I know this is not an easy concept to understand but I’m hoping very much you can shed some light on predestination. I read in the Word of God about the ‘called’ of God, example Romans 1:8. Does this mean that before the earth was created God decided who He wanted to save as this is the way it seems to read to me. Yet, I am to believe that all men are responsible for their own salvation. I have read God knew from before the earth was created who would accept His call. But still the way many Scriptures read it does seem to say God chose certain people to be His. What is it that you believe about this? Thanks again for your help.

I’m writing to you about this subject (Jezebel Spirit) because I respect your Biblically based, balanced analysis of the scriptures.

What do you know about the Jezebel Spirit? In my church, this term is ascribed to various people, usually women. Authors like Francis Frangipane have written books on this subject and offer extensive information on their websites about it.

I’m having a struggle that always pops up and after hearing a radio show today, it’s kinda pushed it’s way back in again.

The show was based on this idea of “false converts”, and whether or not if after you accept Jesus, if you continue in a “living in sin” life style or “jumping in with both feet” as opposed to the occasional slipping into sin, it could effect your salvation… In other words, if you continue in this behavior, were you ever saved to begin with?

So here’s what I struggle with… where do you draw the line, or do you? For example, if you enjoy watching a TV show–and I’m convinced that there’s no shows on public TV that wouldn’t contain some sort of sinful behavior–then are you repeatedly sinning by watching it and therefore effecting your salvation? It gets to the point that I can be so self-analyzing that I start down a negative road of not feeling good enough. How do you work out whether you have your “eyes fixed on Him” in a healthy way or you are completely paranoid that you will be categorized as “luke warm” and not be taken up?

I have to admit, the Bible has some scary verses that don’t sound so simple as just believing. Is this how it should be? Is this the Holy Spirit talking? If you can provide some clarity, I’d appreciate it much.

My question is mainly why I feel so “unspecial” to God. I’ve been a Christian for over 20 years and God truly is my first love. Nothing is more important to me than Him. I couldn’t care less about wealth, beauty, fame, success, etc.

Please don’t think I’m tooting my own horn- not at all! This is also for other Christians in the same boat who are committed to Him and seek Him to the extent I do and still feel rejected. It actually comes down to this: I have tried SO HARD to actually build a relationship with God but feel like I’m nothing to Him.

I’ve never had anything miraculous like an angelic encounter, a vision, or some supernatural experience from God that so many others claim to have. I have begged and prayed for over 20 years that God would reveal Himself to me and make Himself real to me.

To be honest, it makes me bitter because I feel like we’re nothing to Him. I know it isn’t true but in my humanity, it is how I truly feel. I still love Him but feel like there is a wall between us. I have prayed, pleaded and begged. Nothing. I have told God I am scared and to please minister to me. Nothing. Then I hear of people who claim to have had dozens of visions from God and angelic encounters and how God has come to them and revealed himself to them.

Why not me and why not so many others who have sought out God with all their heart? Why do some receive such a blessing while others are left struggling with our faith and feel rejected?

I’m not going to lie. I am a minister, love God with all my being, and pray and read my Bible for hours a day. Nothing.

I was ministering just the other day to a Christian. He actually told me that God loves Him more and considers him more important than me because he has had several visions since childhood while I have had nothing. WHAT?!

I’m terrified Christianity isn’t real (and that I have wasted my time being a minister when I don’t even know for sure), disheartened, and feel so rejected.

I am enjoying your articles on GraceThruFaith, however, I have a question about New Testament tithing. Where in any of the NT epistles (not the Gospels) is the NT believer told specifically to “tithe”? (giving 10% of gross income).

My husband and I do not “tithe”, but we give “what God purposes in our hearts to give” and we give 100% of that. I believe giving has nothing to do with “how much”, but has everything to do with the heart of the giver.

If, as you say, tithing is a minimum standard, where in the NT does it say that the minimum standard is 10%?

The purpose of biblical tithing in the OT was to support the Levites, who were not allowed possess any property on which they could raise any stock or crops. Tithing, in essence, was food for the Levites. What is the purpose of NT tithing, since there is no temple and no Levitical priesthood to receive the tithe?

In several lessons you have referred to a “Christian world view.” I’m don’t understand the concept as you use it. If you have written a lesson that explains the concept, please direct me to it. If there is no lesson that specifically defines, explains, and provides instructions for achieving it, I would greatly appreciate that information.

What is your description of a pastor? How involved in someone’s life do you think a pastor should be? At what point does it interfere with that person’s own responsibility to seek out God’s voice for themselves and become something more like an oracle sought at every decision made?

Since I discovered your web site on Internet It’s been really a blessing for my soul and spirit. I know God our Lord Jesus is guiding you and I thank Him for doing so. I pray that He will always use you as He’s doing it today.

I had a talk with a friend. I know he has some knowledge about Scriptures, but sometimes I feel he’s a little awkward of what he understands from the Word.

He just recently asked me if I knew where Lazarus was at the time Jesus came to resurrect him. I told him that from what I have read in Scriptures, He was supposed to be in Paradise (sheol), which was the place for saints to go after they have departed. He said that Jesus didn’t mention anything about paradise, and that Jesus said that Lazarus was asleep. He believes Lazarus wasn’t dead and that he might have been in another state of mind. Would you please shed any light on this passage?

I was curious to know if the Church will become God’s Government in Eternity. It seems to make a lot of sense since we are His Body. Also I wanted to know about the verse which speaks about us seated with Christ in Heaven. Is this verse saying we are actually at this point in time sitting with Jesus in spirit form in Heaven or that it will be at a later time in the future?