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Eschatology Issues XLVII

Question #1:    
When Matthew 23:36 says "this generation", it meant what you said elsewhere is "type" or something, referring to that class of Israelites who remain hardened to the Truth until the Second Advent.
Response #1:
"Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation."
Matthew 23:36 KJV
Yes, it refers to this same attitude of legalism resulting in "hardness in part" which will characterize Israel until the Lord's return (Rom.11:25; see the link).
Question #2:
Was our Lord referring to His Second Advent in Matthew 23:39? The triumphal entry had already happened then (Matthew 21) and I think He was still in Jerusalem at this point (and didn't leave again until He was crucified). Isn't that right? 
"For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."
Matthew 23:39 KJV
Response #2:
That's correct; compare:
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mark 14:62 KJV
Question #3:
Does Matthew 24:1 suggest that chapter 23 was happening in the Temple? The answer in Matthew Addendum about the Lord's prophecy about the Temple confuses me. I don't think you meant that the third Temple will be destroyed too. You said that it will be built up by the Lord so how does the prophecy about the Temple apply to the Second Advent? I do agree that everything Jesus said was clearly about the Second Advent but I thought that that one was the exception.
Response #3:
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, "See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
Matthew 24:1-2 KJV
The second temple has now been destroyed; the third temple is the one about to be built (perhaps only rudimentarily) by Moses and Elijah during the first half of the Tribulation and occupied by the beast during the second half – that is the one which the Messiah will "build up". Here's a link to where this is discussed.
Question #4:
Where is the Mount of Olives relative to the Temple? 
Response #4:
Directly to the east of the temple mount, across the Kidron valley.
Question #5:
Why do the disciples ask about the sign of our Lord's coming at Matthew 24:3 when they were still not believing that He was going to die or resurrect? Or am I missing something here? 
Response #5:
They wanted to have the conquering Messiah reveal Himself. So by "coming" they don't necessary have to have understood that He would need to "go away" again. All He would need to do was to take up His glory and bring on "the end of the age" – in their thinking. But in fact, of course, the cross had to come first; the cross is the foundation of everything – and that they did not yet understand.
Question #6:
In Matthew 24:10, our Lord explicitly states that many will fall away, another confirmation that it is possible to lose one's salvation. I also see the internecine conflict and the insecurity that believers will live in there. Are my observations right?
Response #6:
Yes, Matthew 24:10 is a reference to the Great Apostasy (cf. the "falling away" in 2Thes.2:3; link) which is accelerated by the Great Persecution (link).
"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Matthew 24:10-14 KJV
Question #7:
It seems to me that Matthew 24:5-14 cover all of the tribulational prophecy in Revelation up to the Second Advent...and perhaps beyond to the White Throne Judgment? Could the end also mean the latter or does the context restrict it to the Second Advent? 
Response #7:
This passage is all about "the Day of the Lord", that is, the second advent and the events of the Tribulation which precede it; so it would only stretch to the end of history by application. The preaching of the gospel worldwide is fulfilled by, in addition to the witness of the 144,000, the events of Revelation 14:6-7.
Question #8:
If our Lord should say "woe" in Matthew 24:19, is it really wise to go on and deliberately get pregnant within this period of Great Tribulation? Shouldn't Jews at that time avoid that condition? By extension, would it not be prudent that those who find themselves in the Tribulation should avoid getting pregnant at that time?
Response #8:
In my reading of history and observation of the world, pregnancy happens regardless of what is happening in the world. The purpose of our Lord's statement here is not to dissuade from marriage (1Tim.4:3) or sexual activity within marriage (1Cor.7:3-5), but to bring home for us the difficulty of the flight that will then have to take place.
Question #9:
When is the "then" in Matthew 24:23? Is this still referring to the first half of the Tribulation? Or will this problem persist until the end of the seven years?
Response #9:
I would not wish to restrict this to a particular part of the seven years. The major application is to the Great Apostasy, however; that begins during the first half of the Tribulation but accelerates under the pressures of the Great Persecution – the event that makes the Great Tribulation (the final three and a half years) "great" (i.e., "terrible").
Question #10:
Does Matthew 24:26-28 mean that there is a real danger of being misled regarding when the Lord will return during the pressures of the Tribulation? It does make sense to me that believers under such tremendous pressures would be wanting their Savior bad enough to be vulnerable to suggestions that He has returned to relieve them when they want Him to so that there should be very specific signs to know that He has indeed returned. That way, they can avoid being deceived and tricked into accepting a different Christ. Is that what this place is saying? I notice also that this is a possible reason why there might be other pretenders to Messiahship besides Antichrist himself. 
Response #10:
Since the signs performed by the beast and his false prophet are so impressive that they might even deceive "the elect", they are not to be underestimated. Those who know the truth through studying the scriptures and being prepared by good teaching will easily recognize these shams for what they are. Sadly, however, most Christians today are not prepared at all. So having this passage – words of warning which are very specific coming from our Lord's own mouth – will be very helpful for anyone who is not prepared but finds him/herself in the middle of this situation.
Question #11:
The stars in verse Matthew 24:29 are meteorites, right, sir?
Response #11:
Yes, they are meteors. In ancient Greek, an aster is any celestial object. "Star" meaning "sun" and not "asteroid" or "meteor / meteoroid / meteorite" is a modern distinction which cannot be projected backward anachronistically.
Question #12:
Also in verse twenty nine, what are the powers of the heavens and what does it mean that they will be shaken?
Response #12:
This refers to all of the troubling and disturbing meteorological and astronomical happenings during the Tribulation (compare Luke 21:11); the first four trumpet judgments of Revelation certainly apply here (Rev.7-13).
Question #13:
Does verse Matthew 24:40 refer to the "rapture" of believers to assemble with the Lord at His return? That is what it seems to me but there is a small question whether this might refer to the baptism of Fire instead? I think the possibility is probably nil but I'm asking to be sure.
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Matthew 24:40 KJV
Response #13:
This refers to the resurrection which occurs at our Lord's return.  Compare:
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1st Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV
Question #14:
I think it is interesting how Matthew 24 verses 36, 42, 44 and 50 all refer to a precise point of time. Each has "day" or "hour" or both. Is that as significant as I think it might be? 
Response #14:
A good point. The "day and hour" is the precise point of our Lord's return, and He mentions this as an "hour" later to make the point that there is a definite "clock", so to speak, for the summation of all these things.
Question #15:
I hope all goes well for you on Monday (or tomorrow!) - I'll be praying for you and thanks also for us in your prayers too.
Response #15:
Thanks so much for your prayers about tomorrow. I'm sure it will be interesting alright. Found out the other day that profs are supposed to "disinfect" their teaching stations after each class and students their seats. There already wasn't really time enough between classes. Guess we'll be ending early. Since I'm already down to 75% of class time for the semester, that's not so good. I'll have to talk even faster. Good thing I don't have to wear a mask while I'm doing so!

More or less ready to go, but walking out of class #4 on the first day is always a bit of relief. It's funny, but after all the hoopla, I'm really ready to "get this show on the road" finally.

Thanks again for your willingness to share about what you're having to put up with. I get emails all the time from folks who draw strength from hearing about other strong believers like yourself who are able to cope with all this and do so with grace.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily as well.

In Jesus our dear Savior.

Bob L.
Question #16:
Hi Bob,

Sadly. I suspect you're right. I think we're still in the "birth pangs" stage. There are some new twists unlike before. The mRNA vaccines are a new, untested frontier and I suspect a plague waiting to be triggered. Bizarre new food additives and genetically monkeyed foods are others. In addition, nearly all pharmaceuticals I've checked, including over-the-counter, reduce immunity which makes a minor cold virus like COVID more effective (and more useful if there were to be an ulterior motive.) I believe we are having a preview of the Tribulation.

I'm happy classes went well and your water woes resolved. I admire you if you can still get under the sinks. "Face to mask!" I like that. I will shamelessly steal it and use it if you don't mind. I certainly hope the administration is treating you well. My brother liked the teaching aspect but disliked all the political nonsense.

I have been blessed with a bit cooler weather and a dandy rain this morning and an impressive light show with percussion. Plants that were dormant most of the summer have started to fruit with the cooler weather and the rain will spur them on. Prayers answered.

I pray you stay safe and well.

Yours in Jesus,
Response #16:
My pleasure! 

I'm going to have to ask you for prayer support the next time I need a "weather prayer".

Weekend went by way too quickly; that is often the case, but it seems exaggerated this weekend. At least Labor Day will be extra long on account of the delayed Derby: long set to keep us off campus on account of the crowds at neighboring Churchill Downs – even though now there'll be no spectators at all. 

Raining here too, at the moment. Good for the two butterfly bushes I transplanted. Woody stemmed that they are, they never take that too well, but both seem to have survived. The shower saves me watering them tomorrow.

No, I don't think I'll be getting in line for a dose of vaccine. 

As disturbing as things are at present in so many ways and in so many levels, I'm still convinced that the six-years-out interpretation is correct. But any Christian with any spiritual common sense would be wise to keep one ear to the ground with all that's going on. That's good to do at all times (Lk.12:42-46) – and especially for pastor-teachers (Lk.12:47-48). We'll know soon enough.

