http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues LVIII

Question #1:    
THIS article illustrates my ever-increasing burden and word of warning in the message I believe God has been cultivating in me as it specifically pertains to the Church. Perhaps, this will at least partially explain why I have been providing so much Holocaust-related material of late. My hope is that believers will see parallels from the past and apply them to future attitudes and actions, while continuing to guard one's heart in the present.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/08/22/how-anti-semitic-beliefs-have-quietly-taken-hold-among-some-evangelical-christians/
Response #1:
It's a concern, no doubt!

However, when it comes to this article, one has to "consider the source". I found many untruths in it stated as facts. Most evangelical Christians I know are the farthest thing from anti-Semitic one could imagine. To be sure, they are also mostly lukewarm about the truth of the Word of God (this is Laodicea, after all; link). And that does lead them to be inclined to get involved in politics (something I always vehemently urge against in this ministry). Politics always leads people astray. And it's certainly convenient for the left to tar the right with racism (as they always do, whether or not the shoe comes close to fitting), and to tar right-leaning evangelicals with the brush of anti-Semitism. That shoe may fit for a few crazies and fringe groups, but I guarantee you it's not a fair indictment of evangelicals generally – just the opposite. As I say, most of them are not interested in the Word in any depth, and that does make them vulnerable in many ways, but so far it's misguided, in my view, to patch a few lunatics and a few crazy comments together into a patchwork of a pattern.

There is an opposite danger too. Antichrist, of course, will be a great supporter of Israel – at first. No doubt he and his will be calling all their opponents anti-Semites. 

Christians who love their Lord do need to stay informed about events, but also to continue to dis-invest emotionally from anything political. We may be in this world, but as our Lord made clear, we are NOT "of it" (Jn.17:14).

Thanks for all the wonderful work you do, my friend!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Robert,

Placed within the context of which I address such an issue, of which I know you have not been privy to; some but not all, makes it clear that the central issue is neither political nor social, but spiritual. It's the very reason why I argue against the false premise that "EDUCATION" is the answer to combating anti-Semitism. Both World History and Church History provide substantial evidence of that. I fully recognize that this doesn't PRESENTLY pertain to the vast majority of Evangelicals, but my calling attention is something along the lines of the "warnings of a watchman." There is no doubt in my mind that there are many "Martin Luther's" lurking and festering under the surface, some of whom have neither clue nor thought of becoming such a one. It is the very reason why we are given such exhortations as "guard your heart" and to "pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching." Jeremiah tells us just how potentially wicked and deceptive man's heart is. 

But, what people ultimately become is not birthed in a vacuum. Yes! We are all born into the sin, but in not personally being a 5-point Calvinist while at the same time acknowledging His sovereignty over all things, "Working all things after the counsel of His will," in researching the biographies and writings of such men such as Adolph Hitler and Martin Luther, the Early Church Fathers, along with several Biblical figures, none of them started out as being in what they became. At a younger age I believe had you told them what they would become later in life they would have reacted with as much shock and astonishment as with King David when confronted by the prophet Nathan. 

Ultimately, we will not be judged as groups but as individuals. "What did YOU do?" "Who do YOU say that I am?" Santayana may have said, Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat," but for us, that isn't nearly enough. The purpose of remembering the past is so that we might learn the lessons of the past and apply those lessons going forward. "After all, "For the things that were written in earlier times were written for our instruction..."

Well, lookie here! Here I am, some old guy who reads the Bible lecturing the Professional Lecturer! When I sit down at the keyboard I have this nasty habit of, although, originally intending to write just a couple of lines I look back and suddenly realize that I have almost written the Preface to a minor treatise. It's like that famous phrase from Forrest Gump, "Like a box of chocolates not knowing what you're going to get til you open the box!" So, I will mercifully apply the breaks and end my bloviating. Please know that I very much appreciate your taking the time to provide me with valuable feedback...

Best regards,
Response #2:
Thank you Fred!

I have NO qualms about YOUR ministry – and as stated, I very much appreciate and support the great work you are doing.

I just couldn't let the WP link go unanswered. Better to pull out any actual facts and then quote them. A little leaven leavens the whole lump, after all – and this rag is in the business of leavening everything with lies.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #3:
To the extent that I am able I endeavor to adhere to what I refer to as My 11th Commandment, "Always consider the source," meaning, not relying on second hand information but going right to the source in order to confirm the information or debunking the story.  Aside from that, I would only add that I am quite familiar with Steven Anderson and Rick Wiles and have been over a good length of time and they are quite anti-Semitic, proponents of Replacement Theology from a rather hostile perspective, Holocaust deniers, and tend towards hatemongering.  I am not loose in throwing around the term "anti-Semite" as with many terms these days has been cheapened and almost rendered meaningless due to misuse and overuse.  But, despite how loaded these terms are my attaching them to these two men are without hesitation.
Yes!  There was a bit of leaven interspersed within the article, but the folks I forwarded this to I know and I believe are able to "extract the precious from the worthless."  I recognize this would not be acceptable, even for me, as a well-researched, documented paper to be turned in for a grade; most certainly for a passing grade.  I simply used it to make a point to some and reinforce a point to others.  I do believe this issue will separate the sheep from the goats, that it will separate the true Evangelicals from merely the professing ones.  No!  It definitely cannot be considered as being pervasive within the Evangelical Church, but it is getting through the cracks in the walls of the Church.  I even see it within the Southern Baptist Convention.  

I surf the Internet and FB enough to know that this poison is spreading through various Bible teachers and ministries as my encountering them continues to become more frequent.  And so, I am addressing this issue from primarily a prophetic perspective by bringing the lessons of the past coupled with the prophetic Scriptures as a warning and blueprint for the future.  There is no doubt in my mind that not only will the issue of Israel be the issue of the nations in the last days but the issue of Israel (the Jew) will be the issue of the Church.  It will be the ultimate "smoke out" issue!
Response #3:
Well there's never been any shortage of loons who pretend to be Christians.  In fact there are whole denominations which make this claim.
As to the article, the headline, "How anti-semitic beliefs have quietly taken hold among some evangelical Christians" was particularly galling.  "Some"?  That qualifier is important.  If some is about the same percentage of adult Americans who actually still believe in Santa Claus, then the insignificance reduces the premise to rubbish  – and I expect the percentage is actually smaller.  I don't consider these two you mention "evangelicals" or even Christians, so I deeply resent that anyone I might associate with be lumped with that sort of person.  They are at the very least a very rare exception to the rule.  But the media loves to hype that sort of thing.
Also the WP article online interspersed a couple of statements (links to other things you have to pay for to read) which are made to seem like the author's words and also made to seem as if they will be backed up in the text (they are not); e.g., "Trump calls Jews disloyal, and embraces 'king of Israel' name for himself".  If I were writing for a publication that did that to a piece of mine, I would resign over something like that.  But I guess it's all about the money (what a surprise!).
Keep up the great work for Jesus Christ, my friend!

In Him,

Bob L.
p.s., this ministry, Ichthys, couldn't be more emphatic about the dangers of anti-Semitism (see the link), and that includes "replacement theology" and all other deceptive teachings which fail to acknowledge that the Church is built on a Jewish stock and that we gentile believers are merely grafted into the natural olive tree.  But please DON'T get me started abut the Baptists . . .
Question #4:
Bob L.,

I hope your holidays went well and you've been able to get some rest away from teaching. I can only imagine the energy required to navigate a college semester with the constant changes going on. Thank you for the bibliology study. I finished over the course of December and it was much needed spiritual food.

The past several months have been trying with the attempted coup still ongoing, never ending restrictions, and some tough personal testing. I'm thankful to the Lord God for the peace we have been blessed with these months as well because I fully expected things to accelerate right after the election. It was a time to prepare just a little more before things get ratcheted up some. Which, with the events this week seem likely to happen soon. 

I have also given thanks for all the other Ichthys readers as well. Reading their emails each week and seeing how well they are handling their struggles and testing really gives me courage to face mine with God always in mind. I faced some significant unexpected attacks from a very close Family member toward my faith even though she seems to believe. A lot toward subjects I've never broached with her or tried to discuss with anyone. I got the impression I was the easy target and tried my best to remain calm, diffuse the situations, and offer some nuggets of truth if they seemed they help. In the end it was a struggle to see someone so angry and not at peace with Gods truth and willing to unleash that on loved ones. I have seen similar things have happened to other readers in the emails and it was an encouraging reminder that this is not unusual and even more reason to buckle down and grow spiritually.

It does seem like we are all in a time of testing as individuals and as believers on a sojourn through a world also being tested at the moment. Praise the Lord God for His Word to guide us and the Hope we have in his coming Kingdom. I can't imagine facing these times without the Lord Jesus.

I pray that you and all the Ichthys Readers are safe and protected with whatever may happen in the world soon.

Praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

PS: I may be switching emails soon as I've come to realize I need to separate myself from Google. These past few months have shown they are not to be trusted. Along with everything else in this country. I'll send you an email when I do.
Response #4:
Thanks!

I know your own experience will be a comfort and a solace to other readers as well, my friend – so you are ministering with this email.
[Jesus Christ] from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:16 NKJV

. . . the Head [Jesus Christ], from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
Colossians 2:19b NKJV
Wishing you a happy new year in spite of all!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Sorry for the delay in writing your back Dr. Bob. I did not have internet for a few days. You are welcome dear brother.

My business flatlined after the Covid-19 outbreak. We lost three of our existing clients who did not renew their contracts and no new prospects converted to paying clients. Two clients have not payed us the outstanding sum, citing their own difficulties PostCovid. Thus, I did not make any money in the whole year 2020 - YET The Lord in His Matchless Grace and Mercy has miraculously sustained us with three meals a day with absolutely no income! I am behind on rent for a full year and amazingly we still have not been evicted though persecuted for the same by the Landlord. 

I tried my hand at commodities trading in the interim as the hospitality sector got wiped out and my tours and travel business idea had to be shelved, but that did not take off either after two months of sourcing work as my partner (a relative on Christina's side of the family) could not mobilize enough funds to pay upfront to the wholesalers to transport the commodities to our warehouse for retail sales. I now am doing some real estate deals for some of my non-resident Indian friends and it is my only hope of making some money to pay the bills to inch forward. I am also learning e-commerce Dropshipping which has a relatively low entry barrier to starting an online business given the current economic scenario. Ironically, the evil Indian Government recently banned several Chinese business apps as part of their digital surgical strikes on China and www.Aliexpress.com tops that list, (a leading ecommerce dropshipping company) I am now planning a workaround and trying to open online stores that sell to Americans instead of Indians.

I plan on investing the money that I would make on my realty deals to finance and get this new e-commerce venture off the launchpad God-willing ASAP. I will appreciate prayers for this brother Bob.

All of these aside, I have been quietly laboring in my personal ministry for The Lord on social media. I have been sending scores of folks worldwide to your website in the process and I Thank God for you and Ichthys. Amen. I have been debating with muslim Imams from Saudi Arabia and the gulf nations online and I guess I might have lead a young muslim businessman in the city to Christ in the process as he is in my sphere of influence on Whatsapp. His name is Abdul Muthaliff, son of a very wealthy muslim. He was the only one who wrote back to my rather hardlining pre-christmas heralding post on Facebook and Whatsapp. Please keep him in your prayers. I am also debating cultists especially the roman catholics online and many are reading my posts. People call me a harsh heretic of sorts secondary to my assertive posttribulation stance, but I don't let that bother me one bit. I have lost many friends over the past year, but The Lord has Graciously been adding new brothers and sisters worldwide so I am not the one complaining! Praise God.

I have since locked my profile, 31st December on Facebook and have cut back on my time on social media to get back to in-depth Bible studies to prepare for the coming tribulation. I limit my time to just send out short messages on Whatsapp once or twice a day to my regulars now. I will stop with this brother. As I value your time. We pray for you continually, your step son and lady friend. Give them our warmest regards and wishes.

You have a wonderful day in The Lord.

Much Love

In The Lord Jesus our All
Response #5:
Thanks for the update – although I'm distressed to hear of your troubles, my friend!

I know virtually nothing of business (nothing practical), and even less about modern web-based enterprise. With your clear talents, I'm hoping that as things begin to bounce back you will find a way – God helping you – to right the ship again. I will certainly be keeping you in prayer over this, my friend.

I checked out your general prayer request posted at Ichthys and it is still pretty much right on target.

If you wouldn't mind terribly, I'd like to publish this email you have written me – in the hopes of stimulating more and better directed prayers from others.

Your friend in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
p.s., I've made a mental note to keep your new convert possibility in my prayers as well.
Question #6:
Dearest Bob:

Thank you for writing me back in less than a heartbeat as you always do and are miraculously able to! 

