http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues CXL

Question #1:
Dear Bob,

I recently found your website and am in agreement that the tribulation will likely begin in 2026.
I discovered an interesting convergence that you may be interested in. It is as follows:

The date of Ascension Day (our Lord's rapture) in 2026 falls on May 14, the 78th anniversary of the state of Israel.

This brings both the culmination of the (70 to 80 year) Fig Tree Generation and the end of the 2000-year Church Age into alignment.

I would be interested in your thoughts on this alignment.
Response #1:
Good to make your acquaintance.

Re: "I would be interested in your thoughts on this alignment". I am aware that many people find prophetical significance in the foundation date of the secular state of Israel. But God closed the canon in A.D. 68 and, with the death of the last apostle shortly thereafter, there has been since no prophecy given. Further, all prophecy we have been given is connected to the end times, that is, to the Tribulation and everything which follows. Outside of the trends of the seven church eras in Revelation chapters two and three, the Church is the mystery age wherein the gentiles are added to Christ's Church along with Jews (who are the foundation of it; see the link: in BB 6B: The Mystery Age and the Mystery Complement). So both Old and New Testament prophecy per se, that is, the relation of events coming in the future, all look past our age to the Tribulation and beyond. Put another way, there are no prophetically significant events happening now nor have there been since the first century nor will there be . . . until the Tribulation begins.

So the 1948 date and all other such dates don't have any prophetic significance. After all, the year-date calendar we now use was not even invented until the 6th century (link). No one ever heard of B.C. / A.D. before that time – because it hadn't yet been invented. 1948 in practical terms is 1,947 years after the birth of Christ (who was most likely born in Dec. of 2 B.C.; see the link).

In terms of days of the week, "Ascension Day" and all such feast days and the like, including for Jewish festivals, are based on the Gregorian calendar (although the Julian one was in force during New Testament times), and all involve highly speculative processes about the "when" (e.g., there are at least two major "Easters" and they move around). We can have no confidence about the exact day of any of these actual historical events if it not spelled out precisely in scripture (which they usually are not; i.e., "tenth day of the month" assumes we would know how that month jibes with our current system, and we do not know definitively; we only have approximations; there were at least two calendars for Passover in use during our Lord's day; see the link).

So, as interesting as it is, in terms of any alignment, I would have to say that this entirely coincidental if there is any. I only use the terminology "2026" because that is what we have today (A.U.C. went out in the middle ages). There's nothing magic in the number(s). It's merely 2,000 years after the cross and resurrection in 33 A.D. (see the link) for a 2nd Advent in 2033 – which would make the Tribulation start in 2026 (see the link for a consideration of the major assumptions upon which this interpretation is based).

So I agree on the 2,000 years, but I'm not sure what you mean by "the (70 to 80 year) Fig Tree Generation".

Finally, one other rub is that the Tribulation is most likely going to begin in the fall, not the spring. That is what the symbolism of the Jewish festivals in their ceremonial calendar certainly suggests (link), with Passover clearly symbolizing the cross, e.g., and the Trumpets and Day of Atonement the Tribulation, with Booths looking to the Millennium thereafter. The six month delay is explained in Revelation as the "half hour of silence" following the opening of the seventh seal before the Tribulation begins (half hour = half year; see the link).

I hope this was helpful. Do feel free to write me back.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
From my understanding, Ascension Day was 40 days after the resurrection. It's not a Jewish feast day per se, it's an event that happened at a certain time in the life of Christ, but the only way we can date it is from the fact that we know that the resurrection happened about 3 days after Passover, or at least on that 3rd day, so technically 2+ days. Therefore the day of Christs ascension was about 6 weeks after Passover give or take a day. Of course we don't know for sure that Dionysius Exiguus got it exactly right when he placed Christ's birth at 1 AD but assuming he did then AD 33 would be the year of Christ's last year on earth. Some speculate that Christ's birth was in 7 BC which was the date of the first census conducted when Quirinius was governing in Syria, so that brings up an interesting speculation of whether Christ's last year on earth was actually AD 26.

The fig tree generation is based on the idea of the fig tree nation restarting in 1948 which is again very speculative and is often linked with the length of a biblical generation being defined in Psalm 90:10. It speaks of a generation being cut off "then we fly away" which some have linked with the rapture.
Response #2:
Re: "the only way we can date it is from the fact that we know that the resurrection happened about 3 days after Passover" – exactly. And the present dating of Passover does not go back to the time of Christ. In His day, as mentioned, it was already a matter of debate. So we can't know that date nor line it up with the Gregorian calendar, not if we are talking about exact days of the year. Also, as mentioned, 2 B.C. is the most likely date for the birth of Christ (there is no "year zero"); see prior link. Finally, as also mentioned, the Tribulation begins in the fall, not the spring, in any case.

I've not heard 70/80 years suggested as a generational marker before. Clearly, Psalm 90:10 is speaking of average life-spans (that is something different).

Thanks, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Yes, I have heard people use different ways to define the length of a generation, but life-span makes a lot of sense to me.

When we talk about "my generation" we are talking about people who are the same age as myself. As long as there are people out there who are still alive after a certain date of birth, you are in that "generation". If 1948 is the beginning of a generation, then every person born in that year is in that 1948 generation. When we are talking about a nation, a nation is made up of its people. Those people individually go through phases of life - they are born, they marry, they have children, then grandchildren or even great grandchildren. Or maybe they don't marry and the passing of time is just marked by the aging in their bodies.