Your friend in Jesus Christ,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Bob,

It's my absolute pleasure. I really do mean everything I say from my heart - thanks again for everything!

I loved reading the emails this morning. They always help and spur me on in different ways. 

I know it's email catch-up night for you but I just wanted to say I'll be praying for you again this week at uni. Hopefully as the weeks go by your students will come out of their shells more and more and you might be able to look at their eyes and hairdo and remember their names - what a nightmare for you!

Where do the weekends go? It will be Thanksgiving before you know it!

All the very best for tomorrow.

Your friend in Jesus
Response #17:
I did manage to get everything done this weekend – except for recording my grades (left my new grade book down on campus); most colleagues use the e-system for this, but I'm a bit old fashioned. So it'll be another early call tomorrow so as to get down there in plenty of time.

Recognizing them by their hairdos: many of them have hats on! Now if they'd wear the same hat and sit in the same seats, learning their names would be easier.

They did do well on the first quiz. So that's encouraging.

Thanksgiving is a long way out. I'm hanging in there for Labor Day which will be extra long on account of the delayed Derby – even though now there'll be no spectators at all (in person attendance cancelled this past week). 
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #18:
I hope life is not too hard for you right now. I will be sad when you go, and look forward to seeing you and any family I have. 

Please take care, 
Response #18:
Thanks!

But in the immortal words of Woody Guthrie, "I ain't dead yet!".
Seriously, I'm doing fine – the Lord is keeping me safe, right in the eye of the storm.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Dear Bob:

You know when I read about the disappointing faithless response to God in the wilderness from the Men of War that caused the 40 years wandering. Those Men acted like petulant children and not like Men at all. And in all their complaining. They never thought to ask God 1st. I mean Moses was right there and they could have petitioned God through him 1st for what they wanted and needed. And perhaps God instead of having to deal with their testing would perhaps grant their request. Just like our Lord said (Matthew 7:7-8). But because of their hearts towards him they only complained and wailed in their tents.

Yours in Christ.
Response #19:
Indeed – an excellent application of the Word, my friend. 
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
1st Corinthians 10:5-6 NIV
Time and again they tested the Lord – ten times (Num.14:22)! They refused to trust Him to help them with their problems, even though He had shown them His perfect faithfulness times without number.
As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 3:15-19 NIV
But that is the way people are – not just that wicked generation. So believers who are not walking closely with the Lord need to beware not to fall into that same example of unbelief. It seems to be all to easy NOT to trust the Lord when the going gets tough. And the going is about to get VERY tough. We are going to have to have the faith of Joshua and Caleb to get through in a way that pleases the Lord.
 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:9-10 NIV 
That should not be thought impossible. After all, the Lord has NEVER let any of us down, not ever, not one single time, not one little bit – and He never will. We know that; we just have to believe that this truth is true.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #20:
To think that all they needed to do is say: "God help us" rather than "How dare you God". Bitching about problems never did anyone good. It helps to get into the habit of asking God whenever trouble comes. And to know that if you can't do anything God is the only one powerful enough to help. I think if Saul were to act like David in regards to his disobedience in regards to Amalek. You know weeping for his sin rather than caring too much how he looks to others that even if he lost the Kingdom God may also have included him as a Man after his own heart.
Response #20:
Excellent points, my friend! That is just why scripture relates these things to us:
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
1st Corinthians 10:6 NIV
And of course:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 NIV
And lastly:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
2nd Timothy 3:16 NKJV
We're always better served by following the examples of the spiritual heroes of the Bible (Heb.11:1ff.) rather than those who failed spiritually – but we can learn from reading the negative examples as well as the positive ones, taking care to change course when we find ourselves acting like the failures did.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L. 
Question #21:
Dear Bob:

Although Sabbath keeping is no longer required. I believe it was a commandment designed to put a stop to overwork. I believe you have also heard of Death by Overwork or Karoshi that is quite prevalent in Japan. That Japanese work so long that they have barely any time to sleep and they subsequently destroy their health and die or commit suicide as a result. They barely even have energy to fulfill their marital obligations and have children. I think that some employers didn't take the lesson of the Sabbath to heart during the early industrial revolution and this same situation was forced on many Christian countries. If not Sabbath Day. Why not just treat human beings like Slaves who barely have any time to rest or eat and just work them non-stop is what they are implicitly saying by their actions.
Response #21:
I think scripture agrees with you!
But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you.
Deuteronomy 5:14 NKJV
During the French Revolution, the seven day week was abolished as non-modern and non-scientific. After a few months, with no day off, all of the draft animals started dropping dead.
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Hebrews 4:9-10 NKJV
The rest we have now as believers, however, is a spiritual one (see links below). For as important as physical rest is, spiritual rest – resting in the Lord – is far more important. With the Holy Spirit, we are able to be at peace at all times, even if the storm is swirling around us – we are kept safe in the eye. 
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
Hebrews 4:1 NKJV
God ceased from His "works" on the seventh day – to make a point (of course, He could have re-created the world in an instant, just like He had created it in the first place). We will eventually be at rest forever – and the world will rest on the seventh millennial day. But here and now, we are to be at rest always, not relying on our own works, but trusting in Him and relying on Him and resting in Him. Whatever we do physically – even if we rest physically on Saturday, being at peace through trusting in Him whatever comes is the bedrock of our walk with Him in faith, and we are to do so at all times. That is the true meaning of the 4th commandment – especially after the cross and resurrection when it has now been explained to us.
Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:23-26 NKJV
We not only have the right to trust Him in the midst of the storm – we are to be rebuked for not doing so. Our job is to renounce concern for ourselves, renounce the world which has been crucified to us and us to it and pick up our cross, and follow Him (Matt.16:24; Mk.8:34; Lk.9:23). As I often say, "simple as one, two, three" – simple as trusting the Lord regardless of what we hear or see or feel, and following through with spiritual growth, progress and production, no matter what.
Some links:
Sabbath or Sunday worship? (in BB 6B)
Sabbath rest in Hebrews
Hebrews 3-4 faith rest explained verse by verse
Sabbatismos
Emotions vs. Resting in Faith (in BB 6A)
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #22:
Robert,

Hope all is going well. I pray for you and your ministry often brother. I have a couple of questions.

First, I’m teaching on Hebrews Chapter 13 this week. Verse 4 has me worried. I’m not sure how to cover this verse with my class because . . . [omitted]

Second, with this COVID nightmare all I hear about is that this vaccine is the answer to getting back to normal. I’m not totally anti-vaccine but this one concerns me. There is something very sinister about all of this. I’m sure it will become mandatory to take when it comes available. I don’t think it’s the Mark of the Beast. I’m sure you have gotten a gazillion e-mails on this already (sorry). I’ve prayed about it for me and my whole family and am confident He will guide me when the time comes. Any thoughts on this vaccine?

Also, my last e-mail I hope I didn’t come across as wanting to start an argument on Eternal Security and The Rapture. 

God Bless!
Response #22:
No worries! Always good to hear from you, my friend.

On teaching, we have to teach the truth no matter what. But teachers – if they are honest -- are convicted of shortcomings all the time when they study the Word correctly. Does this mean we have to share our shortcomings with those we teach? I would strongly recommend against it. We are responsible to the Lord. If we have sinned in the past – and all have – then we confessed in the past and suffered through whatever discipline was coming our way . . . in the past. It is really no one else' business how we stumbled previously. And if we go into detail – especially regarding things apt to tempt others – we may possibly be leading them into rather than away from temptation; i.e., they might not even be thinking about these things in such detail if we didn't bring in the detail; and they might think they can get away with it if we tell them we did "it", whatever "it" is, and are still standing. I have never smoked marijuana, but if I had, and if I told my Bible class that, wouldn't the natural reaction be, especially among the younger ones, "well, I guess it's OK if I experiment too!"? 

It is true that we are not allowed to be hypocritical. We certainly do NOT want to give the impression that we are sinless perfect. If we are presently engaging in sinful activity of some sort, telling others not to do it is no doubt to tempt the Lord severely. But if only those who never sinned could teach the Bible, no one could teach the Bible.

As to judgment ending, we have to distinguish between actual divine discipline – which is usually very clear and hard to miss – and the sort of thing we tend to "do to ourselves", namely, hammer ourselves with guilt over past sins. This is always a mistake. Jesus died for that sin; we confessed that sin; He forgave us that sin; we have been disciplined for that sin (even if – praise God! – it was less than WE thought we deserved); and we have turned away from that sin. Yes we recall the "experience" – with gratitude for the Lord's deliverance and with determination NEVER EVER to go back "there" again. But giving in to guilt about the past is one of the worst mistakes a believer can make. That guilt is from the devil, not from the Lord. Peace and joy and restoration and forgiveness are from the Lord. The devil makes use of guilt and fear – his ace trumps. So spit them out. And move on.

On vaccines, the first thing to say is that I don't spend my energy worrying about hypotheticals. I could easily give myself over to worrying about hundreds of things which "might happen" . . . and THEN "what would I do?!" But we Christians know that the Lord is with us, the Holy Spirit is in us, and the Father has planned absolutely everything – working it all out for good for those who love Him. So we should be concerned about pleasing Jesus Christ, not worrying about anything that might happen (Matt.6:25-34; Phil.4:6). If this is really weighing on you mind, say a prayer to the Lord for deliverance – He will hear it.

