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Eschatology Issues CVIX

Question #1:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

Do you have any studies on the referenced passages of Ezekiel?

If you do, please let me know, so that I can review them.

The two children of God that I have bible study with are very interested in the End-Times and participate a lot with questions and answers.

They are really good students, and enjoy the 3 hour sessions we have each Sunday.

Just wanted to let you know, for I know you are praying, and I so appreciate your prayers.

Blessings be with you always,

Your friend,
Response #1:
I talk about the cherubs (including these verses) at the following links (these are theme not verse organized so please be patient and read all the way through):
Cherubs in SR 1
Cherubs in SR 4
Cherubs in SR 5
The Four Living Creatures in CT 2B
The Heavenly Throne
The Heavenly Sea
Great news about your Bible study! Keeping that – and you and your family – in my daily prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Dr. Luginbill,

Thank you so much! 

I cannot even grasp the amount of work and knowledge that God has given you to have completed all these numerous teachings.

I am absolutely amazed beyond expression with what God has done in your life.

I am the fortunate one that was blessed by God to make your kind acquaintance.

I praise and glorify God for His guidance in leading me to your ministry.

Blessings to you always,

Your friend, 

P.S. I was just talking to __ about my desire to meet you in person and chat with you for a good while.

Maybe, if we don't meet here on earth, we will meet in eternity, which is much better.
Response #2:
Thank you!

Greatly appreciated, my friend.

I'm very pleased that you are sharing your knowledge and wisdom actively. In that there is great reward. Keeping that Bible study of yours in my daily prayers.

Re: "Maybe, if we don't meet here on earth, we will meet in eternity, which is much better." Amen to all that! We will all stand together as one in a unity we cannot yet fathom on the great day when we assembly in New Jerusalem to praise the Savior who bought us and the Father who sent Him.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Doc what's your view on abortion? I'm asking because recently a 10 year old girl who was raped was refused an abortion (which she pretty much needed because how is a 10 year old ready to give birth to let alone raise a child!?) because Roe v Wade was overturned. I believe it should be allowed in the cases of rape or if the mother will die if she doesn't, but only in those cases. You've admitted several times on your site that life only begins at birth, yes? I still say only in the case of rape or to save a life because we can't let this become an excuse to have sex without consequences.
Response #3:
It's clear that the Bible, which never actually mentions it, is not in favor of it. Here is one thing I have written and normally quote when asked about this after affirming that the Bible teaches God's implanting of the human spirit at birth and not in the womb (see the link):
This is not at all to imply that for this reason the fetus has no worth in God's eyes. Quite to the contrary, the unborn are highly valued in scripture (Ex.21:22; Job 10:8-12; Ps.139:13-16; Is.44:24; 49:4-5). Further we may note that in the Bible children are considered a great blessing (cf. 1Sam.2:1-11 and Lk.1:46-55), with infertility seen as a curse (Hos.9:14; cf. Gen.38; Lev.20:20-21; 1Sam.1:11), and pregnancy as a blessing and occasionally even a means of justification (cf. Num.5:11-31 and Lk.1:25). Whereas, on the other hand, the sacrifice of children is an abomination (Lev.18:21; Deut.12:31; 18:10; Ps.106:37-38).
We believers are responsible to the Lord to follow Him. What the unbelievers do is not really our business. Getting involved in political debates is always a mistake. This and any other hypothetical problem probably doesn't actually concern us directly, so why are we getting so upset? Does the Lord want us to take up arms – for one side or the other? I assure you He does not. Our job is to live our lives to Him and for Him. If some awful situation should arise for us, He will provide the way of escape (1Cor.10:13). But burdening ourselves with worries which are not even tangible because the things we're worrying about haven't actually happened to us is exactly what the Lord has told us NOT to do (e.g., Matt.6:26-34).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Oh, I'm sorry I actually care about the sufferings of others and truly want in my heart to help them. It's just that this incident I brought up actually happened and was so horrific that I'm disgusted with those who say there shouldn't be a way out for women and girls in such a terrible situation. That's not a bad thing is it?...I know you too well to think you would demonize such a desire, but I know the heart is deceitful above all things, and even seemingly legitimate desires can mislead people. As much as I begrudgingly do so...I can accept it if God says so. I have a hard time believing this is truly love and justice though, so it can't truly sit well with me...This more than anything just stokes my doubts about the Bible, because stuff like this makes its definition of love and justice seem shaky and almost arbitrary at times. I mean, you're saying having a girl who's not even in her teens yet who was raped be forces to give birth to and bear the weight of having a child is "truly good"! But if it's what the God of all truly says...i guess I have no choice but to redefine my own meaning of these things.

I say these things because in my heart of hearts, I'd rather keep believing but accept things that don't sit right with my sense of right and wrong than follow my own sense of justice knowing that I'm rejecting the God of all that could ever be.
Response #4:
First, I think you may have misread my prior email. 

Second, if I'm not mistaken, the girl did get the abortion, so in terms of reality, there's nothing for you to be upset about. It makes no sense to me for Christians to worry about injustices that MIGHT happen (however conceived). We're specifically told not to worry about things that haven't happened (Matt.6:25-34).

