Q & A with Pastor Joe: Favorite Theologians, Presence of God, etc.

[@gracefulannie-grcflannie-]

My husband wasn't a Christian when we got married. I had been talking to him about Jesus before he ever asked me out. I bought him a Bible, which he didn't read. Throughout our dating and engagement, I saw him growing. As I prayed for him, I started to feel a peace. I knew he was the one God had planned for me and was confident that he would accept Jesus. He just didn't do it before our wedding. Just about a month after our wedding, he came home from work one night and asked me what he needed to do. After what seemed like an hour but was probably a few minutes, he looked at me with the biggest smile on his face and told me "I did it." I definitely wouldn't tell anybody else to date a non-believer, but sometimes it works out.

[@LyrinLoreweaver]

Same. My husband and I have almost the exact story. I think if the Christian is secure in their faith, and the other person is not "against God," just never thought about Him. I would also tell someone to be cautious and not commit to a lifetime with someone before they decided. Been happily married 23 years!

[@jilliansmith8080]

But it's actually sin to marry unbeliever. Being equally yoked is incredibly important.. God does not send you a man That's married, you choose that.And unfortunately, those things may be good on the surface. And thats great but Its not as good if You would have followed him and not the world and waited on him to send you a man that follows him. It would have been incredible. But he did help you in your circumstance with your choice. That's the grace that we don't deserve.

[@cyrstaldragon690]

@@jilliansmith8080interesting why do you say it’s a sin? Can you provide the verses for me?

[@HowtoFaithALife]

There's even more juicy questions than I expected but let me know- do you like these kind of vlog q&a's? What kind of other questions should be on the top of our list next time?

[@larriveeman]

how to deal with a pastors wife who has alienated/attacked about 16 peeps at church and some people are afraid of her, the pastor seems not to see the seriousness of the situation

[@tracycoles704]

Yes, most definitely! I can't get enough of you and Joe, but mostly you. Y'all are so genuine and Bible based! I feel like I'm getting information and learning good stuff. Plus it's fun getting to know y'all more. ❤️

[@serenae9316]

Yes, I really enjoy getting to know you and Joe more.

[@stephanietorres5524]

If you get married and a woman officiated it does it still count? In wrestling with this lately I think I need a redo w a male pastor.

[@tracycoles704]

@@stephanietorres5524 I'm just a Christian sister here, but I think that's something to look into more and really come to the Lord about. Look in the index of your Bible for "marriage" (or something) and see what you find. Really connect with the Spirit and let him guide you. In my own life, the devil has learned how to imitate God and deceive me and drive me crazy. I try really hard, now, to take captive my thoughts, or just stop and think, was that me, the devil, or God? And then pray, Lord, if this thought is not from you, I bind it in Jesus name, may the words never reach my heart or take any root if it is not from you. If it is from you, I trust that you'll lead me on the path of learning more about it. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

[@happycampers7889]

Love y’all! I was called to missions in 1995. I assumed God would call me to another country. Turns out, my husband and we’re called to foster children . We did that for 15 years, then launched camps for kids and teens in foster care. Next year we will add a camp for at risk kids in our community. Most people would say I didn’t go into missions. I disagree.

[@marijketimmermans3913]

You should read Corrie ten Boom, her story is amazing!

[@robbieslater1951]

absolutely love this... Awesome the Q & A and the Ask Pastor Joe. Faith you are a Favorite for me, to go to for everything faith related & Journalling on KZbin etc etc.. I tried the 4 hr faith challenge and incorporated it into my days, . Always Look forward to your videos, keep on sharing with Us. Blessings to You, the boys & Joe. 🙏 A big hello across the seas, from Australia 🇦🇺😊

[@kathy3178]

I know two introverted moms. One tried to be a SAHM. It wasn't good for her mental health. She felt like she could be a better mom working outside the home while her kids attended a good public school. She believes this is where God wants her. I know another mom who is a strong introvert who homeschools her kids. Some days are really tough for her. She firmly believes this is what God has called her to do. My point is that if God hasn't called you to homeschool you will not be able to do it. Trying to pattern your life after other's expectations never works. My advice to all parents is be involved with your kids and their education no matter what path God puts you on.