A nation like Israel started as a young vibrant nation but has now become jaded and cynical and is threatened by destruction on every side. Psalm 90:10 talks of a person living to 80 years "if by reason of strength". Israel's strength is waning, and at any time it may be overcome and overrun by its enemies. That's what I am watching. I believe the invasion from the north prophesied in Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 11 is not far away. Then we will see the flight of the woman (Israel) into the wilderness of Revelation 12 following the snatching up of the man child (the church). The woman will be taken to a place prepared by God to be protected for 1260 days. I am still not sure if that is the first or second half of the 7-year tribulation. Perhaps you can give your opinion on that matter.
Response #3:
The Coming Tribulation series contains a complete translation and exegesis of the book of Revelation, so it is all there.  You'll find Revelation 12:1ff. in part 4A.  Here's the direct link: The Dragon's Persecution of Believing Israel:  Revelation 12:13-17.
In a nutshell, there are three invasions during the Tribulation, the first two happen during the first half and cast antichrist in the role of putative savior of Israel wherein his coalition defeats the south twice, the second time decisively, removing the last power bloc in the world which opposed his complete rule (these are covered in CT 3B: Antichrist and his Kingdom at the link).

It is at the conclusion of the second campaign at the midpoint of the Tribulation that the beast takes his seat in the temple, defeats Moses and Elijah, begins the Great Persecution, and that starts with the 144,000 being martyred and the pursuit of believing Israel into the wilderness (see first link above). 

Number three is the Armageddon campaign (covered in CT 5: The Second Advent and Armageddon (Revelation 16:1 - 19:21 at the link).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Greetings Robert,

As you know, Rev. 3:10 is a major argument for the pretrib camp. I tried to find this on your site but couldn't. How do you describe it?

Thanks and God bless
Response #4:
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Revelation 3:10 KJV
The Coming Tribulation series contains a complete translation and exegesis of the book of Revelation, so it is all in there. You'll find Revelation 3:10 in part 2A. Here's the direct link:  Philadelphia.

In a nutshell, the seven churches represent the seven eras of the Church Age following the end of the apostolic era (e.g., Revelation 4:1 says that the narrative of the Tribulation follows "after these things", that is, after the Church Age / seven eras; see the link for more).

So the Philadelphian believers HAVE been "kept from that hour", but not us, the Laodicean era believers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
God bless you Robert. Thanks a mil for all your enlightening messages. It must have taken a very long time to put it all together. Reading "2A" I didn't really see what I was looking for. But if It was there, I missed it, and my bad:( So concerning the "hour of trial," do you see it as an on-going tribulation that comes upon those who dwell on the earth, or only during the tribulation period? Or could it be a spiritual testing that will come upon them in the form of God's redemptive spirit either trying to draw them close to Him for salvation,or push them farther away by hardening their hearts, like He did with Pharoah. I hadn't thought about that until I read someone's opinion about it. Our pretrib brothers and sisters view it only as a seven year tribulation. I guess what I'm trying to say, is the hour of trial physical or spiritual?

God bless you brother and thanks again.
Response #5:
No worries. It's explained in context of treating the Philadelphia era (link). Here's something from another posting:
Rev.3:10: Much ink has been spilled debating whether the Greek word ek here means "out of the midst of" or "out before contact with". The word is not inherently so specific (any more than our English word "from" is) and it really doesn't matter much in any case. Christ is telling the Philadelphians that they will not experience the tribulation. We are not the Philadelphians; they passed on to be with the Lord hundreds of years ago and so these words have been fulfilled in their immediate, literal sense (please see the link in Coming Tribulation part 2A: "Philadelphia: the Era of Revival"). It is true that scripture, especially prophecy, often also has a future or more general interpretation. In the case of the seven churches, the broader interpretation is that of the seven ages of the church. Philadelphia is the penultimate generation of the Church; that is, the one before the last one. The era of reformation and reform (terminating, I believe, in the late 19th century) was indeed a great epoch in the history of the Church of Christ, and it can be rightly said of these great believers that they "kept My command to endure patiently" NIV. Like the historical Philadelphians, these "Philadelphia-era" believers have been spared the trauma of the tribulation. Not so the lukewarm Laodiceans, whose pattern our current generation is following (see the link: "Laodicea: the Era of Degeneration").
It is a problem with evangelical approach to scripture that they often rebel at the notion of prophecies having more than one fulfillment. In reality that is usually the case. One of the more prominent uses of prophecy in the Old Testament is what I call "The Day of the Lord Paradigm" (see the link), where believers are warned about near term imminent disaster through the prophet comparing it to the ultimate time of God's judgments on the earth. Yet for all the quibbling, it is the rare evangelical exegete who doesn't understand that, e.g., Isaiah 14:12 is talking about Satan – even though the context before and after is said to be speaking of the king of Babylon and judgment upon Babylon respectively. 

In terms of your question, then, in terms of interpretation Philadelphia is primarily an era of the Church Age which is now past. So those believers were indeed kept from the Tribulation (NOT delivered "out of it"; see quote above). Secondarily, the seven church prophecies do contain truths that are applicable to all believers at all times. This is always the case with scripture. Otherwise, why would we bother to read the Old Testament, e.g.?

