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The International Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes

FEBRUARY 2011$4.75

No Global Jubilee
Pg. 20

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Righteous Lot

Revelation 3 and the Rapture


Pg. 15

Half-Hour Silence Mother of God

Pg. 27

2 0 1 1 AT L A N T I C COA S T P R O P H E C Y CO N F E R E N C E

16-18 October 2011


Landmark Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach,South Carolina
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn (Zechariah 12:10). We are living in an increasingly insecure world. The news media continues to bombard us with reports, mainly negative, and we can barely digest it all. But the above Scripture gives us the answer: its about the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the spirit of grace. Israels salvation is at stake. The Gentiles are mentioned in the previous verse: And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem (verse 9). That sums up the conviction of our world today. This years Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference will be targeted toward Israel, the Church, and the Gentile world. What it all means and what the Bible has to say about it will be presented by our speakers during the 2 1/2 day prophecy conference. So, dont miss this important event!

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Mail to: Midnight Call P.O. Box 280008,Columbia, SC 29228

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HOTEL RESERVATION
Mail to: Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference,Landmark Resort Hotel, 1501 South Ocean Blvd.,Myrtle Beach,SC 29577 Reservations: (800) 845-0658 or Fax (843) 445-7274

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Abide in the Doctrine of Christ


By Marcel Malgo
The destructive antichristian spirit is as prevalent in our days as it was during the time of the second epistle of John.Abiding in the doctrine of Christis just the weapon that we need to use against it.With the doctrine of Christ in our hearts and in our hands, we are strong enough to confront the enemy.

25 WORLD
100 Years of Fruit Fly Tests Show No Evolution

15 Revelation 3 and the Rapture


By Dr. Ron J. Bigalke
The message to the church of Philadelphia can be tremendously inspiring when regarded as Gods instruction to a faithful church that did not compromise their worship.The recurring theme of this letter is that God is sovereign. Scripture does not advocate trust in anyone else but in God alone (Prov 3:5-6). He alone can be trusted, and mans faith must reside in Him.

$ 20 Money: Ends and Trends No Global Jubilee


By Wilfred Hahn
Today, rather than money being in the service of mankind, societies have been taken into the bondage of servicing money.Whenever such a state of affairs has occurred in past history, it has ultimately led to a demise of that society. Unless things change, this same outcome is likely to befall America, Canada and a host of other countries.

26 FRANCE
Is Life Forming on Titan?

26 BRAZIL
Brazil Recognizes Palestinian State

DEPARTMENTS


4 27

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Peter Malgo

Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Arno Froese RIGHTEOUS LOT...HALF-HOUR SILENCE...MOTHER OF GOD

Midnight Call
FEBRUARY 2011

E D I T O R S

N O T E

he who earns money, puts it into a purse with holes.


B y P e t e r M a l g o
ready being rumored. Economics historian Tobias Straumann is even convinced that such dismantling plans already exist. He believes that No one dares talk about this openly, however, because a change of currency must take place in the moment of surprise. The fact is, we are on the way to a much greater crisis than the one of two years ago. In late September 2010, a report appeared in the periodical Idea-Spektrum under the title, How Money Becomes Greedhow Christians were taken in by dubious investments. The love of money does not stop before Christians, either. So many allow themselves to be seduced by it and become materialistic end-time Christians. Recently, someone called us up and said: How does it happen that I never have enough money? Why is that? This question is also raised in the Old Testament book Haggai: he who earns money, puts it into a purse with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! (Haggai 1:6-7). Verse 9: You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; you bring it home, I blow it away. Why? says the LORD of hosts. Then the Lord Himself immediately gives the answer: because of My house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house. Therefore, because of you the sky has withheld its dew and the earth has withheld its produce (verses 9-10). wo years ago, the banking crisis in the USA shook up the financial system all over the world. Stock prices fell to bottomless depths. Hundreds of banks went bankrupt. Nor did the disaster halt before Europe. Billions of fortunes were destroyed in the shortest time. The large Swiss bank UBS barely avoided catastrophe. Thousands of small investors lost all their money. When the dark clouds seemed to disappear from the stock market sky, analysts thought they saw the dawn. However today, two years afterwards, we find ourselves again in a new global crisis. And no one knows how it will end. The USDollar and the Euro are in steady decline. One record low chases another. Not only are banks affected by this, but also even entire countries are standing at the edge of the abyss. Like a cancer lesion, the debt crisis is expanding further and further. While Ireland had to accept a double-digit credit of billions to overcome her emergency, Greece is sinking more and more deeply in the swamp of debt. Portugal and Spain are also already standing in the center of the debt crisis. The banks in Portugal are lacking liquidity. The debt crisis is also of concern in Italy. For Swiss economists like banking professor Urs Birchler, it is clear: The Euro is hardly viable in the long run. Exclusion of ailing member states from the European Union, followed by the creation of a new currency, are al4
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E D IT OR

N OT E

The plight of the modern end-time Christian consists in setting false priorities. We are extravagant when it serves our own purpose. But when we are required to do something for the Lord, we begin to calculate. Gods mathematics begin where our calculation ends. Gods possibilities have no limits. But sometimes the limit of His actions is narrowed by our own limited devotion. The meeting between Jesus and the woman who anointed Jesus feet shows how our Lord evaluates limitless devotion (Luke 7:4446). He said to this woman who had given everything: Your faith has saved youand what about our faith? Our devotion? Our means? Our time? Our life? Are we building on our own house, while the house of the Lord lies desolate? We ourselves are the house of the Lord. Does the Lord live in it; is it gloriously adorned? Is there extravagant devotion? Or does the house of the Lord stand desolate and empty? These are serious questions! Certainly, we may have everything and enjoy it with thanksgiving. But let us remember: all depends on the right priority! Our own house will break apart; we cannot take it with us beyond death. But the house of the Lord, His temple, His dwelling, endures through eternity. On which house are we building? MC

The Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes

ISSN 10948600

PRINTED IN 12 LANGUAGES

Published 12 times a year by

MIDNIGHT CALL, INC.


PO Box 280008 Columbia, SC 29228 Physical Location: 4694 Platt Springs Road West Columbia, SC 29170

Founder Dr. Wim Malgo (1922 92) Editor Peter Malgo Executive Director Arno Froese Contributing Authors Norbert Lieth, Marcel Malgo, Wilfred Hahn, Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Reinhold Federolf, Samuel Rindlisbacher, Ernst Kraft and Thomas Lieth
Layout Designers: Michelle Kim and Lisa Dixon Text Typist: Lynn Jeffcoat Copy Editor: Kimberly Farmer Customer Service: Kathy Roland and Debbie Hale Production Manager: Simon Froese Pressroom: Wade Haygood, Dwight Mims and Chad Vining Post Press: Dana Hale, Teresa Vining, Melissa Martin, Andrea Hamilton and Brian Corbett Special Order: Ruth Froese German-English Translator: Mrs. Ellen Myers

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13-Day Holy Land Tour for only $1995 (plus airfare)


This remarkable offer is most unusual. The cost of this all-inclusive 13-day tour is only $1995. Travel throughout the land of Israel, witness firsthand fulfillment of Bible prophecy, and hear details about the land of the Bible, its people and its future. Because of the low cost, seats are being taken quickly. The tour is limited to 43 participants at the maximum. For additional information, see pages 11-14.