I do understand the concern. Is anyone NOT concerned about the safety of some not-yet-tested medical procedure? That would just be foolish. As to undergoing it being mandatory, as I often say, "we can blow up that bridge when we come to it". Which is to say, if we are determined not to do it anyway, we can choose to face the consequences if and when. They just instituted mandatory Covid testing at my university. Not what I wanted to hear. FAQ #7 (when it was REALLY everyone's question #1), "what if I decline"; answer: "you will be disciplined" (meaning I could lose my job). I don't find anything anti-God about getting tested – although I find making it mandatory highly offensive for all sorts of reasons – but I'd rather keep my job. Getting a tattoo with the name of the beast on my forehead would be quite a different matter, however. Spiritual discernment helps us sort these things out.

A mandatory vaccine would be a gray area at the very least. Do I know what I personally would do? I'm not even bothering to think about it – because giving undue concern to things that haven't happened is no way to live the Christian life. And, in any case, all we believers REALLY need to know is "what is the right thing to do?" If the Lord wants us to say "no!", as with the mark of the beast, then we say "no!" If we are supposed to trust Him to keep us from ill-effects and do what Caesar tells us to do (Rom.13:1-7; 1Pet.2:13-17; Tit.3:1), then that is what we should do. But there is little point in troubling ourselves over that eventuality when it may never arise. As I say, I can easily come up with hundreds of such things which – especially when the soon-to-come Tribulation arrives – might possibly face us. Let's leave at least some things to the Lord: He will see us through no matter what. E.g.:
"But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
Matthew 10:19-20 NKJV
Keeping you in my prayers.

In Jesus our dear Lord.

Bob L.
Question #23:
Seems some of the recent emails you received reflect a belief that a lefty political establishment will transform into the antichrist’s political structure. That is possible given the hysteria and gutlessness that currently appears to be in vogue on the part of the so-called conservative politicians and the many corporations; at first glance such a presumption may seem somewhat reasonable. And that may be the direction our country is headed for the present. However, given that prior to the beginning of the tribulation there may be general peace and prosperity in Babylon, that leftist trend may be temporary. Since a third of Christians are to willingly follow the antichrist, it seems unlikely he will identify as a lefty since they are presently extremely hostile to Christianity and Jews. The DNC has become extremely anti-Semitic and especially anti-Israel; think of Obama’s policies. Such policies are not what the antichrist will initially advocate; he’ll have what will no doubt be viewed as a very pro-Israel policy. Unless there’s some drastic change in the libs’ viewpoints, they will continue to be extremely pro-Marxist will all that entails. The present left is pro-Islamic terror states and anti-Israel as evidenced by the current Dem party platform. Because the antichrist initially appears to be pro-Israel, it doesn’t seem he would be a leftist given the current political trends. While things can change rapidly once the tribulation begins and a lefty can suddenly take the appearance of a more conservative antichrist, at this point a non-leftist antichrist appears more likely to me. That being the case, I would even guess that in the beginning of the trib, the antichrist may well go after those we view as leftists/liberals to prosecute them as traitors to the great satisfaction of many conservatives including Christians. He will then turn on any of them who do not adopt his new religion. Sorta like what Stalin did to the old Lenin or Trotsky Bolsheviks who found themselves suddenly “missing” from a photograph, and from life.

At this time, it seems to make more sense that he’ll pose as a libertarian type who welcomes all in a “do what you want to do personally” mode but be, at first, seemingly pro church, business, Israel, police and military; somewhat like a Trumpian character (of course Trump is not the antichrist). That style may more likely suck in Christians than a Che type person frothing at the mouth about socialism, diversity and ban the police. If Trump does not win, then in 2024 there may be a major reaction to a dem winning this present year; if Trump does win, then it may go a long way toward establishing the economic ascendancy of the country compared to the rest of the world, thus making its tribulation worldwide economic domination seem like a divine promise. Possibly the US as we know it begins to break apart due to leftist political agitation so that by the time of the tribulation the name “US” is not a contiguous political entity. On the other hand, since events will move at an accelerated pace, the US as a geographical country may not cease to exist but the name may changed, or maybe it won’t. Its not unconceivable that Babylon will be called the US, it just won’t be the US we know today. Germany was still called Germany when the Nazis were in control. We don’t know how it will happen but we do know the tribulation will happen, with what is now the US as the likely Babylon. I say all this looking at the world in mid-2020.

While as free citizens I do think we should exercise our citizenship rights, including voting, we definitely should not place our trust in the politics of mankind to the neglect of the spiritual; even political results that maintain individual freedom are temporal solutions at best. Politics is the religion of the left and too many who claim to be Christians fall for its Siren’s song. The exercise of citizenship today is more an opportunity to buy some peaceful time to prepare for what’s coming. We’re more likely to be left alone with the freedom to study and prepare if socialists are not in total control. And if our temporal lives are interrupted by adverse political events, we have to continue to be faithful, even until death if that is what has been chosen for us; we must remember Christians will continue to be persecuted prior to the
tribulation; it will just be much worse during it. Scary stuff but the reality of the history of the day in which we live.

I see where certain folks in your town are visiting businesses and “suggesting” they start hiring the correct percent of certain people and make a “donation” to a specified charity. Al Capone would be proud. Haven’t seen where your local law enforcement are being sent to arrest these persuaders for extortion. The failure of those entrusted by law to protect citizens has become a problem recently in many locals in this nation; it happened in the past too. One wonders if at some point certain citizens will become tired of it and begin to dole out their version of justice on their own. Law enforcement exists to protect not just the lawful but also the unlawful from the less restrained hands of the lawful. Maybe I’ve missed it but I see nothing that prohibits protecting yourself from the lawless during the tribulation. Seems to me that unless those in authority are coming to get you because you won’t take the mark, any otherwise unlawful act toward a person can be resisted even with force. It’s a little trickier when its being done by those who appear to be acting under color of law; that becomes situational dependent. Sometimes there is no clear solution to a question; one makes the best decision possible based upon the circumstances.

Some of your correspondents appear to want an answer available for any situation; that’s just not the reality I’ve experienced. A person encounters a situation armed with what they have at the time, be it a physical, mental or spiritual confrontation. That’s why preparation beforehand is so important; many times that’s all one has when a challenge presents itself. In addition to my experiences early on as a combat arms officer, I’ve learned the truth of that over the last 34 years when having to reply to questions, first from military judges and then for the last 27 years from state or federal judges. At least we have the promise that the Spirit will supply us with a correct response during the tribulation; however, I will admit there are times when I’ve wished for that specific help in the here and now. The one great appreciation I’ve developed over my life after becoming a lawyer in my mid-30s is that the misuse of the law is an especially evil act in the eyes of the Almighty; there are quite a few verses in both the Old and New that condemn it. The purposeful misuse of justice blasphemes Him who is justice personified.

Ultimately we have to remember the Almighty is in control and we are not to panic; we belong to the Creator and not to a creature. The future years will truly be the times that try men’s souls, and with eternal consequences. It seems semper fi has a broader meaning than you and I maybe realized when we were young. Lord Jesus come quickly.
Response #23:
Great stuff!

As you know, I've been saying for decades now that it would be a mistake to assume that antichrist could not come from "the right". Or, even more likely as you suggest, be someone of a compromise (Libertarian, e.g.) position. In terms of contemporary events, it really does make a difference, of course, just when the Tribulation begins. Even though things seem to headed that way in a big way, I still think it's six years out (and a little change). We'll know pretty soon if I'm wrong about that in a big way (six years worth wrong, that is), because the start will be impossible to miss for any believer paying the slightest amount of attention (Rev.8:5).

The only other comment I have is that confiscation of firearms is a very important factor to consider. They've already sold 442,820 hunting licenses in Wisconsin alone this year, and we should assume that the vast majority of those buying them have guns. That's six and a half times bigger than the present day German army and about half the size of the Russian army – just in Wisconsin! And of course this constitutes only a fraction of the number of people in that state who have firearms. How the beast could control this country effectively with something like a third of the population openly admitting to having them is beyond me. So that would seem to have to be a big part of his program. It is true that confiscation wouldn't have to happen immediately. It could be a "mid-Trib" or gradual development. That also raises the point of self-defense. What you say about that is absolutely true. But you can't defend yourself with firearms if they've taken away your firearms – and when confiscation does happen, it most certainly will be the government that comes to take them away.