The main take-away is that there is nothing whatsoever in Revelation 3:10 that even suggests a "rapture" pre-Trib, not even with severe interpretive gymnastics. That is the one common theme in all passages that supposedly "teach it", namely, they actually do not actually do so positively and definitively, even fairly adjudged from an English Bible. The can only be twisted into place for those who already accept that false teaching.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Bob,

Interesting take in #5 on the failed assassination. I've been too focused on the absurd spins on that day's events to think about the foreshadowing, but your correspondent is right. The response has been stunning -- on both sides which I think is indicative of those times to come. I have been seeing so much in scripture foreshadowing Christ, from Joseph's saga and beyond, that foreshadowing of the Tribulation in today's reality is remarkable if we just look. The Lord does let us know in advance. This is one reason I appreciate your weekly posts. Thank you.

You and yours remain in my prayers.

In our Lord,
Response #6:
Thank you!

It's always great to hear from you, my friend.

Re: "I think is indicative of those times to come" . . . and coming pretty soon, it sure does seem!

Thanks for those prayers too. I'm keeping them coming from this end as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Dr Bob, my question is based on the emphasis of a requirement for wisdom and understanding for someone to figure out the number of man in Rev 13:18. 

Why would John encourage his readers to have wisdom for to just read a number which himself has also mentioned or translated from his vision? Or was he writing to a people who was foreign to his language. If Bob you told me, "this is twenty (20)", and you know quite well that you have written to someone who knows English, why would you need me to have that faculty just to figure out the number, or there some mysteries in the number which need further exploration from your reader? What is going on here!

Thanks
Response #7:
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Revelation 13:18 KJV
Good to hear from you, my friend.

Actually, the passage says "here is wisdom", and then gives the solution to the riddle. In terms of colloquial English, it means something like, "You'll need to apply a little common sense to figure this out: so use this formula to test the name on the mark to demonstrate that it is antichrist's". 

In other words, scripture does not give us the name or the appearance of the mark. But once the mark is being given, the name chosen by the beast to appear on the forehead or right hand of those marked (some will be marked by the number rather than the name; see the link), it will be possible to apply this test. At that point, a little wit or common sense will be necessary to make the calculation. That is because, for one thing, the calculation will need to be via the Greek system of enumeration.

In any case, as has been discussed in the latest weekly postings (and throughout the Eschatology Issues postings), for any believer who is growing in the truth, not recognizing that the world ruler in the middle of the Tribulation is the beast would be inexplicable. So you are right. Special "wisdom" has nothing to do with the obvious; it has to do with the manner in which the test is to be applied – something not necessarily obvious to those who do not know Greek or the Greek system of numbers.

See also: Numbers, Letters, and the Mark of the Beast.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Okay, so does this imply that his name will be Greek or some Aramaic/Hebrew name equivalent?

In Jesus,
Response #8:
Re: "does this imply that his name will be Greek". No. I very much doubt that it will be.

Re: "or some Aramaic/Hebrew name equivalent". It depends what you mean by that. I think it's likely that the name will be in English (not saying that with any authority, however, but merely because antichrist arises from Babylon and we speak English here). Whatever FORM it takes – and we will know because billions will have it plastered on their foreheads – it will be that FORM that is to be subjected to the final litmus test of calculation . . . using transliteration into Greek according to the Greek system, most likely. We will know more certainly when we see it.

In any case, as mentioned, this test will only apply once the marking begins, and the marking will only start after antichrist defeats the last vestiges of earthly opposition to his rule and takes his seat in the temple in Jerusalem, proclaiming himself to be "God" (2Thes.2:3-4), with the false prophet having set up the "abomination [which causes] desolation" (Dan.11:31; Mk.13:14; Matt.24:15-16; Rev.13:13-15). 

In other words, the identity of the beast will already be so obvious to all mature believers by the time it is even possible to apply this test, that it is reasonable to ask, "then why is it necessary?" The answer has to do with the fact that allowing oneself to be marked will be the equivalent to an unpardonable sin . . . which is to say that no one who does so will be a believer and anyone who was a believer will have to abandon their faith first in order to do so. This is why we will have a worldwide proclamation from God the Father through His angel alerting the whole world to the seriousness of this horrendous act (Rev.14:9-12). And that is also why we have the final test of "666", namely, to take away and last vestige of an excuse lest anyone say after the fact, "I didn't know".

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Bob,

As Paul says 

Phil 1:18b-26
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 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; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

So I am very happy then Bob that you are convinced that you will remain in your body as it is more necessary for us and more fruitful labor for you although you desire to be with Christ which is better by far!

As with your situation at work which I will lift in prayer, you can continue to rejoice as we know that through our prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what is happening to you will turn out for your deliverance.

Yes it is time for me to draw ever closer to the Lord and to rely on the Word ever more so and not what the world or my lying eyes tell me.

2 Peter 1:19-21
We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

I know that if I trust the Lord through these trials and draw even closer to Him and rely on Him more and more that this will refine my faith, give me patience and character and strengthen me in the spirit. 

I also feel I need to mention something to warn other brothers and sister (please publish this email my friend)...