Please feel free to publish everything you deem fit. This is what I wrote on my Facebook page to all my well meaning American friends on the night of what went down at Capitol Hill: 
What folks don't realize with the latest showdown in American politics is that the enemy (antichrist) invariably has to rise to power sooner than later in roughly 3.5 years and his stooges must be at the helm of power worldwide so it will be a smooth transition of sorts; rather understandably so! America is no different and thus Trump cannot be the one to rescue or lead America. Hope you folks get it.... The Biblical Tribulation has to commence soon. The wisest thing to do would be to PREPARE FOR THE SOON-COMING TRIBULATION AND GREAT TRIBULATION! Romans chapter 13 gives us The Mandate. Key verses 11-14.
So you are very welcome Please do not be distressed about my situation as this is the dirt road that I had to take to freedom and liberty in Christ Jesus our Redeemer. As the world's greatest sinner, nothing could have stopped me from becoming the world's greatest failure, mental, moral, and physical. Thanks be to God, He didn't let me rot in my sorrow and die. He has Promised that He will Never Abandon us and Will Come to us. 

Even though I have let Him down by my own poor choices in the past when testing came, I believe He still Believes in my will to fight The Good Fight each time I get up and get back to Work along the road less traveled. I'm just trying to do my best and keep my eyes on the prize ahead knowing well failing forward isn't that bad after all as long as I am inching my way up the Narrow Gate. Someday real soon my race would have been run by Grace and Mercy Alone Praise Him For He Truly Crowns and Felicitates every Overcomer/Victor that makes it to the other side even it means they had to limp, crawl or drag themselves across the bridge into His Waiting Everlasting Arms. This I comprehend truly by Faith operating through His Grace and Mercy Alone. 

Don't worry about not knowing anything about modern online commerce, you don't have to know it all. You already know, believe and teach things that this modern technologically sound world has no clue about! It's way better a Master of Something Worthwhile than being a jack of trivial hauls. Thank you kindly for not removing my old prayer requests as it looks like I would need it in place some more until The Lord Deems Fit to be modified or removed altogether, either way you'll know. I am hoping The Good Lord Will Allow me to send you a stellar Praise Report soon but in His Time as I truly want some considerable material success so I can bless other brothers and sisters who are struggling to make ends meet. Thank you again. I have a good running mate in brother ___ who is the only one who shares in my many travails. We talk almost daily. God Bless His Heart of Solid Gold. 

I have learned to put others first and I don't think much about my situation these days. I want to buy a 20-acre farm God-Willing and start homesteading and get off the grid for good, so I can provide and sustain the Brethren The Lord Chooses to give me to protect and care for in my little Prepper's compound in the mountains by The Western Ghats before and during the tribulation is in full swing soon. I need money for that alone. Amen. 

Brother you don't even have to ask me to publish anything I write to you please feel free to publish everything you feel would help edify the brethren and aide in keeping the correct spiritual perspective when it comes to goal-directed Christian Preparation, as we know it's s an all out war to the finish line, but unlike godless folks without a ray of hope. Praise God. May God The Holy Spirt Truly Be our Sole Counselor Now and into the future. Amen. 

Thank you for praying for the Muslims in my sphere of influence. I appreciate them all with honor and much respect as I know the faithful prayers of righteous men and women and even godly young children Avails Much. You have a Blessed day ahead in The Lord Jesus Christ. 

I am praying for all the brothers and sisters that are regulars and the casuals on the Ichthys website and those that Our Lord in His Matchless Grace and Mercy Has marked out to come in through the door and everyone saved and unsaved in this world as Everyone Invariably Needs The Lord just the same. Amen. 

Thank you kindly for your many prayers and for all the more from other brothers and sisters as you have opened the flood gates now! God Bless you all the more! You are the one who selflessly taught me much of what I know and believe today as my God-Sent Teacher, Mentor and Elder Brother in Christ You will receive your far greater rewards for the fruits of my ministry for the Lord in the short time left. I consider myself highly privileged to learn from a Godly Mentor as your good self. So Thank you brother Bob. I am only being a faithful student with a ton of gratitude and respect for what you have done for the Brethren and that which you do for us today and will do tomorrow through The Power of The Holy Spirit Working through you. 

Lots of Love from all of your beloved family in India as Always. 

Your faithful brother and family in our Matchless Great King Jesus Christ Praying for you and your family and the ministry each day and night. Peace to you brother Bob. 
Response #6:
Thank you, my friend!

I will publish this today. I think it will be very good in particular for my brothers and sisters here in the USA who are – understandably – hyper-focused on recent events here to get a little perspective on the trials our brethren around the world are having to endure. A little political and social unrest is very mild by comparison indeed!

Keeping you in my prayers – and hopeful that you and your family will be receiving some more as a result of this posting.

Thanks again so much for your courageous attitude in spite of all these difficulties – your trust in our Lord regardless of setbacks is a powerful witness for us all, my friend!

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Brother Bob,

Sorry to bother you. I'm actually frightened right now..could I be so far off from God's spirit..I am listening to a group of popular Christian leaders who are encouraging Christians to rise up against the country's decision of putting Biden in office, they are prophesying about a "Godly rebellion" being leashed on even those who don't know Him buy rising up and taking our country back by force..how could I be so..I don't even know how to say it, I don't know what is happening to the church..to truth..I don't even know how to express how confused I am right now..please give your godly advice, I am very confused..I don't see Trump as Gods answer to this country..sorry I can't even mention in Bible study anything that doesn't put him in the best light..I see deception..but I could be the one blind. 

Please pray for me.
Response #7:
Good to hear from you.

As to "Godly rebellion", that is a contradiction in terms, in my opinion. One thing readers of this ministry find out pretty quickly is that I always advise Christians to stay out of politics and away from political action. It goes without saying that anything violent is double trouble. 

I think this current trouble proves my point in spades. Politics is upsetting by its nature, and the more things degenerate in this country, the more upsetting politics will become. Countries cannot be "fixed". Trying to "fix things" via political action is the devil's game – and always has been since his Tower of Babel project (see the link).

As I always say at such times, if believers are really concerned for their country, they ought to make it a point to redouble their efforts at spiritual growth. That is the only godly way to affect what is going on in any nation, namely, by becoming the most savory "salt" possible [link]. God delivers nations . . . for the sake of the BELIEVERS within them, the ones who are doing things His ways (spiritual growth, progress and production through attention to the truth). If there is a large enough " remnant according to the election of grace" (Rom.11:5), then God may very well turn aside otherwise irresistible threats (as when He supernaturally destroyed the Assyrian army in Judah: 2Ki.19:32-37). But if the remnant is small, even the greatest of believers will not be able to deliver the country, even though their own lives are spared (Ezek.14:14-18). Abraham is one of the greatest believers who ever lived, and Lot was a righteous man (2Pet.2:7), but even Lot's righteousness and Abraham's intercession with the Lord couldn't save Sodom and Gomorrah. 

And that is pretty much where this country is today. In a few short years, once the Tribulation has nearly run its course, mystery Babylon will be completely destroyed. Everything we behold will be burned and looted. All the "great things" in which many take pride: the sports stadiums, the skyscrapers, the universities, the movie studios, the libraries, the hospitals, the bridges and tunnels, the cities and towns great and small – all of it. As to the remnant, whatever has survived the Tribulation thus far will have fled according to the Lord's command (see the link). With no "salt" left to preserve it, Babylon's fall will be swift and it will be catastrophic (Rev.18:1ff.).

In the meantime, rather than trying to fix what cannot be fixed via methods that only corrupt and damage the persons trying to do the fixing, I commend spiritual growth, spiritual progress and spiritual production through attention to the Word of God to every believer willing to listen. That is godly. Rebellion is most certainly not.

"I don't know what is happening to the church". This is the era of Laodicea wherein lukewarmness towards the truth is the rule. And whenever the truth is ignored, other substitutes inevitably take its place. A large portion of the church visible (and some portion of the actual Church) has embraced social reform as its purpose, and since this leads to political action, political oppression and political violence, what seems to be an equally large portion of the church visible and Church has been prodded into political reaction – and that has begun to get violent as well. 

What I personally wish to make clear to all believers willing to listen is that the impression that one has to "pick a side" and that there are only these two sides to pick from couldn't be more false. The devil is behind BOTH sides. One can argue about which side is "more right" or "less wrong", but that is missing the point: believers have been called to glorify Jesus Christ – and that can never happen through political action of any kind, much less violent political action.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Dear Professor

Thank you for your Ministry. You have blessed us (through Him whom blesses us with all blessings) with knowledge and encouragement in the truth. I am grateful to your readers contributions for uplifting and instructing me, and for your answers to questions which I can then see are my questions too. Though few in number, I am grateful for the fellowship of believers where we are now living.

Remembering that the Lord also has a remnant of His people in Egypt (as He has in other nations too); Isaiah 11:11, Isaiah 19:18-21; no good comes of seeking an alliance with her, Isaiah 30:1-3. (Spiritual Egypt especially). I had first come to Ichthys with quite different perspectives on the wisdom of political involvement for believers in Christ. Now, thanks to you, I am convinced of the wisdom of staying out of politics altogether in these last days.

The Mormons were big on political involvement. Their founder Joseph Smith, indeed had aspirations to become the President of the USA. Thank the mercies of heaven that he did not succeed! As you have taught, there IS one lurking in the shadows who also has visions of grandeur in bringing ALL to worship - but evil disguised as “good”. Satan could make use of their modus operandis, along with what works in other religions and beliefs.

I can’t help but see types in the character and circumstances of Joseph Smith and the antichrist soon to emerge. [Again, not pointing to one religion only - only the resemblance is striking with the person of JS and the Mormon church. The papering over what they really did and what they really preached, the minimising the evils committed in the name of religion, and the admonition by Brigham Young, his successor, for when the time is ripe, to kill with the sword ANY, who, after been given the opportunity to, do not ENTHUSIASTICALLY vow allegiance to their god!
His methods could be seen as a template of what is to eventuate shortly with the proposed “worship system” demanded by the false prophet (as Brigham Young was also a false prophet - he also taught that Adam is our god- the mormon church have since “clarified “ this previously clear teaching). Mind you, they always have a living “prophet” for today, and not dead ones; adding a corporate machine to conceal (they mean clarify) past erroneous teachings. 
Never mind again; it is the LIVING prophet one has to take note of - and NOT dead ones. Brings to mind Moses and Elijah who will be killed (dead) and the world told by the LIVING false prophet to worship the antichrist.

The Mormons preach that Joseph was an obscure boy who brought the “truth” to the world [we are also on the verge of seeing the emergence of an “obscure” person who later will be revealed as the antichrist]. Mind you JS employed a colourful “elaboration” of his stories (of which he was known for) and the Mormon church has fine tuned and poly tickled to squeaky clean - of which, it is nothing (squeaky clean)of the sort. The stories of his “first vision” have been tinkered with so as the best public presentation has been conjured for impressive display today. This product does not conform to his first reports. Never mind. All has been repackaged to appear that it was his original story. [As I have said, he was known for his story telling].

There were subsequently works done in secret, away from the gaze of the membership of the church. Combine into the mix enthusiastic “slogans” and “saintly hymns” to stir the members up to fever pitch in their “godly cause” (some saw “angels” and all sorts that they were encouraged to “see”).

And of course the monthly fast and testimony meeting, where most have been told at one time or another WHAT a testimony actually is - and once the mantra is established, new adherents know what is expected of them to say and believe so as they do not appear to others not to have a “true” testimony and hence are of any lesser “spiritual status” than other adherents. Why feel left out when all you need to do is pretend you have your own testimony, while it is really a “repeat after me”; without the leaders having to spell it out every month?

Their own History of the Church, shows any discerning reader the impossibility of this religion being anywhere near the truth found in scripture. This “history” record has been “fine tuned” to make it comply to modern sensibilities.

Of course prospective new members usually know nothing about this official church history. Even Mormons born into the faith may never read much or any at all (even the rejigged version). Any long term members who finally come across the official church history are usually so heavily invested by this time that:

“It must be true. I have invested all my time, life, money. I have testified every month to my wife children, congregation, while fasting, to the truth of the Mormon church, pledged allegiance in the temple with the of terrible penalties to myself if I “reveal” them.. The stirring hymns play in my brain again and again. If the formula was not true why would I and all these other millions feel so good. The leaders warn me, on the penalty of revoking my temple worthy recommend and even membership if I persist and do not repent, of the “perils” of entertaining ANY view that is “sympathetic” to “anti Mormon teachings”. It must be true, even if it ISN’T true. I have “felt” something special while I was in the temple.”

