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Culture and Christianity XXVII

Question #1:  
Hello my friend Bob,

I wanted to share with you for my ministry the deliverance the Lord has revealed to me. I came to a point that I was struggling in my own strength with depression and it was that point I knew that I had to continue with faith and the depression lifted and I have felt the joy and peace return!

Also the Lord has revealed to me that deliverances are not always immediate and not what we always expect them to be. I have learned this time that I trust the Lord will deliver me from the neighbours but I now see that I need to be patient. You see __ tried to reason with them about the pot smoking and they seemed amenable but now they have doubled down and smoking a lot more than they ever did. In fact now it is pretty much three times a day, every day. I realise that their hearts have been hardened and that this may be in defiance of the threats of the estate agency. I realise that despite its illegality in this country, it can be detected on every street corner. People are defiant against the law. I realised that it is already as if it is legal here. I also noticed that many states in your country have caved to pressure to legalise it either for recreational or medicinal usage. Indeed our current Mayor of London has visited Cannabis farms in America in the hopes of legalising it over here in England, starting with some trial London boroughs first.

I have now realised that the Lord is allowing people to go the whole hog with sin. He is hardening hearts on this. It is happening in every other area of sin so it is not surprising that the legalisation and acceptance of drugs will be a theme going forward. I imagine that the harder ones will also follow suit and become 'mainstreamed' like every other awful travesty in this total global societal collapse.

Something unexpected has happened though. There is a new syndrome that people are getting from all types of Cannabis use. It is called CHS and is very unpleasant in that the person wastes away and cannot eat food or drink water and the only relief is to spend the whole day in a scalding hot shower. No one knows how this happened and even people who have smoked for years without noticeable health issues are suddenly struck down with it. This syndrome is so bad that people actual hope to die rather than continue with it. Once a person quits smoking or ingesting Cannabis then they do fully recover but immediately relapse once they try to take it again. 

Also I thought it interesting to note that Cannabis has been used historical in pagan rituals specifically for goddess worship. Indeed it is used for the false Hindu idol Kali who is associated with death (suitably enough). Obviously there is nothing new under the sun and we already know the link with these drugs and the demonic but I thought that historical info to be further proof.

I realise then that this is a test of my endurance and ability to keep on in faith despite what is right under my nose. I thought about the horrors Noah witnessed whilst building the ark. He built the ark regardless though in faith. I wasn't able to do much the last few days, I felt despairing but today I got up early and got busy and it was faith that got me to my feet.

The Lord has rewarded me with discernment first thing this morning and I spent a good hour this morning working on my first page for ministry. I realised that I was actually ministering to myself as I was writing it! 

As I don't have a home for it right now, I will forward it on to you as soon as I have finished it. I have felt really encouraged by it and would like to aim to put a half hour in on Ministry every day. That would be great if I could get that done!

Anyway I know this is a mixed bag of news but ultimately it is all for the good isn't it and it always will be through our Lord as He always knows best and has our good in mind. Amen!

In our Lord,
p.s., After reading over what I wrote again, I wanted to clarify that I know that people choose to sin but sometimes God gives them over to what they want. God will enable the error so that people will believe the antichrist for example. After all the angel in revelation says: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” God does harden and soften hearts but we still have free will. The hardening is allowing people what they already want to do but with defiant abandon. It seems that my neighbours have been given over to this as they say they will be homeless without this place and yet they are doubling down on the drug use in the face of this decision. I am praying for them to be free of this nasty drug's hold and for their salvation. I think the Lord is allowing them to be hardened on this so it will be a test for me but also to see how they will respond. Anyway I just wanted to clarify so that it didn't seem as though I was saying God was causing them to sin. God forbid! 
Response #1:
I have also heard of a great many new problems with "weed" over here as well. The stuff that is being produced nowadays is many times more potent than what the hippies used in the 60's, and consequently causes proportionally more disastrous effects. Just one more reason it seems difficult to argue against the proposition that "all this can't go on much longer!"

Scripture talks about the hardening of the heart issue both ways. The Exodus 14 study (link) deals with that, as does the section so named in BB 4B (at the link). Suffice it to say here that we have the image of God and these things are most definitely "our choices"; we are all responsible for what we choose, even if God allows us to choose things that make us less and less sensitive to Him and the truth. Indeed, most unbelievers wouldn't be able to get through this life if they weren't able to "turn off" all things true. This ability will intensify during the Tribulation when, concomitant with the removal of Holy Spirit restraint, the Lord will "empower error" (aka "strong delusion" KJV) as never before (2Thes.2:11-12).

Meanwhile we are being trained up to cope with it. Good for you that you are being responsive and putting things more and more in the Lord's hands. That is important to do whether the Spirit leads you to act or not to act. And in all things, when we pray, we need to "not doubt" but have confidence that the Lord is answering our prayers – we just need to be patient (Jas.1:6-8).

Great that you are now "on the map" as a budding entomologist! My grandfather and late uncle would be proud.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Bob, would you please join me in prayer as I seek wisdom. I have been asked to officiate a marriage, and many loved ones are involved. I'd appreciate your thoughts, as I share mine here with you.

In Matthew 5, Jesus is clear that marital unfaithfulness is grounds for divorce. Anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery. Throughout the scriptures, believers are alluded to represent the bride of Christ, His Church. He also referenced some listeners as a wicked and adulterous generation, yet He came for all to be His church. 

In marriage of a man and woman, the man's relationship with the woman is the manifestation of Jesus relationship with His church, the bride. Though marital unfaithfulness by Jesus own command is grounds for divorce, yet He does not divorce His bride. Imagine our condition if He did! He died for us while we were steeped in sin.

As couples get married in a Christian setting, only later to divorce and remarry another, even the one they committed adultery with, how can that marriage emulate G-ds perfect plan for man and woman in union as his church? Is it better for them not to marry rather then to so say 'but now I've found the 'right one', and will marry in Christ for those 'right' reasons.