Third, if you watch the news, any news, there will always be things to get upset about – if you allow yourself to become upset. Instead of allowing yourself to be manipulated by the devil (because that is what this is), why not rather remember that nothing happens in the plan of God without God's perfect oversight? Getting overly concerned about political policies and devoting oneself to political solutions as a result is one of the fastest ways to commit spiritual suicide I know of. That attitude and approach will shut down your spiritual growth pronto, and lead you into all manner of dark alleys. Just look how emotionally distraught you are about this. Why not put the matter in God's hands instead? Why not pray a prayer for someone about whom you hear, about whom you are concerned? Please know that one prayer in the Spirit from you is worth more than a thousand of "you" being distraught and acting on that politically.

There are plenty of ways to shoot oneself in the foot, spiritually speaking, and Satan is always right there looking for ways to convince you to do just that (not him personally, but one of his very numerous subordinates). Politics and political actions is one of the best ways for him to do so – meaning one of the worst ways for us. That has always been true, but in the soon-to-come Tribulation, antichrist will appeal to anyone and everyone who is concerned about perceived injustice, whether directed towards themselves or others, and unite the world under his satanic banner. 

Anyone who has been around the block a few times understands that there is always "more to it" (whatever "it" is) in any news report we may chance hear, and that if we had any personal knowledge of "the situation", we would see immediately that things are a good deal more nuanced than is obvious from a thirty second news spot. As it says in Proverbs, "the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines" (Prov.18:17 NIV). That is a fundamental principle of justice – or should be – but don't expect this under the beast's one world rule. Antichrist will tell everyone (everyone willing to follow him) that "their cause is righteous", merely to gain control over them, just like the devil did in attempting to replace God (see the link), just like Absalom did in preparation for trying to murder his father David:
Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, “What city are you from?” And he would say, “Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel.” Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you.” Moreover Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice.”
2nd Samuel 15:2-4 NKJV
Better not to be deceived. Better not to get upset by things totally outside of our control. Better not to get involved in politics in any way. Better not to worry – but to put all concerns before the Lord in prayer . . . and move on with what IS our job down here: spiritual growth, progress and production for Jesus Christ.

In Him,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Sorry if I failed to trust God again with my last messages...how do I get over the worry about perceived injustices so I don't end up falling for the Beast system?

Read my last email too, how should we address transgenderism Biblically? Should we respect the pronouns of trans people or not?
Response #5:
There are plenty of ACTUAL injustices in this world. The thing is, we believers are not able to solve them. Even if you were appointed king of the whole continent tomorrow, ferreting out injustice would not be so easy. It would be very easy, in fact, to do wrong in the cause of purported good. It takes much wisdom to be a good judge in general and a good judge of difficult matters in particular. In any case, you and I have next to no power to do anything about injustice, even if we really knew 1) what it was specifically, categorically and in detail, and 2) what the correct solution might be to each case in particular and to whatever "problem" in general. Just a smidgen of humility ought to tell any believer that. It is truly amazing therefore how so many people think they know what precisely is unjust about all manner of things in this country today and not only that – they think they know precisely what should be done about it. On top of that, they are VERY emotional about it – but anyone should know that judging and acting out of anger or sympathy is one of the quickest way to render an unjust verdict.

The other issue you ask about is just one of innumerable many evils in our day. All you have to do is read down a news feed or open up a newspaper and virtually every article will present just such a "problem" to be addressed.

This is a trap. First, the "game" is being run by the devil. He is ultimately behind all of the actual injustice in the world. But more importantly, he is behind all of the putative "solutions" – which always involve human good and evil which in the long run are far more destructive than the sins and crimes and social ills these policies purport to solve. Only a person of supreme wisdom could hope to engage with this process of trying to solve societal problems with human means and not get trapped – and I'll tell you when I know of someone like that (hasn't happened yet). The beast will present himself as just such a solution, THE person who can solve things – the [false] Messiah (that is what anti-Christ means: not just "against" Christ but also "substitute for" Christ).

The only way believers can really effect all the things in society which grieve us is by putting things in God's hands – rather than wrenching them away from Him and trying to do it ourselves. DYI never works in the plan of God (just as is true in our personal lives: we need to trust Him). Ironically, therefore, believers who are grieved by this or that societal ill and go "all in" trying to solve them end up taking themselves out of the true spiritual combat wherein they might have made a difference. If we become "saltier salt" by growing, progressing and producing spiritually for our Lord, our prayers become all that more effective on the one hand (Jas.5:16-18), and God blesses our nation all that much more on the other (cf. Ps.106:23). But by trying to DYI it, we only ruin our own spirituality without having any true effect on the problem . . . unless it is to make things even worse through our efforts by way of fostering wrong solutions.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
Thank you Doc. I need to trust God with it.
Response #6:
Amen!
Question #7:
This is beyond demonic.

Turns out in Japan, a lot of companies, in fact this means most middle class workers suffer from this, try to make the company and the work their employees entire lives like, 16 hour work days are a common minimum. And the culture of the work is so brutal on anyone who underperforms for legitimate reasons or even wants a social or personal life outside their work, it actually causes some people to literally DIE from being overworked...not sure if that's what actually happens or it pushes them to suicide. Marriages are torn apart, children are left without a working father figure, ironically, because he's so consumed with his work life. I don't care if this can't be fixed before the Beast arrives...I want you to pray this insanity beyond insanity will STOP.