MAILING ADDRESSES
USA and Canada: PO Box 280008 Columbia, SC 29228, USA Great Britain: End Time Ministries P.O. Box 5550, Newbury RG14 2WG, UK Australia: Major Rintje Taekema 3 Cleveland Drive, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria 3029 AUSTRALIA e-mail: taekema@optusnet.com.au New Zealand: 142 Cambridge Ave., Ashurst

Midnight Call Page Reduction


In accordance with resources supplied by friends and subscribers of Midnight Call, we have reduced this months issue to 32 pages. At the time of writing, we plan to increase the pages beginning with the March issue. We thank you for your understanding and your continuous friendship of Midnight Call Ministries.

South Africa: P.O. Box 3105, 1729 Witbeck TVL.

INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS
Mitternachtsruf (German) Ringwiesenstrasse 12a, 8600 Du bendorf, Switzerland; Middernachtsroep (Dutch) Postbus 192, 4140 AD Leerdam, Netherlands; LAppel de Minuit (French) Ringwiesenstrasse 12a, 8600 Du bendorf, Switzerland; Chamada de Meia Noite (Portuguese) Obra Missionaria Chamada de Meia Noite, Caixa Postal 1688, 90001970 Porto Alegre RS, Brazil; Llamada de Medianoche (Spanish) Apdo. Postal 1400, 01901 Guatemala; CDM Italia (Italian) Via Monte Rosa 88 D, IT 10155 Torino TO; Ejfeli Kialtas (Hungarian) H-1135 Budapest, Pelo c u. 2 (no longer available in Russian) OUR TASK Midnight Call Ministries is a nonprofit missionary organization, dedicated to proclaiming the entire Bible as the unfailing and eternal written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and the unerring guide for the Christian faith. The object of Midnight Call is to call people everywhere to Christ, to proclaim the Second Coming of Christ, to prepare Christians for His coming, and to uphold the faith and warn of false doctrines. Midnight Call magazine is available in twelve languages. All work done through radio, literature and missionaries is supported entirely by the gifts and free will offerings of Gods people. STATEMENT OF FAITH WE BELIEVE in the divine inspiration of the whole Bible and therewith the infallibility of the Holy Scripture, which is Gods Word, and in the eternal Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. WE BELIEVE Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and shed His blood to save mankind. He died and arose bodily the third day and later ascended into heaven. WE BELIEVE that the Lord Jesus Christ died in the place of each individual sinner and that all who believe in Him as their personal Savior are justified through His shed blood and have become children of God. WE BELIEVE that Israel is Gods chosen people, and that the restoration of the Jews to their own land is the fulfillment of the Word of God. WE BELIEVE in the pretribulational appearance of Jesus Christ for the Rapture of His Church (all born again believers). WE BELIEVE in the immortality of our souls and the resurrection of our bodies, and in the resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting punishment of the lost.

Israels Past, Present and Future


That will be the theme of our 2011 Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference, to be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 16-18 October 2011. For this important conference, we have invited Tom McMahon (Executive Director of Berean Call), Dr. Chuck Missler (publisher of Personal Update), Dr. James Walker (Watchman Fellowship), and our coworkers Wilfred Hahn and Norbert Lieth. We advise you to register early and reserve your hotel accommodations, to secure your preference.

Needed: Webmaster/Designer/Administrator
To manage Midnight Calls website. Send resume to arno@midnightcall.com or to our address: Midnight Call, PO Box 280008, Columbia, SC 29228.

Note
Part 5 of the series, "Daniel's 70 Weeks of Years" will appear in the March 2011 issue.

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 1

MARCEL MALGO

It is the task of every child of God to resist deceivers and antichristian doctrines. This is possible if we abide in the doctrine of Christ.

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he author of the second letter of John, who calls himself the elder (2 John 1), is the apostle John, the brother of James. He also wrote the Gospel of John, the other two epistles of John, and the book of the Revelation. It is assumed that John wrote his Gospel and his letters toward the end of the first century, between 85 and 98 A.D. He wrote the Revelation in 94/95 A.D. In verse 7 of his second letter, John writes, For many deceivers are entered into the world, who
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confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. It is striking that even at the writing of the second letter of John there were many deceivers in the world. The strange thing about this is that they were deceivers who denied that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Christianity at that time was very young, and yet apparently there were even then many who denied and fought against the Lord Jesus. Is such a thing possible among children of God? Is it possible that born-again children of God deny

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We children of God sin through our paralyzing passivity far more than we think.Even more,because many of us live in a kind of grey zone,we do not take a stand against the spirit of the Antichristour faith-lives becomes withered and we suffer loss.
that Jesus Christ came in the flesh? Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:3, Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. A bornagain child of God could never utter such a thing as we read in 2 John 7, then, not least of all, on account of this statement. The fatal lie that Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh originates with the father of lies (John 8:44). It has been his endeavor from the beginning of the Church to deny the sonship of Christ. But how do we as children of God deal with these lies that have been set before us for centuries? Do we even take a stand against them? These antichristian lies may well affect the Christian lives of individual believers, or John would not say in verse 8, Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. It is possible, then, that a child of God who would never deny the divine sonship of the incarnate Christ, could be so swept away by the tide of the antichristian lies that he suffers loss. How can this happen? It is because they do not take a stand against this antichristian lie of the devil. We children of God sin through our paralyzing passivity far more than we think. Even more, because many of us live in a kind of grey zone, we do not take a stand against the spirit of the Antichristour faith-lives becomes withered and we suffer loss. We must heed the words of John today, that if we do not turn away completely from the father of lies, if we do not vehemently expose the antichristian spirit in our families and in our churches, this will fall back on us one day. After John has spoken in verse 7 about the deceiver and then in verse 8 addressed an earnest warning to all children of God, he says in verse 9, Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. And then follows his appeal to take our stand and resist every antichristian lie, If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds (verses 10-11). Therefore, it is about nothing other than abiding in the doctrine of Christ. If we do not do this, we are in danger of suffering loss. Verses 10-11 make it clear that we really can suffer loss. Not by denying that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, and thereby attacking the foundation (born-again Christians do not do this), but by doing nothing against it. Then we are participating in the evil deeds of the deceiver, says John. This means that we will ourselves suffer loss. Paul writes to all born-again Christians, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is speaking about the reward that we as children of God, independent of our salvation, will receive or not receive. And now John says, Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward (2 John 8). This the reward of which 2 Corinthians 5:10 is speaking. John makes it clear that this reward can be diminished if we do not resist the lying spirit of the Antichrist, but tolerate him in silence, or even take him by the hand, He that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds (verse 11). In light of this truth, we could despair when we consider the situation of the Church worldwide. Particularly in the last decade, but also before that, many compromises with the world have been made within the Christian camp, with religious trends and even political powers. Dave Hunt states that the green movement is a humanistic attempt to restore the lost paradise of Eden without acknowledging that the problem is in the rebellion of man against his Creator. Christianity has joined up with a green movement and ChrisF E B R U A RY 2 0 1 1 7