Your pal in Jesus Christ,

Bob L.
Question #24:
Those are only some thoughts looking at it from today’s perspective. As you’ve repeatedly said, we don’t know the details at this time. But if he is a “conservative” guy and as convincing in his appeal as Revelation makes him with regard to Babylon, most folks in B with guns may very well be on his side. They won’t be resisting him. In fact, he may activate the idea of a militia to assist him in his work. Who knows whether citizens of B armed with small arms will be an issue for him either in the beginning or later. When the time comes for him to invade and destroy B, my guess it will be with a means that the mere possession of small arms will not matter. He’ll bomb and blast B back to the stone age. On the other hand, if you send competent heavily armed military or police to confiscate weapons to a certain area and are willing to show no mercy, be ruthless and shoot anyone who resists and lay waste to their property, chances are most of the resistant population will eventually surrender rather than lose their lives and possessions. And Revelation states antichrist will be seen as fruitless to oppose. It seems implied that most of the B population will initially be with the antichrist, so they may willingly give up their weapons as he’ll no doubt present himself as their great protector. Since he will present himself as Jesus, he may say now is the time to allow him to administer justice and he’s your protector, you don’t need guns. My guess is he’ll have a strong police force that is aggressive against anyone trying to create disorder in B and that may make the population feel safe where they don’t need guns for protection. But this is all conjecture from what frame of reference I have at this time; I ain’t a prophet.

Lawlessness does not just mean physical crime. It can mean stealing property and assets using a perverted legal system. I expect that will be a part of the antichrist’s legal system in B and elsewhere in additional to eventually needing the tattoo to buy and sell or probably get a job. Think Nazi Germany and their anti-Jewish laws where they forced the sale of assets and businesses to the benefit of party members and their allies. And what we think of as crimes of violence, rape, robbery, murder, etc., declined after the Nazi’s came to power. They unleashed the police to stamp out those crimes plus political violence. If a population feels safe domestically, it may be more willing to give up its guns even if it has a history of possessing them.

Anyway, if they take my firearms, I have some swords, knives, tomahawks (great scene in The Patriot where Mel uses a tomahawk correctly as a hacking weapon with constant movement) and a genuine 19th century Zulu assegai (short fighting spear). Believe it or not, I actually do know how to use them all properly; I’ve practiced. Will just have to wait for it to become hand to hand ala last stand. Seriously, when the time comes, we’ll have to look to the Lord for protection and not ourselves; take it a day at a time knowing His ultimate victory will occur. We’re headed toward crossing the line of departure (beginning of the trib) and know what lies ahead inland (great trib) beyond the beach (first half). Have to come to grips with the fact that your life in this world may end and understand that when its your time, He has set it for His own good reasons. We belong to Him and all we have in the present, including life itself, are because He has allowed it. When you start thinking about the ramifications of that, you come to grips with what you actually believe and get a hint of the grace extended to us sinners.
Response #24:
Excellent analysis, my friend!

Truly, there are plenty of possible scenarios. When the Tribulation actually begins does make a difference here. The devil and his forces have historically approached things mostly from the statism side of things, terminating liberty for the "greater good" (think Nimrod), seeking to undermine the family and all traditional institutions, blowing up the past in preference for a "brave new world" . . . which has always turned out to be anything but. So if it all went south in the next couple of months, it would seem more likely to me to be a typical satanic attack with a leader who had an appeal greater than that of anyone we presently see on the scene – but it could go the other way of course (I could come up with other scenarios easily enough).

The Nazis are a good example of all this as you rightly relate. A movement just as lawless as those they opposed – top-down lawlessness as you say – masquerading as conservatism. And the Brownshirts were essentially a militia (though not actually a direct descendant of the Freikorps); the SS who replaced them were always a state organ. One wonders what might have happened if the Brownshirts all had guns. Probably nothing different because they were, with the exception of some in the leadership, mostly behind Hitler in any case.

As to the means of confiscation, I can easily imagine ways in which it might happen. The Tribulation will be a great period of people ratting other people out. I'll bet anyone with any sort of personal arsenal knows dozens of people who are aware of the fact. It would only take one rat to occasion a visit. First step would probably be "give us a list"; second step, utilizing AI to scan all records with no further civil liberty firewalls to see if there is any record of any purchase of anything firearm related; third step, another visit if anything doesn't match up; fourth step . . . there's always a fourth step.

So it's reassuring to hear that you have alternative means! As I've (perhaps imprudently) let out, I do have a crowbar. And I'm relatively confident I know how to use it. Also, I have (somewhere – haven't seen it in a while actually, so maybe I gave it away at some point) a Japanese rifle complete with a foot-long bayonet (one of my dad's war souvenirs). They stopped making the bullets in 1945, however, so even if I found it, it would have to be used hand-to-hand. Of course, pugil stick training doesn't really work so well in preparing a person for an actual bayonet fight. I did pretty well with it at OCS (not as good as my friend Curt of Bible Academy who was an all-unit champion) . . . until I got an opponent who knew something about fencing: he managed to poke me in the face every time before I even got close to him. There's also the problem of if they start firing at me from over six feet away (bad form though that might be). So I think I'd better just trust in the Lord instead.

Whatever happens, it should be interested, alright. Seeing how others are reacting to all this trouble already would actually be amusing if it weren't so pitifully sad. 

Great closing comments, my friend! "This" is all about Jesus Christ. As long as we are walking close to Him, we have nothing whatsoever to fear.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 NIV
Your pal in Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #25:
Dear Teacher

Thank you very much for continuing in prayer for me and mine, Sir. I continue to encourage myself with that. When things get more difficult than usual, I remind myself that you and others are praying for me. It has helped me to stay relatively unconcerned by the things that happen sometimes.

I've been back here for a week now. I left Tuesday week and arrived last Wednesday. I had no trouble on the road, but it was a gruelling journey, and I took it as of necessity.

My family appeared to become more and more responsive to the Truth in the days after my dad passed. But I'm more and more convinced that it is doing them little good. Maybe I'm just demanding too much of those who listen to me. It did take me a minute after all to come to the Truth myself and even to understand what it was about when I did come to it. Besides, it has been very good exercise for me as well.

One approach that I've decided to take toward those who seem to show interest in the Truth but don't seem willing to commit to it is just to answer everything they ask me as clearly and comprehensively as I can and as they can tolerate, but to offer nothing to them myself. Otherwise, I find myself too emotionally invested in their response to end up doing them very much good. With my family in the village, I have already adopted this responsibility to teach them every morning while I am here, if they will hear me. So I will continue that, but it really is unpleasant watching their response to it. Initially, it was nice because they seemed to enjoy listening to the Truth, but as we got into it, the signs of reservations and an unwillingness to engage with what I was saying became more and more pronounced. This is certainly one reason I think that I prefer writing my lessons and putting them where anyone who wants them can get at them and just avoiding having to deal with anyone face to face.

I'm glad that your first week went as well as it did. Very exhausting times these days are. I'm sorry about your plumbing and I was glad to know that you had it fixed before it could be a major inconvenience (rare convenience here, but once you're used to something, having to do without it can be a major annoyance). I also thank the Lord for keeping you and your family safe from all the craziness that was happening in your country. I'm grateful, very grateful to Him for that.

I've been making some headway with my studies in programming and my refresh course through high school math etc. I'm slowly getting back into everything else including the languages and my rereading of the studies on Ichthys. I am using CT 2A to work through Revelation 2-3 with those in the village, and I am rereading CT 1 for myself now. 

How is this week turning out for you, Sir? And how is BB 7 coming?

Your student in Jesus Christ
Response #25:
I'm glad to hear that you are safe and well, my friend. I do pray for your safety and health daily (among other things of course).

Teaching does require patience. I can tell you from years at the university that just because students are present and smiling does not mean that things are penetrating their foreheads. Concentrating is not so easy. It's especially difficult at present with all the troubles going on. I'm just happy for my students to have a little semi-normality (they're all wearing masks and dealing with all of the other dislocations), and thrilled to be back on campus myself.

What you are doing for your family if wonderful! And the fact that they are willing to sit there is really a blessing too. Consider that the disciples and all of the other people who sat at Jesus' feet probably didn't take in 1% of what He taught them – and He was the best teacher of all time. We do our job; we have to leave it to those being taught to do their job. At the very least, they are getting more than they would be getting – and receiving a better chance to grow spiritually – if they were not present listening to you. And I can also tell you from years of teaching experience that occasionally your impression of their response is wrong in the opposite direction: every once in a while someone who seems to you to be only drifting along is actually "getting it". And then also, every once in a while, some one will "catch fire". Of course we wish this were always the case for everyone. But as you remind us, even we ourselves took a minute before we were willing to hear and respond to the truth fully. 

As to your other procedures, answering questions but not taking things too far beyond the question seems to be not a bad policy. You can never know for certain how much positivity lies behind the question, after all. Our Lord likewise answered questions and was careful not to cast too many pearls before swine when it was known to Him that the motivation was disingenuous.

Yes, I'm VERY happy to have plumbing! In my youth I did a lot of camping, and in spite of the lack of amenities, I found it great fun. The Marines taught me that I was very wrong about that. Now I wouldn't give up running water unless under duress to do so.

BB 7 is proceeding, and I'm trying to maintain momentum. It's difficult at present now that classes have begun. This semester things are taking more time because of a number of things I have to do online or over email to keep contact with students and to be extra-well prepared under the strange circumstances. But I'm probably over half way done now, and it won't be too many months before I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Not sure how much you will learn from it – your postings having to do with canonicity and the nature of God's Word are excellent.

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

Your friend in Jesus Christ.