I could go on a bit. The indoctrination is now cold calculated. 

“It must be true. I will lose my church family if I leave. It must be true. All these lovely people can not also be wrong/deceived. Institutional security surely? And the “priesthood” will be the only thing that saves us during the Tribulation. [next best thing to an actual pre-trib rapture].” Tribulational security?

They have a “version” of your second of ‘Three false doctrines that threaten faith’ - positional security. Once Saved Always Saved also has conditions on it from a Mormon point of view (though they say only the really bad ones go to hell - a bit “nicer” than ALL unbelievers going to hell. They teach that people can only get to the highest degree in heaven (i.e. with God by abiding in Mormon doctrines until the end). “Nice“ twist on this one.

From Wikipedia:
Carlos E. Asay of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy spoke in the fall 1981 conference concerning opposition to the LDS Church. He describes "Lucifer" as the source of at least some anti-Mormon and apostate groups, relates an experience of a Mormon convert being excommunicated and encourages the avoidance of "those who would tear down your faith":

Since the spring of 1820, Lucifer has led a relentless attack against the Latter-day Saints and their leaders. A parade of anti-Christs, anti-Mormons, and apostate groups have appeared on the scene. Many are still among us and have released new floods of lies and false accusations. These faith-killers and testimony-thieves use personal contacts, the printed word, electronic media, and other means of communication to sow doubts and to disturb the peace of true believers.

Two months ago we received a tender letter from a bishop. He informed us that he had been involved in an excommunication of a recent convert. The new convert had fallen under the influence of a very dedicated apostate who was successful in destroying the convert's testimony. It seems that, to discredit Joseph Smith and subsequent prophets, the apostate cited changes made in Church publications over the years.

The approach used by the apostate is common among those who are more interested in shadows than in light. Their logic, if followed, would have them burning the New Testament because Luke's account of the gospel is not exactly like Matthew's or because the book of Acts reports two differing versions of Paul's vision on the road to Damascus. (See Acts 9:1–9 and Acts 22:4–11.) Belief in modern prophets and continuous revelation is absent in the lives of many apostates. They would pin their hopes for salvation upon things other than those related to living prophets and living faith.

... Avoid those who would tear down your faith. Faith-killers are to be shunned. The seeds which they plant in the minds and hearts of men grow like cancer and eat away the Spirit.[68]
I was still a member at this time. The above is a case for NOT believing living “prophets”, UNLESS you KNOW your Bible and can discern the TRUE living prophets (Moses and Elijah) when they minister during the first half of the Tribulation, and then upon their death and calling up to heaven, to THEN REJECT the LIVING false prophet.]

In my past membership I recall the tone of messages from the Mormon authorities was at all times critical of those who pointed to problems of Mormon “scripture”, but much more probing and searing in one on one personal “worthiness” interviews than this more sedated response in conference where it could be viewed by outsiders.

I know I have sent something like this before. What the false is now conjuring up will be much more persuasive than what the false religious cults are doing and have done in the past. And the blending of all kinds of people into a “great cause” (lots of those parading under various slogans and banners even now) will be too much to resist for most, especially under the duress of implications of not being ENTHUSIASTIC with the crowd.

Yes, us of the lukewarm era of Laodicea DO need to prepare thoroughly for Tribulation soon to come. Sobering to think that a third of TRUE believers, along with much of the world, will embrace antichrist’s religion wholeheartedly. He does have the advantages of observing what works so well in deceiving the “whole” world. I got snared by Mormonism in no small measure by my lack of knowledge and understanding of the scriptures and the false teachers found me before the grace of God that surpasses all understanding granted me an out, and finally, many years later to find your Ministry teaching the truth from the Bible.

“Strange” that Mormons sprout; “He that has been warned, must needs to warn his neighbor”, [EXCEPT not about them!]

From other former Mormons Jerald and Sandra Tanner. Just a sample from their home page of utlm.org
Come on! ye prosecutors! ye false swearers! All hell, boil over! Ye burning mountains, roll down your lava! for I will come out on top at last. I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet...When they can get rid of me, the devil will also go." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, p. 408, 409) [Whole sermon click here.]

— Joseph Smith: founder, prophet, seer, and revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
That NO MAN shall boast! This man does to the point (in my view) of blasphemous words. A reminder of the rebellion and him who leads it against heaven until his allotted time is terminated by our Lord Jesus Christ at Armageddon.

Thank you for the strength you give through your Ministry.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior.

Your student and friend
Response #8:
Yes you have sent me some things on this cult in the past, but this is very valuable too. 

I praise God for delivering you from this terrible cult!

Thanks as always for your great support of this ministry, my friend.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Dear Bob,

I hope all is well with you and yours. Today's questions are, should I understand any connection between Satan sending fire from heaven to destroy Job's flock, Revelation's signs and lying wonders and Elijah's calling down fire in 1 Kings 18?

Also, is the language usage in Job different from the other books of the Bible? I've found the largest difference between the AKJV and NIV than I have in other books. To the point that I draw different understandings from each version of Job. The outlines are the same but the small details have the largest variation in translation.

Along those lines, I've found echoes of Greek tragedy in Job but, if I remember my sketchy history lessons, Greece was no more than warring cities at the time of Solomon. There was no literature to speak of. Is that a correct understanding or am I off in the weeds again? Asked differently, is there any connection between the pathos I read in Job and classical Greek tragedy?

Interesting email post this week. It seems others are recognizing the increasing foreshadowing of the Tribulation. I expect that to continue to intensify. Just as there are many like Job's "friends" running loose today, I expect the people and trends we see today to continue in greater intensity -- to the point I don't think many will recognize the start, even with the signs which will most likely have "scientific" explanations.

Have you heard whether our Australian friends found their land?

Yours in our Lord,
Response #9:
Always great to hear from you, my friend. Hope you had a good Christmas (delightful one here). Our friend is actually in the USA; haven't heard an update in a bit (I'll let you know if I do).

As to the "fire" question, one important thing to note is that the devil has the power and has been given the authority to do things that many might easily believe must be "of God". That will be no small measure of the deception which antichrist and his false prophet deploy during the Tribulation:
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:24 NKJV

He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.
Revelation 13:13-14 NKJV
Hence the great potential spiritual danger of paying more attention to what we see and hear and feel than to what we know in our hearts to be true.

As to Job, the first thing I would like to point out is that while Greek tragedies are fictive works based on mythology, the dialogue between Job and his friends – in addition to the events before and after – actually happened. Second, the language of Job is poetic – it is written in Hebrew poetic form. Poetry is always different in its diction than prose is, and that means that the methods of interpreting it have to take the difference into account. Poetry uses a different vocabulary, a different method of expression (meter), figures of speech (much more so than prose), etc. We may add to this that the language of Job is somewhat archaic. The events took place well before the time of writing (as mentioned, I consider Solomon the probable writer), and the language reflects an earlier time, and that includes the syntax as well. From a prior posting:

The book of Job was written by Solomon (almost certainly), but the events described therein took place much earlier, perhaps in the days of Abraham, give or take a few centuries – judging from internal evidence, significantly Job's age of 140 (Job 42:16) – but definitely after the exodus (the Job 9:13 reference to Rahab's destruction is speaking about the annihilation of the army of Pharaoh in the Red Sea; cf. Is.51:9-10).

Finally, much of the vocabulary of Job is either unique to the book or occurs infrequently in the rest of the Old Testament (the Bible itself constituting 99% of the extent Hebrew of biblical times, with only a few inscriptions to be added to the corpus). The result of all this is that Job is not the easiest Hebrew to read or translated. In many places, the meaning of a word or phrase has to be determined by the context (and different translators/interpreters see things differently).

The interpretation of the book overall also effects translation. After all, if we know what a lacunose, disintegrating letter we found in an old photo album is all about, we will do better in filling in the blanks. In general, Job's "friends" are correct in what they say; they are merely (often) misapplying principles of truth to the specific situation. On the other hand, Job is also correct in most of what he says; but he errs (all too often) in failing to consider that just because he doesn't understand the "why?" doesn't mean that there is not a very good and godly "because" (which of course there is). That is the essence of the book: God's faithfulness and the perfection of His plan even when we may not understand the details – so that we should be careful about judging others and always trust the Lord no matter what happens.

Here are a couple of links on this:
Interpreting the Book of Job
The Book of Job and Christian Suffering
Authorship of Job
Cause of Job's sufferings
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2021 (whatever betides).

In Jesus our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Hi Bob,

Thank you for the explanation. (One of the reasons I have a slanted forehead is from slapping it when I miss the obvious, re your links.) If Job was actually written in Abraham's time, there probably wasn't a Greece per se. Now, I suspect the style came from earlier works -- not the other way around.

I've reached a point where I don't trust much of anything I see, hear or read. Signs and lying wonders are now on television. The "fire in the sky" probably isn't a lying wonder anymore with orbital laser weapons. In fact, headlines are suggesting that the explosion in Nashville was from a directed energy weapon and was a false flag. Of course, that will probably soon be debunked with another theory. But I digress...

While I recognized that Job was poetry, your explanation clears up the difference between AKJV and NIV. I think what I need to do is read side by side and synthesize. Thank you also for your comments on Job's friends, I didn't think they were that wrong but just "rubbing it in." (I recommended reading Job to a neighbor whose husband lost his job after 28 years. I pray I wasn't snarking, if that's the current term. The final chapters of Job, I believe, offer great hope.)

I know what you mean about "lacunose." One of the discrepancies in Job is 15:27 where in the KJV "collops" is used and "bulges of flesh" is used in the NIV. I've always understood collops to be the "pinch an inch" type instead of bulges. Maybe I get too hung up on these things. The overall outline is the same between the versions. Collops is only one example of the discrepancies at the detail level that interrupted my read. The little details can change the understanding.

Ah well, the older I get the more I realize I have to learn.

Christmas here was pleasant, thank you. It's a delight to hear yours was as well. I hope '21 is better for all of us, but I have to admit, I doubt it. I hope your spring semester goes well and enrollment stays up. (A classroom for 120? The echo must have been distracting.)

I didn't realize our friends looking for land were here in the states. (Don't know why I assumed Australia.) They need to listen and be prepared to move to another state if the Spirit directs -- like our other friends from California. But you've already told them that. There is still opportunity out there but sometimes we have to drop our preconceived notions -- just like I had to do!

Stay well and safe my friend. You and yours are in my prayers daily.

In our Lord Jesus,
Response #10:
Again, I suspect that Solomon wrote the book of Job although the events themselves probably took place at a much earlier time (cf. prior links) – along the lines of Moses writing about Adam and Eve (he couldn't do either without the Holy Spirit).

"The little details can change the understanding." Amen! That is why I always point out that a translation IS an "interpretation" – there is no way around that because you have to translate what you "think" the passage "means". However, when it comes to some complicated theological point that the translator does not in fact get, that can result in problems in the translation (KJV is good about being creatively ambiguous at such points – opening the door for many pet theories that in fact the actual Greek or Hebrew will not bear on the face of it). Also, in a book like Job, when there are multiple words in a passage whose meaning can only be conjectured, making them fit and agree can be an issue – and not all translators will do things the same way. For an example (not from Job), in Isaiah 3:14b where the vineyard (Israel) has been bi'ar-ed, translations have "eaten / devoured / ruined / devastated" etc., but ba'ar literally means "burn" – so I would translate "consumed" (since fire does that too); but it's easy enough to see how the powerful analogy can be lost. Translators always have to make choices, and if they don't really understand what they're translating (or only guessing as to the vocabulary as in many places in Job), there will be divergence. 

Glad you had a nice Christmas! Lovely one here (still eating roast beef and have more ham than I know what to do with – will probably eat that too eventually).

Actually, the acoustics in the auditorium are excellent – much better than the smaller classrooms in that building, in fact. So I got by and no doubt will again in spring, God helping me.

There are a number of Australian correspondents whose emails I've posted at Ichthys, and it's not always clear (deliberately) in moving from question to question that we now have a new person, so it's a very understandable mistake.

Thanks for those prayers, my friend! Keeping you in mine as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
Hi Bob,

I read your links. Thank you. Why I didn't look for those in the beginning escapes me – as much as why I was compelled to read Job now though I'm learning much this time through. I see so much that applies to today.

After your explanation, I don't feel nearly as bad about misunderstanding. I also misunderstood many other books and passages as well. I owe you a debt of gratitude for honing my thinking and understanding and pointing out the error of my ways.

I suspect I assumed Australia for your correspondent because of the diction, I suspect. That doesn't change my hopes for them. Prospects will be better in the spring. At least, they always were with me.