Abide in the Doctrine of Christ

With the doctrine of Christ in our hearts and in our hands,we are strong enough to confront the enemy.Paul wrote to the Corinthians,For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds(2 Corinthians 10:4).
large publishers are taking part in this (translated from German). Today, it is no longer that Christians are living in the midst of an evil world where they shine as lights, but they are living in a world with its destructive philosophies and false doctrines that has made itself at home in the midst of Christianity! This is what verses 7-11 of Johns second letter speak of, and warn us urgently not to have any part in these evil works. Unfortunately, many have taken this path and have suffered loss, a loss which does not even stop at the doors of eternity. We should let ourselves be warned by John and boldly take our stand against this false spirit from below. In his words of warning, John mentions the doctrine of Christ: Whoso transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son (verse 9). The NIV translates this verse as follows, Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Abiding in the doctrine of Christ is just the weapon that we need to use against the destructive antichristian spirit. I want to lay it upon your hearts: hold high the banner of the doctrine of Christ, and with it resist the father of lies, who from the beginning has had only one goal: to undermine Christianity, to destroy it even! With the doctrine of Christ in our hearts and in our hands, we are strong enough to confront the enemy. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Corinthians 10:4). In my opinion he is speaking here of the doctrine of Christ, for in the next verse he continues and says, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself

tian leaders recite their philosophies. Christians make themselves participants in the useless and evil works of this world. John MacArthur says that many Christians have renounced Biblical clarity and have chosen in its place a life of confusion and compromise. They accept too much and examine too little. The Word of God makes it clear that all that glitters is not pure gold. False doctrines are everywhere. The temptation to accept them is great. Eternity is at stake. For this reason, we need the Biblical power of discernment. One example of how dire it is at the moment in the Christian world is described in the Bethany Newsletter of June 29th, 2009: In the USA, the seemingly Christian novel called The Shack by William Paul Young led the bestseller list in 2008 unchallenged and it was worldwide the widest sold book. Now it has appeared in a German edition and has already reached place 9. The novel is about a suffering man who passes a weekend with God in a shack in the woods: God-Father in the form of a dark-skinned woman called Elousia, the Holy Spirit called Sarayu, and Jesus. Apart from this awful mistake, the book is full of doctrinal error. Here we see how important it is that Christians do not just practice positive thinking, but also their spiritual powers of discernment, because evangelical bookstores are promoting this book very widely. Even
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Later on,after Jesus had driven the moneychangers and sellers of doves out of the temple,the high priests and scribes wanted to kill Him.Why? Because of the cleansing of the temple? Surely,but not in the first place;it was mainly because the people were impressed by His doctrine,and this made them fear.
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (verse 5). This is a striking description of the power of the pure and perfect doctrine of Christ. When we study the life of our Lord Jesus, we are shown very impressively what an effect His doctrine has. Already at the beginning of His public ministry in Capernaum, the people were astounded at His doctrine, And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes Rembrandt (16061669) Christ driving the money(Mark 1:22, cf. also Luke 4:32). This auchangers from the Temple. thority in His doctrine so impressed the inhabitants of Capernaum that it became a general topic of conversation, And they were all It was very important, by the way, for our Lord to amazed, insomuch that they questioned among explain to the people that He could only teach in themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new this way because the Father had authorized Him. In doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he John 7:16-17, He explained, My doctrine is not even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his (Mark 1:27). will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of Later on, after Jesus had driven the moneychang- God, or whether I speak of myself. Here we see, as ers and sellers of doves out of the temple, the high in many other places in the Gospels, the deep myspriests and scribes wanted to kill Him. Why? Be- tery of the perfect unity between the Father and the cause of the cleansing of the temple? Surely, but not Son. We cannot explain this unity of the Father in the first place; it was mainly because the people with the Son and the Son with the Father, but it is a were impressed by His doctrine, and this made mighty truth which encourages and strengthens us. them fear. And the scribes and chief priests heard Nothing less than the perfect doctrine of the Son it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they and the Father has been put in our hands as a feared him, because all the people was astonished at weapon in order to confront the destructive anhis doctrine (Mark 11:18). The scribes and chief tichristian spirit. priests were afraid of Him and of His doctrine that The expression doctrine of Christ describes in penetrated the hearts of the people. the most direct sense the foundation of the ChristUp to the end, the doctrine of Jesus concerned ian faith. These three wordsdoctrine of the high council in Jerusalem. When our Lord had Christare written as a heading over the whole already been taken prisoner and stood before the Christian doctrine as it is given us in the letters of High Priest, Annas, the latter asked Him about His the apostles. And in Ephesians 4:3-6, Paul presents doctrine (John 18:19). This made His enemies hold us with this foundation, briefly but pregnantly. He their breath up to the end, apparently. The doctrine writes in verse 3, Endeavouring to keep the unity of Christ, about which John writes in his second of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And then Paul letter, truly is a stronghold of power against false gives us a sevenfold description of this unity of the Spirit, which is nothing other than the true doctrine doctrines.
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Abide in the Doctrine of Christ

There is nothing that can stand in the way of the pure doctrine of Christ.Whoever holds high this banner in faith will not be put to shame.Let us begin anew to confront the present antichristian spirit with the doctrine of Christ.
of Christ, There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians 4:4-6). These seven points are, so to speak, seven branches on one tree, out of which further branches and twigs grow, and the whole then forms the pure doctrine of Christ. And this sevenfold description of the doctrine of Christ is unmistakable. We can read nothing other into this than what these seven expressions really say. We all know that there are less important themes and border territories where we can have different opinions, but here we have the foundation of the Christian doctrine before us. And this foundation is so watertight that anyone who has studied these seven things can come to no other conclusion than that which the Bible really means here. This has to be so, for where the pure doctrine of Christ is concerned there cannot be differing interpretations. There is really only: 1) one body 2) one Spirit 3) one hope 4) one Lord 5) one faith 6) one baptism 7) one God and Father. What does there remain for us to do, then, in light of such an unmistakably watertight, perfect doctrine of Christ? Nothing other than that which the evangelist Luke wrote to his friend, Theophilus, about the writing of his Gospel, Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among usIt seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed (Luke 1:1 & 3-4). This is exactly what we must do with the doctrine of Christ; we must, like Theophilus, let ourselves be
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convinced of the reliability of it. We must know all about the doctrine of Christ and study it. It may be that in secondary matters we come to different opinions, but not in this sevenfold description of the doctrine of Christ. We must not forget, however, that even Paul said, For we know in part (1 Corinthians 13:9). This can sometimes mean that we have to confess, Im not sure about that. This changes nothing, however, about the fact that there are Biblical truths which do not allow different opinions. And to these belong the sevenfold description of the doctrine of Christ in Ephesians 4. The reformer Martin Luther said at the end of his speech in Worms in 1521, Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me, Amen! These were not mere words; they were the testimony of an assurance, a steadfastly represented conviction of faith before the Church, the Kaiser and the kingdom. Under mortal danger, Luther remained true to his doctrine. His conscience was bound in Gods Word, and this is why human authority, that of the Church, the Pope, the Council, could not convince him. What kind of a doctrine was that for which he risked everything, even his own life? It was the inviolable, clear doctrine of justification by faith, just as it is written in Romans 3:28, Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. He was so convinced of the absolute truth of this statement that he risked everything for it. It was the time of the terrible indulgences, the time in which people were taught that they could earn heaven with the help of money, good works and religious practices. Martin Luther came into this darkness and he courageously held up the banner of justification by faith in Jesus Christ. Let us take this as an example. There is nothing that can stand in the way of the pure doctrine of Christ. Whoever holds high this banner in faith will not be put to shame. Let us begin anew to confront the present antichristian spirit with the doctrine of Christ. May the Lord grant us much grace to do this.
(MR1010/412)

