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?

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 ?

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.

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 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.

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?

Regarding the reason Job was afflicted by Satan in Chapters 1 and 2. You’ve made the point many times that is was due to the sin of self-righteousness, he was out of fellowship with God and thus Satan was allowed to afflict him. This is diametrically opposed to what we read in the Word of God. In Job 1:8 God says to Satan “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”, no condemnation here. Satan’s only response was not to point out any sin, but to say (v. 9-11) “Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”

We know that Job was not without sin but in the eyes of God he was perfect and we are told this twice. So we must conclude that Job was afflicted by Satan only because God allowed it to happen to prove to Satan how a believer can live a life pleasing to God no matter of one’s circumstances in life.

I have heard of a few people in my life who appeared to be devout Christians, who later rejected Christ and become devoted atheists and enemies of the Faith. According to 1 John 2:19, it would appear these people never were saved to begin with. Is that the correct interpretation? In light of this, how can anyone be certain of their own salvation?

Re: Ephesians 3:10-11. I was hoping you could help me to understand who the rulers and authorities (or principalities and powers) are in the Heavenly realms and why wouldn’t they know such heavenly things. That it’s the job of the church to teach them. Is this literally something we are doing without realizing it? If angels rejoice when a person accepts Christ they must know something about the plan of redemption. Did they learn that from the Church?

My question concerns Daniel 7:20,24. The 11th horn, the little one, is smaller and less powerful but grows and overthrows 3 other rulers. Does this mean that if we are in the end times, and if the antichrist is already existing albeit unannounced, that there is a small and obscure leader already ruling somewhere? Someone who will gain momentum and strength and come against 3 other more obvious rulers? Also, are the 3 horns that are overthrown referring to countries or religious systems?