I hope your spring semester/quarter is smooth and rewarding. I hope you're getting along with the reduced eye contact. I relied on that a lot when I was on stage. While you're not entertainment, you face similar issues with holding on to your audience, recognizing when an approach isn't working and being able to adjust. Bob, that's why you make the big bucks!

What with all the leftovers, it sounds like you are perfectly positioned for eggs benedict and filled crépes. The ham can be frozen and then sautéed to be served with eggs in the morning, tacos & cheese... Could also be dried or not and used with beans. Leftovers are either a burden or blessing depending on how you see them. But, I rhapsodize.

Thanks for your explanation. Though, from what you've told me, I'm sure there will be even more questions. I wouldn't get my tail in a knot if you told me to check the site! Curiously, I didn't see nearly as much discrepancy when I read Revelation in the KJV and NIV side by side.

Stay well and healthy -- and eat well. Thank you for your prayers. You are in mine daily.

Yours in our Lord Jesus,
Response #11:
You're always most welcome, my friend. I do hope our friends find something soon (it depends on the sale of their home and this is a slow-ish season for home sales in their area).

As to "big bucks", I do see one every once in a while when I'm jogging in Cherokee Park – but that is the only place they've ever appeared to yours-truly in Louisville.

I probably do need to do something with the ham – other than continue to eat too much of it as is. Not much on fancy cooking here. Time and energy has usually departed by the end of the day.

Revelation IS different. For one thing, there are fewer manuscript issues because many of the older codices don't have it (however, Sinaiticus does have it and its readings are often ignored by all versions – so on this one it's best to check the Ichthys translation). Also, John's style is pretty much simple and straightforward. So unless there is a text question, most of the versions will just push through – along the lines of how they handle the other Johannine writings too.

Appreciate those prayers! Keeping them coming from this end too.

Happy new year's eve!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Dear Bob,

Another discrepancy is Job 1:5. KJV says "sanctified" and NIV says "purified." Are these the same original words as I suspect? Which do you think is the more accurate translation? Perhaps they're both the same in the end.

Where did Elihu come from? He wasn't a part of the three friends or at least not recorded as a part? He just seems to appear in 32:2. What did I miss?

Do we know where Uz was situated? East was where in relation to Israel?

36:14 translates in the KJV "Unclean" while NIV translates "among male prostitutes of the shrines." I believe there were temple prostitutes, temple of Aesclepius for example, but this verse seems to support it as common through out the known world at the time. Both translations equal unclean, but KJV includes so much more. What is your translation? As an aside, I wonder how today's nurses relate to that. And how today's doctors relate to the priests of Aesclepius?

I pray all is well with you and yours and Louisville is peaceful. Stay well and safe, my friend.

Yours in our Lord,
Response #12:
The Hebrew verb at Job 1:5 is from the root meaning "holy", qadash. We are to understand that Job offered sacrifice on behalf of his children that their sins might be forgiven. Neither translation catches this, but "sanctified" is better because qadash words and, in Greek, hagios words, are generally rendered by some form of "saint/sanctify" or "holy" words in English.

On Elihu, he clearly accompanied the three and, as he says, he kept quiet . . . until he was no longer able to do so after the other three had had their say with Job. He seems to have been a younger protege of the group; he's not mentioned as "one of the friends" in the beginning or at the end either (when the three are castigated by the Lord). His approach, in my view, shows that less well-trained in the Word individuals are also apt to come to the same conclusion as Job's friends did. Elihu is not as spiritually advanced, even though his zeal for the Lord is obvious – and so does not come in for criticism from the Lord.

As to Job 36:14, the people there are miqdashiym – the same qadash root. It means, literally, "sanctified" or "holy", but this term is used elsewhere in scripture as NIV translates it (Deut.23:18; 1Ki.14:24; 15:12; 22:47; cf. also Gen.38:21-22; Deut.23:18; Hos.4:14), referring to those serving pagan gods.

Uz was in what today is the region where Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Syria share a desert quarter.

Doing fine here – the semi-calm before the storm when classes start up on Monday.

Thanks for your prayers! Keeping you in mine as well, my friend.

In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Hello Dr.,

In your DropBox you should find the following audio file:

The Word of God, revelation pt. 2

Just kicking things back into gear for the new year here, took the last two weekends off for a little R&R around the holidays. Should be interesting to see how things turn out politically this week, although I foresee serious problems either way, (looks like a win/win for the Deep State). I know that there is no human solution to the mess were in, just enjoying the show, it’s better than anything Hollywood can come up with, however, theater just the same. Many are beginning to wake up to the ongoing deception, so, here come the reports of virus mutations and warnings that the real bad pandemic hasn’t even arrived yet. People will fall for it, we’ve always preferred the lie to the truth, and the State knows this very well. Invisible enemies, silent weapons, propaganda, divide and conquer, until the trap springs shut, they know what they are doing, but we know who wins in the end. So I’m at peace, as I’m sure you are.

How are you Sir? Hope you had a pleasant holiday season. I’ve got you in prayer here daily.

All the best,

Rev.22:20
Response #13:
Thanks for the latest MP3 – uploaded and test fine.

I took a good deal MORE than a couple of weekends off. Just getting back into things now on the uni front, as a matter of fact. Got my three hardest syllabi (and the Covid/hybrid schedule) worked out, so the rest of the week won't be too difficult. Still don't know exactly what's waiting for me next Monday. Enrollments are not too bad, but we'll have to see how many actually made a habit of showing up regularly in person this spring (that was a real problem last semester, some classes more than others). 

Also, KY Covid cases spiked to an all time high the day before yesterday. I have one elderly student who didn't come to class because of Covid last semester (kept up pretty well on his own) who's trying to get to the front of the line for vaccination with hopes of being on campus. For most of my students for whom it's a concern, they'll have to wait quite a while, it seems. I do have a number with serious medical issues but it's not clear to me at this point that KY has gotten that all figured out and straightened out yet. We (faculty and staff) have been told that vaccination is highly encouraged but not required. Of course they said that at first about flu shots too. Many uncertainties ahead. They had the cameras and mikes in place for remote teaching in October, but I've still not heard a word about getting them actually operational, married up to the computers in class or with some link up for laptops. One more level of daily complication if they do, so I'm not shaking the tree on this one. We'll see what NEXT Monday brings. I was able to stay away from campus for the entire extended break. Think I'll have to go down one day this week to make photocopies. I sure hope we don't go into some "national lockdown" that forces me into all-remote teaching. Doing that for an entire semester would be a very hard row to hoe.

Good observations about the state of things as always, my friend! And I love your attitude: truly, we believers don't have to be overly concerned about any of this. God has our back. He is always faithful. Our kingdom is not down here in any case, not being "of this world" just as we are not. We have a hope and a focus on the things above not the things below, no matter how "interesting" it gets down here. Always good to be reminded of THAT. Thank you!

I'm doing fine. Trying to lose a little weight (seems the knees are demanding it). On that score, I've been relatively good and disciplined all year long!

Wishing you a very happy new year!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
p.s., thanks much for those prayers! Keeping you guys in mine daily as well.
Question #14:
Reading new book (I've also meet him), from Dr Tom Horn. "The messenger". about an asteroid (Apophis) wormwood of revelation mid point in the tribulation. Says he was taken to heaven, was shown things; asteroid to arrive April 15, 2029. That puts beginning of tribulation at April 2025. He correctly predicted a year in advance that pope Benedict would resign. He did this live on tv Sid Roth show. 
Response #14:
Good to hear from you.

I think even without much consideration, any believer who has even read the Bible would be able to look around and see that things cannot continue as is for a great deal longer. So the Tribulation must be relatively close.

My own calculations on this are very simple, based upon adding two thousand years (the two Church Age millennia) to the most likely date for the crucifixion and resurrection (33 AD), to get the year of the second advent. Subtracting seven years for the Tribulation yields 2026 as its start year. But it's also important to point out that it is the fall cycle of festivals in the Jewish calendar that symbolize the second advent (the spring cycle symbolizes the cross – hence it occurred at Passover time). So I take the "half hour of silence" at Revelation 8:1 to be a six month delay to put the seven years on a fall to fall basis (scripture is very clear about the length of the Tribulation; see the link).

As to the "wormwood" asteroid, I assume we are talking about the third trumpet judgment of Revelation 8:10-11 which makes a third of the world's fresh water undrinkable. According to the way I interpret these judgments, that will take place over a three month period beginning roughly two years into the Tribulation (see the chart at the link). The seventh trumpet judgment is and is coterminous with the Great Tribulation which occupies the final three and a half years.

Finally, I've never been "taken to heaven". The apostle Paul was. But there are no more apostles (not since John's demise in ca. AD 68). I can't speak to popes (and honestly have no interest in them), but I do have an immediate skepticism regarding anyone who claims their interpretation of any scripture was given to them directly by God. God gave us the Bible. That is the source of all the truth we need until Jesus returns.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2021, my friend!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Thanks. I knew you'd enjoy what I was reading. All through the book he was pushing pre trib rapture. Don’t understand how they push that, with all the messages lord Jesus gave us, all the heads up not to be deceived. Thank you for your service, your Insight, friendship, and truth , a guiding Light through murky water.
Response #15:
My pleasure!

I'd LOVE to be raptured rather than have to go through the Tribulation!

That, however, is NOT the plan of God.

It's better to know and accept the truth than it is to blind oneself with the dope of falsehoods.

Thanks for all your good words, my friend!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Things have come full circle.

I was teaching bible classes, filling in
Pulpit for Methodist church, but in my
Class I was teaching some 20 years ago
That one day soon , we would come full
Circle and during end times, hold bible
Classes or real church, back in the homes 
Where we started. 
The great apostasy, OWO, Democrats ;
Giving half a chance and you’ll see what they will do. We are now seeing it, the 
Man made crisis pandemic has opened the
Door for such occasion for the Democrat to
Act quickly. First thing out the gate , close
Church . 
Now Democrats in full power look out.
Current Popes liberal ideas , things are
Coming more and more perverse and evil.
Church will continue to cave, weaken, bow 
To world order and obey . Church the larger institutions will conform or 
Compromise . Want Truth the real biblical 
Truth, the small church out of reach of the
Institutional hierarchy, or The home church. Your site and teaching of the living 
Word is and will be a beacon to the truth.
Arnold Murray said during the end times;
Truth will be the pastor . 
Your friend,
Response #16:
Thanks for your good words!
And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. “Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand."
Daniel 12:9-10 NKJV

If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.” This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.
Revelation 13:10 NIV

"I look for your deliverance, LORD."
Genesis 19:18 NIV
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Bob!

Just heard on the news about what is happening over there in the US at the Capitol Building!

Hope you and your family and loved ones stay safe!

God bless and keep you all safe and well,

In Jesus,
Response #17:
Thanks 

I'm VERY far away from D.C. (however the distance is being measured).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Bob,

I've just had news that my cousin was in a car accident tonight, a side on collision on a motorway on a slick and icy road. Ironically he was driving very slow and someone driving fast skidded and then ploughed into the side. Miraculously he has only had a bit of whiplash probably some bruising and mainly shock. He is in his early twenties.

Please pray that this opens his eyes and his heart to the truth. He (Peter) is not a believer and his parents are worldly Catholics. Please pray that Peter and his family come to Jesus in faith. Life is always hanging by a fine thread, I hope they see this. I hope the whole family seeks an answer to mortality and sin away from the heresies of the Catholic Church and the enemy's worldly system.

Again, completely came out of the blue so we haven't processed it properly. He had only recently recovered from Covid too. I guess youngsters think they are invincible..

God has protected him but maybe He was trying to get his attention? A wake up call?

Things had just settled down here for a few days too. Like I said though, he is alright but the car is probably a right off. He was too shocked to drive back so his mum drove the car back so maybe it is salvageable. All still in shock!

In Him,
Response #18:
I have and will say prayers for Peter.

I know for a fact (from much personal experience and also observation) that the Lord does use events such as this (and what has happened to your sister too and to ___ too) to get people's attention. Precisely how to interpret these events has to be left to the person experiencing them, but we know that God is working things for good – even if we don't know how or when people will react to His intervention. That is certain.

Wishing you spiritual success on all fronts in 2021, my friend!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,

I hope you are doing well and had a nice Christmas and New Year.

We managed to weather the storm, the fiery trial. People have noticed how I handled it and have commended me for my strength and kindness..I have told everyone I can that it wasn't me but God who was doing it all. I have insisted this and yet my testimony has been refused by people and this has distressed me a great deal. I will continue to pursue the "witness of the life" but if they refuse the witness and say it is only because I am a "good person" naturally, what then!?