n the 18th of May 2011, we will embark on a 12-day tour of Israel.This once-in-a-lifetime tour carries the low price tag of only $1995 plus airfare.To secure your seat, please send a $400 deposit for each person. We will be limited to one bus; this means only 45 people will be able to participate, so be sure to reserve your seat early. Your host will be the director of Midnight Call Ministries and noted Bible prophecy teacher, Arno Froese. He will highlight the Scriptural significance of sites along the way and regarding the people and land of Israel in general. Your tour guide will be Ariel Winkler, the son of the Swiss and Dutch directors of Beth Shalom: Fredi and Beate Winkler. Beate is the daughter of Midnight Call founder, Wim Malgo. Fredi is also the international editor of News From Israel. Ariel was born

18 29 May 2011*

and raised in Israel; he grew up in Haifa and, like his father, is a government licensed tour guide with an impressive understanding of the history and geography of every corner of Israel, along with a deep knowledge of the Bible. He is fluent in Hebrew, Dutch, German, and English. Along with the bus driver and Mr. Froese, he will determine the most efficient and effective routes that will allow you to see as many of the important sites in Israel as possible during these exciting days. The price listed includes accommodations, breakfast and dinner each day, and all entrance fees to sights and parks covered in the itinerary. Prices are based on double occupancy; if you are coming alone and have not specified a roommate, you will be assigned a roommate of the same gender. Alternatively, you may pay an additional $525 for a single-room. You will need to make round-trip airline reservations to Tel Aviv separately. We recommend that you use the services of Travel Concepts (Toll Free: 1-800-366-4124), but you are free to use whatever agency or online booking service you like.

* Notice: Although this is considered a 12-day tour, depending on your airline reservations, you may not be back in the USA until Monday, 30 May 2011.

Depart the USA on an overnight flight to Tel Avivs Ben Gurion International Airport.

Day 1 Wednesday, 18 May 2011 Day 2 Thursday, 19 May 2011 Day 3 Friday, 20 May 2011

We arrive in Israel,where Beth Shalom staff is awaiting us.After customs, we board our bus and travel to Haifa.Dinner and accommodations at our very own Hotel Beth-Shalom.

sarea Philippi.1 We will continue through the Golan Heights,and have a chance to peer over the border into Syria at the Quneitra crossing.As we travel through the territory of the Golan Heights,we will be witnesses to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy,as we see the land being made fertile:This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden(Ezekiel 36:35).We will have dinner and retire at our hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. 1 Matthew 16:13-16

After breakfast at Beth Shalom,we board our bus to travel to Caesarea,1 the Roman fortress where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. Then on to Muhraka (Mt.Carmel),2 where Elijah challenged the priests of Baal.From here we will also have a panoramic view of Harmaggedonthe Valley of Armageddon.We now turn to the north to visit the ancient city of Akko (Acre).Alexander the Great conquered this city in the 4th century BC.Akko is a UNESCO world heritage site.Many remnants remain from the Crusader period.This beautiful city on the Mediterranean3 will leave a lasting impression. Finally,we return to Haifa and end the day with a tour of this beautiful harbor city.We return to Beth Shalom for dinner. 1 Acts 8:40, 23:23 2 1 Kings 18:19 3 Numbers 34:6-7; Joshua 1:4, 15:47

We leave after breakfast for Megiddo.1 We will see the archaeological excavation and ascend to the top of thistell(artificial hill) to overview the Jezreel Valley,connected to theBattle of Armageddon.2 Then to Nazareth,3 the city where Jesus grew up fulfilling the Biblical prophecy:And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets,He shall be called a Nazarene(Matthew 2:23).Next,its on to Beit She'an,one of the greatest archaeological exhibitions in Israel.We will also ascend Mount Gilboa4 before returning to Beth Shalom for dinner. 1 1 Kings 4:12; 2 Kings 23:29-30 2 Revelation 16:16; Zechariah 12:11 3 Matthew 21:11; Luke 1:26, 4:34; John 1:46 4 1 Samuel 31:1

Day 4 Saturday, 21 May 2011

After breakfast,we will circle the Sea of Galilee,1 visiting three places: the Mount of Beatitudes,Tabgha,2 the place of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes,and of course,Capernaum,3 home of the apostles Peter,Andrew,James and John.For lunch,well stop at a special kibbutz restaurant,En Gev,for a traditional meal of St.Peters fish.After lunch,our group will board a replica of a first century sailing ship and head out onto the Sea of Galilee.Besides sightseeing,we will have time for a special fellowship on these historically and biblically important waters called Gennesaret or Kinneret.4 We will have some free time in the evening to stroll next to or swim in the Sea,and possibly visit the Yardenit Baptismal site at the Jordan River.5 We will have dinner and spend our final overnight in the Galilee. 1 Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:18-19 2 Mark 6:41-42 3 Matthew 4:13-15; Luke 4:31 4 Mark 6:53 5 Mark 1:5

Day 6 Monday, 23 May 2011

After breakfast,we will pack up and move to the Galilee.First,we will visit Karmiel,a modern city in northern Israel founded in 1964,and its surroundings.Then,past Safed into the upper Jordan Valley,to the Banias waterfall and the source of the Jordan:the springs at Cae-

Day 5 Sunday, 22 May 2011

We make an early departure after breakfast,because well have a big day ahead of us,culminating in Jerusalem! We will travel down the Jordan Valley,past Gilgal1 and Jericho,2 all the way down to the Dead Sea.Here we will see where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered at the ancient ruins of Qumran.After that,we will take a cable car up to Masada,where the Romans crushed the final remnant of the Jewish resistance.Then we will visit the shores of the Dead Sea and have a salad buffetlunch at the Hotel Lot.Here you will be able swim (well,float) in this,the lowest and saltiest place in the world.The lunch and access to beach & changing rooms are included in the price of this tour.Finally,we will travel up the Jericho road to Jerusalem,check into our final hotel and have dinner. 1 Joshua 4:19 2 Joshua 6:1-27

Day 7 T uesday, 24 May 2011

For our first day in Jerusalem,we will do a lot of walking,so a healthy breakfast is in order.First,we will ascend the Temple Mount,1 the center of the great global controversy.Then to the Pool of Bethesda,2 following the Via Dolorosa.Walking through the ancient narrow streets of Jerusalem will be an unforgettable experience.We will see the Church of The Holy Sepulchre,and then the famous Wailing (or Western) Wall,and finally,the Ophel Park (Davidson Center) excavations just outside the city wall.Then,back to the hotel for dinner. 1 2 Chronicles 3:1-2 2 John 5:1-18

Day 8 Wednesday, 25 May 2011

This day we will have only one goal after breakfast:Bethlehem.1 Since this town where Jesus was born is now under Palestinian control, we have to allow extra time to get there and return,but it is well worth it;we will see many sites,including the Church of the Nativity. Upon returning to Jerusalem,you will have free time to spend as you wish before dinner. 1 1 Samuel 16:1; Matthew 2; Luke 2; John 7:42

Day 9 Thursday, 26 May 2011

After your final Israeli breakfast,you will likely have free time in Jerusalem on Sunday morning before heading back down to the Ben Gurion airport for your flight back home.You may be able to attend a local church and worship with believing Jews and/or Arabs; ask the tour guide for suggestions.