[@vanessaboman8143]

I love your channel and have learned a lot, I lost my entire library sadly and have slowly been rebuilding it, I love the books you recommend and research them, if they fit well with me I add them to my lists, I love books, always have and really enjoy my time studying again. I am not reformed, or calvinistic, I was raised in that and my church were so legalistic it tied you in knots, so I rejected that, still do, but I have my eye on a commentary that has Calvin, Spurgeon and Matthew Henry on Psalms. It looks like a lot of fun to me, that will be my next purchase I hope. Anyway I rattle on here like you actually knew me lol ... Thanks for great content in your videos. I love your energy and I understand the introverted extrovert thing, I need my alone time, but now I almost have too much lol... But I love to study and learn and grow closer to the Lord.

[@cherilynhamilton746]

It is critical to walk in repentance so God hears our prayers. Proverbs 28:9 Isaiah 59:2

[@Shannon-xe9bm]

Love Pastor Joe's answer to prayer and God's will! One in a while, I've hesitated in prayer for wondering this. Thank you!

[@Shannon-xe9bm]

Amen, Faith! Love your answer, too!

[@ChildofGod98765]

Thank you Faith. Please pray for me and my children. I lost my job over declining the vaccine. I have been struggling since. Even as I struggle to provide for my two special needs children. I have faith God will provide. I declined the vaccine because I have pre existing health condition lupus and heart disease. I was denied my medical/religious exemption by Forsyth Hospital. My husband passed away three years ago, so I’m all alone. No family nor friends. Since losing my job things have been very difficult. Every month is so stressful I don’t know how I’m going to make it. I’m so scared me and my boys are going to end up on the streets. Every month is a battle. But every month out of nowhere God shows up. NO MATTER WHAT! Even as I face homelessness. I have Faith that God will continue to provide! Our Father is faithful. I believe. Thank you Father. I love you Jesus.

[@ourforsurelife3334]

Praying so hard for you!!!

[@HowtoFaithALife]

PRAYING!!! Even right now!

[@diggingdeeperwithkelly1960]

Praying for you and your kiddos! Keep the faith!!

[@sarahsharp8595]

@@dawnb8906 Yes I've noticed the same thing but haven't said anything. I remember seeing this very post many of times and praying for her. When I saw it a couple days ago I wanted to ask if she was for real because I have seen this same exact post for a long time now. Starting to believe it could be spam. If it isn't I apologize!

[@jewelsandcraftytools2569]

The question of how do you know you are saved? Just a few months ago I was in that boat! I took the time to get spiritual counseling and through that had some huge spiritual healing of my soul! I feel like I reaccepted Christ in a bigger way than I ever had before. With that healing my doubts of going to heaven are gone! Ask if your church has Biblical counseling/therapy! It was one of the best things I have ever done!

[@supersupernova74]

Thank you for the video!! I liked your explanation about schooling. Theres not just one path. We need wisdom to decide what will work best for each of our own families. Thank you ! We homeschool and get asked a lot of questions. Very helpful!

[@stephanietorres5524]

The unequally yoked is so right on..... My husband is hard Catholic and it's TOUGH. He thinks I'm crazy because I pray to God and I think he is crazy because he prays to multiple "saints" depending on the situation there's specific saints for specific needs. It's NOT easy.

[@Bella_Harry]

No Stephanie it is not easy. I love my athiest partner, we have been together 19 years, have children, and i became a believer after their birth. We struggle so much because i am not the person he entered the relationship with. Parenting our children is a constant negotiation and when i am answering their questions i need to say "i believe" in order to maintain respect and authority for my "not-husband". It is so very challenging and my faith is a constant source of tension.

[@kendracartwright3538]

I love your response to the homeschooling questions. I was dead set on homeschooling when my son was a baby. I was going to be the “good Christian” mom. But as he got older I struggled with my mental health largely in part to being a sahm. I needed to go back to work and now I work at my son’s school so I still get to be mom first. I really feel like I’m where I’m called to be.

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Yessssss. Being a SAHM had a big effect on my depression, I need to get out of the house, see people, do tasks, etc. I fought it and mom-guilted myself for years until I finally just had a realization that I was worshipping this cultural-Christian ideal that’s nowhere in the Bible. And, though it’s a wonderful aim, it’s not feasible right now for our family.