I noticed something alarming last night that is a snare for the body of believers. Overnight on Youtube, dozens and dozens of 'parasocial influencer vlogs' have appeared. They all have the same format. They start off with something benign such as 'make-up tutorials' or 'home improvement vlogs' or 'lifestyle hacks' but then they suddenly upload a very traumatic video about their 'painful divorce', 'traumatic loss of child', 'midlife crisis story' or 'cancer journey'. They all seem to be willing to talk about these traumatic things literally days after they have happened. They will even cry on camera as they share every waking moment of their personal lives. Due to the emotional rawness of these videos, no one has any discernment and take all of these accounts as being honest even though they don't know these people. They often rack up millions of views and subscribers. Sadly (but maybe inevitably) many of them have Patreon accounts, merchandise links, a book to sell, exclusive member content etc etc.

You have to ask yourself, if someone were going through the worst times of their life, would they spin it into a lucrative side hustle overnight? But it gets worse Bob. I had a suspicion about these accounts and my suspicion was bourne out. They all have videos that either push New Age/Gnostic teachings about the world and spiritually and/or they invite viewers to 'question their faith' or 'get angry with God'.

What is very eerie is that these videos despite coming from different locations and from different people telling different accounts, they all have 'popped up' within the same timeframe. Am I saying that these are all charlatans? Not necessarily but we know that the enemy can and does use people whether they are aware of it or not.

Sadly (but I shouldn't be surprised at this point) many believers are being drawn into these channels, are pouring out their hearts about their own losses and confiding in these complete strangers about their struggles with their faith walk! Whether the authors of these channels are deliberately malevolent and deceptive or not, it seems the results are the same. Satan is clearly using these people to draw people away from their faith.

In these last days our discernment should be more and more keener and sharper. Sometimes Christians can be very naive and trusting of people and yet the Word says 

Matt 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Also 

Romans 3:4a
Let God be true and all men liars.

Also

Isaiah 2:22
Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?

Psalm 146:3-4
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Micah 7:5
Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips.

John 2:24
But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.

So let us all continue to trust the inspired Word over men and before our own eyes. To realise how late the hour is and that the enemy is the father of all lies and liars. That there are tares out there aswell as wheat. That there are false shepherds who are wolves in sheeps clothing who serve only their bellies. Though let us not be afraid of any of this as it was already written that it would happen and keep looking forward to the blessed hope and maintain sufficient courage to exalt Christ in our bodies whether by life or by death.

Amen! Marana-tha!

Your friend in Jesus,
p.s. I also wanted to add that I decided to delete Reddit too as it wasn't useful to my ministry currently. Quite strange really though as I was talking on a sub-Reddit called 'True Christians' and I was trying to help people out on there. I wrote how when we first become believers we have that mustard seed of faith but we are only just spiritually born. We don't have immediate wisdom and we need to grow up just like a baby does. I wrote that it takes maturity to realise 1) how sinful I am personally 2) how wicked the world really is 3) how good and holy God is. We can't appreciate the depth of both evil and good respectively at spiritual birth. It is only after walking with the Lord and through epignosis through trusting the Word that we can have the discernment that brings wisdom and maturity. When I wrote this, I think that others on there were starting to realise this was coming from a place of maturing faith and spiritual insight. It seemed strange then that someone who said that I was a breath of fresh air in that I really was a strong believer, they then immediately told me to watch a YouTube video of a Japanese believer and that he was the 'only one who truly understood the Gospel' and had new revelation of what Jesus really meant. I then told him (rather curtly) that I don't even need to watch the video to know that a man in Japan is not the only person in the world who understands the Gospel. I also say this is exactly how cults operate and that the Lord has not prevented people to know Him or know His Word. That this did not reflect the true character of God. That it is true that there is a lot of false teaching in these Laodicean times and a lot of lukewarm and immature believers but I still trusted that God has provided good nourishing teaching to those who seek it, even in these desperate times. I then told him that I know of two very good American ministries (yours and Curtis') but that I was sure that there are other ones around the world. Not many but they will exist. I know this because I know our Lord and I know He will always provide to those who want His provision. This seemed to get the man's back up and suddenly I wasn't a maturing believer after all as I was too mistrusting and typical of how bad Christianity was today and that I would never truly understand what Jesus was saying in the Gospel after all as I didn't watched the other man's videos. It annoyed me a bit but it just made me press the uninstall button on my Reddit account faster. There were times in the past that such a person may have made me doubt a little or shake my confidence in what I knew. Thankfully he had little to no effect on my faith but just made me annoyed that I was taken in by his flattery for a little while. I saw through him though quite quickly and bounced back much more easily than in the past. I don't get taken in by these people at all anymore but I do need to work on my manners towards them as I guess I can come off a little aggressive at times. Having said that we can never be too careful when it comes to wrangling off wolves, especially when we move towards ministry. In Him,
Response #9:
Thanks as always for your sharp observations and insights, my friend. Scary stuff! But also perhaps opportunity for ministry.

It does seem that this is where we are in Laodicea. The two main choices are churches which don't teach the truth but offer a variety of different sops as substitutes on the one hand, or wacky internet sites which cater to individuals who refuse any authority whatsoever outside of their own desires. It doesn't take a prophet to understand that this can't go on much longer. 