Day 12 Sunday, 29 May 2011

After a good nights rest,we are ready for another exciting day in the city of Jerusalem.First,we will visit the City of David.1 Then on to Yad Vashem,the museum that commemorates the murder of over 6 million Jews by Nazi Germany.Well visit the place where Peter denied the Lord.2 Then on to Mount Zion,3 where our tour will lead us to the Upper Room,4 the place where our Lord served the Last Supper. Back to our hotel for dinner and overnight. 1 2 Samuel 5:9 2 John 18:16-17 3 Psalm 48:2, 11-12 4 Luke 22:12-13

Day 10 Friday, 27 May 2011

Depending on your airline reservations,you may still be en route from Israel to the USA on Monday morning. Note:Itinerary is subject to change

Day 13 Monday, 30 May 2011

This will be a day of discovering the biblical historical treasures of the city of Jerusalem.We start with a place that has become the favorite of many Christians:the Garden Tomb and Golgotha.1 We then ascend (by bus) to Mount Scopus for a unique overview of Jerusalem to the west and the Judean wilderness2 to the east.Then on to a most significant place,the Mount of Olives,3 from which Jesus ascended into heaven and to which He is going to return. Well walk down the mountain to the Chapel of Tears,4 then to the Garden of GethFishing boats on the semane.5 Finally,we will visit the Israel mubanks of the seum and see the amazing Model of the Sea of Galilee, Israel Temple and the exhibition of the Shrine of the Book (the Dead Sea Scrolls).We will fellowship and reminisce at our final dinner in our hotel in Jerusalem. 1 Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, John 19:17 2 Matthew 3:1 3 2 Samuel 15:30; Acts 1:12 4 Luke 22:44 5 Matthew 26:36

Day 11 Saturday, 28 May 2011

Nazareth is the capital and largest city in the northern district of Israel.

SEPTEMBER 2001

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19 May 22 May Hotel Beth-Shalom http://www.beth-shalom.co.il

Accommodations Limitation of Liability

22 May 24 May Kibbutz Guest HouseMaagan Holiday Village http://www.maagan.com/english 24 May 29 May Ramada (Royal Wing) Jerusalem

For participant-initiated cancellations, a full refund of the landonly portion of the tour ($1995 per person, plus optional $525 single room supplement) will be made up to 45 days before departure (4/4/2011), and at a sliding scale down to zero for noshows on 19 May 2011. If we need to cancel the tour for any reason, you will receive an immediate and automatic refund of everything you have paid Midnight Call for the 2011 tour; this refund will release Midnight Call from any further obligations. Since you will be making air travel arrangements separately, the airlines cancellation/refund policy applies. If you feel it necessary, purchase travel interruption insuranceeither from our travel agent or another source.

Cancellation Policy

Midnight Call Inc. (Olive Tours) and its agents assume no responsibility nor liability in connection with the service of any vessel, carriage, aircraft or other conveyance, which is used, either wholly or in part, in the performance of its duty to the passengers. Midnight Call Inc. will not be held responsible for an act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purpose of this tour. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable, or for any reason whatsoever, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary or arrangements as needed. Significant additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers; conversely, a refund will be made to the passengers if any significant savings result from a change.
Olive Tours/Midnight Call Ministries PO Box 280008 Columbia SC 29228 1-800-845-2420 Fax: 803-755-6002 kathy@midnightcall.com Latest information: http://www.midnightcall.com/israel_tours.html

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REVELATION3 AND THE RAPTURE


By Dr. Ron J. Bigalke
The message to the church of Philadelphia can be tremendously inspiring when regarded as Gods instruction to a faithful church that did not compromise their worship. The recurring theme of this letter is that God is sovereign. Scripture does not advocate trust in anyone else but in God alone (Prov 3:5-6). He alone can be trusted, and mans faith must reside in Him. The world is unstable, but God declares, I am He who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens (Rev 3:7). It is because God is sovereign that He declares there is a door of opportunity, which no one can shut (3:8).

LOCATION OFTHE CHURCH


Philadelphia was a city in the Roman province of Asia; that is, in the west of what is known today as Asiatic Turkey. It is alleged that Eumenes, king of Pergamum, founded the city in the 2nd century BC. Apparently, Eumenes named Philadelphia after his brother Attalus Philadelphus. Therefore, the name Philadelphia came to mean brotherly love. It was located near the upper end of a broad valley that passed through Sardis to the sea that was near Smyrna. Philadelphia was

on the verge of a quite fertile territory of plateau country, and this geographical area contributed to the commercial prosperity of the city. Philadelphia was noted for its elaborate religious festivals and remarkable temples. Today, the town of Alaehir occupies the site. The residents of Philadelphia experienced frequent earthquakes, such as one in AD 17 that destroyed the city. As earthquakes increased, more of the residents moved their homes to outside the city. An imperial bounty helped the city to recover from the
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Philadelphia was a gateway to the East; it was the farthest city of the Greek civilization in that area. Physically, the city was at the threshold of a fertile geographical area from which it could derive its wealth. From a spiritual standpoint, there were numerous barbarous tribes beyond the city of Philadelphia that granted the church an open door of opportunity for missionary activity (Rev 3:8).

devastation, and in gratitude the city changed its name to Neocaesarea. The name of the city was changed again, and the new name, Flavia, indicated another imperial bounty from Vespasian.1

HISTORICAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The angel of the church in Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) was selected among others to receive a message from the Lord. It seems that the Philadelphian church was selected due to the particular issues that it experienced, which would be relevant to churches throughout the church age. Seven churches were selected, since the number indicates completeness. First Corinthians 10:11 indicates that God has chosen certain events and the character of individuals to admonish others. The church in Philadelphia was such an example. Summers commented,
One of the marvelous things about the book is the impression that conditions in churches of every age, including the twentieth century, are illustrated by the conditions of these churches. The message is one of universal application. Wherever the conditions exist, the corrective procedure indicated will find application.2

