NIV
An analogous heresy is when, e.g., politicians over here talk about "their faith", as in, "my faith is so important to me". Faith in whom? In what? Faith is nothing without the object. And the only object of faith of any worth is the Lord Jesus Christ.

As to how to witness to those we love who are blunting our every attempt, there is such a thing as "not enough" but there is also "too much". As I read in Proverbs . . .
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11 NKJV
In other words, a short and sweet point of truth made at exactly the right time is worth a hundred sermons no one is actually listening to. And there is this:
For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him.
Ecclesiastes 8:6 NIV
Not too many of us are naturally patient, but it is often better to wait for "the proper time" and place for witnessing than to charge in like the proverbial bull in the china shop. 

I have to admit that I tend to be more like the bull than the patient wise man myself, and on another level one can argue that there is never a bad time to share the truth. However, I think we would all prefer the reception Paul and Silas received from the Philippian jailer than the one Stephen received from the assembled crowd.

Nice observations about standing pat in secular matters (while striving to advance in spiritual ones) as the default setting for the Christian life! This is the biblical advice too, and not just regarding marriage:
Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
1st Corinthians 7:17-24 NIV
Keeping you and your family in my daily prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:  
Hi Dr,

I pray all is well with you and your family. What are your thoughts on interline Greek and Hebrew Bible?

In Christ 
Response #12:   
Have you ever used the online Blue Letter Bible (at the link)? It has all the features of an interlinear Bible with lots more as well.

Interlinears are tools and like all tools their value depends upon the use to which you put them. They are NOT substitutes for not knowing Greek or Hebrew . . . although that is the use to which far too many amateur exegetes put them. Analogy: if you've never ever used a chain saw before, buying one at Home Depot in the morning and using it in the afternoon to take our the 30 ft. tall pine tree in your back yard is not the safest thing to do. Better to leave that to someone who knows what he's doing.

Here are a few links on this:
Interlinear I
Interlinear II
Interlinear III
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:  
It's my pleasure as always, Bob.

Thank you so much for your prayers for me - they are really helping. 

Things are tough at the moment. There is pressure and this will increase in the fall but I've been suffering in other ways too. I'm hanging in there though. To be honest, even though it's really hard, I can't believe (but I do) how much the Lord is chipping away at me - stripping things right back - turning everything in a completely different direction - if you understand me. Refining, teaching and guiding me. It's so good. It's what I wanted and needed. The Lord is meeting me right where I'm at (physically here at home and spiritually) and there's a whole lot of spiritual growth to be had. So I'm listening and although I've felt tired and broken, I'm allowing Him to do His good work in me. 

I've felt discouraged but He is encouraging me. I've felt alone but He even causes good to come from that too. Living the Christian life wholeheartedly can be a lonely walk but that just pushes me closer and closer to Him. There is no better place to be than as close to Him as I can possibly be. 

So although I feel weak and fragile, His power is working in me. Not only for my spiritual growth but for what His will is for my life going forward. Not my will but His will working in and through me to serve others and for His glory. That's all I've ever wanted. I'm so thankful to Him for seeing my heart and hearing my cry for this.

I'm keeping you in my prayers too, Bob. For this week and for the start of the new semester too. I remember it's a shock to the system to start with but I know the Lord always helps you through.

Thanks so much again for your prayers too.

In our dear Lord Jesus
Response #13:  
You are a spiritual warrior, my friend! Would that all of us were as willing as you are to let the Lord have full rein in molding us into what He wants us to be. As I've often said, the pressure times are the ones where we can grow the fastest and draw the closest to Him. But we have to be willing as you are willing to trust Him and accept what we're being brought through by Him for our good in every way. 

We are looking forward to what is to come, and that is how we endure these "momentary light afflictions" which otherwise would seem anything but (2Cor.4:17).
(3) And not only this, but let us glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces patience, (4) and patience produces proven character, and proven character produces hope – (5) and this hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us (i.e., so that we are confident of being rewarded).
Romans 5:3-5

(2) Brothers, when you are being beset with all manner of trials, take pains to be joyful. (3) For you should keep in mind that this testing of your faith develops perseverance. (4) So let your perseverance develop fully, that you may become fully mature and entitled to a full reward, having been found lacking in no respect.
James 1:2-4
Thanks for your prayers as well, my friend, especially for the start of the semester next week. With all that was going on here I didn't get to spend as much time on my research this summer as planned, but I did fix one article and will be sending it out shortly. So not a complete disaster by any means. I'm in pretty good shape in prepping for the first week too. The one black cloud is getting stuck in the personnel committee . . . again. But if I can avoid chairing the thing, all will be well enough.