Where was their previous council? The parents? If church and parental council was given, what does their action speak (not only to those witnesses of age), but to children? Better to tie a milestone to your neck then to cause them to sin? What of the parents? The church council? G-d?
Forgiveness or discipline. One on account of Jesus, one on account of man and woman. We are still a sinful and adulterous generation, and Jesus is faithful, and forgiving. 

I pray for wisdom in not only this revelation, but how it relates to those I love. Christ being that love.
Response #2:
I don't do weddings (no license) . . . and concerns related this issue is part of the reason. Another even more important one is the spiritual status of the two. How are we to know in many cases whether or not they are really both believers (e.g.)?

Marriage is not a Christian institution exclusively. It was designed by God for the entire human race. So in terms of "right/wrong" that issue is really within the province of the government of the place where a man and a woman are married (different rules apply in different countries).

I have written far more than I would have preferred on the issue of remarriage. Here is the shorthand for what I always tell anyone concerned about this issue. In general, the biblical guidance is . . .

1) Are you single? Best to stay single.

2) Are you married? Best to stay married.

3) Are you divorced? Best not to re-marry.

4) Have you remarried? Best not to divorce.

Beyond that, I would hesitate to give anyone advice about marriage except to point out the obvious (such as believers have no business marrying unbelievers and they will sorely regret it if they do).

I will stick my neck out here and give you a suggestion since you are asking for guidance: if you feel uncomfortable marrying some couple for ANY reason, you'll probably be a lot happier in the long run if you manage to excuse yourself from it (without passing judgment if possible).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Hello Dr. Luginbill.

In the above referenced subject is the verse Genesis 2:7 that is in question.

As you already know: Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the "breath of life; and man became a living being.

My spouse asked me a good question that I could not quite explain.

She knows that the body of clay had no life until God breathed a spirit into him.

But, the question she has is, what kind of life is there before the baby is actually born from the mother;s womb.

What is puzzling to her and to me, because I could not come up with an explanation: is, what is it that the baby has when the mother feels it kicking inside of her"

I mentioned to her, well, I am not quite sure, but I suppose that it is something that God does that I cannot explain.

So, can you give me an explanation of help on an answer to my dear one?

Is there some sort of life, that we don't know about before the baby is actually born and takes its first breath given by God"

I am sure you have had this question asked before many times, so just add this one to the many times.

Thanks so very much,

Blessings to you always,

Your friend, 
Response #3:
If an organ is removed from a donor body, it doesn't have life itself per se but it is living tissue. That is how I see Adam and Eve's bodies before they received the human spirit. Their flesh was living flesh but they were not yet "living persons", people endowed with the image of God. That only happens when the Lord creates within us a human spirit.
And the Lord God formed the man (i.e., Adam's body) from the dust of the ground, then blew into his nostrils the life-giving breath (i.e., his spirit), and [thus] the man became a living person.
Genesis 2:7

Then they fell upon their faces and said, "O God, God of the spirits of all flesh (i.e., mankind), shall one man sin, and will you be angry with the entire congregation?
Numbers 16:22

Then [at death] the dust (i.e., the body) will return to the earth whence it came, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:7

Thus says God the Lord, who creates the skies and stretches them out, who fashions the earth and its produce, who gives breath to the people upon it, even a spirit to those who walk upon it.
Isaiah 42:5

For I will not contend eternally, nor will I be angry forever. For [Man's] spirit would faint away before Me, even his breaths (i.e., human spirits) which I have made.
Isaiah 57:16

Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundations of the earth, who forms the spirit of Man [which is] within him.
Zechariah 12:1b

(24) The God who made the world and everything in it, He is Lord of heaven and earth. He does not dwell in man-made temples, (25) nor is he waited on by human hands, as if He needed anything from us. He is the One who gives us all life and breath and everything else.
Acts 17:24-25

At that time we had those who fathered our flesh to discipline us, and we respected them. Shall we not all the more submit ourselves to the Father of our spirits and live?
Hebrews 12:9
As the verses above demonstrate, it is the spirit which is imparted by God (not biology) into our bodies at our birth which produces and defines "a living human being" as opposed to mere living tissue – from the correct, divine point of view (Gen.7:22; Ezek.37:5-6; Lk.8:54-55a; Rev.11:11; cf. Job 34:14; Matt.27:50; Acts 7:59; 1Tim.6:13a)

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,

I am in the middle of writing some things about the lukewarmness of the modern church, and started to draft a section about why speaking up about this was good and proper. Anticipating resistance, I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend a bit explaining how the "judge not" passages that people proof text do not mean we can't make spiritual evaluations of others, in order to figure out who to associate with, for example.

Yet, as I started trying to explain it, I wrinkled my nose because it felt a bit like rationalization. I am, of course, quite critical of various facets of behavior exhibited by those enmeshed in Laodicea, and it is not just their behavior I discuss, but also the fact that their poor choices are directly linked to their pitifully low levels of spiritual growth, and matching low care for God and His Word. That is, I pass character judgments as well.

No matter how you slice it, this is "judgment", right? All of these things are things that people need to hear, but I don't think that changes the fact that this process is inherently passing behavior and character judgements on others.

So how does that mesh with Matthew 7:1-5 and 1 Corinthians 4:3-5? I have read all the various emails you've already posted on this question, I think, but I'd like to perhaps ask a few things more on the side of specifics. It seemed proper to me to get a firmer understanding of these things before posting the hyper-critical piece on lukewarmness, to make sure I don't overstep any of the lines.

1. Are pastor-teachers a complete exception?

Are Bible teachers a complete exception to the rule, inasmuch as we are told in various places to "rebuke" and "correct" people (in the truth... rather than this being whatever wrongheaded nonsense that others might call "church discipline")? __ and I discussed this some yesterday during our weekly Bible study, and this was more or less the conclusion he came to -- that while it is not the business of general lay Christians to consider the behavior of others and speak on it (to the person, or most especially to others), it is a duty of pastor-teachers to correct and rebuke others in the truth, when necessary. And to do that, we must evaluate where they err (and how much, and why), so that we can accurately know what to say/how to intervene. It seems rather inescapable that judgment is involved in this.