[@Jennifer_Cruz]

My favorite theologian and Bible scholar is Dr. Michael Brown. I've been listening to him for years now and have several of his books and his Job commentary. He's a messianic Jew and fluent in several languages. I've met him before and he's such a humble man. You should definitely check him out. Another great video Faith! ✝️❤️

[@vanessaboman8143]

I wanted to home school my daughter and did for a time, wish I had continued to do so, but I had zero support from family,friends and church, I live in the UK and it's not big here. But I am still a total advocate for homeschool for a lot of reasons, but like you said each situation has to be taken into account. A friend of mine does both cos some of her kids need special help, but the others thrive at home.

[@danaoglesby5491]

I appreciate what you said about homeschooling. I was homeschooled and always imagined I would do the same but when my oldest turned school age it just didn’t feel like the right decision. She has done so well in school so far. But I can so relate to how you describe yourself needing solo time. I’m very much that way, and it’s hard when you have kids to not feel guilty about wanting that.

[@tracycoles704]

I am very much looking forward to part 2! 😁

[@lornah9267]

I had questions about why pray when God will do His will anyway because if He knows what He has in mind for us. Two situations changed that. One: a guy from church was in a car wreck. Paramedics had to resuscitate him; he was helicoptered to hospital. Within a couple of hours a group of people had assembled at church to pray for him. As they prayed, messages started coming through from his wife about his condition. As a former ER nurse I knew his injuries were medically unsurvivable. But as they prayed, his condition began to stabilise, then improve until the drs were saying ‘he may just survive this’. Another situation is currently happening where a guy currently in ICU has a Christian specialist who told him he had little chance of surviving, but 3 weeks later, he has improved. His problem is still terminal, but because of prayer there have been many miracles. I was not walking with the Lord when I did my 14 years in ER, but I saw so many miracles I could write a book on them. Isaiah 30:18 “So the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His compassion” really hit me hard when I read it, and I was convinced that this is why I should pray often, even though He knows what is on our heart or what we need.

[@Loves2HugItOut]

Not gonna lie kindaaaaaaaa bummed yall are probably reformed/Calvinist based on the theologians Joe mentioned BUT still super stoked that I found your channel and plan on binge watching your videos :))

[@suruboogies]

Put this video into my favorite inspiration playlist. Pastor Joe has a very practice, approachable, and inspiring way of explaining things. Thanks for the great video Faith!

[@sharynoakley7919]

Oh faith ! ….. love the climb !! (Can relate !) 😉great Video ! And thanks Pastor Joe 🙌

[@savedbygracenh-susan8754]

Love these Q&A…looking forward to part 2!

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@savedbygracenh-susan8754]

@@mylifeingeneral yes!

[@anertakf7218]

Keep 'em coming Faith. I like and enjoy your vblogs I always come away with something to reflect on. Blessings to your family!!! Looking forward to part 2

[@dogmom371]

Love the blog style! I enjoy seeing ur sweet family 🥰🥰🥰

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Thank you so much!!

[@mhobor]

I know this was a year ago, but to the person wondering if it’s okay to date someone outside of church: I would plead with you to not make this choice. It will be hard to come to that realization and give that task to God, but it is much, much more difficult to live the choice after marriage. If you have a way out, (and if you haven’t made the vow, you do) please take it. I say from experience. God can give you someone specifically for you! ☺️💗

[@AlwaysLime]

I understand about homeschooling-now. Our two oldest got to an age where I thought school would benefit their social life. And I am a person who needs alone time to decompress and recharge. And right around that time, COVID happened. And we also started realizing that one of the kids was not catching on so well in the books. That led to evaluations and tests that led to diagnosed learning issues. Our public schools are in the top 5 worst in the country, and private schools require private funding. Paying for a specialist to come to the school is the same amount as tuition. So we homeschool. Still working out if we want to restrict our other son because of his brother or let him go to private school. Hard hard situation 😩…

[@sandymontgomery7029]

loved this video

[@sheilalyda231]

This may be a little bit of a long comment but I have a question and a comment. The question is, in Hebrews 10:26 it says, "if we sin willfully after having the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for the sin." I don't worry about myself being saved and where I'm going to go; however, I do concern myself about my children, as well as other loved ones. My son even asked me about this one time. I don't remember how I answered him at the time, but as I read it again, it concerns me over their salvation. So how can you tell the difference between someone who's merely backslidden, or someone who has turned their back on Christ knowingly? I want to tell you one of my favorite non-fiction books is "Practicing the Presence of God," by Brother Lawrence. When I first read this book, I remember thinking, "next to Jesus, I want to be like this man." I also want to say something about homeschooling. I started homeschooling my children when they were already in high school, only because I wasn't married to their father earlier. But what I want to say is, I would have not sent my children to a Christian school. That doesn't mean I don't think anyone should, but I wouldn't. And the reason is that so many non-christians send their children to a Christian School but don't teach it at home. I had a sister-in-law who sent her 13-year-old daughter to a Christian School and yet was letting the boyfriend live with the daughter and letting the girl smoke cigarettes. All I could think was, what kind of an influence is this girl being on her friends at school?