Keeping you in prayer to get through safely across to the other side of the Red Sea just as you prayed for me.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:  
Hi Bob,

I completely understand what you're saying and I'd be resisting being chair too. How did the faculty meeting go today? I'm keeping this in my prayers.

[omitted]

Thanks for your prayers for me, Bob. It's exactly what I need. A good chunk of my time is being taken up with looking after ___. It's only temporary though. It will ease off soon. I'll always be there for them. 

So far, I'm still managing to keep up with what's really important - but I'd like to be doing more.

In Jesus
Response #14:  
I managed to dodge being chair of personnel or the dept. or vice chair or co-chair or any other abysmal thing of the kind! So thank you so much for your prayers. It will be a burden to be on this committee – and some of that comes from not taking things into your own hands in terms of abstaining from leadership – but I'm confident that the Lord will get me through. I finished up 90% of my class prep today, just a few odds and ends before Monday. Considering how disjointed the summer was, I'm very pleased to be in the position I'm in.

It's a testimony to how much you love the Lord that you are managing to keep "first things first" in spite of the pressures. All tests come to an end and there is respite on the other side. The double challenge for us who are trying to follow the Lord closely is not to forget that we will get relief whenever we are being tested, and not to assume that we're done with testing just because we're given a period of respite – and so not to get depressed or angry or fearful during or heading into one of these storms. You're showing us the right way to handle it!

Thanks for the encouragement, my friend, and for the prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:  
So...I would assume when the Bigle days God will never put us in a situation we can't truly bear...from what I see that just means anything that won't very quickly make us literally die of a broken heart before we can escape it or "grow" from it. I mean, look at the way so many Christians were killed during Nero's reign. I would assume the joy and peace the Lord gives us is a massive help that lets us endure things far worse than we otherwise would be able to, but things like this just make it seem like God will allow just about any abuse to be thrown at us and expect us to grow from it somehow.
Response #15:   
As to "look at the way so many Christians were killed during Nero's reign", where would I look? There isn't a lot of reliable information about this persecution, to the extent that there was one. Christians are persecuted, but that is part of the plan of God. Those genuinely persecuted are more highly rewarded than those who are not; martyrdom receives a guarantee of exceptional reward. God doesn't trust the immature with such things. 

As to "but things like this just make it seem like God will allow just about any abuse to be thrown at us", I don't know what "things like this" you're talking about. It is a mistake to assume the worst as a given when it might never happen, even while refusing to be comforted and encouraged by truth which is real. 

God is not unfair. God is not unjust. God cannot, because of His perfection, do anything untoward. He is a great deal "bigger" than even most Christians have any idea. He is good. He is merciful. He is loving. If anything "happens" it is part of the plan of salvation meant to bring us safe to heaven home with maximum reward. He knows what is best for you. He knows you far better than you know yourself. And He knows how you will react whenever anything happens. He knows how you DID react. 

We can trust God. In fact, the Christian life is all about trusting God. We enter it through faith in Jesus Christ. We live it by that same faith, trusting Him and His truth, learning and believing more and more of it day by day. Or at least that is what we should be doing.

So don't despair. Pay attention to the truth, not to your emotions. If you are despairing or worried or unhappy, then you are not applying truth in the correct way. But if you are walking closely with Jesus Christ, then you can indeed have peace at all times, even if the joy is under pressure and has to be focused forward to eternity. This life is very short. But what is coming lasts forever. So be pleased to make the smartest investment any human being ever made . . . into the truth, believing it and applying it to the glory of Jesus Christ our dear Savior. For this you will be rewarded. But even gaining this whole temporary world can't really make you happy – and it doesn't last.

Much more about all this at the link: BB 6A: Peripateology: the Study of the Christian Walk

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:  
[omitted]
Response #16:  
It's not "un-Christian" to have the humility to realize when you're "over your skis" in commitments and can't handle what you've got on your plate (sorry for the mixed metaphors). 

If we are trying to do too much, inevitably we will do everything less well than we need to. We can do what God puts there, and He will put sufficient "there" without us adding unnecessarily to it. If we're over-committed, then we need to realize that and make adjustments. If we break down, we won't be doing anyone any good. 