Thanks also for the prayers. Nothing but refusals on the PTL front so far and I'm running out of possibilities. It will be a dicey business if I have to teach those classes myself on top of everything else, but I've considered some "work arounds" and I know that the Lord can get me through it. We'll see what develops. Classes start two weeks from tomorrow! [n.b., the Lord provided marvelously!]

Keeping you and yours in my prayers too, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
I know this might sound like a stupidly simple question but is it correct to say that spiritual nutrition (the truth, especially found in good solid Bible teaching) is more important and critical to our spiritual health than physical nutrition? I ask just to make sure because I made that statement to __ who has a friend whose ministry is through her job which involves nutrition and acupuncture and I just wanted to make that I didn't perhaps rub anyone the wrong way (I didn't want to make it sound like a teaching ministry is more important than what this young woman is doing). 

I'm all for eating healthy and I think it's a good and godly mentality to have but I don't see how we can hold it to the same level as the truth which will make the biggest difference in the believer's life. I keep seeing this whole "Mind, body, and spirit" slogan thrown around by so many believing medical professionals and although it is true to an extent, it does kinda depend on what a person means by it and how far they take that statement. One must also be careful because there are many believers in third world countries who are malnourished and don't have access to good nutritional food, yet some of them could be the greatest believers of our time for all we know (especially many of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ). So I think the whole Mind, body, and spirit slogan is good, it can lead to self-righteousness if taken too far. 

I mean, there are plenty of super healthy unbelievers in this world who are never gonna spend eternity with God. Like, healthy food isn't gonna make your free will decisions for you or turn a lukewarm believer into a red hot one. It can also run afoul of the whole "health and wealth teaching" (except with the wealth part removed in this case) if one isn't careful. 

I'm confident this woman I speak of in the medical field understands these things (at least I hope) so I don't think she would be off on these points in all fairness to her. 

Honestly though, I wouldn't be surprised if some people think what you and I are doing through our websites is arrogant and self-righteous (as if we think we are so much more spiritual than everyone else since we take issue with the church at large and teach the truth with authority and confidence). I do get those vibes from some people. 

One final thing was Romans 2:26. Would these Gentiles be considered believers since it says it would be as if they were circumcised? 

In His grace and power, 
Response #10:
Here's what Paul says about exercise:
But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
1st Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV
Nutrition and exercise both have to do with maintenance of the physical body. Spiritual growth and "exercise towards godliness" have to do with our spiritual health which is, in the long run, a lot more important.

Re: "some people think what you and I are doing through our websites is arrogant and self-righteous".  Well, there's no accounting for taste. How is it not arrogant to judge fellow believers who are trying to pursue the truth in the right way and paying a stiff price for doing it, not only in terms of the sacrifices made to learn and minister but also in just this sort of incurring of "pariah status" because we are unwilling not to call a spade a spade. What would become of our self-respect if we joined in with and affirmed the "rightness" of nodding to God absent any serious effort towards spiritual growth?

Please read CT 2A, Philadelphia (link). This is exactly the kind of flak and push-back the believers of that era were getting from the RCs. There's no harm in being ostracized . . . unless we let that affect our confidence and our morale. As Paul also says . . .
Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
Hebrews 13:12-13 NKJV
This issue we are facing is exactly parallel to the one the believers in Jerusalem were facing when Paul wrote Hebrews to help them. Because many of them were persuaded or intimidated by their fellows who called them arrogant and self-righteous and worse, so that they went back to the vomit (2Pet.2:22). Ironically, then and now we are castigated for not assembling with other who want no part of the truth, but in fact it is the ones who are not seeking the truth who are guilty of not joining in with other believers . . . who are doing things God's way (Heb.10:24-25).

In the case of the Philadelphia era, the Lord put some of the unbelievers to shame and brought them to repentance. 
(9) "Behold, I am going to give you some of those from Satan’s synagogue who claim they are Jews and are not but are lying. Behold, I will make them come and worship at your feet and they will know that I have loved you."
Revelation 3:9-10
This may yet happen for us too . . . as long as we stay rock-solid strong in preferring truth over false fellowship. But it may take the Tribulation to wake our fellow Laodiceans up.

Re: Romans 2:26: Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?

I don't think Paul is distinguishing between believers and unbelievers here. There are plenty of unbelievers who act in moral ways even though they are not saved. Paul is using that as a point of comparison to show that keeping the Law doesn't even necessarily distinguish a person from a law-abiding unbeliever since even unbelievers can be moral, so for Jewish believers in Rome to be relying on their "keeping of the Law" as a measure of their salvation was misguided in the extreme.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
Absolutely agreed on everything (and understood on Romans 2:26). I just felt a little bad because I didn't want to make it sound as if my ministry was more important than that of this woman (since people can take what I said the wrong way).

One last small (perhaps even silly) thing (unrelated to everything above) I was curious about was this whole idea (partially true and partially false) of "many people turn out to be what their name means." I understand that throughout the Old Testament and parts of the new a person's name often reflected who they would become (their personality and character sometimes included), how they would act, and, sometimes, where they would end up. This seemed to be a common thing in ancient times and I get that if God chose the name, then it was in full foreknowledge that a person would indeed turn out to be what their name meant. Not to mention, I do believe it still happens sometimes today (peoples lives and behavior/character reflecting the meaning of their name). However, it is also true that this obviously doesn't happen to a lot, if not most people where many individuals are anything but the meaning of their name (they turn out totally different in many cases by failing to live up to it). Maybe it is a really dumb question but why do you think this may be so in some cases but not in others? Obviously, free will is one factor and of course a person's name doesn't define them (although this seemed to be more the case in biblical times). But why in some instances and not others (even if the question really doesn't matter all that much)? 