2. On the interpretation of the passages

It seems most other interpreters take the Matthew 7 passage one of two ways:

The first way is to emphasize verse 1, and say the passage is highly discouraging the evaluation of others, period -- that the point is primarily that we are all hypocrites, down to the last of us, so should be very slow to judge others in any way. In their eyes, the main point is that "judgment, all judgment, is bad, since we won't be able to do it well."

The second way is to emphasize the hypocrisy aspect of the passage, and say, in essence, that the main point is that hypocrisy is bad, but that otherwise the passage does not much discourage the idea of correcting others. They emphatically point to the fact that the mote was in fact removed from the brother's eye, but only after the beam was removed from one's own. This serves as proof in their eyes that we are supposed to actively correct others, but just not in a hypocritical way.

On this second approach, that might seem to work in the Matthew 7 passage, but then what of 1 Corinthians 4:3-5? There doesn't seem to be any exception (i.e., in terms of non-hypocritical judgement) to carve out there.

Neither approach seems all that similar to what you say in this email posting (Q/A #11):
On this one, I think it is more an issue of Greek versus English vocabulary. Clearly, we have to use our discernment in this life for many things, and that discernment and evaluation of possible or probable realities very often has to apply to people. I believe the type of "judging" we are commanded to refrain from is the attitude of malicious condemnation of others expressed in our hearts whose counterpart would be slander or "bad-mouthing" when expressed with our lips. I think it would be impossible not to see someone's conduct and form a biblically informed opinion about their likely spiritual status. But as long as we are not bearing a grudge, or hating them, or cursing them in our hearts or with our mouths, evaluating "without pronouncing judgment" is in my view not being disallowed by these scriptures. Jesus told us to be "wise as serpents" even as we were "innocent as doves" (Matt.10:16; cf. Rom.16:19; 1Cor.14:20). Keeping an open mind about people, seeing them as God sees them, with a loving attitude, wanting them to be saved, wanting those saved to grow spiritually and stay spiritually safe, having their divine interests in mind instead of slipping into seeing others from our own selfish and self-serving point of view, requires the employment of a certain amount of evaluative discernment. The key it would seem to me is keeping our sin nature out of the mix. To the extent that our thinking, speaking, and behaving is motivated and controlled by the Spirit and has the true best interests of those concerned in mind from the divine viewpoint, to that extent our evaluation is not judgmental. But to the extent that our thoughts, words, and actions come from our "old man" and are characterized by envy, jealously, antipathy, anger, ego, self-centeredness and the like, to that extent we most probably are entering into the very judgment that our Lord has forbidden.
This is a "different definition" of judgement than those employed above; that is, that "evaluative discernment" is completely fine, and that it is only looking down on others in our hearts, "malicious condemnation", that is problematic.

Yet again, elsewhere, in discussing the 1 Corinthians 4 passage, you say
Not only should we not judge others, but we should even refrain from judging ourselves "before the time". The reason for this seems obvious: if we are too harsh on ourselves for lack of visible progress in our ministries, we may be unnecessarily discouraging ourselves on account of trivial things that are truly not our fault, with the unfortunate result of possibly backing off on our efforts (but there have always been ministries which, while it is the Lord's desire for them to be done, yet do not yield the same obvious results as those which others may seem to be yielding); on the other hand if we are too pleased with ourselves and our work, whether we are justified in our assessment or are grievously miscalculating, in either case we are similarly more likely to back off on our efforts as if we have already "arrived" (although if our Lord has given us a particularly fertile field it is certain that He expects more from us in terms of visible production rather than less). It is our Lord Jesus who has assigned to us the particular field we are to till, be it exceptionally fertile or barren (1Cor.12:5), and it is God the Father who provides the results (1Cor.12:6; cf. Mk.4:26-28). Therefore, we will avoid both potential pitfalls by keeping our eyes on the finish line ahead and resisting the temptation to look backward.

Because we cannot see all the factors like God can -- both for ourselves or others -- judgment on our part is a bad idea, because we are likely to "get it all wrong."
This seems notably different from the OK-ing of "evaluative discernment" above, more along the lines of discouraging any sort of evaluation.

So, how do these things interact?

Well, I'll start with that. I should say that on a scale of "curious" to "anxious and troubled", this time I'm falling much more on the curious side. There are times I feel I don't understand something and it really gets to me, but this isn't one of those times. I just have my head cocked, trying to see how it all fits together.

Your friend in Christ,
Response #4:
First things first: I stand by what I wrote in both passages and don't feel that they are at all contradictory.

I suppose sorting this all out – if it needed to be sorted out – would require some work on definitions. Our Lord says not to judge in the passage you quote, and lest we say that He is the only exception He also says that He personally was not sent to judge the world (Jn.12:47). And yet the gospels are replete with Him "calling a spade a spade", so to speak. Paul, in the passage you quote, says not to judge, but one only needs to read a few chapters from any of his epistles to understand that the Matthew and 1st Corinthians passages do not mean never to make a negative evaluation.

So there is judgment and there is judgment. If I thought it would be helpful to try and parse that all out, I would go down that rabbit hole, but I think it's good enough to say we know in the Spirit whether what we are doing is right or wrong on this score. We are hard on ourselves when we err – or should be. That is a form of judging. And we are told that if we don't judge ourselves prior to communion, that is a problem: "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged" (1Cor.11:31 NKJV) – and that is in the same epistle where the other quote you cite occurs. 

So if I inveigh against the trend of lukewarm mega-churches putting music and fellowship experiences over teaching the truth, it seems to me that this is along the lines of Matthew 23:13-36 rather than Matthew 7:1-5. It's a valid observation without at the same time getting personal – each person/group would have to "try on the shoe to see if it fits" just as in the case of Matthew 23:13-36.