As with all matters of application in the Christian life, there are always two ditches on either side of the good road forward: in one case, doing too little (as if God won't help us do whatever He wants us to do), and in the other, doing too much (as if we were not subject to the rules of gravity and friction). 

The Lord has a way of letting us know whenever we're getting too close to the ditch on either side. And it is Him we are trying to please. "People", even those who should know better, have a tendency to lack gratitude when we are over-straining on their behalf and then lack sympathy if/when we start to break down in so doing. 

If Jesus is pleased with our approach, then that is all that matters in the end.

In Him,

Bob L.
Question #17:  
Hi Dr L,

It has been a rough week because I feel/think I have been making a lot of stupid mistakes. On one of them, have you ever been so tired you can't put up a social face and start trying to keep quiet, but the person, who you told you were too tired to respond, keeps talking to you and going on and you have to reply, and what comes out (of yourself) is an honest (but not socially great and socially safe comment)? Because I literally had no energy. Like when you are physically worn out and can barely move.

At least it is over. We get off two hours early and get Monday off so yay! 

I wanted to ask you something. This is a thought/feeling that occurs to me in rare moments, but I remember having it even in college (over a decade). I would feel bad that I had access to so much food (the quantity plus quality plus variety), when so many believers in places struggle for any food. And I wondered if it was wrong for me to enjoy that? It came back again, if I remember right, when I read that America accepts all these muslim refugees from the Middle East, but I realized that churches here, I almost never hear a peep from them about our Family in those areas. I can just imagine if I were them in those areas, looking at America, a Christian focused country, with such wealth, such influence, what I would feel/think. 

Recently it came back because when I was reading about our Family in China, how many of them hide church groups going from house to house, I really feel for them. And this morning...well first let me tell you I have so much jewelry and feel spoiled on it. And I just wondered if it was wrong to do that, to have all this extra stuff and enjoy it when the people that should be my Family suffer so much. And in this situation, America (and it does seem to especially be people on the right, which tends to be the religious side) goes after China all the time, and does not care to differentiate the government and the people. Much less, I never hear any words about our Family over there. (Though I was speaking with my Catholic friend and she is aware of what I am saying, but I never hear from all these churches and Christian leaders and Christian outreaches). I can only imagine if I were one of them in China, how I would feel/think about what it seems like-that Christians in this Christian focused, and wealthy and influential country, not only don't care or notice, but would go after you.

Anyway, I think, in conclusion, I want to try and be more consistent and often with praying. I was wondering about the feeling of badness when I do have the excess food and jewelry. Should I not do it for a while?

I guess I am asking if it is wrong to do it? There are verses in the Bible about the rich enjoying their wealth while the poor near them languish (as an evil thing to do). It is murky here because they are so far away.

I hope you are well. Please take care of yourself,
Response #17:   
There are passages about not loving money (e.g., 1Tim.6:10; Heb.13:5) and encouraging generosity on the part of those who are rich (e.g., 1Tim.6:17-18). Since we are not rich, we surely don't have to worry about that! Now it is also true that generosity is commended for all Christians (e.g., Acts 20:38; Rom.12:13), but as Paul tells the Corinthians (who were generally pretty well off by the standards of the time) . . .

For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
2nd Corinthians 8:12-13 NIV

And in all such giving situations in the Bible, it is a case of genuine believers giving to other genuine believers who are known to them personally or their representatives (e.g., Paul and co. in passage above), not anonymous persons in foreign countries about whom we may have heard stories but have no first hand (or reliable second hand) knowledge. So the Bible commends "willingness . . . in proportion to what one possesses" toward other believers whose need known and which is genuine in relative terms.

There are Christian charities which seek to address this issue, but I don't know enough about any of them to be able to authoritatively recommend any of them. I do know that having too much to eat is not a horrible sin – at least I hope not (as someone who has too much to eat more often than I should for my health's sake)! Also, having a few possessions which are not absolute essentials for survival is also no cause for spiritual hand-wringing. In this country with our relative wealth, even those of us who are hard-pressed to make it from paycheck to paycheck usually have at least some "nice things" (however we personally define that) which many in other countries or at other times do and did not. If we are not making idols of these things, if we are living the kind of lives the Lord wants us to live, we don't have to feel bad or apologize for that.