I'll use my name as one example. Assuming this its etymology is correct, it doesn't really say much about the person I am and is quite vague despite some superstitious attempts to find some hidden and magical meaning there. One source says the spiritual meaning behind the name is "a journey of spiritual descent into the depths of one's soul, followed by a subsequent ascent towards higher consciousness and enlightenment." To some extent, I may say that is true of me assuming I understood the statement correctly. But how can anyone confirm these so-called "spiritual meanings?" Seems to me that they are just made up. There are plenty of people out there with the name who are nothing like this description here. Seeing as how most people have and will continue to reject Christ, many people will not live up to their name or turn out as their name describes them. 

Some will say "Oh, said person will be like this or turn out like that or have this character quality or this or that type of personality." Yeah, I'm not so convinced and those words sound like unqualified superstitious statements. You'll see a lot of websites saying things like "people with this (or that) name tend to be (as only a few examples) successful or ambitious, rebellious, or, etc. etc. etc. Yeah, like how exactly do they know these things especially if the Bible doesn't put it that way (especially considering there are plenty of names not mentioned in Scripture)? 

Is it maybe the case that some names are from the hand of God while others are from the parents only and then we just leave it at that? In other words, it depends on multiple factors? What do you think? 

In His grace and power, 
Response #11:
I think it's a case of multiple possibilities leaving many doors open. Like astrology, if things are left general enough, then it's easy to fit oneself or others into the "suit", so to speak – to the point where there really is nothing unique about one "sign" or another. I think that's true of names as well. 

If we were so good at picking them ourselves, then why did the Lord feel the need to re-name Abraham and Sarah? Of course if the Lord picks out the name ahead of time (Jesus and John), then absolutely that is significant. 

It's also the case that we are all getting "new names" in eternity (e.g., Rev.2:17), THAT name I do suspect will be "telling", reflecting what we actually chose to do with the image of God we were given. All the more reason to try and be worthy of a good one in the future . . . rather than worrying about whether or not we are conforming to the one we got at birth.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Bob,

Do you believe the Feast of Tabernacles will be near the start of the Tribulation? As things get more insane, I'm finding I'm hoping it comes quickly.

In our Lord,
Response #12:
Sukkoth symbolizes the Millennium and Israel's regathering. But I take your point that the fall festivals represent the Tribulation (see the link), so that a fall start is the most likely possibility (corresponding to Rosh Hashana; but we can't count on the modern dating of these festivals so getting an exact month/day is impossible). That shift to the fall also explains Revelation's "half hour of silence" then as a six month delay from the spring, the time of the crucifixion and resurrection for the festivals to match up with the actual events (Rev.8:1).

I think we still have a little time to go, but as I always say, that's an interpretation. We all need to be as alert as possible and "ready to go" whenever the Lord calls (link).
(35) "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, (36) like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. (37) It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. (38) It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. (39) But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. (40) You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Luke 12:35-40 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
HI Bob,

Thanks. I'm ready whenever He sees fit. In two years, things will have degenerated beyond belief. In fact, already have.

I pray all is well with you and yours.

In Jesus,
Response #13:
Yes, it's true. But to be honest, I was saying that to myself ten years ago . . . and here we still are! One thing though. It's hard for anyone to argue that the Tribulation isn't imminent yet because things "aren't bad enough". So I guess at least we have that!

Getting by! Very busy! Work has heated up big time. Part timer quit and I've had to scramble to find a replacement before classes start on the 19th. We've got it in hand now though. God worked it out wonderfully. Thanks for the prayers! Keeping them up on this end too.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Dear Bob, 

I am working again! That's why it's taking me so long to respond to your email! My health improved dramatically after my operation. My Mother's kidney cancer was completely resolved with the removal of her kidney (2 weeks after my surgery) and Daddy got into the VA and is on the medication he needed that was/is $70K a year. We were blessed to have another granddaughter last fall! She is a handful and arrived VERY EARLY...will send more details on her arrival later. Am sending you a recent photo of both our granddaughters and I am going to send you an email covering everything and please know that you were heavy on my heart and mind and prayers when you emailed me.

I hope you are doing well and managing in this horrible world in which we find ourselves currently. I didn't want to go any longer without letting you know that the Lord has been very good to us. 

I am at work right now so I have to go but I will email you again and discuss this wretched world some and how close I'm sure we both imagine it is before the Holy Spirit removes His restraint. 

In Christ's Love, 
Response #14:
Thanks for the great update!

I have been praying for these things, so it's a blessing to hear that things worked out so well. God is good!