I have to admit that I flopped just before Christmas and I ended up slipping back into worldly things again like watching tv and listening to the radio and I know I should have kept up with my study. I felt very exhausted though and needed to regroup but I also realised that this is a perfect time for Satan to attack again, whilst the troops recover from battle. He was trying to lure me back in sneakily so I think I need to up the ante again now that I have had a break.

I read in your last emails that someone was struggling with family and I could really relate. Please let them know that they are not alone with these types of things. On the whole I manage to muddle through with mine now. Despite everything, I love them a great deal and recently I have been upset about how they will handle the Tribulation? If it was just my own suffering, I feel I may be able to cope but seeing loved ones suffer and struggle will be unbearable. 

I can relate a great deal to Romans 9:3. Sometimes I cry about this too.

I have tried to reach out to old friends and evangelise. They seem curious and open but the news is not good. Another old friend tangled up with the occult and this time it is hypnotism. Why oh why are they seeking out all this weird crazy stuff but refuse adamantly to read the bible? Is it because the occult and new age promises self deification? Is that the main draw for people?

I feel like I am living in a horror film like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and everywhere I look I see an occultist, new ager, witch or Freemason. It is truly horrifying. I have to say I have spent many a night crying my heart out over it. I feel like I am crying 70% of the time these days.

Reading also in the emails: who was the prophet who thought he was the only believer left? I guess I feel like that at times and if enough of your readers feel like that then it shows that there is enough of us around albeit scattered amongst the tares. I guess that God wants it this way so there is more opportunity for His light to reflect off us over a greater area. Lots of lights scattered around in the darkness rather than all the lights together in one small community. I know this gets really tough on us in terms of fellowship but at the same time, this is obviously designed perfectly by God.

My friends that were tempted into witchcraft..they are hotly pursuing a music career. Like me they were originally conspiracy theorists and they know all about the Freemasons and how you have to be in and work for the devil to really get ahead. They know all this and have said that they will never do this. However, I've just seen their latest promotion and one of them is making Masonic hand signs in a photo and doing a pose that mocks Jesus our Saviour on the cross! I can't believe it! This is the third person I know who has gone out of their way to mock Jesus specifically to advance their career! I feel sickened to my stomach over this. I don't feel that I can carry on with them for much longer. I was hoping to witness to them gradually but now I feel as though they are deceiving me and joining up with satan's side!

I don't want to seem paranoid but why I'm I surrounded by devil worshippers?! I read through your other emails and I don't see other Christians being surrounded by such obvious flat out rebellion against God! Is it because I have been such a bad judge of character in the past or that I have come to faith so late in the day? Am I younger than your other readers and this is a generational thing?

It's becoming a thing. I know several others who are going the pagan/ witch route too. I guess they were all best described as atheist/ secular/ artsy before but now they all seem to have embraced the dark side for some reason. I wonder whether they really believe in it or think it is real or whether it is just a fashion or an affectation..

I have to say that I find it all profoundly disturbing and sort of feel a mixture of bewilderment and numbness when I consider their position and eventual direction. Sometimes it's like "pinch me or punch me" is this really happening?

I know the tribulation will be a wild ride but sometimes a part of me gets overwhelmed by how shocking this all is: fallen angels, the occult and the end times. If I am still this shocked in theory, how am I going to cope with the practical?

I feel shell shocked at times and I'm sorry to say that I dearly wish that myself, my family and all I care for do not have to witness the antichrist and his foul supporters and the destruction of the earth as we know it. I can see that everyday it gets more and more evil but a part of me hopes it's all a bad dream that I will snap out of.

This isn't a lack of faith in God but a fear that I will buckle under the horror of it and be wiped out by fear alone. I guess this is a faith issue then. Will continued spiritual growth take the fear away?

Sometimes this is way too much alone to chew over without also having people I love clamour for the vaccine and martial law. It's not surprising at times I dread turning the bedding back in the mornings and getting up to see what the next day will bring. I am determined to build a ministry though and support others in Jesus so I am not so eager to leave here that I will meet our Saviour empty handed. I realise that we are one year closer to the tribulation now but also one year closer to Jesus' great return!

I wrote this as a draft yesterday and now I am reading the Moody commentary on the Old Testament and it has since bucked me up to get back into the fight again. I guess I spent too much time resting and got flabby but now I need to get back in the saddle again!

In Jesus,
Response #19:
It was a great time here! 

Please don't beat yourself up about relaxing a bit. There's a nice place of balance between zero and too much when it comes to all of these sorts of things. And we all need to let down a little after periods of intensity. The trick is to ramp up quickly again when that's appropriate without letting the "let down" become a pattern or a pit it's hard to crawl out of.

Physical geography and also cultural geography do matter when it comes to the frequency of the negative influences you mention. My sense is that in general it's worse in the UK than in the US, and worse for the younger generations than the older ones. That said, I'm sure that London has nothing on LA and SF and NYC here in the USA when it comes to these sorts of things, and I can also vouch for the fact that people who have latched onto crazy pursuits, cults and religions come in all age sets. It's only a matter of degrees. It's no doubt part of His plan that you are a light to these sorts in your own areas.

Brilliant point about God spreading His lights around rather than having them all in a single, small place! I'd never thought of it quite that way, but it is a great encouragement to hold onto that perspective, especially for those who feel that their "little light" is shining solo.
Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Philippians 2:14-16 NKJV
We are all in this together – and will stand together as one in resurrection when the Light of the world returns.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L. 
Question #20:
I'm sorry to be such a moaner in my last email. Instead I want to tell you something that I know that you would love to hear! When I was looking after ___ and things looked really bleak and he was in great pain and suffering, I recalled Peter's Epistles on suffering and your series on it which I had very recently been studying.

What I tend to do is to read over your studies alongside reading the letter and then make my own summary notes on your study. I then read over these notes a few times after reading over your study a few times and then finally I make a video which summarises the summary. I find this technique works for me and helps me to deeply learn from what I have read more than just reading alone.

So when things were really hard and I was being tested: I realised that it was exactly how it is written in these letters and so I applied this understanding to the trial I was in and leaned on the Holy Spirit for all of my understanding. I was in prayer a great deal and I have to say that I have never felt closer to God in all my life than when I was going through the worst of my trial. At moments it was almost as though face to face with God. 

It's wonderful to know that when things look bleakest and our suffering seems to be unbearable, if we seek Him then, He will be closer to us then than ever before. So it really can be a joy even at the height of suffering as we have never been closer to God than at that moment!

Indeed I think it more dangerous for a believer not to have suffering as a person can become complacent and the weeds can choke inwards and we could find that terrible day when we don't seek His face at all! That is a fate far worse than any suffering in the flesh than any of us will ever endure!

I hope this is great comfort to you Bob as it is for me!

Many thanks again for your tireless work! I hope it encourages to hear how it guided me during my recent trial and helped me to grow in faith and closer to Jesus Christ. I hope to one day mature in faith and be a blessing to others on their walk just as you have been a blessing to me and countless others!

In Jesus,
Response #20:
What a wonderful testimony!

You always give me great encouragement by the stalwart way in which you are running such a good race for Jesus Christ!

Apropos of your wonderful and true comments about the need for suffering, I'm reminded of this passage:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
2nd Corinthians 1:3-7 NKJV
And of course, as we grow, like Paul, we learn how to cope with whatever comes our way:
(12) I know how to handle humiliation; I also know how to handle prosperity. I have learned by experience in each and every way how to handle being abundantly provided for and being impoverished, being in prosperity and being in a state of deprivation. (13) I have the strength to endure all [extremes] in the One who empowers me to do so.
Philippians 4:12-13
Keeping pressing for the upward goal my friend (Phil.3:14)!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #21:
Hi Bob,

I hope you had a good holiday season. We’re safely/happily back from LA now. It was great seeing our kids and their kids, and now it’s great being home in TN. The Lord has blessed us in calling us here and we’re watching Him orchestrate things into place re community, etc. 

So much of our non-musical lives has had us surrounded by, befriending and ministering to worship leaders, Christian musicians, etc - and w so many clear and obvious signs and timing coordinations to lovingly uproot us out of LA after 48 years, it’s clear to us why we’re here. And as I assure our friends still in LA - the only place any of want to be is exactly where the Lord wants us. 

I’m on the board of a solid ministry in India and one early trip was one month after 9/11. I think we were perhaps the only Americans then traveling into the Muslim overrun city of Hyderabad. We had great peace in knowing we were going where He wanted us. 

Re: last breath conversions - I've Been many times blessed to be involved in more than several such events - from an ornery Jewish accountant who dies two days after praying w me, to my Jewish dad’s closest long term friend on His very deathbed. By His grace I’ve seen way too many to think that His desire for the salvation of our loved ones is less than our desire for them. Take heart! 

As you well state the upcoming days will be the darkest and most troubling but also the days of the greatest outpouring of His spirit, resulting in Kingdom population. 

I love the Isa 60:1-2 prophetic contract deep darkness and meanwhile light upon His followers. Like Isa 30 - we see the indignation of God and the collapse of Assyria and meanwhile the Saints are prophetically worshipping w tambourines and flutes as if they were standing a festival. Spectacular holy dichotomy! In His timing. Do keep praying for those loved ones. 

Over the years I’ve been called into and thus semi-obsessed w the “timing magic” of God’s plans, from Eccl 3 to the Issachar prophecy of Jacob and that tribe’s warfare credentials in the Hebron caves, to Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey - the mascot/emblem of the tribe of Issachar per that Jacob-prophecy. I’ve petitioned the Lord to set my clock to His clock. I’ll attach a quick pic of one great timing kiss the Lord provided for us as we moved to TN. These are great times. 

Blessings to you in 2021.
Response #21:
Thanks for the update, and the testimony!

True words: it will be a blessing and an encouragement to witness the ministry of the two witnesses as well as the calling out and the ministry of the 144,000. And it will be important for believers at that time to keep those good things in sight in the midst of all the troubles.

Wishing you and your family a great 2021 as well!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #22:
Revelation 6:14-17 (NASB) 14 The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; 16 and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

These verses make it sound like that when the sky splits apart like a scroll, humanity will be able to see the Father (i.e. "the presence of Him who sits on the throne"). In verse 17, it also says "their" wrath indicating that Him who sits on the throne is distinct from "the Lamb" (i.e. Jesus Christ) who is standing during the Tribulation not sitting like the Father (cf. Revelation 5:7). 

Also it says, Revelation 19:11 (NASB) 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.

Finally, Steven had seen a similar event of the sky splitting apart like a scroll: Acts 7:55-56 (NASB) 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

All in all, do you read this passage in the same way: the veil guarding the third heaven opening up when Jesus returns, effectively exposing the heavenly realities behind it in addition to all the astronomical events concomitant with Jesus' return? 
Response #22:
This description applies to various times and events as you note, the ultimate one being the destruction of the old heavens and earth and their replacement with the new at the end of history (e.g., Rev.20:11). You are correct that the present cosmos is essentially a veil – flesh and blood cannot see the glory of God and live. That veil protects us from destruction which the visitation of God would bring, but also preserves the genuineness of the free will choices human beings make while in this world. When the end comes, the last judgment will follow. The other major application of this description is at the second advent – and of course all eschatological events often have double fulfillment (because of prophetic foreshortening [link]). When the Lord returns, there will be seven major judgments, parallel to the last judgments at the end of the Millennium. Steven's vision was a warning, and the contemplation of these same matters – the coming of the Lord Himself – ought to fill everyone with awe and produce a proper godly response:
See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:25-29 NKJV
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #23:
Hello,

Happy New year Doc. I hope the Lord is keeping you safe over there just as he has seen us through the difficult year of 2020, may his grace abound on you.

Thank you so much for the Bibliology section, I just finished it now and it's quite educative on the word of God.

Now I see the word of God in human history, that it suffers subject to human interpretation that men can twist it to suit their own wish. This has caused Christianity to have a lot of divisional churches, I know it can and it's Satan's agenda to blind the truth. Children follow their parents to where they gather and grow up in such teachings whether true or false ones.

What do you think we as Christians can do to penetrate those groups or individuals who are taught by their late leaders not to listen to any teaching from what some of them call Christendom demonic influenced teachings, they are the only right guys out there where God is concerned?

This brings a second question where some great men of God in church history like mentioning William Marion Branham ,if you ever heard of him. This man here has caused what I can call ' cult groups' with his strong teachings which he called Revelations, where he taught in his "missing link" that Satan lay and married Eve and gave birth to Cain who is now called serpent's seed. Anyway, what good did the me n of God find in his teaching that he remained in their mouths?