I remember a fellow in seminary agonizing over spending money to buy flowers for his wife – money which alternatively might be given to some Christian cause along the line of what are chewing over. I remember being sorry for his wife. If we appreciate what the Lord gives us rather than fixating on what we have been given, that is good place to be. After all, there are no limitations with the Lord. He can bless us beyond imagination, or it can all be taken away in an instant. It is the Lord and His truth we should be esteeming.
. . . and [Job] said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Job 1:21 NIV
The best standard I've ever heard on this topic (actually on a related topic) came from my seminary Church History professor who was of the opinion that pastors ought to be paid the mean of the income of the congregation: not much more (or it would tend towards arrogance), and not much less (or he would feel like – and likely be treated like – a slave). Similarly, if we are not way out in front of the average in terms of our consumption or accumulation on the one hand, and also not toying with monkish asceticism on the other, we are probably in the "sweet spot" here. We could always eat a little less (in many cases; although I know of some who are edging toward the other extreme) and buy a few less things from, e.g., Amazon (although, again, I know of those who have taken self-denial in possessions a little to far towards the edge as well). 
As long as we are appreciating the Giver and not making idols of what we eat or have on the one hand – and as long as we are not adopting a dangerous legalistic mindset in heading towards asceticism on the other hand – we don't have much to worry about on this score. 

This is one of those many areas of application where we each have to find the right balance which is appropriate for us personally . . . in the Spirit.

Wishing you a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:  
Hello Bob,

Thank you for letting me know. I'm so sorry to hear this. I was hoping and praying that it would be over for you sooner. But as you say, thankfully the Lord is in full control and His timing is perfect. He knows which way is best. I know that everything He does is in our very best interests. He is faithful and we can have complete trust in Him to work it all out for good. And I know without a doubt that He will.

I was thinking about how this life is like a roller-coaster. Ups and downs and twists and turns but we can rest in the knowledge that the Lord never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the only constant in our lives and He will never leave us or forsake us. It's nothing you don't already know but it's just me saying what's on my heart again!

My faith is still strong for this and I'm keeping it on my prayer list but I'll put it on the "back-burner" until you let me know otherwise.

[omitted]

I keep thinking about your zinnias! How did they turn out?

Your friendship means a lot to me too - I'm so thankful to the Lord for you!

In our dear Lord Jesus
Response #18:  
Thanks so much for this encouraging email, my friend! The silver lining in this trial has been the support I've received from my brothers and sisters in Christ – I greatly appreciate your prayers.

I'll be keeping __'s job situation in my prayers now too. People can be very nasty. This is not really news to those of us who have read the Bible, but since we are trying to be good people ourselves, it often comes as a shock when we experience the opposite from others seemingly right out of the blue.

We have maybe several thousand plants with dozens on the verge of blooming. So far only half a dozen have bloomed but they are glorious! In between the multi-colored poppies and just-getting-started nasturtiums, it is a feast for the eyes. I'll try to remember to snap a photo once they really come into their own.

Keeping you and all your concerns in my daily prayers as well, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:  
Hi Bob,

I'm so happy to hear about the support you've received from all of your friends / brothers and sisters in Christ. 

The flowers sound so beautiful! Would be lovely to see a photo - but don't worry if you forget!

Thanks for all your prayers too. As for me, things haven't really turned out the way I thought they would. That makes me sad but then it's not all up to me. I do the best I can with my life the way it is. I'll make sure I keep my own faith strong and do any little bit of ministry the Lord chooses to give me to do. He knows my strengths and my weaknesses. It's an honour and a privilege to be able to do that and I'm very thankful to Him.

Make sure you get plenty of rest now, Bob. Keeping you in my prayers.

In Jesus
Response #19:   
Thanks for your support as always, my friend.

As to "things haven't really turned out the way I thought they would", that has been the unofficial motto of my life. But even when surprised (or shocked), God has always worked it out together for good in the end as He always does "for those who love Him" (Rom.8:28). I'm confident that He is in the process of doing that for you too, my friend. 

And, in any case, we believers are looking further forward than this present, temporary world. 

Nothing can stop our first assembly as the Bride and the entire family of God in New Jerusalem. 

Nothing can stop the creation of the new heavens and the new earth. 

Nothing can stop the last judgment from coming and the prior judgment of the sheep. 

Nothing can stop the Millennium and our role in reigning with the Lord. 

Nothing can stop the great victory banquet we'll all have together, nor the judgment seat of Christ where we receive our rewards, nor the battle of Armageddon in which we participate, nor the resurrection that precedes it. 