Yes, the removal of His restraint is coming, just as soon as the Tribulation begins (see the link), but we will still have the Spirit indwelling and God will still be protecting us. Not to minimize the discomfort ahead, but we know that the Lord will continue to be faithful to us, no matter what. We just need to continue to be faithful to Him.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8a NKJV
A good verse to keep in mind, especially considering that if things are this crazy before the Spirit ends His ministry of restraint . . . 
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Doc, I know you say vegetarianism will be part of the end times stuff or whatever, but there's nothing inherently wrong with abstaining from meat right? I'm not trying to be vegetarian or vegan but the majority of vegetarians or vegans it seem do it just because they would rather not take a life, even if it's just an animal one, just to feed themselves, I guess you could word this as "I don't want any death in my diet". This doesn't necessarily mean they're opposed to anyone eating meat either. This isn't some sinful thing is it?
Response #15:
Here's what I read in scripture:
But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.
1st Corinthians 8:8 NKJV
It's clear from this passage and its context chapter, from Romans chapter fourteen, and from what our Lord Himself said (Mk.7:19), that food is not a spiritual issue. It was so under the Law, but only symbolically. Now that the Law has been fulfilled, it is not a spiritual issue at all (Rom.10:4).
For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.
Romans 14:2 NKJV
Mature believers are not supposed to make an issue of these matters with believers who are not mature and who have a different opinion – because it doesn't matter . . . unless by my "knowledge" I destroy my weak brother's conscience.

In terms of unbelievers, that is a different story because this -ism like many -isms is inherently part of the devil's religious system and will form part of the amalgamated universal religion which antichrist will promulgate during the Tribulation (see the link):
(1) The Spirit explicitly says that in the end times certain men will rebel from the faith, giving their allegiance [instead] to deceitful spirits and demonic doctrines. (2) With their own consciences seared away and speaking with the hypocrisy of men [who peddle] lies, (3) they will [instruct their victims] to refrain from marriage, and to keep away from certain foods – which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and fully understand the truth. (4) For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected [out of hand if it is] received with thanksgiving, (5) because it is sanctified [for our use] through God's Word and [our] prayers.
1st Timothy 4:1-5
So while it's not sinful to eat meat or to abstain from eating meat, almost any human activity can be warped by the forces of evil into a weapon for promoting false spirituality. From that sort of thing, of course, any believer would want to stay far away.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Hi Bob,

I've been spending time in Leviticus, because I believe that much of the Levitical laws will be in force during the Millennium. Definitely the moral laws. The sacrifices, according to what you've written, will also be observed though probably not to the extent recorded in Leviticus. My question is about sin and trespass offerings. I have generally understood, in the past, that sacrifices belonged to the priests. On careful reading, I'm not so sure. As I understand now, the priests took the caul and fat around the kidneys (of the sin offerings) and burned it on the alter. (What was prescribed is today, with pork, termed leaf lard which is considered the finest. Custom meat cutters consider it too much work and no longer collect it. Curious how that relates.) The rest seems to have been taken outside the camp and burned. Have I understood this correctly? I'm still trying to grasp the symbology, if that's the case. The ultimate Lake of Fire?

Later, it seems to be related to the particular sin. How should I understand this?

As a side question, do you know of any evidence having been found of the Exodus. Given the length of time they spent in a given location, I would think the midden heaps should still be there.

Praying all is well with you and yours. If your new year at U of L has begun, I hope it's gone well.

In our Lord Jesus,
Response #16:
Good to hear from you!

The section of scripture which explains the sacrificial regime of the Millennium in detail is not Leviticus but Ezekiel chapters 45-46. It doesn't take a very close read to see that what these chapters prescribe is significantly different from what we find in the Law. This exercised (and continues to exercise) Talmudic scholars, but for believers it should be clear enough: the sacrifices of the Law are obsolete because their symbolism has been fulfilled completely by the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ (lots in the new Hebrews series about that; link). During the Millennium, there will be sacrifice (as, e.g., Ezekiel makes clear), but the procedures and symbolism will be different. In short, these sacrifices will be a memorial to the cross and not an anticipation of it. This will entail a number of differences in timing and approach (no doubt more than we are presently given in scripture).

In terms of the ins and outs of all of the various Levitical sacrifices and the different information we are given in various places in the Pentateuch, we would have to take a particular passage (rather than making a general rule). If you are interested in this subject beyond what you find at Ichthys, the best thing I ever read on it was the booklet my mentor, Col. Thieme, "Levitical Offerings" (at the link).

In terms of symbolism generally, of course the slaughtered victim represents our Lord and the blood represents His spiritual death. So the sacrifices are all about propitiating sin, in general, at salvation, and afterwards for forgiveness. Eating the meat represents faith in Him (cf. Jn.6:48-51), likewise generally for salvation and for forgiveness and restoration to fellowship afterwards.

Re: "If your new year at U of L has begun, I hope it's gone well." It has started and boy what a rollercoaster! Two weeks prior my PTL quit and it's been a struggle finding and hiring a new one to take over a full class of first year Latin students. The Lord did provide a great one (who used to teach for us in the past, a good friend too), but just last night the chair told me it looked like she was out . . . but with the Lord's help, she's back "in" (still a few shoes to drop here). Also, with less than a week to go my first year Greek class, the only feeder course for the whole Greek side of things, was accidentally cancelled! I was distraught, to say the least. But then the Lord caused it to occur to me that perhaps the course had not been removed from our online student interface system yet even though it was "toast" in the Registrar's system. Indeed, it was still there, and I just managed to get a screen shot of the roster before that went "poof!" as well! Long story short, they were able to reconstitute the class and force feed re-enroll the students except for two (who also later materialized). But without the Lord's intervention, these names would have been gone. And these are just the highlights! But the first day of teaching went very well (four classes in a row) and I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow. Thirty in my first year Latin section and a number of "same first name" individuals, so that the roster will take a while to get down. Thanks for your prayers! I'm behind in my sleep and there are a lot of nasty bugs making the rounds.