Bob L.
Question #26:
Hello Dr. Luginbill

I hope your 2nd week back is going well. I hate to take any of your time so i will try to keep this quick. I remember a email posting once before about the difference between BB 2B and your other studies SR and CT. I can not find that email now but if you can would you send me a link to it?

Our family is meeting on Sundays now to do bible study. Our plan was for you to be the teacher and we would simply help present your information. We are not qualified for teaching the bible but thought this would be a work around. We have met now for 3 weeks and had started with the Satanic Rebellion. Right now we are limited with a one hour block of time but I hope through prayers we will be allowed more time in study. We have been spending so much time in study in order to prepare. Praise be to God for bringing this about! I have read much if not all of what you have said about "church" and I am thinking that what we are doing is "church". As so, I myself am to keep quiet, which I am finding that a difficult thing to do but am earnestly trying. I am conflicted as well that my husband may also need to keep quiet because he is not really a qualified or called teacher. If that's the case then we all would just sit there so I'm sure my understanding is just a bit off. Please help to have a better picture of how this should look. 

There is so much information in your teachings and so little time left. May the Lord richly bless you for all you have done.
Response #26:
I'm surviving – thanks for asking! I've already had about five or six students quarantined spread over my five classes – which is somewhere around 7% [double that as of 8/29/20]! Our positive rate in university testing is less than 2%, so I'm wondering about that number seeming high – they're just being careful, I guess. A very strange semester with all my students wearing masks all the time (harder to get to know them, and all spread out at a "social distance" at that). Lots of absences on top of everything else (they're being told to stay home if there is any doubt about how they feel). I also get the impression that it is harder than ever for them to concentrate and to study. All "this" is a load on them. So I'm doing my best to be positive and supportive. For me, it's just nice to be back in the classroom, even with all the warts. Hoping to be able to continue "face to mask" until the end of term.

I don't remember this email you mention, but I can't find it either, in any case. In a nutshell, BB 2B is a synopsis of BOTH the SR and CT series, but leaving out things that are not directly eschatology related. Since I took it from these two series, there isn't much that is newly re-written in BB 2B (but there are some things and a few updates and rephrasings). Think of BB 2B as a review for those who've gone over the other two – or an introduction to them.

As to your family Bible study, since it is just your family, I would not want to say that it has to fall under the same rules that would be the case if you had others join in – where it would be "church" indeed. Not that it is not "church for you", but, after all, women are allowed to "ask their husbands at home", and if everyone present is family, well, this would seem to lend latitude. Also, you are essentially reading and summarizing these studies, correct? So the materials really are "the teacher" – unless you're called upon to explain beyond that. I just think that it is GREAT that you are doing this! In the absence of any traditional "church" in the vicinity doing the job the Lord wants done, "work-arounds" like this are terrific! 

I'll be sure to remember to say a prayer for you on this.

Thanks also for your concern!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #27:
Thank you for your quick response. I have made many many mask and would love to send you some for your personal use if you would like. I have the traditional trifold cloth ones which work as well as any but the ones we really like are made of a light weight polypropylene. They are easier to breath through. I don't know if you would feel comfortable giving me your address but if you do I will send you some. As for your students, I bet the fear of the virus is causing more sickness than the virus itself.

We live near a King James only school. Also we have the Word of Faith Fellowship the next county over. They appear to be some sort of cult by what I have heard on the news. All just to say the churches around here are very much lacking. The best of them do decent sermonizing. Nothing in depth or even anything that appears to be teaching. Yes we are reading and summarizing your materials but last week they did start asking questions. That's great they are awake and participating but the questions were off the subject. They were simple questions that I felt able to answer but then later wondered what I should have done. Now __ wants to know how you have come up with 2033 as the date for our Lords return so I think we will have to jump ahead to that lesson. I think I may just use the first video the Will Rieke did on Bible Crash course (link). Lots of info in that and we would be able to pull out details from the use of your studies. Please pass on to Will that we are enjoying his videos and it seems he is getting better with each one.

I'll have to send it as a separate email but I will send you the notes we have done so far on part one. Don't look to at it to harshly, I was never a serious student of anything and I struggle now with basic outlines but you can see how we are attempting to simplify things. This is really great because it forces me to more closely read and understand the material. We also pull the lesson up on my phone in order to use the quick links for the bible verses and my husband has the printed study in his hand.

Praying for you and your continuation in the classroom.
Response #27:
It's my pleasure – and thanks for the good report about Will's videos – I've passed that along to him.

I think you have a GREAT concept! And I think many people would certainly be glad of having such an opportunity if they lived in your area. Your notes are first rate. I wouldn't have any problem with you and your husband going through them if I were a new Christian (or a newly interested-in-the-truth Christian). And playing Will's videos is also a great idea.

It is true: when you teach something, you end up learning it much better than you did originally . . . because you have to.

Thanks for those prayers!

IN Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
p.s. – thanks for the kind offer but I've got more masks than I know what to do with at this point – I think you're supposed to wear them all the time, but I only do so when absolutely necessary and I'm sure hoping that necessity will be over soon . . . entirely.
Question #28:
Hi Bob,

Just a message to see how you are? How is the new semester going? Are you still having to do online lessons at the same time as your lectures? How is that working out.

I was avoiding the news for a while but am shocked at how bad things are now in the States! It seems every day a different place goes up in flames and rioting. I was really shocked that you have had a militia there in Louisville! They are scenes I normally associate with places like South America, Africa or Northern Ireland...never thought I would see this happen in America! Some people say they are pretty inept though as they apparently shot three of their own accidentally. 

You have had a lot of military experience so I guess you won't be too phased by it and you are protected by a God that is greater than the one in the world. Nevertheless, even though I know that you are very tough, if you are ever frightened (because even tough guys can sometimes feel fear) you have a friend in me praying for you and asking God to give you His peace and strength! 

Please take very good care of yourself. I pray for you and your ministry everyday but I will also pray more for where you are, your livelihood, your family and safekeeping. Keep safe, there are a great many people around the world who find your work invaluable and crucial in such dark times.

I thought I would send a photo of what arrived today here! I took the plunge and got your two opus pieces printed in book format so that I can read it even when offline. I'm really happy with the results and so am saving up my money to get them printed as I go along so that I can still read them all even if there is a power outage or other disaster. (We have freak wind storms hitting here today after yesterday's full day of glorious peaceful sunshine.)

I just noticed that the "militia" said that if they don't get justice for Breonna Taylor in four weeks then they will return and burn the place down!

It's almost four weeks to the day! Please take care of yourself Bob and stay safe.

Keeping you in my daily prayers.

In Jesus,
Response #28:
Thanks for those prayers, my friend! I'm deeply appreciative.

Protests going on today closed things down at the uni, but I'm not down there on Tues./Thurs. with this Covid stay-off-campus-if-possible schedule. Nothing going on around here (yet; just getting dark). What I've heard is that things were peaceful so far (that often is the case before nightfall). There are more "festivities" planned for next week as well, but also for days when I won't be down in that area. 

As to "a lot of military experience", well, whatever I had was a LONG time ago. I probably have more in common in that respect with Revolutionary War era Marines than those in service today (technology has come a long way since 1979).

Now that you've printed out Coming Tribulation and Satanic Rebellion, you're sure to find typos and incorrect verse citations! When you do, make you pen changes and send the info my way. I'm always in need of that kind of basic editing.

The Lord always keeps us safe. He knew everything that was going to happen to us, even before He created the world, and we have God's perfect providence in the perfect plan. We really only need to know what the right thing to do is – and then do it. So as long as we are denying ourselves (i.e., recognizing that this is about Him and not about us), carrying our cross (i.e., in our hearts crucified to this temporary world we brought nothing into and will take nothing out of), and following Him – in continuing spiritual growth, progress and production – all will be well. Not only here and now, but when we appear before Him on the great day. Until then, He will see us safe through the storm.
Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:23-26 NKJV
Keeping you in my prayers daily as well, my friend.

In Jesus Christ our Lord.

Bob L.
Question #29:
Just a really quick message. I saw from the emails posting the gag about your film director/ editor not working this semester. Not sure whether you are aware but there are many open source/ freeware software that does "screen recordings" online that your students can download.

Not sure if there would be any copyright issues by doing this and whether you want to encourage them to be doing this but the beauty of it would be that they would have to capture it live if they wanted it at all and so would need to sit through the lecture to record it themselves. They will probably think that as they've already listened once they may not refer back to the recording but I just thought I would mention it as it "may" be useful!
Response #29:
When I was teaching "remotely" from my office, I did record the sessions (the university software worked OK for that while conducting "synchronous sessions"); but I can't manage a camera and a microphone myself while I'm standing up on stage lecturing and putting things up on the white board (and there are no such assets in our classrooms in any case).

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #30:
Dear Bob,

Your reply about AI concerns me a bit. Please do not underestimate AI. I was there at the beginning of AI, not at MIT but as an interested bystander. Most of us dealing with the real computer world (in the time of Cobol and punch cards) thought it was asinine. It was written in a cock-eyed language called Lisp which seemed to be a gussied up version of an embedded language called Forth. I paid no attention to it until recently when it seems to be cropping up in many things. I've since watched some of the demonstrations of the technology and your correspondent is accurate.