Now here, they are even teaching that he is the anticipated Messiah to the gentiles and Jesus to the Jews!! I'm getting sick!

Happy New year again,

In Jesus our Lord and savior, 
Response #23:
As to "What do you think we as Christians can do to penetrate those groups or individuals", our Lord told us most emphatically not to cast pearls before swine. I wouldn't exempt those who follow false teachers from responsibility. Ultimately, those who accept lies love lies – that is why they are following the false teachers in the first place. Take the RC church, for example. How did it get to where it's gotten? By rejecting the truth. And what about those who are members of that "church"? They have ample opportunity to see that it is a tapestry of lies. And if any single one of them was/is ever desirous of seeking out the truth, God has always provided the chance to do so. As I often have occasion to remark, the shortage of genuine teaching of the truth today is intimately connected to a shortage of interest on the part of Laodicea.

As to Branham, I've heard of him before, but I have precious little time to spend on false teachers – I leave that to my brothers and sisters gifted and called to apologetics.

The weird, false doctrine that wants to make Cain the devil's son is dangerous . . . and certainly NOT biblical. For it says in Genesis:
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
Genesis 4:1 KJV
This is clear in the Hebrew and in every English translation of it. And I frankly do not know how the Bible could have made it more clear that Cain was the son of Adam as well as of Eve.

To be blunt, people who are not, in fact, interested in the truth are always very attracted to lies instead. It's a fact that where there is a vacuum of truth, lies are naturally sucked in. So by lukewarmness, the keynote characteristic of our present church era of Laodicea, we are not saying that people are not "interested" in things having to do with the Bible or "spiritual" matters – just that they are resistant to doing the hard work of actually learning, believing, applying and living the actual truth of the Word of God. And that does lead to pursuing "other things", politics and false teaching, e.g.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
2nd Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV
Thanks for your good wishes – happy new year to you and yours too, my friend!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #24:
 Hi Dr. Luginbill,

I’m not sure why never put two and two together and understood it that way. Thanks for all your help, you’ve made me feel quite a bit better (as usual). I hope you have a great Christmas Day and a Happy New Year. 

Thanks again,
Response #24:
You're most welcome!

Christmas was grand. Wishing you a wonderful 2021 – or at least a better one (that wouldn't be hard!).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #25:
Hi Dr. Luginbill,

The question I had meant to ask was regarding this book:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51SX6H5MCNL._SX300_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Anyone who dare impugn the noble King James must be a scoundrel guilty of the severest blasphemy! After all, King James is mentioned on the very first page of the Bible: "Great and manifold were the blessings, most dread Sovereign, which almighty God, the Father of all mercies, bestowed upon us, the people of England..."

I'm being sarcastic, but I noticed that the author, David Bergeron, is an English professor at the University of Kansas. The distance between the University of Kansas and the University of Louisville is mere day's journey by automobile. So of course you must know this fellow, or at least that's what my powers of deduction were telling me at the time.

The question I had wanted to ask your opinion of (before I fat-fingered the Send button) was regarding the authenticity of Bergeron's claims, namely that King James (1566 - 1625) was in fact homosexual or bisexual, or at least was at some point during his reign.

I've since accepted these claims as legitimate - although my King James Only brethren may feel differently.

Nevertheless, his wonderfully trenchant assessment of Calvinism (on record at the Synod of Dort) has earned Mr. Stuart my respect and admiration:

This doctrine is so horrible, that I am persuaded, if there were a council of unclean spirits assembled in hell, and their prince the devil were put to the question either to all of them in general, or to each in particular, to learn their opinion about the most likely means of stirring up the hatred of men against God their Maker; nothing could be invented by them that would be more efficacious for this purpose, or that could put a greater affront upon God's love for mankind, than that infamous decree of the late Synod, and the decision of that detestable formulary, by which the far greater part of the human race are condemned to hell for no other reason, than the mere will of God, without any regard to sin; the necessity of sinning, as well as that of being damned, and fastened on them by that great nail of the decree before-mentioned.

All that aside...Our previous exchange (at Thanksgiving) was concerning the idea that Satan had, in Genesis 6, corrupted the human genome. I was speculating that the Fall of Man itself was a DNA-corrupting event. This idea is consistent with the Serpent Seed interpretation of Genesis 3, but does not require that interpretation. DNA corruption is still clearly a strategy of the devil: warranting destruction by flood in Genesis 6 (Nephilim), and exorcism by our Lord Jesus in Luke 13 (daughter of Abraham bound by Satan eighteen years).

In this context I was inquiring about the spiritual dangers of modern DNA editing and cloning. More to the point, what exactly are the spiritual dangers of meddling with DNA in general and transhumanism in particular? Are we not heading down the same Genesis 6 road by altering DNA to produce bodies and minds that extend and expand the performance and abilities of humans? Can such efforts be used to create antichrists, or the Antichrist?

In The Dichotomy of Man (https://ichthys.com/3A-Anthro.htm) you distinguish between spirit, that which God breathed into Adam; body, that which receives the breath of God; and soul, an inappropriate term for the entire person often confused with some third element or tertium quid of humanity.

Matthew 10 could then be translated "And do not fear those who can kill your body, but are not able to kill your self (psyche). But fear rather the One who is able to destroy both your self (psyche) and your body in hell."

This seems to allow for the possibility that a righteous Nephilim could be saved. If the spirit is distinct from the body - however corrupt that DNA may be - even a chimera of the most grotesque constitution may become a Christian. Why then the flood? Or does our DNA also affect our spiritual disposition, even to the extent that not one Nephilim feared God?

Thanks again for ichthys.com and all the best for 2021.

In Christ,
Response #25:
As to King James, I have seen reports that at the very least make me wonder. But that is a historical question without any biblical relevance. The translation that bears his name is a good one, but certainly not perfect (he did not translate it himself, of course). I don't know this other professor – I don't even know all of the very numerous English profs in the Louisville area (I'm in Classics: Greek and Latin)!

As to "righteous nephilim", not even genuine human beings are "righteous". No one is "righteous" except God. We who have been washed by the blood of Christ are considered "righteous" by the Father . . . through faith.
And [Abraham] believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Genesis 15:6 NKJV
Messing with DNA is, in my view, another of very many "tower of Babel" technological efforts of man (often inspired by the evil one) to fix and manipulate the world. The world cannot of course be fixed, and the degree to which creatures are allowed to manipulate the world is restricted by God (as in His confusion of human language which ended the devil's tower of Babel conspiracy) or the flood (which wiped out the nephilim).

Believers may have opinions about such things, but as individual followers of Christ we cannot do anything about them – any more than we can do anything about politics or historical trends. We can observe and draw spiritual lessons from what we see, but it's a mistake to get involved in crusades for or against. 

In terms of technology in particular, my counsel is always to avoid the two extremes. On the one hand, we don't want to have anything to do with promoting or excusing things which seem to us to clearly go "beyond and out of bounds"; on the other hand, there's not profit in being a Luddite and refusing to take advantage of available technology to live peaceful lives of service to Jesus Christ. This ministry could not have existed in its present form when I started to prepare for it since there weren't even personal computers yet, let alone any internet.

It is certainly true that technological advances lead to special ethical problems for Christians. I would personally be averse to anything that messes with my own DNA, but I also would not set that down as any kind of marker for others (for example, some procedure that could cure some child of a dread disease). These are personal decisions which must be made in faith either way (Rom.14:23b).

What role DNA manipulation plays in Satan's plans, near-term and during the Tribulation, whether regarding antichrist and/or other demon spawn, scripture of course does not say. But we know very well the outline of the devil's plans, and we know that the things prophesied will indeed take place, including, blessedly, the total defeat of the evil one and all his forces, seen and unseen, when our dear Lord returns – having already won the victory of victories at the cross.
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Colossians 2:15 NIV
In Jesus Christ the Savior of the world.

Bob L.
Question #26:
"As to King James, I have seen reports that at the very least make me wonder. But that is a historical question without any biblical relevance."

Agreed.

Great analogy. This modern tower of Babel - transhumanism - has been under construction from Julian Huxley to Elon Musk. What's happening today with DNA editing is unparalleled - aside from the Biblical example of the Nephilim.

Yes, there are different opinions here. I used to fellowship with the Old German Baptist Brethren (OGBB) in rural Washington State. Think of Amish in minivans. They're a non-resistant group (not to be confused with pacifists); their sons are registered as such with the Selective Service. It was the best Christian community I've ever seen. Unfortunately, they've split (at least once) over the past decade. I remember the Internet being a very divisive issue.

This is precisely the issue I'm wrestling with. There must be a point where a human, having his DNA altered to such an extent, becomes no longer human. Is this what happened with the Nephilim? There are two possibilities: either a) the Nephilim were still human, or b) they were no longer human. This is what was driving my soteriological question regarding whether or not a Nephilim could be saved.
Response #26:
The nephilim were constructs of demonic intervention. For all of God's creatures who draw breath, it is He who gives them their spirit at birth (e.g., Ps.104:29; Eccl.3:21) just as is the pattern with human beings (Eccl.12:7; Is.42:5; Zech.12:1; Acts 17:24-25; cf. Job 34:14). God was under no obligation to provide a spirit to these monstrosities when they came to birth. 

Whether or not He did, or how they continued to exist if He did not (possession?) is a question scripture does not answer. They fall into a category similar to cloned animals (no human beings have been cloned so far to the best of my knowledge). I don't know much about the subject, to be honest, but I have read that the personalities of cloned animals are not the same as those from which they are cloned. The Bible of course has nothing to say about this directly, but in my opinion it's just basic "spiritual common sense" to steer clear.

p.s., The cloned animals have the same DNA – but different personalities, i.e., not the same "spirit". That tells me all I need to know about the issue: it's the indestructible spirit that's important, and, for human beings, the decisions we make with/by that spirit (not our physical bodies) that really matter.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #27:
Hi Bob and thanks the reply.

Just to summarize...

§ Demonic intervention in human genetics resulted in corrupt hybrid-human creatures described as Nephilim in Genesis 6

§ God may or may not have endowed the Nephilim with a spirit. If any were truly human, they were not precluded from God's grace and salvation through Christ

§ As to whether or not they possessed a soul, that's a misguided question since the whole person, or one's "self", is synonymous with "soul"

Given these suppositions, I'd like to propose the idea that modern man has the technology and the predisposition to alter human DNA with similar goals, if not by similar means, as demonic efforts seen Genesis 6. I think we can infer from human nature that modern man's efforts will be marked by malevolent intent and moral abandon. In fact, we have evidence that the VMAT2 gene (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_gene) has been suggested by geneticists as a way to quell terrorism by genetically altering the DNA of religious fundamentalists. We also have evidence of the military breeding Super Soldiers and other genetic experiments.

In society, it sure seems like we're being conditioned for this kind of transhumanism. The leaders of this world (the media, governments) have been lowering bar for membership in the "person" club for some time. For example, the push toward fluid gender - male, female, whatever - it doesn't matter. Even human rights are seemingly transferrable: you can be an elephant in the New York zoo, or an orangutan in Argentina and claim human rights (at least your attorney can).

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/22/lawyers-argue-happy-the-elephant-should-have-the-same-rights-as-humans

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-30571577

All such folly aside, the point is that modernity is not going to object to a narrative inspired by the Nephilim. Some may seek it. Others might weaponize it. The atomic bombing of Japan is no more a stretch of morality than genocide by corruption of the DNA of your enemies. Biological warfare, and bioweapon labs, have been around since 1943.

Here's where I'm going with this. Just as the Nephilim were manipulated genetically and became a wicked race, what's preventing unsuspecting citizens of rogue nations from being reduced to something less than human by genetic manipulation? Where on the continuum of humanness between Adam and Nephilim do we lose our receptiveness to God? Conversely, can genetic manipulation make us not only less inclined toward God but also more inclined toward evil?

Matthew 24 is evocative of such a fate: "But as the days of Noah were [surrounded by genetically-modified freaks], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be"

I think we're seeing the world (i.e. both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond), being hoodwinked into transhumanism under the pretense of survival. What we think in our foreheads and what we practice in our right hands - in an effort to save our genetically modified skins - is going to land us on the wrong side of Genesis 13.