I think all of the above is pretty clear and not at all a cause for concern or confusion to believers who are growing spiritually – just as I am sure that it is clear to you as well.

So personally, I don't think that any prophylactic rhetorical defense against "judge not" is necessary in what you are about. It could just confuse the issue when in fact there ought to be no confusion. It's the practices themselves that are at fault – or perhaps will be defended – by those so engaged. If they feel they are right, that would be good enough; if they see that they are wrong, they will be unlikely to give you a hard time about "judging them". We are not to condemn others. We are also not required to refrain from evaluating things that are obviously good or bad – that is what discernment is all about (link). It's about being correct and employing that knowledge of the truth in a godly and loving way, something only mature believers are capable of doing.
"Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."
John 7:24 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Hi Bob,

First, a reading comprehension/understanding check:

1) Teachers do not have some sort of "exemption" from the prohibition of the specific type of judging that the passages weigh in against. The type of judging in view in these passages is "off-limits" for all people alike. The difference is just that teachers have a position of authority, which makes judgment-related matters more common for them than others (as with all other people in authority, spiritual or otherwise). But the "mechanics" are not categorically different for them, is the point.

2) As to the "types" of judging, the "allowable type" is like that found in Matthew 23:13-36. The "bad type" is like that of the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 -- looking down on people and condemning them in our hearts, with a sense of pride and lack of sympathy or concern for their actual spiritual well-being.

3) The focus should be on actions/practices not people, per se. So even though Jesus spoke very harsh things against the Pharisees and teachers of the law in Matthew 23, such as:

Calling them hypocrites (pronouncing a judgement on the people themselves)
Calling them blind (pronouncing a judgement on the people themselves)
Calling them whitewashed tombs (pronouncing a judgement on the people themselves)
Calling them snakes/a brood of vipers (pronouncing a judgement on the people themselves)

All of these things came directly from an evaluation of behavior/actions/practices. Respectively:

Hypocrites because of many different examples directly given
Blind because of many different examples directly given
Whitewashed tombs because "In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness"
Snakes/a brood of vipers because "Some of [the prophets I send] you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood..."

In this way, then, any person-targeted character criticisms that are used in a judgment/evaluation ought to stem directly from actions/behavior?

To use another example, in 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul says that Demas is "in love with this present world", a pronouncement upon his inner heart state/character. How can Paul know what's in Demas' heart? Paul knows because such an attitude is obvious from Demas' behavior -- that is the basis by which Paul makes this statement. It doesn't come completely out of nowhere.

To put all this more succinctly, we might say "any time we make a negative pronouncement about a person, the basis for such a thing is established in context from relevant behaviors/actions that validate our criticism about their character."

I know all of this was a bit wordy, but I think trying to parse the line between judging people vs. judging actions/practices, so to speak, is what got me a bit confused to begin with. So I just want to make sure I've got it right.

4) When possible, it makes sense to not make judgements individual-focused. So in Matthew 23 Jesus speaks out against Pharisees as a group, rather than singling out specific individuals. But we can't make this a global universal either -- as the Paul and Demas example just raised shows, right? That situation was on an individual level. The point is more that most of the time from the pulpit we can easily keep things group-centered, and ought to where possible. But in judging ourselves for communion, judging the spiritual state of individuals to evaluate whether we want to deepen a relationship with them or avoid them since they drag us down spiritually -- those things are at the individual level. Or even dealing with a very problematic individual who has started causing trouble in your local fellowship -- it would be necessary to condemn the individual specifically based on their false teaching and problematic behavior, right? "Don't listen to Joe -- what he is saying is false for XYZ reasons, and he is causing dissensions and unrest."

Does all of the above, (1) through (4) sound right?

Last bit:

5) I started writing this out in the above summary/understanding check, but then confused myself again: 

We shouldn't rate people (or ourselves) in a very fine-grained way based on how well they've/we've done with what they've/we've been given (since we don't know and can't know all the factors), but mostly just on the rightness or wrongness of behavior (as in black and white). We can get an idea of where someone is (and make pronouncements based on that, like "lukewarm and spiritually immature" or "spiritually mature") based on the aggregation of their black and white behavior. So, e.g., more rights and less wrongs across the board would indicate greater maturity and a closer walk with the Lord.

This sounds sorta right, but can't it kind of miss the heart of people? I've often observed that some people may "sin bigger" but also "confess faster". As opposed to someone who doesn't have such spectacular failures, but is also much more proud and slow to confess in their problem areas. So which person is better?

I think that's hard for us to call. In a broad sense, I think it's fine for us to talk about how people who don't read their Bible and study Bible teaching are spiritually immature, but it's this mapping of specific individual behavior onto heart state that I can't figure out. How can we know what's really going on in people's hearts to make strong pronouncements about them (like Paul about Demas in 2 Timothy 4:10), if the same behavior from two different people might mean something different? Or am I overcomplicating it? Would Paul have said the same thing (="in love with this present world") no matter who had taken the actions Demas had taken, if it had been a different person instead?

Does what I'm stuck on make any sense?

Thanks for bearing with me.

In Him,
Response #5:
I think this all (1-4) is a fair assessment of what the Bible has to say. "When possible, it makes sense to not make judgements [which are] individual-focused." That has always been my policy. When, however, it is a question of some pastor/theologian making pronouncements which are false, and/or when I feel it necessary to warn believers who listen to this ministry away from such individuals and their teaching, then I don't usually mince words . . . about the false or inadequate teaching. 

Clearly we are all judging everyone and everything all the time. We are always considering what others do and what we ourselves do. It is impossible for that not to be the case and in fact it's necessary. But condemning others whether in our hearts or our words is taking things to another level. It may not always be so easy to parse the difference, but I think it's clear to anyone that there is a difference, especially to mature believers. We can know that person X is not doing things completely as he/she should and yet "withhold final judgment" about him/her, both in our hearts and more especially in our words.