I have firmly held that the technology government uses is at least 30 years in advance of what we see available. Some would say 50 and I worked with programmers who had DARPA and NASA experience. I agree, Google Translate is pathetic but it would be a mistake to judge technology based on anything Google makes available. (A good wake-up call for students, though.)

An example may be UFOs. I don't believe in extraterrestrial intelligence. Even terrestrial intelligence seems to be in short supply. Knowing a few things Tesla was working on, I would suspect UFOs are a government project that could be a part of the F-35 rollout. Of course, it could also be holographic projection. Speculation only, of course, but little green or gray men are not probable or believable.

What I do believe is that it's all a part of signs and lying wonders. Now that the technology exists to project images on the clouds and in the stratosphere, I think more signs and lying wonders are to be expected. In fact, news media are a lying wonder all by itself, sadly. I have got into the habit of checking scripture to understand where things are going. No prophecies, I know, but the same Satan and the same kinds of people. Only technology seems to be different.

This is a long winded way of saying don't poo-poo technology you haven't seen. I'm convinced it will have a major roll in the Tribulation.

Yours in our Lord and only hope,
Response #30:
I've got no bone to pick with anything you say here, my friend! Excellent points.

I certainly agree – and have said (or at least suggested) many times – that technology is the "magic" of the modern world and being used by the forces of evil in the same way sorcery was in the past. But it is the wielders of this weapon we need to be wary off much more so than the weapon itself. If we focus on the means, we're going to miss the motives. I'm not worried about a super-computer starting a thermonuclear war – they are only as intelligent as the people who've programmed them and they could never have an evil-intentioned free will of their own (and don't underestimate language ability as a barometer of true intelligence). But the people who run them certainly can – and certainly will use them (and all other advances) in the cause of evil just as in the past. Nimrod's tower of Babel is a good parallel for the one-world techno-culture with all of its horrifically evil anti-freedom underpinnings (link). 

So don't fret too much about AI: worry about the beast and his associates who will employ it (and everything else) in Satan's service. Better yet: don't worry about anything.
Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished. The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:6-10 NIV 
In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #31:
Hello Bob,

You also raise good points. I haven't read you equating technology to ancient sorcery but that is spot on. (I would also put modern "medicine" in that category, too.) The technologists are about as valid and trustworthy as the ancient sorcerers.

You must forgive me. I've become a cynic about most everything -- especially technology. While I agree it's the wielders of techno-babble that do the damage, we rarely see them or would recognize them in the grocery store. If you remember "The Wizard of OZ," the movers and shakers of technology are the little fat man behind the green curtain. They have programmed the machines to make decisions on their own and they're hell bent on fixing God's mistakes. I'm concerned that we'll never know whether the results we see are because of a human or a machine and maybe there's no difference.

I doubt we're at the "Terminator" stage , but we could be. The question then becomes, "What do we do about those movers and shakers and their adoring followers? Or should we do anything at all?" Keep in mind, all this COVID nonsense is the result of computer simulations that true believers take seriously. A lying sign and wonder six years early if you will. I see it as a practice run.

At this point in my life, I suspect I won't have to deal with it much longer and there's a great solace in that. The Lord is, of course in control and if He chooses that I should live longer than other men in my family, so be it, but right now, I'm at the beginning of that window.

"Better yet: don't worry about anything" is good advice though sometimes easier said than done even though there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. For the most part, I don't worry but past habits can be incredibly difficult to break. I would like to think of it as concern rather than worry but that's a sophistry.

I apologize for misunderstanding your remarks in #26.

I pray you're well and not burdened by 'peaceful' protesters.

In Jesus,
Response #31:
It's no problem, my friend! I always appreciate your special insight.

"I'm concerned that we'll never know whether the results we see are because of a human or a machine and maybe there's no difference": I can assure you that soon enough we will know and understand the differences very well. Even on this side, before the Lord's return, we believers who are growing in the faith have such insights because our view is informed by the truth of the Word of God (Ps.199:99).

"What do we do about those movers and shakers and their adoring followers? Or should we do anything at all?": Blessedly, we don't have to anything at all – in fact I believe it would be a mistake to try. We believers are fighting a fight that is not the fight the world sees, even if those in the world are seeing things through clear eyes (Eph.6:12ff.). Our fight is a spiritual fight and it is waged by responding to our Lord's threefold command to deny ourselves, to pick our cross of turning away from the world and to follow Him – in growth, progress and production, regardless of consequences. That is where our impact is felt, that is how we become "salt, that is how we please Him, and that is how we earn the eternal rewards upon which we have set our hearts and our hope.

It is difficult to put it all in the Lord's hands, and even when we get to the point of making a habit of doing so, we still have to watch out, sinners that we are. You never know when the people you thought were on your side are going to oppose you and tempt you to "strike the rock" as Moses did; you never know when you're going to get a "letter from Jezebel" like Elijah did that will make you want to head for the hills. So the only safe path forward is keeping our heads down in growth, progress and production, humbly and courageously trusting in the Lord to make it all right. And He will make it all right.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
The wicked plots against the just,
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees that his day is coming.
The wicked have drawn the sword
And have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and needy,
To slay those who are of upright conduct.
Their sword shall enter their own heart,
And their bows shall be broken.
Psalm 37:11-15 NKJV
In anticipation of that glorious day when sword and bow of sorcery and those who wield such weapons are broken forever.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #32:
Dear Prof, how are you sir, hope you are doing ok in this era where everything happening is preparing the way for the coming tribulation! 

I want to update you as I try to from time to time. Without being modest, I value communicating with you so much. Odii has a spirit like you in giving me answers and I know you are quite busy is why I'm not at your doorstep every time! 

I try to encourage as many as will listen to me as I have opportunity. There is one guy that I knew some 7 years ago and we lost touch. Suddenly he added me to his WhatsApp Prayer and Teaching ministry unsolicited. I bore with him receiving all those daily bible reading, brief exposition and prayer till he sent one on pretrib rapture. I decided to respond and here is our chat. I have shown it to our friend. I also want the teacher of my teacher to comment as per the adequacy for future responses to others. I wanted to stop replying at a stage but I remembered how you reply people so I decided to get to the extent you see here. Prof please take your time as I can guess how busy you are. Its because I know you are anointed to go over such things as part of your ministry is why I'm bold enough to present such large volume of texts! 

Here goes: R shows my responses 

Good evening sir. I have not been able to respond to your observation to the issue of rapture because of other pressing issues am currently handling sir. 

However, I will like to give the following points and not to keep you waiting . 

Firstly, to interpret the Bible correctly requires a good knowledge of hermeneutics to avoid wrong or erroneous interpretation. 

For this topic ( eschatology) the following rule should be used namely; Principle of first mention and context are applicable. 

-------- 

The Rapture will precede the tribulations. 

The church was not out there to go through tribulation period. 1 Thessalonians 5:9. 

R: Scripture reference for rapture preceding tribulation? 

It is true that we are not appointed to wrath, but we will be protected through it like Israel was protected in Goshen in the days of Moses. 

---------------- 

Rapture will happy first after which we will go to heaven for 7 years to be with the Lord. It is during this period that tribulation will happen on earth when the Antichrist will be revealed. 

R: Going to heaven for 7years doing what there? Scripture reference sir? 

2Thess 2v1-3 says that the rapture(v1) will not happen till there is a general apostasy (that is people will fall away from the faith) and Antichrist will be revealed (v3).He will be revealed when he enters the temple, declares himself to be God (2Thess 2v4) and sets up the abomination of desolation (Matt 24v15, Dan 9v27). It is this act that sets off the great tribulation for 3.5years (Dan 7v25, 12v1&7, Matt 24v21, Luke 21v24b, Rev 11v2, 13v5). This implies that at best, there is no rapture before Antichrist is revealed 3.5years to Christ's coming. 

1Thess 4v13-16 and 1Cor 15v51&52 talk about the rapture/resurrection. You can't separate rapture from resurrection and there is only one resurrection of the just and it will take place at the last day of this age (Matt 28v20b, John 11v24, John 6v39,40,44,54). Not 7years before the last day of the age, not even 3.5years before the last day of this age when Christ will be coming back. 

------------------ 

Then we will come back ( second coming) for the battle if Armageddon. It is this period that the Antichrist will be captured and imprisoned. 

The millennium will now start and last 1000 years. 

After this, Satan will be let loose and will deceive many nations. 

We shall then go into eternal life forever more without Satan. 

1 Thessalonians 4&5 talks about rapture. 

Matthew 24 talks about tribulation. 

R: We shall be raptured at Christs second coming. The rapture is when we are wedded (get married) to Christ. That is what happens at Rev 19v7. The expression "the bride has made herself ready" implies that the groom is just about to go and fetch her! The marriage supper in Rev 19v9 will take place after the Armageddon victory on earth (Is 25v6). 

Matt 24 is addressed to believers (Jews and gentiles) 

Mark 13 is parallel to Matt 24 and Mark 13v37 indicates Jesus is speaking to all His disciples. Matt 24 forms an almost perfect parallelism to the six seals of Rev 6 not only in the events but in the order of occurrence. 