Bet you're sorry you asked! Hope you're doing well down there in TX, my friend.

Keeping up the prayer from this end as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Bob,

Thank you for the information, particularly the Ezekiel cite. I am interested in the mechanics of the Levitical sacrifices, if nothing more than to check my understanding. The Millennium, though, is my real interest. So, it's on to Ezekiel!

It sounds like your start of classes has been a rollercoaster side show. I'm sorry to hear that. I pray everything smooths out and you have good students. I'm not sure how a class gets accidentally canceled, but, thank God, I'm so far out of the flow at this point, I have no real idea what's going on. Much of what's going on out there is a mystery to me.

Things are reasonably well down here. Now, at 6:00PM, it's 106 but with a humidity of 4%. Electricity is still on so AC is working well. God is good!

Thank you for the explanation, cites and link. Thank you for your prayers. They are most welcome. You and yours remain in mine daily. Good luck in the coming weeks at U of L.

In our Lord,
Response #17:
I woke up this morning and immediately checked my email . . . and had one from our chair saying that now my upper level Latin and Greek classes were going to be cancelled! He needed ammo to defend them (and I teach at 10AM, not to mention morning start sequence, exercise and commuting). Long story short, I gave him enough (though it took frantic marshaling of all the arguments and data on a last minute not-yet-awake basis to do it), I think, and they seem to be holding off for now – of course there are low enrollments in independent study classes. But it suggests "issues" going forward as we are chronically broke (at least in our college of the uni).

Good to hear your A.C. is holding up! 

Thanks for those prayers my friend. It's been one crisis after another here – the first three days in a row in particular! A fellow could get a complex!

But I do make time to remember you in my prayers daily.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Bob,

That's bad news about your classes. What do they expect people to do who have devoted much time to learning what they have so far. That's like Lucy pulling the football away just as Charlie Brown gets ready to kick it. I will redouble my prayers for your successful school year.

At a little after 7:00 PM, temp here was 103/7% humidity. Temperatures will be falling through the end of the week into the mid 90's, or so the forecasters claim.

I read Ezekiel 45&46 and don't see how that describes the Millennium though I take your word for it. I'm going to back up several chapters and read further for context. From those two chapters, sacrifices in the Millennium doesn't strike me as that much different than the Levitical sacrifices. I'll be studying more over the next several days.

Thank you for your prayers. They are very much appreciated. As always, you remain in mine.

In our Lord,
Response #18:
Thanks for those prayers, my friend! 

The new day dawned today to no new catastrophe . . . and it seems the classes are NOT going to be cancelled after all. God is good!

Re: Ezekiel, no that's right. It's in the context of that section where we have the new (millennial) temple and its specifications and the description of (clearly) millennial Jerusalem (before and after the section I referenced respectively) that it becomes clear that these must be regulations for the Millennium and not for the second temple which would begin to be rebuilt not long after Ezekiel's day.
In the visions of God He took me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain; on it toward the south was something like the structure of a city.
Ezekiel 40:2 NKJV
There is no "very high mountain" north of the temple mount today, but Jerusalem as a whole will be supernaturally elevated during the Millennium (see the link). Also, the description of the temple layout in Ezekiel is nothing like the second temple (except for the holy place and holy of holies which are always the same dimensions).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,

Thank God you're still in business. I will keep your students and classes in my prayers. If they tried it once, they'll try it again. I hate to be cynical, but that's been my experience.

I know the passage is in the context of the temple, but I always believed that to be the second temple given the time it was written. I'll back up even further and try to understand. The sacrifices seem extreme given what Paul has written -- particularly in Hebrews.

The more I think I understand, it seems, the less I know.

In our Lord,
Response #19:
The first temple had been destroyed when Ezekiel wrote this from exile. The second temple was at first a very modest affair (cf. Hag.2:3); Herod adorned it but not according to the plan in Ezekiel. As to the sacrifices, while there is Passover in Ezekiel, many of the other festivals are not mentioned. In fact, Ezekiel 45:18ff. seems to assign the functions of the Day of Atonement to the first month rather than to the seventh month. So there are irreconcilable differences . . . unless one understands them are millennial changes.

Thanks for your prayers! Classes went well all week. Greek wasn't cancelled nor were my upper level Latin classes; and my PTL is now solidly "on board" with her three days having gone well too. God is good! Hoping for a peaceful semester now going forward.

Keeping you in my prayers too, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Bob,

I yield! A careful reading of chapter 47 in light of your comments I don't see how it could be otherwise. Curiously, what convinced me was the water flowing from under the Temple. Given Jesus' offer of the water of life to the Samaritan woman, Ezek.47 and the waters from the New Jerusalem, I don't see how it could be otherwise. Thank you. You've opened up an entirely new perspective for me.

I'm happy your semester has panned out as you hoped. I will still keep praying for your success; you more semesters coming!

In our Lord,
Response #20:
So far so good . . . in spite of the stormy start (hoping for tranquil sailing going forward).

The Lord always brings us through!

Thanks for those prayers!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
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