Speaking of which, these horrible work conditions over there remind me of the coming Beast system somehow...I don't know why or what it is but it just does...and that's something I NEVER like being reminded of, since I'll have to go through its utter brutality towards Christians unless I'm lucky enough to shed this mortal coil before the Trib...either way, read my last email and pray that it'll stop.
Response #7:
I read this in scripture:
If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still. The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
Ecclesiastes 5:8-10 NIV
The world is a rotten place and inherently unjust and corrupt, as the verses above affirm. And in case you didn't know, there are plenty of such career tracks in the US, business and military, for example, where similar sorts of pressures apply. We are always better keeping to our own knitting rather than setting ourselves to right the wrongs of the world. The people you are concerned about made their choice. What about the people in, e.g., China, who are actually and literally enslaved and being forced to work even harder and longer without any recompense for it? 

I make it a habit to pray for the deliverance of believers who are suffering such things around the world. Unbelievers, however, need to come to the truth in the first place. Because, after all, whether a person lives a life of ease or one of torture, in the end, without Jesus Christ, all go to the same place.

Which brings us to the point of being upset by anticipating events. God can give you peace in the midst of any trouble, even the midst of a fiery furnace like the Tribulation – just as He did for Daniels three friends. So the solution is spiritual growth – of course. Drawing nearer to Jesus Christ day by day through belief in all the Words of God and getting better at applying them is the only real preparation for what's coming (please read CT 7 at the link).

For those who revere God before all else, there is nothing whatsoever to fear in this life.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 118:6 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Thanks Doc. I guess I was just prideful, trying to size up God as if anyone could really do such a thing...really I was just trying to not be in error about His nature. Anyway, I hear the republican party in my country, the one I trusted and followed for so many years before finding your site, is planning a bill that if passed will possibly turn this nation inside out...they want to abolish the IRS. I know everything that happens is in God's plan, but there's a very fearful uncertainty that comes with such things regardless. Knowing that Jesus tells us to not worry about tomorrow helps, but I don't want this life of comfort I've lived my whole life to come crashing down like this, if the consequences of this bill are really as bad as I fear. Still, the sudden spike of prices for food and gas I first heard about from you hasn't really affected me or my family at all since we're relatively high income, so maybe it won't be so bad for us. And really if I have to lose everything I own or something like that it's probably for the better of my spiritual growth. 

That's all for now, thanks for always responding to me in such love and patience.
Response #8:
I'm just happy to hear that you seem to be more at peace – in spite of politics and political concerns. Regarding which, I would pay such things very little mind. God can provide for you no matter what. But for plenty of people who "have it all", we have to remember that this never lasts (e.g., Lk.12:15-21; regarding such "Myth-happiness", see also the link in SR 4: "The Vanity of Life").
People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper—they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life. People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.
Psalm 49:12-20 NIV
Riches do not endure. No one lives forever. But the Word of God is eternal.
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.
1st Peter 1:23-25 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Doc, I know if your predictions are true this almost certainly won't happen, but the majority of Americans expect a civil war to break out fairly soon...is there anything in the Bible about this?
Response #9:
First, I don't make predictions. Only prophets know the future and there is no one on earth with that gift at present (I suspect you are referring to the interpretation at the site about the nearness of the Tribulation: How certain a date is 2026?).

Also, the "majority of Americans" are usually wrong about everything, so I do concur that "this almost certainly won't happen". This close to the Tribulation, that seems not in the interest of anyone, including the forces of evil – which would certainly rather present antichrist with a Babylon intact rather than being at war with itself. For many other reasons I find this possibility unworthy of my precious time in thinking about.

In terms of the Bible, we do have these verses:
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Romans 13:1-7 NKJV

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1st Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
1st Peter 2:13-17 NKJV
See also:
What does the Bible say about War, History, and Politics?
Those who take the sword will perish by the sword
Murder vs. killing in battle
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Paul speaks of not being yoked with unbelievers. And of not allowing people chasing sin into the church. But Jesus allowed Judas to stay in His inner circle, knowing he would never change his heart. I'm having difficulty reconciling those two things.

What got me here: my 19yo daughter, who had been raised in a Bible believing church and home, with two godly parents, told us in November that she was pursuing a trans lifestyle and in a relationship with another girl. We told her that we couldn't support that and told her what things would have to change in her life. She chose to walk out of our house that night and hasn't been back. What is my duty as a Christian? Do I need to take another believer to her and confront her sin, as she still maintains that she's a believer? Or, should she want to come home, do I welcome her in to watch, as Jesus did Judas (I have two younger daughters)? Or do I keep reaching out but maintain that she can't be a part of us until she stops pursuing a sinful lifestyle?

I know the Word doesn't contradict itself but I'm confused and it feels contradictory. Can you help clarify this for me?

Thanks for what you are doing!
Response #10:
Good to make your acquaintance.

First, I very much sympathize with you in what you are having to go through with this. Let me assure you that you are very much not alone in having to deal with this particular problem. Because of the way our society is devolving under the aegis of the evil one, very many young people are getting caught up in this terrible set of lies. 

Second, I can't give you any direct biblical advice since this – i.e., how you are attempting to cope with the development – is an area of application; that is to say, it's up to individual Christians to make the best, godly decisions they can in many situations where the Bible does not give us a play-by-play set of instructions.