But there are times when we WILL know. If person X takes the mark of the beast, for example, I will be able to say with certainty that he/she has "loved this present world and has forsaken Christ". In terms of Paul and Demas, there is plenty we don't know, plenty in the back-story not written in scripture, so we can have confidence that the Spirit allowed Paul to write this bit because it was true. Short of the extreme case of taking the mark, I can imagine many narratives wherein it would become clear that someone had loved/preferred this world to their previous commitment to Christ and that this had motivated them to abandon any previous support and fellowship for our ministries. That doesn't even mean we are saying that are now unbelievers; it is just evaluating a spade as a spade. And sometimes a spade really is obviously a spade. If we're not (yet) sure in any individual case, then we withhold final judgment, but we will probably be wary about individual X if he/she has given us cause to be wary. Not being wary when there is good reason for it is being stupid instead, and scripture has plenty of guidance against that as well (Matt.10:16; cf. Rom.16:19; 1Cor.14:20; Prov.14:15-16; 14:18). 

The bottom line for me is that we do our best to love all our brothers and sisters in Christ; that we don't go around slandering them; that the only reason we would/should mention anything negative about them would be to protect others when we feel that is necessary to do (pastors-teachers have more of an obligation on that score, obviously, hence the title); that we always hope for the best even when we are given information that suggests the worst; but that we also don't cloud our judgment in a Pollyannaish way. It is what it is; we are all about the truth, and the facts are the facts, whatever the facts are. 

In terms of judgment of things and people in time, we will never have all the facts so that we need to be careful in our judgments, whether expressed to others or not, but there are plenty of cases where we have enough facts to be wary about certain people; and there are some cases where, for all practical purposes, there is no more reasonable doubt. I don't know if I can reduce this all to a logical calculus, but any mature Christian operates as described above, and it is important not to let mis-understanding or over-interpretation (=mis-interpretation) distort otherwise good judgment.

Wishing you a nice Christmas, my friend! Will you be headed home for that?

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
The knees have been improving - praise the Lord! My prayer is that they sustain - been keeping up with daily therapy and pool (which feels great!).

Sadly, my dad fell again and broke his femur on his other side. We just got him back home after 3 days in the hospital and 3 weeks again in rehab. Ugh! Prayers greatly appreciated for him - and my mom too (exhausted, plus the shock of it all).

Praying for you too, Dr. Luginbill. Thank you for all that you do to keep us fed and hungering for more.

In Him,
Response #6:
While I'm distressed to hear about your dad (and am keeping him in my prayers), I am thrilled to hear that you are making progress with those knees!

A good friend of mine is in a similar fix. She has found that little things which relieve the stress on her knees are also helpful to the healing, i.e., walking with a cane, getting a higher chair to sit at the desk so that it doesn't put as much stress on the knees getting up, etc.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend! And thanks so much for your encouraging words.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Hello Dr. Luginbill:

Thank you for asking. I have good days, I have crazy days, and the weather plays its part in regard to my knees. We will wait and see what 1st qrtr. of 2023 brings before we make any advanced medical decisions. I am doing well, considering.

I am truly so excited to see it's the 25th anniversary celebration since the inception of Ichthys. Wow - it was the blink of an eye when it was the 20th - and now, here we are, just a few short years prior to the commencement of the Tribulation. Time flies! 

I started researching and studying within Ichthys in the mid 2000s. I recall the hunger I felt to learn more and lapped at the studies you provided at that time. It's just beautiful to know after all of these years you have faithfully fulfilled the call to feed us. I am so eternally grateful. 

We are praying for you - and our dear friend in the midst of marriage ceremonies this week. We are so happy for __ and __!

In the name of Jesus,
Response #7:
Okay – I'll keep in on my prayer list.

Thanks awfully for the kind and encouraging words, my friend.

Yes! I'm praying for them and their marriage too (I guess they've already had a bit of a SNAFU in trying to get __ mom to the wedding).

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #8:
[omitted]
Response #8:
First of all, it's no problem, my friend. I'm happy to "lend an ear".

Secondly, it really is a puzzlement. Here they have someone who is an excellent employee, loyal and resilient, flexible and highly qualified – exactly the sort of person I would jump at the chance of hiring.

As to their motivations, who knows? I do know that the doctrine of total depravity is one we always have to keep in mind, put in layman's terms, "people are just no damn good" (as my old mentor Col. Thieme used to characterize it). So there's no accounting for bad judgment or irrational prejudice or favoritism, etc., etc.

So you have a right to feel aggrieved – but I seriously don't recommend it. The Lord could get you full time easily enough – if that were His plan.
Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:6 NIV
So while you may want to note the disrespect – and be reasonably careful about putting in trust in people who act this way – it's also possible that the Lord is looking out for you (the two things are not mutually exclusive).

I remember the failed negotiations I had with a former dean about a salary increase for accepting the position of Chair of CML to which my colleagues had elected me. I was not a little nonplused that no such raise would be forthcoming and, for that reason (after losing X-pay it would actually have been a small pay cut despite the extra work), withdrew from consideration. Boy! Was that the Lord looking out for me! Having seen how that terrible job has developed, it would have killed me (or at least made me wish I were dead) . . . and I would never have finished the CT, BB or Peter series, likely.

You have a lot going on in your life. Your family, your home, helping your kids fix theirs. And also working. AND also your commitment to spiritual growth. You are handling it all well, but, correct me if I'm wrong, there are still days when it's on the verge of being a bit too much. Increasing the amount of time spent on the job will not improve that calculus.

Keeping you in my prayers every day, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
[omitted]
Response #9:
It's my pleasure as always, my friend!

This is the devil's world, and most people down here are either working for him directly or indirectly. We believers are not "of the world' (Jn.17:16), and so the world does not love us – in fact it despises us (Jn.15:18-19). That is a very important perspective to hold fast to, because trying to make friends with the world not only won't work but will also put us at odds with the Lord (Jas.4:4; 1Jn.2:15-17). So if we can have a measure of peace instead of enmity with the unbelievers we have to be in contact with, we need to be satisfied with that – and not expect too much from those whose only joy is in this present, temporary, pointless-apart-from-Christ devil's world.