[@candicesmith8543]

When he answered: When a "LADY" presented the gospel to him? I sorta smiled. :) Just a little bit.

[@josephwomack4683]

😁 she’s a very sweet LADY!

[@ellenmartin1225]

I kept thinking that you sounded familiar, and I knew that the language you used closely resembled the traditions I've grown up with, but I just did a deep-dive on you and realized you guys are in the PCA! Maybe you've mentioned that before on your channel, but I haven't been here that long. Hello from Trinity Pres. Statesboro, GA! These were all really great questions, and I appreciate your answers!

[@maxinem934]

I think it's healthy to question public vs private vs homeschool. I'm glad you've addressed it in the way you have. Education looks different for each child!

[@AutumnLeaf24]

That's what I must look like when I do that! 3:15

[@sammydarko5358]

Ephesians 5:22-24 - May God Bless Us

[@dgomez8320]

Faith, I just added you to my prayer list. I am thankful your will is to be in God's will in regards to your decision to homeschooling. The Lord was clear to our family that He wanted us to home school. I had no desire to teach our two children at home. They are now grown and have children of their own. If you are ever interested in hearing the testimony of an old Christian sister and the road less traveled I am available for a chat.

[@rebekahmackenzie]

Loved the answers to these questions, especially the homeschooling one! Looking forward to part 2!

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mishay36]

Loved this video, thanks for answering my question.

[@HowtoFaithALife]

You are so welcome!

[@liliandaven5380]

this was a really fun video!=)

[@vickylin5126]

What a cool way to spend the car ride.

[@FaithandFarm]

I am homeschooled and I know that my mom would definitely agree that homeschooling is not for everyone. The same goes for public schools and private schools. Thank you for seeing all of the views of education! Thanks so much for this video Faith!

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Thanks for sharing!

[@FaithandFarm]

@@HowtoFaithALife Yuperdoodle!

[@michelleelizabeth5268]

You are so wise for your age! Great answers. I thought your answer about homeschool was especially well thought out! We homeschool, and we started partly out of fear. But now I feel like I wish we would have put them in private Christian school. Now they are behind, and I’m working on catching them up so I can put them in school next year.

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stephanieflowers2783]

Joe said that a calling needed confirmation. Are you able to expound on that? What type of confirmation? From whom? Thank you for the content 💕

[@josephwomack4683]

In our denomination, you need confirmation from your church that affirms your calling to ministry. But that’s not the case for everyone. I said this to say that if you want to go into ministry but those in your corner don’t see it or think it’s a good idea, then it’s good to double check yourself and talk to God about it. Confirmation for me was from my church, officially. Confirmation from someone else might be their spouse, or family, friends, etc. if you’re called you’re called, but it’s best not to be a Lone Ranger when it comes to vocational ministry! 😃

[@stephanieflowers2783]

Thank you!!!!

[@haleylewis9587]

Thanks Faith!

[@annamcelfish2216]

Love ❤️ this

[@allthethingsyouwillsee1081]

Thanks Faith

[@samanthagraveswalters8443]

RC Sproul has a book on homeschooling too

[@hdjdndhsjnsjakandhxjnsshhsvs]

can you please go a video with on baptism?

[@rodnajean9508]

Just want to make sure that you don’t believe that only Israel, the elect, are the only one who will be saved! God opened up grace and salvation to everyone! The people you named off all believe that only “the elect” can be saved and that no one has a choice! I also fell into this trap but thank God that he showed me the truth!!!

[@HowtoFaithALife]

We address this topic in part 2(coming on monday) and pleaseeee feel free to ask further questions if you have more then!

[@diggingdeeperwithkelly1960]

I'm excited to see part 2 also! I will say that those mentioned have so much goodness and wisdom to share, so whether or not one agrees with them on calvanism or not, there is still so much there to glean! We will never fully agree with anyone in all honesty, so it's important to "take the meat" and "leave the bones" with anything we read or listen to etc... it's always a good place to start , when we pray for Gods disernment before we "consume" anything and ofcourse, be a Berean! Check it all with scripture!