As already stated, the name Philadelphia came to mean brotherly love due to the loyalty of Philadelphus to his brother Attalus. The church of Philadelphia was identified with this brotherly love, which was also manifested in the churchs loyalty to Jesus Christ. The church was commended because they were faithful to Gods Word and were loyal to His name (Rev 3:8). They also exercised patience toward the Word of God (Rev 3:10). Philadelphia was a gateway to the East; it was the farthest city of the Greek civilization in that area.3 Physically, the city was at the threshold of a fertile geographical area from which it could derive its wealth. From a spiritual standpoint, there were numerous barbarous tribes beyond the city of Philadelphia that granted the church an open door of opportunity for missionary activity (Rev
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3:8). The church was loyal to Christ in the past, but two doors lay before them. One door offered physical blessing, whereas the other offered spiritual blessing. Perhaps the letter to this church serves to remind Gods people of their responsibility to the Lord and to examine which open door is more important. The mention of a crown and the pillar in the following verses indicate a point of contrast of the eternal with the recurring instability of a city plagued with never ending earthquakes (Rev 3:11-12). Those who overcome are promised eternal blessings. The church in Smyrna and Philadelphia experienced intense opposition from religious leaders (Rev 2:9; 3:9). The Philadelphian church was exhorted to hold fast what you have amidst the ongoing rejection, because they would receive acceptance from their Lord (Rev 3:8, 11). Again, a contrast is made between the temporal and the eternal. The historical background of this church provides unique insights as to why the church received this message. The church encountered earthquakes, heathenism, and religious rejection in a continual manner. Nevertheless, the church remained loyal to Christ. They were encouraged to continue in their separation from the synagogue of Satan and heathenism (Rev 3:9-11). Although the church often journeyed outside the city (due to the earthquakes), a day would come when they would be pillars in the temple of God (Rev 3:12). The exhortation to this church was continual faithfulness to Christ with their hope in the eternal.

CHRONOLOGICAL ASPECTS
Many competent Bible teachers believe that the seven historical churches in Revelation of the first century provide a sample of the types of churches that will be present throughout the history of the church. Revelation 1:19 does provide a chronological outline for understanding the Book of Revelation. For instance, there are the things

REVELATION 3 AND THE RAPTURE

Although none of the seven churches remain today, there are applications for the churches throughout the centuries. It is apparent that the churches selected were chosen due to their representative character. Every church can find some circumstance, trial, or temptation within these letters that will provide admonishment to live holy in a godless world in light of the Lords imminent return.

which you have seen (Rev 1), the things which are (Rev 23), and the things which will take place after these things (Rev 422). The things which are does relate to the current church age, which is evident in the Lords recurring command: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). However, this does not mean that the seven historical churches provide a pattern of the various types of churches throughout history. The historical-prophetic interpretation of the seven churches not only finds application from each of the letters, but also believes that one type of church will be dominant in a particular period of church history. Fruchtenbaum provided an outline representative of this interpretation. 1. Ephesus [30-100] Apostolic Church 2. Smyrna [100-313] Roman Persecution 3. Pergamum [313-600] Age of Constantine 4. Thyatira [600-1517] Dark Ages 5. Sardis [1517-1648] Reformation 6. Philadelphia [1648-1900] Missionary Movement 7. Laodicea [1900-Present] Apostasy4 The historical-prophetic interpretation seems to read more into Scripture than what is actually the original intent. For instance, the seven churches would not have understood the letters in such a manner as proposed by the historicalprophetic interpretation. Rejecting such an interpretation, Summers wrote,

These were actually seven churches in Asia Minor. It stays by the principle announced that the book must be interpreted in a way that would have been meaningful and helpful to those Christians who first received the message. Hence, it rejects the frequently confronted approach that the seven churches represent seven stages in the development of apostasy of the church.5

Although none of the seven churches remain today, there are applications for the churches throughout the centuries. It is apparent that the churches selected were chosen due to their representative character. Every church can find some circumstance, trial, or temptation within these letters that will provide admonishment to live holy in a godless world in light of the Lords imminent return.

GODS MESSAGETOTHE CHURCH


The message begins with Christs presentation of Himself as holy and true. He is the one who holds the key of David (Rev 3:7), which is a reference to Isaiah 22:22, and thus indicates the authority of Christ. He alone is the sovereign. God opens and closes according to His divine will. There is none that can thwart His eternal decrees. The church in Philadelphia was commended for four things (Rev 3:8): (1) taking advantage of the opportunities granted them by God (I know your deeds); (2) displaying some spiritual maturity (you have a little power); (3) keeping the Word of the Lord; and, (4) faithfulness to Gods calling (have not deF E B R U A RY 2 0 1 1 17

The third promise is that the Lord will come quickly (Rev 3:11). Walvoord aptly noted that the expression quickly is to be understood as something which is sudden and unexpected, not necessarily immediate.

nied My name). The devotion of the church to Christ resulted in five promises given to them. The first promise given to the church was that their Jewish enemies (synagogue of Satan) would be humbled before them (Rev 3:9). Secondly, they would be kept from the hour of testing (or tribulation; cf. Matt 13:21; Mark 4:17; Luke 8:13). The second promise is noteworthy since many Bible students commonly cite it to teach the pretribulational rapture. It is common to hear Revelation 3:10 cited as proof of a pretribulational rapture, but there are problems with such references. Thomas concluded, The statement does not refer directly to the rapture. What it guarantees is protection from the scene of the hour of trial while that hour is in progress. This effect of placing the faithful in Philadelphia (and hence, the faithful in all the churches; cf. 3:13) in a position of safety presupposes that they will have been removed to another location (i.e., heaven) at the periods beginning.6 Therefore, it would be best to understand Revelation 3:10 as promising the church in Philadelphia a first century deliverance from the tribulation period, but also extending that promise in a general manner to the church throughout the centuries (cf. Rev 3:13). Thomas was correct that the passage does not directly teach the pretribulational rapture. However, this is not to say that the passage does not relate to the rapture of the church. It is as Walvoord stated, If the rapture had occurred in the first century preceding the tribulation which the book of Revelation described, they were assured of deliverance.7 The phrase kept from the hour of testing is significant for several reasons. For instance, the word hour (Gk. horas) designates deliverance
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not only from the trial, but also deliverance from the period of time in which the trial exists. Ryrie noted, In the Septuagint translation the ek indicates an external, not internal preservation. Ek also is used in the same way of external protection in Joshua 2:13 and in Psalm 33:19; 56:13.8 If the writer had intended to teach preservation through (rather than from) the tribulation, the correct grammar to use would be en te hora (in the hour). Significantly, John stated, ek tes haras (from the hour). The same Greek preposition is used in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, wherein Paul communicated the same teaching: that is, Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. The third promise is that the Lord will come quickly (Rev 3:11). Walvoord aptly noted that the expression quickly is to be understood as something which is sudden and unexpected, not necessarily immediate. Fourthly, the church in Philadelphia would be honored in the temple of God (Rev 3:12a). It is significant that they will not go out from it anymore. In other words, that which is eternal and unmovable would replace the unstable earthly dwelling in which they were accustomed. Lastly, the church would receive a new name (Rev 3:12b), which will in-

REVELATION 3 AND THE RAPTURE

The church in Philadelphia was given precious promises from the Lord. However, the exhortation to hold fast what you have is also applicable to the church today. The world today can be deeply depressing without any appearance of hope. However, this is when Christians can be marvelous testimonies of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ by living with the blessed hope of the Lords imminent return (Rev 3:11; cf. Tit 2:13).

dicate their eternal identification with God.