When a man's ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:7 NKJV

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
[omitted]
Response #10:
Re: not socializing with people from work – amen to that! I avoid it whenever possible as well (and sometimes even when it is not possible – I've taken a few lumps for missing "command performance" parties et al., but no regrets).

I am sorry to hear that you really still don't have any contacts who love the Lord and who are willing to follow through on that love by doing what He wants. I've been praying for your friend for a long time now – and also of course for you. If it is any consolation, as you probably know from many weekly emails, this seems to be more the rule than the exception nowadays. What's a positive believer to do? I guess, one can either cope, finding one's support in the truth and an ever closer relationship with the Lord . . . or compromise and hook up with a "church" where nothing is going on (nothing good, anyway). There is an Ichthys' forum (courtesy of Steven T.). I could have him send you an invite, if interested.

Meanwhile we do our best to give a good witness of the life, always ready to give a defense for the hope that is in us (1Pet.3:15), and keep putting the Lord and His truth first.

I also know that the Lord gives us what we actually need (even if we don't necessarily think so). It's all part of the preparation package for what is soon to come, I'm guessing. Flak has been unusually heavy here as well!

On the other side, we won't regret any of this – not anything, that is, we have determined to take in our stride for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits.
Psalm 103:1-2 NKJV
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend. Thanks so much for yours!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
[omitted]
Response #11:
I'm sorry to hear that things are a struggle at present, but you're approaching that struggle the right way, trusting the Lord and working on your personal growth and application. Sometimes we just have to wait until the sea parts, wrestling with our anxious thoughts and conquering all doubts through faith in the truth (2Cor.10:4-6). Circumstances that challenge us make that hard, sometimes, but then that is the test. We have plenty of biblical examples of believers flunking that test – and, human that we are, plenty of personal experience as well. Being determined to pass no matter what, even if we're not "acing it", is half the battle.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend – and thanks for your good words (much appreciated).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Bob,

After reading my earlier whiny emails and your responses this week it occurred to me that I never gave you an update. My minor troubles are insignificant compared your other correspondents. I'm ashamed.

Things have germinated and most are growing. After praying for rain, I was blessed with 2" or so. The blackberries I thought were dead have returned to life, my vineyardette is alive, mustard and collards are coming to life and I have more tomatoes growing than I can say grace over. The Lord truly takes care of His own. Of course, the bugs and weeds are back in full force, I didn't ask for relief from the bugs in prayer and I'm reminded of the Lord's comment, "You didn't receive because you didn't ask."

I consider my minor annoyances a learning experience and pray my grumbling doesn't end as it did for the Israelites during the Exodus. (Some of the cracks in the soil had me wondering.) At worst, I now have to start mowing and may have to develop new recipes. I'm not wiped out as some are.

All in all, Bob, I have been truly blessed and the Lord has seen that I've been cared for. What more can I ask.

Stay well. I pray for you and your family daily.

In our Lord Jesus,
Response #12:
Certain bugs I like (butterflies, e.g.); certain bugs really do "bug me" too. We have our share of chiggers, ticks and mosquitoes here. Had a nice watermelon crop coming one year but the bugle-nosed bugs got them all (not sure what they're actually called). I am happy to hear that you have had a bit of rain. Can you irrigate otherwise, at least your tomatoes et al.? Other than spices, it's all flowers here again this year (spring was too busy to get around to anything else before it was too late). We've also been blessed here to have a goodly amount of rain this year, yet not enough to make things too soggy. A lot of heat and sun in the forecast now, however, so it'll be time to turn on the sprinklers soon. 

I've gotten most of my admin chores out of the way, so next week – is it June already?! – I'll be grinding back into research mode (finally). If I can finish two articles and launch them out there this summer, I'll consider it a success.

Thanks for those prayers, my friend! Still no more news. Keeping you and yours in my prayers as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob,

I would have sent this days ago but I lost internet and phone in a storm early in the week. I was much happier not seeing the headlines of homosexuals, transvestites and perverts prancing before kids. I may just turn things off for a couple of days now and then. The good news about the storm, a gully washer, is that we finally got some much needed rain. The bad news is the grass is growing again which means I'll soon have to mow. C'est la Guerre.

The questions and your responses in the 6/25 post turned on some major light bulbs for me. It was nothing you said directly, but I finally began to understand the Book of Ruth. I got hung up on her relationship with Boaz and went way off in the weeds. I came to see that the book is all about gentiles and their grafting on the vine. Many other parts of Scripture point to the stranger's rights and responsibilities when living in Israel but I never put them together.

That also brought new understanding to the Book of Esther and it's application to evil and the end times – including today.

My understanding is still a work in progress, but you've opened up new vistas for me. Thank you.

I pray all is well with you and yours.

In our Lord,
Response #13:
I'm a bit concerned to hear about you loss of "comm". You're out there all on your own. Do you have any sort of emergency means, cell or satellite phone . . . carrier pigeon? 

We had a good drenching the other day as well, but the temps are back up in the high 90's today and if we don't get another T-storm it'll mean watering again. Otherwise the flowers are beginning to look pretty nice.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Bob,

My alternate comm is my neighbor. A good neighbor and Christian. I've hated cell phones since the years I had to carry one 24/7 when I was on-call. I probably should look into that one of these days. Otherwise, I'm not really concerned. I keep seeing headlines that if I do this or that I reduce my chances of death. In my experience, the chance of death is 100%. I just don't know when.

You have my sympathies. In my experience, humidity up there is always as high or a little higher than the temperature. I suffer down here in the heat, I'd die up there.

The ground here was so dry, it sucked up the heavy rain in nothing flat, Starting tomorrow, I'll be watering again, too. Thank God I'm not on city water. My water bill would put me in the poor house.