Matt 24: 

v4,5=1st seal 

V6=2nd seal, v7a&7b=3rd&4th seals, v9=5th seal 

v29=sixth seal. 

Rev 6 is a summary of trends that occur from when the Antichrist comes on the scene conquering initially by deception v2 (not yet revealed at this point) until Christ second coming after the sixth seal at which point the elect will be gathered out. Not before. 

------------------------ 

On the issue of "saints", you cannot always apply that to Christians because in the Bible we see a lot of the use of the word in the old testament. 

To quote some Scripture from Revelation and imply it to only Christians may not be totally correct. 

R: Saints actually refer to those set apart as holy to God. That is both old testament (OT) and new testament (NT) saints. 

Those saints in OT looked FORWARD to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (right from Adam- Gen 3v15. Also Gen 3v21 as a shadow of the 1st coming of Jesus). 

We in the NT look BACK at the sacrifice of Christ 

In Acts 7v38, Stephen referred to the assembly in the wilderness under Moses as Church (KJV) . That is why Heb11 talked about the FAITH (in God) of Abel, Enoch, Noah and all the others, Verses 39&40 then say that even though they obtained a good report by FAITH, but they would not receive the promise of being made perfect (resurrection/rapture) without us. So both OT and NT saints shall all be raptured together at the second coming of Christ. 

------------------------ 

To apply the principle of first mention, saints in the old testament referred to people who were not born again at the time. Example is found in Deuteronomy 33 :2&3 and 1 Samuel 2:9. 

The churches mentioned in Revelation must first be taken as literal. To primarily use those 7 churches as indicative of the church today is not a very good Bible interpretation sir. This is because these existed and were mainly located in the present day Turkey. 

R: It is true that those churches were literal churches at the time around present day Turkey. But there were many more churches at the time. Why did Jesus therefore address only those 7 churches? The number 7 is perfection number in the Bible and this argues for those 7 churches to be a representation of one complete church for clearly Christ is concerned for His entire church, not just for those 7 local churches. The revelation of His person is clearly for His entire bride. That why all the churches have "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" 

In addition to being seven literal and historical churches existing at that time, these 7 are also representative of the 7 eras of the church age that had only just begun at the time Revelation was written. These 7 churches are an essential and comprehensive history of the church from the 1st century to the very brink of the tribulation. (where we are now) . 

Ephesus, the first era was an era of transition from signs and miracles of the apostles to the Word of God being made available to people. (Commencing from the death of John in 70AD) 

This same word was what they neglected causing Jesus to rebuke them for having left their first love. 

The next era was Smyrna the age of intense persecution. In Rev 2v10 

the 10days of tribulation corresponds to 10 distinct periods of persecution which occurred during the centuries of this era. This is well documented in Foxes book of Martyrs (I have an e-copy if you are interested sir) 

In the next era Pergamum, the age of accommodation, evil in form of secularism and paganism began to influence the church through temptation and they were accommodating it. 

In the next era Thyatira the age of compromise, evil was taking over then by Sardis the age of corruption the evil had totally taken over. That is why in Sardis they had a reputation of being alive but they were dead. The Sardis church was the full expression of the Roman Catholic church. 

Some people now decided to break away from this dead church (protestants) and this was the Philadelphia era of revival from 16th to 18th century. This was the age of the reformation (starting with Martin Luther) with rededication to bible study, evangelism etc. 

But this devolved into the next era which is the Laodicean age of degeneration. In this age of prosperity, false or loose standards, apathy about the word of God all contributing to lukewarmness- neither wilfully reprobate nor deeply dedicated to Jesus. That is why we have prosperity teachers all over the place as if that was that was why Christ came! 

Sir I'm sure you know this description of the Laodicean church fits our generation perfectly. This is the era we are in. This is the church that will enter the tribulation and from this church the relatively few saints that will meet with Jesus at His coming. That is why Rev 3:20 says Behold, I STAND AT THE DOOR and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 

Sir I just summarised a very large body of information. If you check church history books you will see these things documented over the years. They may not just list them the way the Bible does but you will recognise these eras. You can see how Jesus predicted all this history taking place just from those 7 churches in Rev2&3. 

That is why I said we are in the Laodicean era. 

------------------------- 

Please look at Revelation 1:20 NET "The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lamp stands is this: The seven stars are the Angels of the seven churches and the seven lamp stands are the seven churches." 

Scripture must be used to interpret Scripture ( hermeneutics). 

Because of the provision of 1John 4:4, Christians will not succumb to the Antichrist. 

R: Because of the provision of 1John 4:4, Christians will not succumb to the Antichrist. 

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

When Jesus said in Luke 18v8 that ..."when the Son of Man comes will he still find faith in esrth?" He was not joking. Look around you sir, how many people are ready to go with Christ??!! Not to talk of standing up under pressure of serious tribulations. 

This is the era of lukewarmness!! God allowed Coronavirus to wake the church up! Yet how many are responding in fear and are not growing in grace and in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Sir i sincerely hope you don't belong to the once saved always saved crowd! The parable of the sower of seed ( that is the seed that fell on rock) demolishes that error. I don't need to elaborate on that. 

------------------------- 

The saints in Revelation 14:11 are earthly Israelites that will be here on earth during the tribulations and not Christians. Same to Revelation 14:7. For clearer understanding,please read Daniel 7. 

Note: Any Christian who physically sees the Antichrist has missed the rapture. 

R: The saints are those who obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus. Which also means true Christians . We have been grafted unto the tree (Rom 11v17) so we are now in the commonwealth of Israel (Eph 2v12-22) and are now Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise (Gal 3v29). 

Daniel 7 is entirely consistent with this. 

---------- 

"Any Christian who physically sees the Antichrist has missed the rapture" 

R: Sir, 2Thess 2v1-3 says otherwise. I've spoken about that above. 

-------------------- 

Good morning sir. I believe you are all safe in the hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

I regret my inability to respond to your treatise on Rapture and the surrounding situations. 

As you may know that I am very busy, either on the road or at home with little time for myself from my daily schedule. I just returned this weekend from Ondo state and will have to rest this weekend. 

I had time to carefully go through yours and my conclusion is as follows: 

You have read so much about the writings of many authors and it seems your findings ( my humble options) has been entrenched in you. 

One thing is certain, the Scriptures is not to be Subjected to any private interpretation outside what the Holy Spirit divinely purposes it to be. 

Let me draw your attention to the fallibility of human judgement that highly inspired Apostles were victims namely; Paul, Peter James and John. 

Please read the following: 

1 Corinthians 7:29. Paul was wrong when he said the time was short. 

1 Peter 4:7 . Apostle Peter was equally wrong when he said the end of all things were at hand. 

James 5:8- the coming of the Lord drew near - he was not correct. 

Revelation 1:3 ...." the time is at hand " Apostle John was wrong too. 

The common denominator was their human interpretation of Matthew 24:14. 

By the time they were all writing, they had preached to all the known world ( unknowingly) excluding the unknown parts of the world. They felt they had covered the whole world. 

Jesus's second coming is connected to his harvest. The generation that see the Gospel reached everywhere will see the second coming of the Lord. 

I am sorry for the diversion. I only use this seminary example to let you know that we can be holding to the wrong side innocently. 

May God help us to see his plan from his own side and not rely on intellectualism. 

However, while away, I have the honor of your treatise attended to by my instructor ( he was excited to see it and we discussed together) to respond. Please carefully go through and let me have a response too sir. 

(Prof, at this point I felt like shutting down!) 

My Responses: 

You have read so much about the writings of many authors and it seems your findings ( my humble options) has been entrenched in you. One thing is certain, the Scriptures is not to be Subjected to any private interpretation outside what the Holy Spirit divinely purposes it to 

R: We all read other authors writings but should only accept those in line with the Holy scriptures not those that follow tradition, culture or even as taught in seminaries. After all read and done, the truth of the scriptures is what should be entrenched in us not private interpretation. 

------------------------ 

Let me draw your attention to the fallibility of human judgement that highly inspired Apostles were victims namely; Paul, Peter James and John. 

R: 1) Paul was wrong when he said the time was short? 

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 KJV 
[29] But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; [30] And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; [31] And they that use this world, as not abusing it : for the fashion of this world passeth away. 

Paul is saying under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that we christians already live under the foreshadowings of Christ’s return, when the world in its present form will pass away. For this reason, believers should not treat what looks like present realities as if they will continue forever. 
Compared with the history of man (7000 years) we are close to the end making the time remaining (even in Pauls time) before Christs second coming relatively short. Though we don't pray to die before finishing our testimony on this earth, the reality is that we can die at any time so there should be an urgency about how we live our lives for Christ. 

2) Peter was wrong when he said the end of all things is at hand? 

1 Peter 4:7 KJV 
[7] But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 

The same commentary as above applies to this verse. Putting it another way, anticipating the end times, particularly Christ’s return which is relatively near, should urgently influence believers’ attitudes, actions and relationships. 

3) James was wrong when he said the coming of the Lord draws near? 

James 5:7-9 KJV 
[7] Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. [8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. [9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 

The commentaries for the above 1) and 2) also apply here. James is calling for patience toward believers as well as unbelievers (vv. 7 – 8). The Judge standing at the door is a reference to Christ’s second coming and the judgment associated with it. We are to live in a continued state of expectancy of the Lord‘s coming, as an event always near. 