CONCLUSION
If the majority of pastors were asked which of the seven churches describes their congregation, it would be honest of most to respond that at times all of them correspond to their local church. The most prominent churches to be mentioned would probably include Ephesus (you have left your first love), Philadelphia (kept My word, and have not denied My name), and Laodicea (you are neither cold nor hot). There are several applications that should be adopted in response to the Lords evaluation of these historical and representative churches. First, the church needs a greater awareness of Gods holiness and mans sinfulness. If the people of God truly understood the wrath from which they have been delivered, they would not become accustomed to living independent of the living and written Word. The church needs to understand the sovereign choice of God in election, and also accountability to God. The late Dr. Walvoord stated a great point when he wrote, It remains true, however, that many casual worshipers in Christian churches today who are quite familiar with the Sermon on the Mount are not aware of the existence of these seven messages of Christ. Even many teachers of prophetic passages in Scripture will emphasize chapter 1 and then chapters 4-22 of Revelation, and only provide a survey analysis of the letters to the seven churches. The exhortations of these

letters need to be an emphasis in the church. The church in Philadelphia was given precious promises from the Lord. However, the exhortation to hold fast what you have is also applicable to the church today. The world today can be deeply depressing without any appearance of hope. However, this is when Christians can be marvelous testimonies of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ by living with the blessed hope of the Lords imminent return (Rev 3:11; cf. Tit 2:13). The suddenness (I am coming quickly) in which Christ will return is also an incentive for holiness and evangelism, that Christians should not be caught unaware when the Lord returns for His church. MC

ENDNOTES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 W. M. Ramsay, The Letters to the Seven Churches (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1994) 286-302. Ray Summers, Worthy Is the Lamb (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1951) 107. Ramsay, Seven Churches, 296-97. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, The Footsteps of the Messiah (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries Press, 1983) 36. Summers, Worthy, 107. Robert Thomas, Revelation 1-7 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1992) 288. John Walvoord, The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Chicago: Moody Press, 1966) 87. Charles Ryrie, Come Quickly, Lord Jesus (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1996) 133. Walvoord, Revelation, 87. Ibid. 51.

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MONEY: E NDS & TRENDS

For resources on endtime economics and to subscribe to the free newsletter, Eternal Value Review, visit Wilfreds website www.eternalvalue.com or contact him at: staff@eternalvalue.com

No Global Jubilee
B y W i l f r e d H a h n

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of the past few years has ravaged many households. Millions are living in dire conditions not dissimilar to those experienced in the time of the 1930s Great Depression. Over 42 million American households today rely upon food stamps.1 That is an increase of 44% since the start of the GFC (considered to be early September 2008, when the firm of Lehman Brothers collapsed). One of the busiest times of the month for Wal-mart is now early in the morning on the first day of the month, when the food stamp cards are transactionable.
he GFC is not over; it is still morphing through various stages. Lately, financial troubles are ripping through parts of Europe. Much more trouble surely lies ahead elsewhere. The GFC indeed could represent a preliminary phase of the global economic travails that ultimately manifest in the final economic collapses detailed in the book of Revelation. However, events can unfold in unexpected and deceitful ways. A deceptive aspect of the times is that even as many more people have fallen into difficult circumstance, perhaps losing all or a considerable part of their savings in the real estate crash, the wealthy seem to be doing fine. Yes, many wealthy peo20
MIDNIGHT CALL

ple also suffered loss throughout the GFC. However, as a group, they nevertheless today account for a greater share of national wealth than likely ever before in Americas history. According to one recent estimate, the richest 20% of all U.S. households now account for 84% of all wealth.2 Another survey dating back to 2006 data, focusing on the top 0.01% (1 hundredth of 1%) of the U.S. population, shows this group earning 976 times the income of the bottom 90%. That ratio by far exceeds the extremes of 1928, the last peak period of an extreme wealth distribution in the U.S. Therefore, even while we see luxury goods in high demand today, we also ob-

No Global Jubilee
serve that the majority of households have reduced their overall spending even on staple goods. We live in a period of time where the financial world has become decoupled from the real world. In other words, the realm of financial wealth and asset markets has become its own master, seeking to insulate itself from the real-life underpinnings of the day-to-day world of labor, income and massive household indebtedness. Today, rather than money being in the service of mankind, societies have been taken into the bondage of servicing money. Whenever such a state of affairs has occurred in past history, it has ultimately led to a demise of that society. Unless things change, this same outcome is likely to befall America, Canada and a host of other countries. In fact, today these conditions impact the entire world, not just individual countries. The globalized financial edifice is looting entire countries, progressively forcing governments to appropriate taxpayer monies to bailout banks and global sovereign bond markets. The Faade of Rich Hopes The topic of wealth should we even discuss it? According to the prophet Amos, perhaps we shouldnt. He said: Therefore the prudent man keeps quiet in such times, for the times are evil (Amos 5:13). To have any opinion on the accumulation of riches in these times is to be branded of a particular political persuasionperhaps Democrat, Republican, Libertarian even a Socialist or a Communist. It is a particularly treacherous topic in North America. Why? Because the ideas of opportunity for all the freedom to excel property rights human rights etc. run deep. These represent the very foundation of the American Way. It is not that any of these notions are unreasonable or reprehensible. They should be upheld. However, along the way, the object of worship has changed. The focus has turned from these ideas to the acquisition of money and wealth itselfin short: greed and humanistic materialism. None of these comments are meant to support any one particular political view. They are simply Biblical statements of fact which confirm the vulnerabilities of the human heart to corruption. We are therefore speaking here of human affections, not political philosophies. Capitalism and Other Views Not Sanctified For some, the objective of the maximization of wealth is a religion itself an ism. Anything that would stand in the way of this Mammon edifice must be struck down and removed. To them, money exists for its own sake. All policies of state and matters of human life must be in subservience to increasing wealth. And so, increasingly for the entire world, wealth has been transformed into a highly visible financial form, one that is narrow and deceiving. Without naming names or politicizing the views being expressed here, it is very evident that

We live in a period of time where the financial world has become decoupled from the real world. In other words, the realm of financial wealth and asset markets has become its own master, seeking to insulate itself from the real-life underpinnings of the day-to-day world of labor, income and massive household indebtedness.

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M ONEY: ENDS & TRE NDS

$
sin. Such motives, if not curtailed, lead to destruction, as the Bible outlines. In fact, it could be considered a physical law that applies to anything that draws the affections of mankind. [] Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10). Today, we see ample evidence of the destructive trends of wealth hoarding at work.

On the other hand, desiring to be wealthy or to oppress others in the effort to attain or preserve wealth is a sin. Such motives, if not curtailed, lead to destruction, as the Bible outlines.

many rich and powerful individuals, the corporate sector represented by the large multinational corporations, as well as the parasitic financial community (collectively referred to as Wall Street), are run by the interests of money. They have tremendous influence and lobby hard to continue the pursuit of even more wealth. That societies may be crumbling; that the global economic standing of entire nation states is being sacrificed; that an ever larger portion of humanity is being enslaved are just part of the competitive scoring game. Quoting Dr. Michael Hudson, in America:
We are dealing with shameless demagogy. The financial End Time has arrived.[...] The argument is made that The rich create jobs. After all, somebody has to build the yachts. What is missing is the more general principle: Wealth and income inequality destroy job creation. This is because beyond the wealthy soon reach a limit on how much they can consume. They spend their money buying financial securities mainly bonds, which end up indebting the economy. And the debt overhead is what is pushing todays economy into deepening depression. 3

The Bibles View on Today Lets allow the Bible to speak of the indictments and judgments that applied to Israel and Judah during similar times of elitism and economic oppression. Please read these statements and compare them to conditions evident in our day:
Son of man, say to the land [], There is a conspiracy of her princes within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her. [] Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. [] The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice (Ezekiel 22:24-25, 27, 29). Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy and say to your husbands,Bring us some drinks!(Amos 4:1). So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, [] against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me, says the LORD Almighty (Malachi 3:5). For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. You oppress the righteous and take bribes and you deprive the poor of justice in the courts (Amos 5:12).