Thank you for your prayers. You and yours are in mine as well.

In our Lord,
Response #14:
OK - that might be a long way to crawl if you broke something out in the garden, however. Maybe an emergency two-way wrist-radio, Apple watch or the equivalent? I resisted getting a cell phone too. Now I wouldn't want to do without my IPhone.

YES it is humid. And the sun is very hot as well. Got out earlier today but should have been even earlier. By the time I finished my walk/jog and mowing/trimming, I was pretty well done in.

My dear mother always used to say that an acquaintance of hers who went to medical school told her that the first thing they teach you there is that the mortality rate is 100%.

Water bills in L-ville are through the roof – I've heard they're among the worst in the country, even though we live on the Ohio. Has a lot to do with nepotism in that organization, I've also heard.

Keep cool, my friend. We'll be complaining about the cold weather before you know it.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Dr Luginbill,

How have you been this past week or so?

I told you that I have started to feel disinterested in reading fantasy/sci fi right? For some reason, often now when I try to read it, it just seems ridiculous to me now. I like things closer to real life though and more contemporary. I don't know if I am just getting over that stuff (I won't lie, I still like a bit of romance, but even that, more into contemporary closer to life stuff).

I also, when I read, and see characters doing things, I think, 'should I be going out and doing things? But what?' I thought about trying to go to a bar, because that one comes up quite a bit. I know you will say, that is just fiction, well I am sorry but I don't have a family when younger or now to give me ideas or advise/guide me into these kinds of things, so I am using fiction. Which is actually not that abnormal, just the degree to which I am doing it is. Anyway, I am still running and thought I might like to build up to many miles and then go run on trails. And there is a running group in Houston. And there is a Bible study I might try out. But I don't know, I see these characters 'doing' all these things and 'going' to all these places and I just don't get how that works. I am making this overcomplicated aren't I. I guess I feel I should have hobbies besides, well, running. I don't know how I feel about reading anymore, and Ancient Greek isn't exactly a common hobby. And jewelry and clothes aren't really a hobby lol. Maybe I am overly critical about activities and need to get more interests? I mean life isn't just (even if I drop the reading) reading the Bible and Greek for the Bible, and work, and that is it. In the Bible it seems like most of the time people are meant to have lives and the Bible and God is the Guide, the End, the Point, but the lives are there. (I mean this is similar to the thinking I had when I couldn't do normal things and when the Bible referred to them both just them existing and as a reward for believers, it kind of went over my head a bit since those things were foreign to me). I just don't feel like I have that part of it. Does that make sense? Oh goodness this was wordy; you don't have to respond to this part if you don't want to. But do let me know how things have been .

I feel I am taking too long on Greek grammar and am trying a different tack.
Response #15:
Things have been going well, busy, but OK.

"Ancient Greek isn't exactly a common hobby." Understatement there! It's also the case that just because we may find others with common interests, hobbies, activities etc., it doesn't mean that they will be spiritually compatible with us. After all, nowadays, even most believers are not the least bit interest in growing through the truth . . . and there are a whole lot of people out there who take the name "Christian" to themselves but who are not in fact, whether or not they are involved in semi-cult organizations or even in putatively Christian ones.

If you want contact with people, a running group is not a bad idea. I can think of worse things! A Bible study will be problematic for the same reason a church is, namely, its goodness is dependent upon the spiritual status of the ones leading it (and participating in it). 

But I do know that God is capable of leading you to all the right places. Keep growing spiritually and commit your course to Him. He knows all that is in your heart and He loves you with a perfect love. Through the Spirit and in His perfect timing He will work all these things out together for good. 

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
p.s., 
There is an Ichthys' forum (courtesy of Steven T.). I could have him send you an invite, if interested.
Question #16:
Hello, Thanks – I asked about placing a statue of st. joseph in the garden to help to sell a house. I am needing prayers to get my house sold and someone recommended that. I surmised it was witchcraft. But I'm new to the idea. I have gotten myself into a situation where my house is too expensive, too far from town and too big. I have been praying for a miracle and have lowered the price significantly.

I know its in Gods hands and Im just so afraid I will lose my investment and end up with nothing.

This is the worst situation I have ever gotten myself into.

I even started saying a novena to St. Gerard. I didn't even know there was such a saint. Thank you for your reply.
Response #16:
Good to make your acquaintance. 

I don't know why your house is not selling, but I do know that God hears our prayers (here's one link about that). I will say a prayer for you about this.

I couldn't recommend any sort of superstition, however. It is better to put one's hope in the Lord than in worldly "religious" things that don't mean anything to Him.

"I know its in Gods hands" – Amen! Perhaps this is a test of trust. God answers prayers, but we sometimes have to wait longer than we would like to demonstrate that we do have faith in Him.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #17:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY. There is a lot I am learning and trying to understand. It's been a very long year and I've made some regrettable choices. I pray for guidance and wisdom. I know he hears me. But I feel I've always tried to do the best I can to make up for my sins while getting through life. 

Every time I think I've got it figured out Satan whispers in my ear to try to take shortcuts. Then I get impatient and try to "figure out" a way to make things work out. Then If I do nothing but wait for God, I feel I'm not doing enough to get things done. I don't know what I'm doing half the time. I go to church and read the bible and go to Bible study. But somehow I feel like I'm just going in circles. 

Well. I'm tired now so I will keep praying for guidance. Thank you. 
Response #17:
I appreciate that you are doing what it is traditional to do, but Bible reading (without Bible study from a solid ministry), and going to church (nowadays) is not going to do much on the spiritual growth front – and that is the only front which will bring about peace and confidence and growing faith. It would be nice if churches were focused on these things, but in our Laodicean age, sad to say, they mostly are not. So, again, I would encourage you to start reading into the studies at Ichthys. I know for certain that this will help you if you are consistent with it.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Hello Bob, so very nice to hear from you!

And to get your latest research publication, as always so very interesting and thought provoking.