Third, it is certainly within every parent's right to demand basic adherence to their reasonable authority on the part of children living under their roof. Requiring them to refrain from grossly sinful behavior certainly falls under that rubric. So no one can fault you for the tack you took – even though of course it always breaks a parent's heart when our children stray and rebel and put themselves outside of our guidance. That, of course, has never been uncommon. What is "new" is this particularly destructive and evil influence which is being proclaimed by the powers that be as something "good" and "normal" . . . when it is anything but. So of course we also grieve for them as well as for ourselves, because we know that they are running the risk of damaging themselves greatly – and even of destroying their spirituality if they are believers.

In situations like this the general guidance I usually give is to do everything reasonable and godly to keep the lines of communication open. As I often remark, my maternal grandfather used to say that "every young person has to go over 'fool hill' at least once to find out that there's nothing good over there". So making it easier for your daughter to come back when/if she realizes her mistake would be a positive thing to do. Also, it is possible to be loving and forgiving – and at the same time unbending in terms of one's own beliefs and the expression of them. We can strive to have good relations with estranged loved ones, doing whatever is reasonable to help them "come back", and at the same time making it clear that we have not changed our thinking about what we know is right and what we know is wrong. 

It's not easy often to be gracious and loving and at the same time make it clear that we are not pronouncing their mistakes/errors/sin "OK"; and it's similarly also not easy to welcome them back with open arms when/if they do see the error of their ways and not "rub their nose in it". If we can stake out a middle ground between these two extremes, that is usually the best policy and the one most likely to have success (cf. Eccl.7:18).

With respect, I don't think the "unequally yoked" passage applies since that is speaking of voluntary associations where a person has a choice but here we are talking about your daughter – and she is your daughter no matter what. Also, the example of Judas is probably also best set aside.  That was a unique situation and our Lord chose him at least partially for reasons of fulfilling prophecy (Ps.41:9; cf. Jn.13:18). 

We have to remember that every single human being has the image of God, the free will to exercise faith in whatever they choose. When it comes to our loved ones, we strive to have them put that faith in Jesus Christ and live a life faithful to Him. However, everyone has to make their own decisions and we can't make those of others for them – even though we'd dearly love to on occasion where our children are concerned (especially when they are making terrible mistakes).

Finally, one thing we CAN do is pray. Our Lord tells us that if we pray, believing, nothing will be impossible for us – nothing (Matt.21:21-22). He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knew of this and every problem and trouble we would ever face before He created the world. He has already made provision for us, already decreed our deliverance in eternity past. Our job is to trust Him that this is so, to keep faith, to keep praying, and to persevere in the spiritual growth, progress and production to which we have been called. If we do, we may find that "weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Ps.30:5).

I promise to say a prayer for you and for your daughter.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
Thank you so much, dear brother, for your words of wisdom and encouragement. It is a very hard road, finding the middle ground between condemning the actions and accepting the person (and even harder for this generation to understand that concept, I think, as well).

I have held fast to the parable of the persistent widow and am praying continually. The hardest is knowing whether I should Be Still and Know, or if I should do...something (James 5:16-20). My daughter has, at this point, declined to respond to my email requests for getting together or celebrating her birthday or anything else. So I guess all I can do is be still, pray, and keep sending notes to tell her that she will be welcome whenever she changes her course.

I've also been in agreement with your grandfather's phrase for many years myself. It does seem to be the way of most people. My biggest prayer is that God show himself to be real to her. I also grew up in the church and the stories were so over-familiar that it was almost like just another storybook. Our family life has been very calm and pleasant up until now and maybe she's been too sheltered to really see God working?

Anyway, thank you again for your encouragement.
Response #11:
You're more than welcome.

For what it's worth, I think you are handling this exactly right. Not that this probably makes you feel any better. When we are on the outs with our children, it never "feels good". We just have to trust the Lord that He knows our hearts, hears our prayers, and is working everything out for good. Our problem is that we have to wait while our hearts may be breaking. But I can testify from my own experience that He DOES work things out for good . . . even if we are waiting longer that we would like. That's part of the test (just ask Abraham).

It's hard not for children to be sheltered these days if they live in loving households. And with the pandemic et al., there has been a real lack of interaction with the real world. Interaction with the real world, of course, is much over-rated. But learning to cope with reality and the school of hard knocks we all have to face sooner or later is always an adjustment, even for those who've had a better than average inoculation to it through various engagements with it our youth. 

I'll be keeping this in my prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Bob,

I decided to have a little staycation at home break and have a look at a free course on Coursera about classical music and musical theory (from the University of Edinburgh).

Before I started the course there was a sort of disclaimer about the course on musical theory. The disclaimer warned me that musical notation is racist and comes from a 'eurological' mindset that is inherently white, male and ablest. Whist reading the disclaimer I could actually hear pairs of hands wringing in the background!

At the end of this missive I was reassured that I could pull through the trauma of this course and that I was welcome to 'resist and transform' everything that I will learn from it.
Thankfully at the end I was told that I could happily throw away everything that I learn at the end but I was also entitled and welcome to 'choose to learn this' (white, male, ablest) way.
Once I have done with the smelling salts I may actually sit up to study this course.

Can't imagine what this is doing to real education at real universities. Do you have to have therapists on hand in case people develop CPTSD from the act of learning about the past at all?

I have attached the rest of the document for both your amusement and displeasure..

Hoping that you don't have to do so much hand wringing where you work!

In Him,
Response #12:
Thanks for this!

As they used to say in my old Jewish neighborhood in Chicago, "Oy vey!"