[@samanthagraveswalters8443]

I think there is one path to Education. If you read a book called Education: Does God have an Opinion. By Israel Wayne.

[@ChloeAClayton]

Um well my boyfriend was a Mormon but got saved at Youth Conference this year so should I stay with him, Faith?

[@daisydenn]

How do you find commentaries from “small theologians” and how do you know if you can trust what they say?

[@hannatitley8272]

Your so beautiful ❤

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Gee whiz, thank you!

[@rodnajean9508]

I’m so sorry but that hit me and such a hard way when you said you thrive on me time. Is there not a way to fit in some time for yourself as well do you need the entire day? Please don’t miss read my heart because I don’t mean this to come off rudely but it just sounds like you wanna get your kids out of your way so you can help me time it’s probably not how you meant it but it it made my heart sink.

[@Bella_Harry]

Hi Rodna, Can i add my 2 cents worth? It is such a hard decision to have your children leave the home into others care. However, sometimes it is the best decision we can make for them. I am a better Mum to my girls when i have had regular time away from them. That is not because of them. It my past that continues to affect me now and impacts my children. It is better for my children to be away from me and then return to me when i can be the Mum they need and deserve. Do i suffer guilt at this choice? Constantly. Is it still the best choice in the circumstances? Definitely. Am i working with God to change this? Always. I hope this "2 cents" helps.

[@jsmith317]

I think Faith is simply being real with us about their thoughts, which takes a lot of guts, by the way. I also energize by being away from people and having good Bible reading and prayer time with the LORD. In the case of introverted moms, I see it as an act of love for your kids to realize you need to refuel to avoid implosion. LOL! Arranging for "me time" is like what they tell parents to do when in an emergency situation on the plane, "please put on your own oxygen mask before helping your children with theirs." You need to be as healthy and spiritually fit as is possible in order to care for your family. That looks different in each family, and it looks like this little family is working out how it'll be best for themselves.

[@rodnajean9508]

@@Bella_Harry I understand that totally!!! We all need that time! I just don’t think it should be all day, every day….. but I do not know what Hod has rod them to do, so perhaps I should have just kept my mouth shut…

[@rodnajean9508]

@@dawnb8906 Absolutely! And they can get PLENTY of socialization, trust me! Lol

[@lornah9267]

I know for a fact that many missionaries send their kids elsewhere to be schooled. The kids are often in another country, which is why some people in the country I live in are currently setting up an international Christian online school for the children of missionaries so the kids can stay with their parents. Also, as a mom with ADHD you sound to me like you have no clue about how hard it is to “be present” with your children 24/7. I worked in what at the time was the 7th busiest ER in the world to have a break from my kids (it turns out they all have ADHD too, but I was diagnosed after they had been diagnosed. Don’t judge someone unless you have walked a mile in their shoes.

[@kimbers1238]

What confuses me is books on prayer. Is there a right way to pray?

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer as a great starting point! But no, just call out to Him, He delights in your calling out

[@Ashley_Joice]

You guys are my ageeeeeeeee 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 we are same ageeeee you guyssss

[@tam4givin]

We are all theologians? 🧐

[@wexwuthor1776]

Faith you suffer with depression? Praying for you?

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Yes, most my family struggles with some form or the other of chemical imbalances and so it has been a lifelong struggle but God is my cleft, my fortress, my high tower to run to and He ALWAYS provides.

[@coreyflowers1256]

It seems like you need to just hole punch your Bible pages & keep them in a 3inch, 3ring binder. Lol

[@josephwomack4683]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@cherilynhamilton746]

Why are so many women in worship wearing men's clothes?????

[@balint24]

interesting you mention M Te sa sorry can`t write this name. Don`t wish to be too critical but she was actually playing a facade all throughout her public life. There is plenty of material on youtube to prove the above F word mentioned. You must keep in mind that before any writer`s work gets into your hands they go through so much editing. Therefore they must serve a purpose, They Must serve and Audience and They must Serve a Publisher. Especially when talking about a person belonging to such a massive empire as M T. More to be said on M T but just leave with this. A puppet on a big stage.

[@diggingdeeperwithkelly1960]

Wait.... why IS he bald??? You didn't answer!?!?!?! 😁😉

[@HowtoFaithALife]

wait for part 2!