We have traveled from our place in Michigan to our home in Kansas City Missouri. The weather in Michigan was turning really bad, high winds off Lake Michigan and very cold; so I am glad to be away from the fury! Kansas City is experiencing a drought and things look pretty bad here, large cracks in the ground and plants look desperate for water, not a pretty sight.

I am thinking that you are still teaching at the university, correct? how many years does this make? I am impressed! We are into our 8th year of retirement and glad to still be around!

If you are ever our way please do stop in and see us, either KC or up North would be great,

kindly, 
Response #18:
Good to hear you've made it safe and sound to winter quarters.

It's dry here in Louisville as well, of late, but our drought only started a couple of months ago. It was a pretty wet summer before that. We get our water from the Ohio and it's not having any issues yet (other than being a bit "crunchy"). But I've seen that the Mississippi is way down, so not surprised to hear of drought out in your neck of the woods either. 

Reading Petronius with my second year Latin class and seeing people complaining about terrible drought and sky high price of bread as a result. Guess they had "climate change" two thousand years ago as well, LOL. 

Yes, I'm still at the uni (2021-2 is only year #31 as I got a late start in my career). The job has gotten a good deal more complicated and busier over the last few years, partly Covid developments but also an ever increasing bureaucratic burden. They keep hiring more and more VP's for "thus and so" and I guess they need something to do (merely consuming whatever funds might finally provide a pay raise after all the years of zero is apparently not sufficient). Still, I do enjoy it at times – and the Lord gets me through. Prayers always appreciated!

Thanks for the check in and the invite – best to your hubby!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Doc, I used to fantasize about living in the world of my favorite games or shows, how amazing it would be to be one of the characters...now all I see is a bleak world, a soul crushing existential nightmare. These worlds don't have the true Lord in them, no being of true love or justice...all they can do is try to fix the world and find happiness on their own...if these worlds work anything like the real one, and since the characters are supposed to be human enough for us to relate to them, they must be stuck in the Ecclesiastical struggle, the struggle in vain to find true purpose...there's nothing to look forward to in these worlds, no eternity or even Lord to live for. Even ones that have their own afterlife and gods, the ones they have are flawed immensely, even a total sham compared to the one we believers look forward to...I would be utterly crushed to find myself in one of these fictional worlds...they're made to look so great, that they would be so much better than the real world...but in reality they would be a nihilistic hell no matter how you slice it...vanity of vanities indeed. Even the message they preach is always the same few kinds, God is some evil tyrant, only you can find your own purpose and sense of right, we all cam fix the world if we set aside our differences, blah blah blah...try telling the second one to a rapist or serial killer and see how it holds up. Truly, there is nothing new under the sun...

Should Christians vote? Elections for my state's governor are in a couple days so I need to know.

Despite claiming to be a believer, __ regularly practices far eastern (mainly Hindu) occultism. This includes the usual Yoga but also some "techniques" that are supposedly medical that I'm almost certain come from the same origin. Please pray this will stop.

Then just one thing again, but I have 3 more emails before this one. What do you mean it's important we don't act up at all during the 2nd half of the Tribulation? If you mean that and that we have to trust wholly in the Lord and perform excellently spiritually at all times or the result will be apostasy...combined with the fact there's no guarantee when the Tribulation will start, I've been in pretty much complete despair ever since i heard these things yesterday. I don't know why I even try or have any hope anymore...
Response #19:
To take these in reverse order . . .

"it's important we don't act up at all during the 2nd half of the Tribulation" – something else I never said. Could you give the exact quote or citation of what bothered you?

"Should Christians vote?" There's nothing wrong with it. We do need to recognize, however, that there are no earthly solutions to any earthly problems. If we think we are making things better by engaging in politics on any level, we are being deceived. The only way for believers to influence their countries for good in any substantial way is by growing spiritually and becoming "salt" – the Lord blesses the nation for the sake of the godly remnant.

I said a prayer for your __. Please understand, however, that things like Yoga and all "demonic dabbling" are merely symptoms of spiritual trouble. Just as the Pharisees didn't get anywhere by whitewashing themselves, so also today we can't "fix" ourselves or others merely be getting rid of the outward manifestations of things sinful and evil. True change always has to come from within – through spiritual growth.

As to games, I do understand that they can be engaging – and potentially addictive. For all such things, less is more – even if zero is not something a person is ready for just yet. Try to spend less time on them and give them less of your interest. Also, more time spent in the Word and Bible study will never be regretted in the end.
Every one who competes in the games exercises self-discipline in everything; they do it to win a perishable prize, but we believers are doing it to win an imperishable one.
1st Corinthians 9:25
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Is anyone truly "nihilistic"? There's a joke that a nihilist sees no value or meaning in life until you put a gun to their head, and it makes me wonder if they actually believe deep down what they preach.

If they really can suppress the truth that much it only goes to show how far people are willing to harden their hearts to avoid confronting the reality of their sinfulness and need for repentance.
Response #20:
Re: "If they really can suppress the truth that much it only goes to show how far people are willing to harden their hearts to avoid confronting the reality of their sinfulness and need for repentance." Well put! 

That is the human condition, my friend. The vast majority of people have no use for God whatsoever. To reject the Lord, their one avenue of avoiding the grave, and to be able to live with the reality of death and damnation hanging over their heads is virtually psychologically impossible . . . without hardening their hearts against these truths and/or making up lies (or listening to lies: religion) with which they convince themselves that the truth is not really the truth or is unknowable. As the unbeliever Pilate told our Lord who IS the very truth, "What is truth?" (Jn.18:38).
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:18-21 NIV
This is what people are like. This is all discussed in great detail in BB 4B. See the link: Phase one hardening of the heart.

Blessedly, we who have responded to the Lord from our hearts are NOT like this. We have no need to blot out the truth since we have embraced it. We do not turn away from the light; we embrace it.
"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."
John 3:19-21 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.

http://ichthys.com/