Maybe we should laugh and cry at the same time: laugh, because it is so very ridiculous; cry, because some people actually believe this horrible tripe.

Recent "Babylon Bee" headline: "Indiana Jones Changes Name To 'Land Stolen From Indigenous Peoples Jones' ". Funny, but you might easily mistake it for an actual headline these days.

With all the redefinition of reality and adulation being given to it by those who have "drunk the Kool-Aid", the scene painted in "1984" looks tame by comparison. No doubt this is all prepping the ground for antichrist's movement.
From the historical angle, it's also interesting to note that in Thucydides' treatment of the melt down in Corcyra during the Peloponnesian war the two sides in the internal conflict likewise changed the meaning of words to fit their political slant.  The end result of this "stasis" was the mutual annihilation of virtually the entire city state.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob,

Regarding VPN troubles, there are several reasons for connecting issues [details omitted].

Which leads me to government and politics. I've watched politics and government since I was draft age. In all those years, nothing has changed the slow degeneration of the country. It makes no difference who's elected or the oath all government officials are required to swear (much like you and I swore.) Previously it was sworn before God but recently on comic books -- which seems fitting. Since the Gulf of Tonkin "Incident" which was proven to be a lie, I've not trusted a word I've heard or read from government -- it's routed to /dev/null. I quit voting in the '90s because it was a waste of time. Today, I see little difference; our two parties most resemble the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks. Neither honor their oaths and act about the same. If I correctly understand what a soviet is, we are living in a soviet today.

I do believe there are good people who try to make a difference in government but are eventually corrupted by the system. I can't bring myself to pray for government today. My country is my neighbors and the people I care about. Those are the ones for whom I pray. Government still annoys me. That's hard to get away from.

My curiosity is, if the Lord establishes governments, are evil governments punishment or a test?

Enough ranting.

Yours in our Lord,
Response #13:
Thanks for this guidance on the VPN. I confess most of it is over my head, but I'll pursue it if it keeps on being a problem. The main thing I'm concerned about is readers not being able to get through to the site, and the problem of the person on the posting seems to have been a temporary "one off" so no need to panic (plenty of time for that later).

Interesting question. I don't think it's either or. In our contemporary situation, no doubt this does constitute a punishment for those who are straying from even fundamental human decency (Rom.1:18-32); a wake-up call for those who might yet turn and be saved (or for believers who are merely growing weeds); and perhaps also a test for those who are doing what we are supposed to be doing. God has the ability to deliver those who are trying to follow Him closely from the consequences of even the worst government. Lot was not destroyed along with Sodom – and he turned out to be the only righteous one there (not ten as Abraham had hoped: Gen.18:32).

Of course this doesn't mean that the righteous are not subject to the difficulties which divine discipline brings on. There is "blessing by association" but also "suffering by association", and in our case there is already some of the former and a lot of the latter in play in my reading of the situation. 

As to "That's hard to get away from", this is true both emotionally and physically. Physically speaking, Lot could have left Sodom and linked back up with his uncle Abraham (he had more than one opportunity to do so, especially after he had been rescued by him after being taken captive along with the other inhabitants). I'm not sure where believers in this country today could escape to at the present moment. Every alternative seems worse and even more dangerous than staying put. If that is a legitimate analysis, I'm sure the Lord takes that fact into account in His dealing with us. Emotionally speaking, I do think the sooner we get around to dis-investing from any heart connection to incipient Babylon, the happier we shall be.

Nevertheless, I do find this in scripture:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1st Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV
So it's in our self-interest to keep praying. Consider also:
And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive (i.e., Babylon), and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace.
Jeremiah 29:7 NKJV
As interesting as things are, they are on the verge of getting a good deal more so.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Bob.

Keep in mind the reasons for connectivity problems may be conditions over which you have no control. Without digging in, there's no way to tell.

Amen. "I'm not sure where believers in this country today could escape to at the present moment."

Escaping! I once had plans of retiring on a tiny Aegean isle where I could sip ouzo hollering "Opah!" That didn't work out. And then I thought of retiring in Mexico until I learned American expats were hostile to American expats who didn't agree with them. So, I've put my stick in the mud here. It's clear to me there is no escape.

For the time being, none of the cruft from the border invasion has come here. There are no social services to speak of out here and one of the neighbors is shooting at something nearly every day -- which terrifies Austinites, Californians and New Yorkers. Needless to say, I'm happy and peaceful here. In all the time I've been here (8 years+,) I've had no problems at all and only good experience.

One of the benefits of age is realizing you have no control of much of anything. So - don't fret over the connectivity issues. If it happens again, ask your ISP to investigate. Make sure you get support who knows what they're doing. It seems that many in "support" are clueless.

In our Lord,
Response #14:
Thanks for the info, my friend.

Yes, I do believe that with all its warts, incipient Babylon is likely to be the safest haven there is (to the extent that those words even apply) during the Tribulation. It's not the 17th century anymore.

Re: "I've put my stick in the mud here": God is good. It's good to have a stick and some mud to stick it in, after all.

Re: "One of the benefits of age is realizing you have no control of much of anything." Very true. And one of the benefits of being as close we are to the end is a similarly clarifying and liberating realization: the Lord has all this in hand, and the time is short (Rom.13:11-12; 1Cor.7:29-31; 10:11; Heb.10:25; 10:37; Jas.5:8; 1Pet.4:7; 1Jn.2:18; Rev.22:10).

