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I have a question regarding tithing. I get regular emails everyday from your website and I really enjoy reading your replies to the questions presented. I have read several questions that people have asked you regarding tithing, and I do agree with you on most occasions. Recently a woman asked you if she should make up tithes that she did not pay. Your response was that it was always intended to be an expression of gratitude. I do believe this too, but if you read further in Malachi it not only tells us to challenge God in tithing, but it also says in Malachi 3:11: “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.” So shouldn’t we tithe out of more than just gratitude? It is to keep Satan from attacking us unnecessarily too is it not?

I know and agree that we are not to judge others, but what are we to do when they do not believe that their actions are sinful, when they have accepted Satan’s lies? Are we not to properly instruct them about God’s commandments? Jesus told us to love our neighbors. Can we just let them go to hell? I think not. I try to teach them the truth without judging their actions. I think the difference is whether you are motivated by anger or by love. If by anger, you are probably judging.

In 1948 Israel was again given it’s original name. Do you know at what point or what event happened when the land of Israel as we know it ceased to be called “Israel?” I am curious how many years it went without that name.

I recently read Isaiah 24. However, I cannot find any discourse on this particular passage and would like to have some enlightenment on it. Having followed your teachings on many subjects, especially on end times, I would like your view on the passage if you would be so kind.

Re: Genesis 4:3-5.

In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Why did God not have respect for Cain’s offering ?

Would you please comment on 1 Peter 3:19 because this is new to me. Can you help me understand what Peter was talking about?

Concerning the reference to Job in your study on Union and Fellowship. Doesn’t God allow things to happen to good people to continue their growth? Not that God is arbitrary, but trials are for growth and proving aren’t they? Job was tested, Abraham was tested, things like that go on all the time. What do you say?

I have a question about the scoffers in 2 Peter 3:2-4. Are these scoffers the folks now who tend to frown on the idea of the Rapture of the Church (just kind of generically rolling their eyes at those who are pre-trib, I guess), or are they specific to the time just before the 2nd coming, scoffing in earnest?

I have always wondered about the anti-Semitic epithet of “Christ Killers.” I think awareness of God’s purpose is that the Jews were fulfilling His will by “crucifying the Lord of Glory” whose primary purpose in coming to earth was to die in their place for the sins of mankind, but in effect, for the sins of believers. While it does not mitigate their guilt, the “Christ Killers,” were doing the will of God by fulfilling prophecy. That understanding requires a degree of abstraction many are unable to achieve.

3 years ago we were giving nearly 20% of our gross income to our local church and numerous Christian ministries. Then I lost my job of 20 years. Today, I have had 5 jobs in the past 3 years, all changes due to the economy and layoffs. I have been looking for work for nearly a year, but we are still able to tithe about 16% of my weekly unemployment check. During this time God has graciously provided for all of our needs; our home, food, clothing and good health. But I am having a hard time squaring this experience with “the more generous we are to those in need the more God will give us to share” What am I not getting?