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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?

I thank you for your ministry which I read every day; you have explained so much that I didn’t understand. Part of this week’s lesson was “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Tim. 5:8)” What does God expect from a parent of an adult child who has never worked nor actively looked for a job but chooses to live on assistance? I feel as if I’m enabling her desire not to work if I give her money. Does providing for her child (which I do) fulfill God’s expectation?

Re: Fulfilling God’s Will? You said, “Because of this they were completely ignorant of the signs of the times in which they lived, and rejected the King they had been waiting over 2000 years for. Sadly, much of the “church” has made the same mistake and for the most part, is just as ignorant of the signs of our times. The results will be just as devastating.”

It’s true and a bit depressing that comparatively few Christians are interested in studying the prophecies of His return, and I understand how devastating that was for Israel to pay no attention to the evidence. They still suffer the judgmental consequences. Can you please explain your last statement as to how ignorance in the church will be just as devastating?

I was watching a fairly well known Bible teacher on television and at one point he said, ” Why do you think the Lord condoned slavery?” His answer was that the slaves who had benevolent masters were actually much better off then if they had been on their own as they were illiterate. I can only assume he was referring to slaves of the South before the Civil War, who were often grossly mistreated. I was totally stunned to hear a Christian say such a thing much less a teacher of God’s Word! I would very much like to know what your opinion is about this.

Re: 1 Cor. 6:7 “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” Some take this to mean no matter what a Christian should never go to court against another Christian. What is your interpretation of this?

I have a question about Psalm 83:2-3. “For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.” What does the phrase “hidden ones” mean in verse 3?

Why did Jesus need to be tempted by the devil in Matthew chapter four? What was the purpose?