My ISP is not the worst, but it is difficult to get quality help. One has to persevere through the first several layers in one foreign country to arrive at an expert in another foreign country who understands the issue (and enough English to communicate about it).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Bob,

The 1 Corinthians cite hit home. I'm in the process of getting everything ready for __ to inherit everything. And Bob, I'm telling you, I'm looking forward to going home.

Your description of IT support is accurate but much more refined than mine. Many war stories surround my low attitude about IT support staff from large corporations to small local ISPs. Quality IT support is an oxymoron.

I'm having trouble digesting your notion of the incipient Babylon being the safest place to be. (Until the ending fireworks, I suspect?) It was safer being a combat troop in Vietnam than a tourist in New York or Chicago today. Or for that matter, than being under a doctor's care since the past couple of years. I don't expect that will improve in the next few years.

Yours in our Lord,
Response #15:
"I'm looking forward to going home". Amen! Swing low, sweet chariot! However, that is not a decision we get to make. 
For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
Philippians 1:23-24 NKJV
We have no set DEROS. We are in this fight until our Commanding Officer relieves us. The when and the how are up to Him. And we have no way of knowing ahead of time just how He is meaning to deploy us in the meantime. Peter DID get a warning order:
I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
2nd Peter 1:13-14 NIV
Absent something like that, we may be getting tired, but that doesn't mean that the Lord doesn't have something for us to do.

You are a blessing to me. I would hate to see you go.

Re: Babylon: We know from scripture that as antichrist's home country Babylon will be spectacularly blessed during the Tribulation. Just read the description of her in Revelation 18 (and elsewhere in the book and in scripture: link to Mystery Babylon). So it stands to reason if Babylon is rich and privileged at the point of her destruction in the last half year of the Tribulation, she has enjoyed a special status previously. This may not be a protection for believers therein, but such prosperity doesn't sync well with the violent disruption which would be necessary to eliminate all the believers here – and there are believers left just before that time because otherwise there would be no need for the command to "Flee Babylon!" (link). There is some historical precedent as well. Jews (in part) within Germany were some of the last to be deported and murdered. But the Nazis got "right to it" when they invaded Russia, e.g.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Hi Bob.

"We are in this fight until our Commanding Officer relieves us." Sadly, I realize that. As it turns out, in spite of my frailties, I'm still in reasonably good health. My eyes are going, my back is shot. but I can still walk (down to 1/2 mile a day, now,) I can still drive. I'm not on death's door and I don't think Charon is waiting for me.

As it turns out, curiously. my neighbor, that I've mentioned before is having some serious angst about the future. She's married and has four kids and is an example of Paul's warnings about marriage. They seem to be a happy family but are concerned about much more immediate considerations. She leans on me when the going gets confusing and I try to reassure her. I don't hear anything for awhile until the stress gets to her again. I sometimes wonder if I'm here to strengthen her and her family and friends by extension.

Bob, there's so much I don't know. There was a time when I thought I was in control, had the world figured out and understood exactly what was right. Now, I don't even know why things are the way they are or if there will be a next Tuesday. Perhaps another result of age?

Your explanation of Babylon rings true from what I understand of scripture, but that doesn't mean we'll be OK. From what I think I understand from history, things weren't good for Christians until Constantine (and then it got worse when he elevated the Bishop of Rome.) I can't help but believe that, if politicians are now calling for the destruction of Christians and our commander in *hief calls us the greatest threat to "democracy," that it won't continue to intensify. If it wouldn't be getting much worse for us, why would we be ordered to flee? Is it just the incipient destruction?

Thanks for your good thoughts.

In our Lord,
Response #16:
I'm happy to hear that you are hanging in there, my friend. And also that the Lord is giving you some fruit to bear.

That's right. We control nothing. People are always clamoring for the ear of the important, influential and powerful, but we rely on the Lord (Prov.29:26).
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2nd Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV
Re: "but that doesn't mean we'll be OK", Amen to that. We do see from scripture, however, that while one third of believers apostatize during the Tribulation and while one third are martyred, one third will make it through to be resurrected while still alive at our Lord's return (see the link). There are many in this number as this verse seems to suggest:
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
1st Thessalonians 4:17 NIV
No place will be "safe" during the Tribulation, but in relative terms, since we know that Babylon will be the one place on earth where there is excessively luxury, it's not out of the question that we believers, the one's not arrested / martyred, will be allowed to "eat from the scraps that fall from the table" until our Lord's return. Not one is promising anyone a rose garden here. 
"For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened."
Matthew 24:21-22 NIV
In terms of fleeing Babylon, that command is issued just before the beast orders Babylon's destruction, so we are encouraged and helped to get out so as not to suffer along with the unbelievers who were previously privileged by antichrist.
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues".
Revelation 18:4 NIV
Thanks for your prayers as always, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Just who or what really is Abaddon? There's heavy debate it seems whether it's a place or a being, and if it's a being, is he an evil being (most likely demon) on the side of the devil, or even the Antichrist himself, or is he actually on God's side?
Response #17:
The locust of Revelation 9:1-12 are demon possessed insects and their commander (Abaddon-Apollyon) is a high ranking demon commander. All of these demons are imprisoned in the Abyss at present but will be released at this point in the Tribulation. This is all covered in CT 3A at the link. Here's a footnote from that section that explains part of it.
69. While it is true that Abaddon-Apollyon is called a "king" here, it is probable that his rank in the hierarchy of fallen angels is that of "prince", the demon equivalent of archangel. The Hebrew word for this rank, sar, is translated at least once in the Septuagint as "king" or basileus (the Greek word in context here). Significantly, this commander is also called "the angel of the Abyss", though we know from our context and other passages (e.g., Jude 6 and 2Pet.2:4), that there are many angels in the Abyss. In the one other scripture where "angel" means more than just some generic angel, 1st Peter 3:22, the phrasing is indeed shorthand for "arch-angel". See Bible Basics: Part 2A: Angelology, section II.9.6.3, "Princes".
Question #18:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

I hope you are doing well and having a good week.