True, nothing can stop the Tribulation either or the personal tribulations we are experiencing before it all begins, but all these "light afflictions" are merely stars in our crowns . . . if we handle them in a godly way. That we endeavor to do, one step at a time, one day at time, until the Kingdom finally comes.
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
2nd Peter 3:13 NIV
Thanks so much for your friendship! And for your prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:  
-Dear Bob-

I am currently reading and studying your treatise entitled “Peripateology: the Christian Walk”. Therein I read the following: “And while all truth contributes to this process (so that being eclectic in the type of Bible lessons we are willing to learn is a huge mistake), one particular area of the truth which is very useful in combating sudden shocks to our faith is the collection of doctrines surrounding the Person and the work of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.

With respect to what I underlined and highlighted above, do you have any further writings or bible references that you can offer to support this teaching? I noted that in your email response to me dated October 23rd, 2022 that you offered literally the same response as cited above. I am seeing the merit in your recommendation, and have been applying it to my daily study with a degree of success. Is it probable that with the Spirit’s help and guidance, a given Scripture passage could have several legitimate different applications to various readers, while still only having one true meaning, especially doctrinal?

Thank you for any further insights you can offer.

Still growing in Christ Jesus,
Response #20:   
Good to hear back from you.

As to your question, "With respect to what I underlined and highlighted above, do you have any further writings or bible references that you can offer to support this teaching?", if you are referring to the caution against being eclectic, what I can offer is some spiritual common sense.
Now grow up through the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
2nd Peter 3:18
Note, Peter says not "some of the knowledge" or "whatever little bit of the knowledge you want" or "whatever piques your interest but forget all the other stuff". And every place in scripture where this sort of thing is discussed, there is no indication that partial learning is OK – that would be like partial love for the Lord, after all, since He is the living Word of God.
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."
Matthew 22:36-38 NIV
To do it right, we have to love Him with our all – not once in a while, a little bit only, when we feel like it. But that is the approach many Christians today do take in regard to spiritual growth – as if spiritual growth on a broad front embracing as much of God's truth as possible were not important; as if we can really love Him as we should if we only know what we are interested in knowing at the moment. That would be like wanting to be a virologist but never studying chemistry or human anatomy. Anyone who wants to excel in any human sphere learns as much as they can about everything related to it. But our efforts as Christians are directed towards something much more important: eternal rewards that can only come our way if we do seriously grow, progress and produce for the Lord, striving to please Him by doing what He wants us to do.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1st Corinthians 9:25 NIV
Since we are striving in the same manner as professional athletes – or should be – we ought to be doing all we can to accomplish what the Lord put us here to accomplish. That is the way to earn a good reward (see the link).

So it might be fair to pose the question another way. Can you think of any verse in scripture which might give cover to anything less than a fully focused and comprehensive approach to learning and applying God's truth? I can't.

I can also say with some authority, that in the Christian life, we are tested and tried, and it often happens to be the case that some small bit of truth we didn't think much of at the time when we heard it and believed it and thereby made it ours through faith turned out to be critical to our passing the specific test that came our way. We believers are attempting to build up a critical mass of truth in our hearts where every principle informs, reinforces and empowers ever other. You can't build a skyscraper one room here and there at a time. It has to have a solid foundation and then be built up comprehensively according to plan, without any floor or reinforcing beam left out.
(10) According to the grace of God given to me like a wise architect I have laid down a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each one take care how he builds upon it. (11) For no one can lay another foundation except the One that has been laid down: Jesus Christ. (12) And if someone builds upon his foundation with gold, silver, and precious stones, [or] with wood, hay, and stubble, (13) [in either case] his work will be made manifest [as to its true quality], for the Day [of judgment] will make it clear [for what it truly is], because it will be revealed (lit., uncovered) with fire. And the fire will evaluate (lit., "assay") the work of each person as to what its [true] quality is. (14) If anyone's work which he has built [on his foundation of faith in Christ] remains (i.e., is not burnt away by the fiery evaluation), he will receive a reward [for it]. (15) If anyone's work is burnt up, he will suffer the loss [of any potential reward for it], but he himself will be saved – but in this way [just described] as through fire [which evaluated his false works as worthless and burnt them up].
1st Corinthians 3:10-15
Strive to be "a workman who needeth not to be ashamed" (2Tim.2:15). That is the way to the three crowns of eternal reward.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
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