In His mercy,
Response #27:
I certainly wouldn't want to minimize any of the things you relate as presently occurring or capable of happening in the near future. I think this is just one of MANY areas of "developments" in the world, cultural, economic, political, technological, medical, religious, etc. where it's difficult for any godly Christian to see how (or why) God would/could let it all go on much longer. And I think that is a fair assessment. If God had allowed the Tower of Babel project to continue, a one-world society wherein there was no longer any opportunity to seek Him would have been cemented in place (see the link) – which is why He up-ended that conspiracy. If the flood hadn't come when it did, all true humanity would have been irredeemably corrupted. Similarly, during the Tribulation things will get SO bad that it's not just the matter of choice that comes into danger but the survival of anyone at all:
"If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened."
Matthew 24:22 NIV
During the days of the nephilim, indeed it is very likely (as I have suggested) that these "super" individuals were sought out for their qualities, irrespective of their godless nature. So what you suggest as a possible embracing of such horrific activities would not surprise me in the least. 

In terms of human beings who are presently alive, when you ask "what's preventing unsuspecting citizens of rogue nations from being reduced to something less than human by genetic manipulation", I would reply common sense on the one hand, and fear of God on the other. 

It has always been the case that evil individuals and governments have oppressed and abused those over whom they have control. Torture and murder go back a long way – all the way back to Cain. Cain took away Abel's free will in this world by murdering him out of it. If someone is thrown into prison, that person's ability to choose is highly restricted. And people have been doing things to themselves which limit their options – from all manner of questionable motivations – since the fall. If a person ruins their health through drugs or alcohol, that will limit their choices too. If a person jumps off of a bridge and kills him/herself, that's the end of choice; if they don't die but are paralyzed, choice is very much restricted.

Here's what I want to make clear in this discussion. No one is going to deceived into taking the mark of the beast. We Christians have been given the clearest possible instructions on this in the Bible, and the whole world will receive a heavenly proclamation also making the issue clear (Rev.14:8-13). It is also very clear from scripture what the mark will be – a mark (on the forehead or right hand having either the name or the number of the beast; see the link), and not a vaccine or an implant or any other medical procedure.

When you ask, "can genetic manipulation make us not only less inclined toward God but also more inclined toward evil", my concern is with believers. What unbelievers do in involving themselves with such dangerous things is up to them – although as mentioned even basic common sense would seem to me to warn against it. 

If you are asking, "will God allow believers to be altered physically against their will to the point where they turn against Him in their hearts?", my answer is emphatically NO! We have to have at least SOME faith that He will preserve us from threats against which we have no reasonable defense. That is our number one job down here on planet earth, after all, namely, to trust in Him no matter what. That is why we are here.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4 NIV

In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalm 56:11 NIV
In Jesus Christ our all-sufficient Savior,

Bob L. 
Question #28:
Thank again for the thoughtful reply.

Your comment is encouraging about having "faith that He will preserve us against threats against which we have no reasonable defense".

As for the Mark of the Beast, I didn't see it as something that required a literal interpretation. The Book of revelation is full of imagery and the Mark seems to be imagery representing what we think and do.

As for vaccines, I believe the globalist oligarchs of this world are pulling the strings here. It's no secret that depopulation is one of their goals. Sterility is likely going to be one side effect. As you correctly inferred, another side effect I'm concerned about is DNA manipulation that will dull spiritual sensibilities, or impair people so they cannot think clearly about spiritual things. This could be a precursor to the Mark (given the what-you-think and what-you-do interpretation), but I don't see it as the Mark itself. Although the global aspect of the vaccine (with others to follow) does raise my eschatological suspicions.
Response #28:
The book of revelation does have imagery, but when it uses images, those are made very clear, as when John says, "I saw a SIGN". Otherwise, it is very literal book. That is one major mistake most interpreters make. So the mark is just what it says it is, not something someone may imagine it to be not based on scripture. It is a tattoo on the forehead or right hand containing either antichrist's name or the number which represents his name (resolving to six hundred and sixty six by count – NOT by three Arabic numeral sixes; see the link).

"I'm concerned about is DNA manipulation that will dull spiritual sensibilities, or impair people so they cannot think clearly about spiritual things". I read this in scripture:
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Matthew 10:28 NKJV
If someone kills me, that will definitely "dull my spiritual sensibilities" in this life, but it won't affect my spirit which will be immediately in the presence of the Lord thereafter. If someone puts me in a coma, that will keep me from doing my job for the Lord as long as it endures, but it won't affect my eternal life of the righteousness I have through faith in Christ. If someone casts me into prison, I would imagine that I will be thinking MORE clearly about spiritual things, not less so, even though my freedom of action will be diminished. As to specific medical interventions, they cannot affect our human spirit; only the choices we make from our free will can have any lasting effect on our eternal status. The devil can't take away our freedom of choice – he can only pressure us or kill us. And He is not allowed to do the latter without our Lord's acquiescence (cf. Job 2:6; Ps.116:15; Matt.10:29-31). If he could, Satan would have won this fight by killing Adam and Eve – or wiping out the whole human race at any point along the way (which, except for God's prevention of that, he is certainly capable of doing).

This conflict is all about the spiritual – all about choice -- and not about the physical.
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."
John 6:63 NKJV
Of course our physical environment – these weak and sin-infested bodies we currently inhabit – influences our choices. But they are still our choices and always will be. 

This is not to diminish what you are saying. I am sure that the evil one is working non-stop through all of his agents to prepare the ground for his final seven years, and I certainly would allow that not only this one thing but all the various and sundry undermining of all that is good and right and righteous around the world by the forces of evil seen and unseen are meant to prepare for that terrible time soon to come.

But we can't leave this world until the Lord says we can. Blessedly, while we are in it, we are not "of it" (Jn.17:16).

The entire reason for history as we see it is to function as God's great threshing floor, allowing all of His creatures with the image of God to decide for themselves whether they wish to be wheat or chaff (and in the case of the former, the quality of the wheat). These are decisions that MUST be made. These are decisions which will never be allowed to be taken away from any of us.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #29:
Hello Bob,

I pray your are doing well. I decided I feel a strong need to message you about something, wasn't going to but after I tuned in to your weekly posting and saw the first message I decided I really should.

I noticed someone messaged you saying that they knew someone who got the vaccines and are fine. I noticed over time from your postings that you are not particularly open to getting it, but haven't crosses it out as unacceptable.

While it may not be the mark of the beast, I am pretty certain that it is at the very least a precursor for it, and I am sure that the affects of it will be dire at best.

I have consistently seen a lot of powerful information on this vaccine over the last year, haven't really bothered to save any of it, as I don't plan to get it no matter what the cost, but I managed to find a link to one video which was particularly powerful, it's posted by someone on facebook and you have to bypass the "fact checkers" false claim in order to view it anyway. You can view it without signing into facebook or having an account.

I have heard this from multiple sources and doctors around the world, that this is AT BEST an experiment on human DNA. There is a component in this vaccine called "luciferase" and if you research it its beyond disturbing stuff. Also, we know the people leading this "vaccine" movement are all freemasons and illuminati. I am aware form some of your correspondents that you are at least somewhat familiar with these groups, but choose not to comment on them. Not sure why, perhaps for your ministry's purposes you are doing the right thing, and over time i've learned that knowledge on any occult nonsense is not edifying but can be counter-productive.
Yet I firmly believe some general knowledge is healthy on these matters, and many people, myself included to an extant, started searching for the Truth and ended up at Jesus' feet after discovering the horrific truths of who runs everything from education to music and hollywood etc., what's being exposed in the news these days isnt even the top of the iceberg.
Anyway, Bill Gates etc. are leading this whole vaccine thing, and I think it will quickly cost us our most basic freedoms and rights if we don't comply.

Please take the time to watch this video:

https://www.facebook.com/PastorKeithFields/videos/3248234745294355/

Also, I am sending you a link of a patent filed on the official website for "international intellectual property patents" filed by microsoft about 6 months before the pandemic.

It's a patented complex wireless technology which to somehow be able to read the human body or body part to replace currency. The patent number is "WO2020060606" (obviously world order 2020 060606), you can't make this stuff up. 

There was talk from Bill Gates early on saying that this will eventually be part of the vaccine, and the vaccine will essentially be a gel implant code thing on peoples right wrist. If you really want I can try and find some of those videos where this is stated.

Please have a look at this patent via the link:

https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2020060606

In Jesus Christ
Response #29:
Good to hear from you, my friend – doing well here and I hope the same is true of you.

I did try to have a look at the video but couldn't find it.

As to the vaccine, there are at least two of them here in the states already and more on the way. I know a lot of folks are concerned about them. It is necessary, I think, to differentiate a few issues here which seem a bit conflated. 1) Is the vaccine(s) healthy? 2) Are there any malevolent purposes connected with it (them)? 3) Does it (they) have anything to do with the mark of the beast?

Taking these in reverse order, I yield to no one on what the Bible has to say about the mark. Here are some links:
The Mark of the Beast (in CT 4)
Do not take the mark (in CT 7)
Numbers, letters and the mark of the beast
What is the mark of the beast?
To begin, the mark is just that: a mark, namely, a visible tattoo "on the right hand or on the forehead" (Rev.13:16) – VERY specific. Secondly, its purpose is to demonstrate that those who have taken it have been willing to worship the beast and his image (Rev.13:15) with the penalty of being kept from buying and selling if they are not (not to mention other persecution). The upshot of this is that no one is going to be under any illusions about the meaning and the purpose of the mark: it is "the name of the beast, or the number of his name" (Rev.13:17); further, the next verse (Rev.13:18) gives believers a litmus test to be able to know for certain – and thus to have no excuse – as to whose mark this is and what it means. This marking will not be instituted until antichrist takes his seat in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem at the Tribulation's midpoint; that is when and where the image that must be worshiped will be constructed. As yet we see no antichrist, no rebuilt temple, no "abominations [that causes spiritual] desolation", no false prophet proclaiming the beast as God and demanding worship of him . . . and no mark. When all these things do occur, they will be beyond obvious, and that includes the mark.

As to malevolent purposes, of course the devil has been "acclimatizing" the world to his way of thinking, his desires, his system ever since he instituted it beginning with the fall (see the SR series, especially SR 4). So to say that various powers in control in this world are utilizing the pandemic and the vaccination to further evil is stating the obvious – but we should not put undue emphasis on these two out of everything else as if were they avoided all would be well. "The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one", after all (1Jn.5:19), and thus will it until our Lord returns. 

So in practical terms this question really is "are believers more likely to take the mark of the beast when it comes because of being vaccinated"? I honestly do not see how, not, at least, as long as they are growing spiritually and assign no spiritual value to this medical process. If a believer is not sure about that, however, well, scripture tells us that "he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin" (Rom.14:23 NKJV), and "eating" can stand for any activity about which one has spiritual doubts – but it should be pointed out that in fact "eating" is not spiritual and that in fact there is nothing wrong with it (despite the qualms that certain weak believers may have). 

"Will the vaccine(s) cause physical harm?" That may be. These are uncharted waters in many ways. "Will it alter DNA?" Whether there will be unknown (or planned) physical effects from these vaccines is something I can't weigh in on with authority. It would need something more than an FB video in any case to gain my credulity on that. Because while I have no problem accepting the most underhanded motivations when it comes to the powers that be, I also know too much about people and about history to attribute competency to human beings generally. As to Microsoft, what Dave Barry said about that corporation in his "2020 Year in Review" captures my own assessment perfectly: "The president wants to force TikTok to be sold to Microsoft, apparently in the hope that Microsoft will render it unusable by means of “updates.”" In other words, if MS is involved, you know it won't actually work as intended.

Finally, on the advisability of getting vaccinated, that is a personal thing. Vaccinations can and have worked in the past. They also occasionally cause problems. I'm in the middle on this one. I think it would be a mistake to be overly skeptical about the value. But there's no point in wearing rose-colored glasses when it comes to weighing potential benefit against an as yet unknown downside. Either end of this equation could be 100% or zero; something in the middle for both is more likely.

As mentioned in a prior posting, my own university has said that vaccination will be voluntary, but they are also good at changing policy at the drop of a hat. So we shall see. Putting pressure on people to do potentially risky things they'd rather not do is INDEED parallel to the mark of the beast, so in that respect it is a good litmus test for believers to consider how they are responding or reacting to this issue. But it is in fact not the same. Getting vaccinated will NOT cost a believer their salvation. Taking the mark will – because it will entail a knowing and willful rejection of Jesus Christ in favor the devil and his son.
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Revelation 14:9-11 NKJV
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
p.s., did your receive the notification I sent you about BB 7? I ask because it seems for some reason that many of my notices were treated as spam (for reasons I'm trying to discern).
Question #30:
Thank you Bob for your insight.

I agree with a lot of what you say, but not all of it.

I am not saying that this is yet the mark of the beast, but it does not mean that it is not a precursor or that it will not evolve into it. I also believe with all my soul that this likely will be of serious consequence to believers.