4) John was in error when he wrote the time is at hand? 

Revelation 1:3 KJV 
[3] Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 

Same commentaries as above also apply here. 

-------------------- 

The common denominator was their human interpretation of Matthew 24:14. 

R: 

Matthew 24:14 KJV 
[14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 

They did not misinterpret it, they were not writing from their human judgment. They were writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. (2Tim 3v16). 

These passages did not depict them receiving a particular instruction to go or not to go somewhere (or to do or not to do something) whereby they did not do the right thing in their human judgment. No, they were writing to the body of Christ under inspiration about the times and what we should all be about in every generation before Christ returns. Even if they wrote as if Jesus was about to appear during their lifetime, it was a device of the Holy Spirit to encourage every generation not to relax in living righteously at any time before Christ comes. After all Peter knew that Christ would not come in his life time because Jesus already told him what would happen to him in his old age and how he would die (John 21v18&19) and he knew Christ would not come before those things happened. John also knew that The Tribulation would come before Christ's second coming. 

My brother, if you sincerely believe these Apostles were wrong in these passages then we might as well throw away all they wrote; In the epistles. And therefore I would seriously question any interpretation of scripture that emanates from you. I am not surprised at your being of the persuasion of pretribulation rapture but I am shocked at your understanding (or lack of it) of these basic scriptures you think are wrong. I have never been to bible school/seminary but I don't need to go there to have a basic understanding of the scriptures and in the use of scriptures to divide scriptures. The vast majority of believers in heaven today have never been to bible school/seminary. While they have their uses (few of them) these institutions are overrated. After all it is still your fallible men that are teaching and are being taught there. Also I guess you would need to apply the fallibility of human judgement you write about also to what you have yourself written to me. 

---------------------- 

However, while away, I have the honor of your treatise attended to by my instructor 

R: Your instructor? You mean the person that taught you all these??!! Your approach is more intellectual than spiritual. 

----------------------- 

He then sent an attachment containing so many disagreements with me. I don't want to bore you with all the lengthy stuff 

My Response : 

Hello sir, concerning your attachment I would like to respond only to one of your disagreements : 

2Thess 2v1-3 says that the rapture(v1) will not happen till there is a general apostasy (that is people will fall away from the faith – THIS IS NOT FALLING FROM FAITH AS MANY CHRISTIANS THINK. PLEASE READ THE GREEK WORDS USED AND APPLY THE PRINCIPLE OF FIRST MENTION IN INTERPRETING THE WORD APOSTASIA. THE ROOT GREEK WORD MEANS A DEPARTURE. THIS SCRIPTURE IS TALKING ABOUT THE DEPARTURE OF CHRISTIANS TO HEAVEN SO THAT THE ANTICHRST MAY BE REVEALED) 

My response to this: 

What you are saying therefore is that since the apostasia here is departure of Christians to heaven, then we can conclude this way: 

2 Thess 2:1-3 KJV reads: 

1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (rapture) 

2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that THE DAY OF CHRIST is at hand. 

3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for THAT DAY shall not come, except there come a falling away first, (what is actually the falling away from the faith) and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 

But your rendition would be: 

2 Thess 2:1-3 KJV 

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (rapture) 

2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that THE DAY OF CHRIST is at hand. 

3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for THAT DAY shall not come, except there come a falling away first, (your departure of the Christians to heaven known as rapture) )and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 

The short conclusion of what you are saying is that the rapture (v1) will not happen till the rapture (v3) happens! 

Even if you want to say that the day of Christ is a period that includes the tribulation and the rapture (which Paul is not trying to say here - he is specific about a particular day here!), your conclusion of the reading of that scripture would still be : 

The rapture (v1) will not happen till the rapture and the tribulation (v3) come first! 

Sir, either of the above conclusions does not make sense. 

Sir, with all due respect and with both my response to your text and response to your attachment, at this point I would like to rest my case. I find I very difficult to continue to respond scripturally to anyone who takes such a poor view of the same scriptures - what the Apostles (Peter, Paul, James and John) wrote under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. To say they were wrong in those scriptures you quoted calls a lot of things into question. A lot!! 

Thank you for your time and communication and I hope in your endeavors you locate the truth of the scriptures. I pray we shall be confident and unashamed at His coming. 

------------------ 

Prof, he probably will still reply. What he says will tell if I will still be in communication. I was really shocked by his understanding of the scriptures he quoted. As I was replying him, he sent a write up by another author on differences between rapture and second coming. The same old drivel they keep recycling without any sound scriptural backing. 

Thank God for you again for the hard work of Ichthys. 

Dear Prof, things are happening as warnings of what is coming all over the place. The head of the largest church in Nigeria recently at an interfaith meeting said that the political leaders of the world have failed at world peace so God has commissioned him with other religions to achieve world peace. This same guy raised up a magic wand in church and told people to focus on it and ask God for whatever they wanted while spinning 360 degrees on the spot holding it up. Nobody is speaking out. He has in the past preached against these things. We are shocked but not surprised because of the spirit of the antichrist that is abounding. 

When our people here get a whiff of anybody antagonizing tithe or other legalistic stuff, they tend to flee. So I'm careful who I introduce to Ichthys. After much interaction do I do so for most people. Tells you the state of church goers here. 

Prof I know I'm not telling you anything new. Just to update you. I guess there is a lot of trouble coming ahead in the US. Whether Trump wins the coming election or not, there will be an escalation of violence especially if he wins. The Lord will keep us all. No time like now to get used to hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit if not before now. 

What happens in the US tends to affect other parts of the world. For some years I've been watching Fox News virtually daily. In fact my wife has complained before that I am addicted to it! Well I like listening to the news from US and other parts of the world and i know I can still get some thing reasonable to some extent relatively (for now!) from there. Is that bad sir? 

I've been quite down pecuniarily (is there a word like that?) so I've not contacted the person you sent me his contact. Don't want to raise anyone's hopes unnecessarily! 

This narrow road is not an easy one but the end is more than worth it. Thank you sir. You are constantly in our prayers. The Lord keep you and strengthen you in His vineyard. 

In Him on whom we fix our gaze on to bring us safely home 

Your brother, student and friend by the mercy of God in my life. 
Response #32:
Great to hear from you, my friend!

Wonderful job, my friend! 

"[so what you are saying is that] the rapture will not happen until the rapture happens!" Exactly what I was thinking when I read his interpretation. 

Yes, people who have bought into this false teaching will do anything, it seems, to hold onto it – anything but accept the clear truth of scripture. One would think that with all that is happening in the world they would be motivated to at least double-check their conclusions. What if they are wrong (and they ARE wrong)? One would think that the fact that not a single solitary passage of scripture teaches the "rapture" without the "rapture" being violently superimposed upon it would give them just a trace of humility about all this. Sadly, not, it seems.

I'd like to post this in the next "Eschatology Issues".

Thanks also for your prayers. The protests today are large but not in my area and not violent so far – of course the sun hasn't gone down yet. The ones planned (by who knows whom) for next week are likely to be something else again – so thank you for your prayers! 

Incidentally I think you analysis of probable results here in the states is spot-on. It doesn't seem to me as if the people who are bent on violence to effect change are likely to stop until they get what they want – whatever that really is (I doubt if they know or who it is that is motivating them – but we believers know all too well).

Thanks also for the update from your country. It seems things are bad all over and getting worse. Yet we believers are being kept safe – in the eye of the storm – in spite of everything. I'm keeping you and yours in my prayers too.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #33:
Dear Prof, thanx for your response. My amazement is that you have read the whole epistle! Thanx sir, but you did not answer about the news "philia" that I have (as opposed to phobia!) Also do you think I should have been dismissive of him at that stage as I did? (He has actually replied, thanking me for my time and praying we shall be rapturable). The Lord renew your strength.

Sir, you don't have to ask me anytime you want to post my letter on Ichthys emails. It is a great honour for anyone to be encouraged by me.

Thank you sir.

In Him
Response #33:
You're most welcome, my friend, and thanks so much for your willingness to share!

As to the individual you mention, if the Spirit is telling you to hold off, that is what you should do. I have a feeling you are correct to do so (and I have some misgivings about posting what I posted simply because I'm not able to vouch for him as I would like to have been able to do).

As to news, it's better to watch the news than most other things – if you can stand it. The news is pretty depressing, after all. And more and more there is more commentary (usually annoyingly partisan and incorrect) than news on most of the "news" channels over here. The weather channel is good. Hard to get too partisan about the weather . . . except for climatism and criticism over this or that administration's response to this or that natural disaster and -- OK, never mind. The "mute" button is my favorite button next to the "off" button.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily, my friend!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #34:
Sir, hope you're all safe from Hurricane Laura. We hear it's moving inland. Praying for you.
Response #34:
Just a little rain fall from that storm this far north (and needful at present too).

Our brother Curt of Bible Academy and his family in Houston were in much greater potential danger, but I just heard from him that they are fine.

Thanks for those prayers! Keeping you and yours in mine as well.

In Jesus our faithful Savior.

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/