I have been reading through your Peter series and I feel like I have been learning a lot. Yesterday I was in lesson 35. I never really realized that Jesus was able to accomplish His death for everyone's sin through the power of the Holy Spirit. I guess I just thought that "Jesus is God, so obviously He could do that, He's strong enough". It makes perfect sense though that Jesus had the Holy Spirit.

I do have a question on the section "By Means of this Same Holy Spirit". My understanding after reading this, is that all pre-cross believers in Jesus are in heaven now, since Jesus took them with Him in His ascension to the Father. When a believer dies today, do they go straight to heaven to be with the Lord? Are all believers who have passed away, pre-cross and after the cross, in heaven right now? Not in another waiting place? A little backstory, I was talking with someone about this concept, specifically what happens when you die as a believer, and I want to understand the subject more. I was thinking that when you died a believer today, you went straight to be with Jesus. Is this correct? Also, how do pre-cross believers fit into the Scripture in 1st Thessalonians 4, about the dead in Christ rising and then those who are left alive rising. I know they work together, I just want to understand how.

Thank you in advance,
Response #18:
Good to hear from you. As to your questions:

1) "When a believer dies today, do they go straight to heaven to be with the Lord?" 

Correct.
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9-10 NIV
2) "Are all believers who have passed away, pre-cross and after the cross, in heaven right now? Not in another waiting place?"

Correct.
(1) "Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God [the Father] – believe also in Me. (2) There are many rooms in my Father's house. If there were not, I would have told you. For I am going in order to prepare a place for you.
John 14:1-2
3) "I was thinking that when you died a believer today, you went straight to be with Jesus. Is this correct?"

Correct.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far
Philippians 1:21-23 NIV
4) "Also, how do pre-cross believers fit into the Scripture in 1st Thessalonians 4, about the dead in Christ rising and then those who are left alive rising?"

The pre-cross believers are, after all, "believers". So they are part of Christ's church . . . which started with Adam and Eve and not at Pentecost (as some evangelicals erroneously and dangerously seem to believe). The Church AGE started at Pentecost in Acts chapter two, not the Church itself which is composed of all believers from the beginning until the second advent. So "the dead in Christ" include Adam and Eve, and Paul and the Thessalonians, and some of us today who will not still be alive when Christ returns.

Main links for the resurrection at Ichthys:
The Resurrection (in Peter #20)

The Resurrection of the Lamb's Bride (in CT 5)
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi again Bob,

We got the water back on but the day after I experienced three shots across the bow in rapid quick succession that left me dazed all day (but have recovered again today..)

I was thinking of something. We shouldn't be overly fazed by this war we are in..

1) we know our enemy
2) we know the enemy's devices
3) we know the battle
4) we know the terrain
5) we learn which front to fight on
6) we know the outcome (God wins)
7) we know the duration of our fight until Tribulation and then the duration of the Tribulation (unless we go home first)
8) we have spiritual weapons
9) we have an excellent and faultless commander (Jesus Christ)
10) and greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.

Jesus' victory is already assured we just have to do our bit while it is still today!
Amen!

Think of all the human wars of history and how one side of a war would feel if they already had all of this intel when going to war!! How confident they would be! How assured of victory they would be going into battle! We should be this assured of victory should we? When I think of it like this I am spurred on to keep on fighting the good fight and it helps me to overcome my fears. Amen!
In Jesus,
Response #19:
What a great perspective!

This is how we should all be thinking – and pretty much how we will all be needing to think in just a few short years. Meanwhile, whatever flak we are getting is good training, even if it makes us uncomfortable and forces us to aggressively snap into this divine perspective you represent here so well. No one enjoys being under fire, but believers can learn to take it in stride precisely because we are looking at a much bigger picture.

See the link: in SR 4: "Strangers in the Devil's Realm".

Well done!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Bob,

Jesus tells us , Luke 21: 28 and when these begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 

There are many topics that are hard to comprehend, much scripture to study in depth. Jesus answering the Disciples is plain and direct . A child could understand these instructions. Christians are looking around, seeing the the very things unfolding rapidly around them, and they don’t look away, they don’t look up with anticipation, excitement, joy, hope, and peace that surpasses all understanding. How are people who need HOPE, going to find HOPE if they see no HOPE in us. 

I know, there are a select few news anchors who are appalled at the evil going on, the injustice, the pure out evil of the rulers in this world, and they are sincere, they too need to look UP. Donald Trump is not going to save us. JESUS is. 

All of this scrambling around is useless. The Government is not on our side. All Government is corrupt. We can’t vote in peace and prosperity. The government can’t stop God. I’m not un American, because I don’t want false peace set in place for a year or 2 , just to have to live through hell on earth again. 