There are doctors all over the world coming out and explaining how this will alter human DNA. If you do some minor research you will see what the components such as "luciferase enzyme" do to the body.
If this was not true, why are the "fact checkers" and big tech going through so much trouble to delete these videos off of every platform day after day, and youtube corrupts the audio even if they don't delete the videos.

While i agree that the mark of the beast will be a real mark, that doesn't mean it want have other aspects to it.

I think all believers who have their eyes open know that this pandemic is systematically planned to bring about the new world order, whether quickly or progressively (which is obviously the soon to come antichrist regime). News anchors and politicians everywhere are "slickly" adding "in this new world order we are going into" to almost every one of their speeches on television. The world is shut down because of a "deadly pandemic" with less deaths than the seasonal flu. Every government and world agency is aggressively talking about ways to "motivate" people to get this vaccine "to go back to normal" as if that will ever really happen. They've proposed restrictions on travel and commerce unless one gets the vaccine, though this has not been made official yet as this is the first phase of the vaccine.
I have a cousin in Australia who says they're saying travel will probably not be allowed for a few years, unless one perhaps gets the vaccine (not official yet).

A big lawyer came out and said "it is constitutional for employers to require employees to be vaccinated due to public safety". We know where this is going, even unbelievers do, yet they walk around miserable with their masks and try to pretend everything away.

There are many viral videos going around that where "front line workers" get a vaccine and everyone applauds because they're "heroes". On one video the nurse collapsed, on another someone did a zoom in and the syringe was already pressed down and empty before it was "administered". 

Yet another had a "hero lady" in a wheelchair, and as they rolled her away and everyone applauded, she did her diamond shaped ruler and compass masonic hand gesture in her lap, wouldn't be surprised if it was a saline solution she got administered.

The pope came out a week or so ago and announced an alliance with major banking networks, Rockefellers, etc. for "global economy for the better good". Sounds fantastic doesn't it?

Also, the second link I sent you can't be ignored, the one showing Microsoft's patent application for human cryptocurrency technology patent number 060606.

Just because the mark will be a physical mark, doesnt mean it wont have other attributes as well...we know we wont be able to by or sell without it, so human cryptocurrency technology rings a bell.

Didn't say its here yet, but it looks like its on the horizon.

Also again, there has been explanations by doctors and big tech about how this vaccine will/might turn into a "quantum dot vaccine" with micro needles into your right wrist which will leave a mark/bar code that is scannable for commerce among other things.

All this said, please consider all this, and this vaccine. I am resending a few links, including that video that i finally found somewhere else, all such videos are constantly being censored and deleted.

Please watch the video and have a look at the links.

https://vimeo.com/486514198

(Wholistic doctors testimony on vaccine)

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/business/dealbook/pope-vatican-inclusive-capitalism.amp.html

(One of many links on popes commerce alliance)

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-12-22/vatican-ok-covid-19-vaccines-abortion-cell-lines%3f_amp=true

(One of many links on popes promotion of vaccine blatantly even on more than questionable aspects to it)

https://www.genengnews.com/topics/drug-discovery/quantum-dots-deliver-vaccines-and-invisibly-encode-vaccination-history-in-skin/

(Random article on quantum dot vaccines"

https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2020060606

(Again, official international microsoft patent for human cryptocurrency technology) 

https://www.aarp.org/work/working-at-50-plus/info-2020/employer-require-covid-vaccine.html
(just one random article showing employers can make vaccination mandatory, a quick google search will show countless such statements)

In Jesus Christ our Lord
Response #30:
You're certainly entitled to your opinion.

A couple of things I think it's necessary to point out, however. Regardless of the truth or falsehood (or in between status) of these reports which concern you . . .

1) We have a human spirit, and that human spirit cannot be touched or changed by anyone or anything in this world.
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."
John 6:63 NKJV
So as important as our bodies are, DNA is not "holy" or "sacred", anymore than than any other aspect of our physical bodies. They are going to be replaced with a perfect body at the resurrection, and even if these present ones were totally physically destroyed, that will still be the case.
"And do not fear those who can kill your body, but are not able to kill your self (psyche/soul). But fear rather the One who is able to destroy both your self (psyche/soul) and your body in hell."
Matthew 10:28
2) No matter how much our DNA might theoretically be manipulated, that cannot affect or touch our free will, the essential image of God residing in our spirits which constitutes the real "us". Our ability to choose will never be affected – though it is always under pressure from the world, the sin nature, and evil one. We will always while in this world have the ability – and responsibility – to belief the truth, to continue to walk faithfully and in faith with our dear Savior. And that will be true regardless of things done to our bodies, whether against our will or not.

3) The devastating thing about the mark of the beast is the free will decision of heart made on the part of those who take it and NOT anything about the mark itself (and that would be true even if it were something more than a tattoo, possessing all of the negative attributes mentioned here and elsewhere). Those who take the mark will do so in complete knowledge that a) it constitutes worship of the beast and his father the devil, pledging oneself to them, and b) it constitutes a denial and rejection of Jesus Christ and God the Father, casting aside any prior faith, belief and allegiance a person might have had previously. No one will "accidentally" reject Christ and choose for the devil and the beast in this way. That is why the mark will be so obvious and so obviously displayed. That is why the Bible makes it so perspicuous just what the mark is, where it will be, and what it will look like. That is why the warning against it will be undeniably and unmistakably clear:
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Revelation 14:9-11 NKJV
4) Whether or not this vaccine is really being given to the people who are vaunting it, I don't know. Whether or not it will actually do what it is said to be intended to do, I don't know. Whether or not the vaccine will actually possess some of the nefarious qualities mentioned in the links and elsewhere, I don't know. Whether or not there are other ulterior motives behind it and behind the measures being taken regarding the virus, I rather suspect there are. But regardless of the truth and the facts of any of these issues, a) this is NOT the "mark of the beast"; and b) getting vaccinated – whether a very good idea or a very bad idea – will NOT be any sort of rejection of Jesus Christ on the part of believers who do choose to get vaccinated, whether pressured to do so or not.

5) I have already allowed as to how this is a good litmus test for believers and no doubt also a dry run on the part of the forces of evil regarding the manipulation of the world. There are clearly parallels as mentioned before, whether or not the most fearful things in the links and already mentioned elsewhere are true or not: a physical process in which something is done to the body which otherwise a person might not have agreed to absent serious pressure. But the differences are profound as well, the most important of which is that this is NOT the mark of the beast and it is NOT prohibited by scripture. The Bible doesn't say anything about vaccination directly. And as mentioned before, the Tribulation has not begun, antichrist has not come on the scene, the false prophet is not carrying out a worldwide campaign of marking – which has not medical attributes and is all about "pledging allegiance" to the beast publicly and unambiguously. So while I agree that believers should take notice both because of obvious potential health concerns (regardless of the truth of more disturbing suggestions) and also because of the clear manipulation of people generally around the world (and how easy it has been to manipulate them) and what that forebodes for the very near future, it would be wrong to suggest that getting vaccinated, good idea or not, has any spiritual consequences . . . for those who understand the above and love Jesus Christ more than their lives.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
Question #31:
1) Amen. I would add though that as I have learned from you, the "soul" is the entire being, Spirit and flesh. There is a protein molecule called "laminin" which is basically the glue that holds our cells and organs together. Look it up, it's amazing, its literally the shape of a cross, pretty mind blowing.

As a pastor I love and watch often said (though I disagree with him on a lot theologically), only God Almighty can write human DNA, and man is beyond arrogant and prideful to think that he can rewrite human DNA, but this type of abomination is seemingly on the horizon. Also, the occult believes that with their "knowledge" they will live forever and become immortal and even raise each other from the dead with this nonsense. 

The question is, if we were to have the very coding of our fleshly existence rewritten what does that mean?

2) Again, if our DNA were to be actually "re-written", do we still have free will?

3) I agree. I have heard and even been troubled by how many Christians have broken down and theorized the mark, I must say the first time I read Revelation, I believe I understood in the Spirit that it was going to be a conscious choice with tremendous pressure on all.
Nonetheless, Paul said "God is sending a deception for those who did not receive the love of the Truth". 

All I'm saying is I think everyone should be more than careful when it comes to any of these things, especially in these days, and especially when they're threatening to limit your freedom if you don't comply. 

Just saw an article yesterday stating in Spain they will be registering the names of all who refuse the vaccine....that is Jesuit headquarters...sounds about right.
I also believe we have an obligation to warn each other about this stuff, it's definitely not a joke.

4) I have to say I agree that this is not the mark of the beast, but I am far from sure that taking it won't have dire consequences nonetheless, and at THE VERY LEAST that taking it will be failing a possibly blessed warm up which will have catastrophic consequences, even if not immediately obvious. Also saw another video of a nurse in the south crying because 3 days after getting it the left side of her face became paralyzed. Who's to say a year later something worse won't happen?

5) Thanks for the insight. I sometimes wonder if it's possible the mark will be given to an extent prior to mid-tribulation where scripture talk about it, I understand as you say that when antichrist takes his throne, that is when it will be given and obvious to believers, yet I don't find exclusively that it cannot be started prior. Again, I don't necessarily think it will be, but I cant rule out it wont as scripture doesn't directly say that this is not a possibility.
What if it's not completely forced prior to that point, and at that point come the climax where "he forces all to take it". 

And last on this point, not saying for sure, but based on all the links I sent you, it's definitely a possibility that this can evolve into the mark.

Anyway, I truly appreciate and thank you for your level headedness and balance, which is rare indeed, usually there is always one extreme, yet I think this situation does call for some alarm bells.

Also just want to make clear that the motive behind my email was just to share all of this information with you.

God willing I will message you in the near future to catch up on more personal issues.

God bless you Bob,

In Jesus Christ the Lord
Response #31:
1/2) We are indeed "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps.139:14 KJV). The creation is amazing and shows at every point the wisdom, power and divine nature of its Creator. Creatures have been manipulating it and "going too far" every since Satan rebelled and mankind fell – and this is just another example, however egregious. But vaccination is physical, not spiritual: no one can touch our spirits. They can do just about anything to our bodies, but the worst thing and the last thing is to kill us – and even here, only if God allows. I'm not saying that no one should be concerned about this – of course it should go without saying that as believers we live by code "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Ps.118:6 NKJV). I am saying that all human beings always have free will – which is first and foremost the power to use the image of God to respond to the truth (or not) – as long as they live in these temporary shells (regardless of what happens to them).

3) Indeed, we all need to take the truth seriously. And we all need to be aware of not only of what is happening but of what soon will happen. This we have from our Lord:
"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."
Matthew 24:24 NKJV

And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them."
Luke 21:8 NKJV
The Coming Tribulation series – and much of what is posted at Ichthys – has this (preparation for what is coming) as a primary part of its purpose.

4) I think you may be conflating a few things here that are important to differentiate. I am certainly NOT saying that the vaccine will not have side-effects NOR I am saying that it will be effective in doing what it is supposed to do NOR am I saying that there may not be malevolent purposes associated with it or even baked into it (although I consider the former much more likely and feasible than the latter). But that has nothing whatsoever to do with worshiping Satan. Taking the mark of the beast – the ACT of taking it – is a supreme betrayal of Jesus Christ and guarantees condemnation. It is wrong (and dangerous because of potential confusion) to suggest that getting vaccinated is even close to being in the same category. It may turn out to be a bad idea for health reasons, but since it is not in any way prohibited by scripture (as opposed to being the most vehemently forbidden act in all of scripture in the case of the mark), we need to be very careful about even seeming to equate the two.

5) Given that scripture says the whole world will be given a very clear warning beforehand (the message of the third angel in Rev.14:9-11), and given that the false prophet who only arises at the midpoint administers the marking (Rev.13:11-18), and given that antichrist is only "revealed" as such fully at the midpoint (2Thes.2:3-4), I stand by my description of things as laid out in the CT series. In any case, the litmus test given for the benefit of believers – the very one which is proving helpful now to show that, e.g., this vaccination, however problematic, has nothing to do with "the mark" – will make it clear even in the period beforehand what is and what is not the mark. Since this mark is the essential rite of antichrist's religion, I guarantee you that no one will take it "by accident", that is, not realizing that this entails rejecting Jesus Christ and forfeiting eternal life.

I do appreciate you, my friend, and I also appreciate your godly desire to look out for your fellow Christians. It's better to know than not to know (even if some of this "knowledge" is at the very least open to interpretation). It's also, as I have allowed, a good litmus test for us – you are right about that: if we are feeling pressure to do something that others say is good for us but which we personally are concerned about, that is no doubt a very small measure of what will be experienced when the world is rejoicing over the mark and persecuting us for refusing it.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/