People are angry, appalled and out raged at the sick evil of leaders, teachers, parents, preachers, etc... God our Father is more out raged than we are. He is not going to sit by idly and let parents and doctors change the gender of children. I’m appalled at the parents who trust Satan with their children. 

I’m thankful that we have a pastor who tells the congregation every time we are together, that things aren’t going to get any better. It’s been a prayer answered to have a pastor to speak truth. Truth once accepted will set the captive free. Once free , we don’t need to become entangled in this world again.

I will turn all of this into a question. Do you think A loving God is going to hear the prayers of delaying judgment on this world?. I almost cry at the thought of people having to live in this world much longer, as it is only going to get worse. It’s hard to imagine, much more offense to God than what is happening to innocent children right now. It would seem most cruel to make things better , only for them to get much worse. Time and time again. God is merciful, God is patient, God will not be mocked. God is Love. 

It would be cruel to fix this world , full of sin, time and time again. God is not cruel. God is just. God is truth. Time is truly running out. Time shall be no more.

Thank you for all the time you have taken to encourage us in the truth. May God continue to bless you for these next few years. 

Please continue to pray for my grandson. He still hasn’t professed that he got saved. He lives like he has. I guess we would like confirmation from him. He has always said he wanted to be saved but God hadn’t dealt with him. So it’s very frustrating and scary. I pray for him to get the victory and assurance, but, his parents and I may be the ones that need it. He will soon be 14 Lord willingly.
Response #20:
An excellent application of the Word, my friend! We all need to be carefully evaluating our orientation in these trying times to make sure that we are "looking up", as you put it, and not instead letting our hearts be troubled and our thoughts monopolized by these horrible events over which we have absolutely no control. But God is in total control.

There is no fixing this world and nothing can stop the Tribulation from arriving right on schedule. Politics and politicians are false hopes indeed. Everything that is happening is happening for a reason in God's perfect plan. "Righteous Lot" was tormented by what was going on in Sodom (2Pet.2:7-8), and we can identify with that. And Sodom was soon destroyed while Lot, the only righteous inhabitant therein (in spite of what Abraham had hoped: Gen.18:32), was spared by direct divine intervention (Gen.19:15-22). 

In terms of delaying judgment, that does sometimes happen. We think of Jonah preaching (reluctantly) to the Assyrians of Nineveh. They repented and the Lord relented (which distressed Jonah who despised them as Israel's most dangerous neighbor). We think of Ahab who put on sackcloth and humbled himself before the Lord so that the judgment against him was delayed until after his death (1Ki.21:29). We think of Amos entreating the Lord and the Lord relenting in bringing judgment on Israel (Amos 7:1-6). On the other hand, we also find this in scripture:
"Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its people and their animals, even if these three men—Noah, Daniel and Job—were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD. Or if I send wild beasts through that country and they leave it childless and it becomes desolate so that no one can pass through it because of the beasts, as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate. Or if I bring a sword against that country and say, ‘Let the sword pass throughout the land,’ and I kill its people and their animals, as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved. Or if I send a plague into that land and pour out my wrath on it through bloodshed, killing its people and their animals, as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they could save neither son nor daughter. They would save only themselves by their righteousness."
Ezekiel 14:13-20 NIV
The difference is the critical mass of "salt" in any given country versus the evil it is counterbalancing in the just evaluation of the Lord. No three believes, no matter how amazing, are able to prevent judgment upon a country which has gone to the devil (literally). Lot was not able to save Sodom either, nor was Abraham who personally intervened with the Lord for that foul place out of concern for his nephew. The only mitigating factor the Lord considers when evil gets to a fever pitch is the remnant of believers therein and the quality of that remnant. The more salt, the more the preservative value; and the saltier the salt, the better. But what if the salt has lost its savor? Then its value is naught for preservation purposes (Matt.5:13; Lk.13:34).

So when believers in this country stop looking UP for solutions and start looking down and around instead, perversely they are actually hastening the day of judgment and bringing about by their actions (in running after Baal, in essence) and inaction (in becoming distracted from spiritual growth, progress and production, which things alone are capable of preserving and improving their savor) the very things they dread and fear.

It's always better to be walking close to the Lord, no matter what is transpiring in our environment. We cannot change the plan of God; we do know that the last terrible phase before our Lord's return will be shortened "for the sake of the elect" (Matt.24:22). 
The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the instruction of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: ‘You said, “Woe is me now! For the LORD has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.” ’ “Thus you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Behold, what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, that is, this whole land. And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the LORD. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.” ’ ”
Jeremiah 45:1-5 NKJV
We cannot expect for the Tribulation to be comfortable, but we can have every confidence that if we are doing what the Lord wants us to do now, and are willing to do whatever He wants of us then, then we will have no regrets whatsoever when we stand before Him to receive our reward.
"If anyone [is marked] for captivity, he is going into captivity. If anyone [is marked] for death by the sword, by the sword [he must] be killed. Therefore endurance and faith [on the part] of [my] sanctified ones is [called for]."
Revelation 13:10

[But in contrast to those who receive the mark of the beast and worship him], the saints have perseverance, [even] those who in this way (i.e., by refusing to receive the mark or worship the beast) keep God's commandments and [retain] their faith in Jesus (viz., even though it may cost them their lives).
Revelation 14:12
I've said a prayer for your grandson and put a prayer request up on the site.

Thanks for the good words!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/