Being or becoming wealthy is not a sin, though few are able to remain untainted by its influence. On the other hand, desiring to be wealthy or to oppress others in the effort to attain or preserve wealth is a
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No Global Jubilee
Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At mornings light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellowman of his inheritance (Micah 2:1-2).

Do any of the conditions or attitudes exemplified in the Spirit-inspired statements of the prophets cited above, apply in our day? Most readers will likely agree. Moreover, an attitude of rapaciousness and an incessant striving for gain is rampant. Attitudes such as these were also spoken against by the prophets. Consider Nahum indicting the brutal Assyrians, saying, You have increased the number of your merchants till they are more than the stars of the sky, but like locusts they strip the land and then fly away (Nahum 3:16). Today, avaricious actions such as these take different forms. For example, a company is taken over, its assets stripped, laborers downsized, and then it is laden up with debt to pay out gains to its acquirers. Not only do actions such as these undermine the strength of these companies, but also entire nations. As well, the obsession of multiplying wealth for its own sake, was also deplored by the prophets. Said Isaiah: Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land (Isaiah 5:8). We see here that the objective of gaining wealthof piling up and hoarding richesis not to be the leitmotif of life. The incessant striving for growth and increase virtually ensures that a large number of poor will result, destroying society. Points to Ponder This writer believes that the conditions of materialism and economic oppression witnessed todayeven in such advanced nations as the U.S., Canada and others is at least as rampant as during the times

that the prophets sounded the warnings and indictments against Judah and Israel. The divide between the rich and poor has become extreme. No Jubilee Year is practiced where all liabilities are forgiven and the forces of exponential gain are again reset to zero. There is no settling of accounts other than through eventual calamitous financial busts and economic depressions. To date, global leaders and finance ministers from the major nations have no answer to the Global Financial Crisis other than to reshuffle debt and to shift liabilities upon governments and aging populations. There is no possibility of a Jubilee Year. The net result is even greater financial slavery for the average citizen; even greater relative wealth of the haves. Yes, some leaders speak of a return to stewardship and stopping the march into greater indebtedness. However, for the most part, societies and their leaders will opt for policies that seem the lightest ... that promise deferral of the ultimate consequences, even if only for a period of months. But surely, the judgments that were carried out against Israel and Judah for their economic sins could never happen to the U.S. or Canada, for example. Many refuse to believe that todays generation will not be absolved of its idolatries and sins, on the good credit of prior generations that may have founded their nation upon Christian principles. Or, they may think themselves impervious to judgment because of the great evangelical outreaches and good deeds to the rest of the world that were birthed in their country. They forget the lessons of ancient Israel and Judah and the principle illustrated in Ezekiel 18. Here Ezekiel provides a detailed illustration of the accountabilities of fathers and sons, concluding that each generation must answer for its own conduct. For example, the sins of the son

The divide between the rich and poor has become extreme. No Jubilee Year is practiced where all liabilities are forgiven and the forces of exponential gain are again reset to zero. There is no settling of accounts other than through eventual calamitous financial busts and economic depressions.

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 1

23

M ONEY: ENDS & TRE NDS

$
translate what we have into eternal riches, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20), gaining everything. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings (Luke 16:9). MC

While the world becomes mired in its humanistic materialism, losing everything, we can translate what we have into eternal riches, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20),

cannot be absolved on the strengths of the good deeds of the father. Says Ezekiel: For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the sonboth alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die (Ezekiel 18:4-5). As such, the immoral and evil conditions that we witness today will be accounted to the current generation. God is faithful, a respecter of no one. As Apostle Paul observed, The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:8). Living in this dispensation upon earth, great and wonderful promises have been given to us in addition to salvation. While the world becomes mired in its humanistic materialism, losing everything, we can

ENDNOTES
1 2 3 August 2010 statistic released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in November 2010. Michael I. Norton & Dan Ariely,Building a Better America One Wealth Quintile at a Time. Michael Hudson,The Coming Sell-Out to the Super Rich and What It Means for the Rest of Us, www.counterpunch.com. Accessed November 15, 2010.

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WORLD

100Years of Fruit FlyTests Show No Evolution


For most of the past centuryand especially since the discovery of DNA as a physical molecule carrying heritable informationthe prevailing concept of neo-Darwinian evolution has held mutations to be the central generator of new and useful information. Thus, mutations have been given ample opportunity to prove themselves, if they are naturally selected, as having the power to drive the evolution of all living things in the direction of positive improvement.
Fruit flies, with their short generation times and only four pairs of chromosomes, presented prime testing ground for evolution. In laboratories worldwide, they have been subjected to all manner of mutation-inducing phenomena, including hosts of chemicals and radiation treatments, to try and accelerate evolution-mimicking mutations. After all this, fruit flies should have certainly exemplified evolution by now. But they havent. So, having achieved no evolutionary progression in fruit flies by these random means, researchers made them the focus of countless purposeful gene manipulation studies. The most popular, from an evolutionary perspective, were experiments with what are called HOX genes. HOX, an abbreviation of homeobox, are genes used by the organism during embryonic development. Many reasoned that it would be simpler for evolution to operate by mutating these genes, since a small alteration could produce a large effect in the flys body. However, this was before recent studies showed that embryonic development is more heavily influenced by regulatory DNA, not genes. And mutating (through substituting, deleting, or duplicating) developmental genes like HOX has only ever yielded a dead fly, a normal fly (if the mutation happened to have no noticeable effect), or a tiny monster. None of these results match the positive improvement expected of Darwinian evolution. Extra body segments, an extra set of wings, or legs in the place of antennae characterized in the history of genetics. Carriers of some of these mutations certainly qualify as monsters though without much hope. Whereas fruit fly studies have provided critical information about how genes, nerves, longevity, and other biological machines and processes operate, no progress whatsoever The most popular, from an evolutionary perspective, has been made in the quest to were experiments with what are called HOX genes. HOX, accelerate these insects evoan abbreviation of homeobox, are genes used by the organism during embryonic development. lution by ramping up their mutations. The survivors of 100 the weird forms that were generated. Three gen- years of lab torture are still just fruit flies. -english.pravda.ru, 13 November 2010 erations of specifically designed DNA alterations were required to produce fruit flies with four wingsbut they couldnt fly. The extra wings A careful study of evolution theory had no muscles and were dead weight. One re- quickly reveals its errors; yet, evolution is still considered by the overwhelming cent exploration of neo-Darwinism remarked: The mutants that produce four-winged fruit majority of intellectuals as a scientific flies survive today only in a carefully controlled fact. Why? Because man desperately environment and only when skilled researchers searches for an answer outside the Word meticulously guide their subjects through one of God; thus, he wholeheartedly benon-functional stage after another. This carefully lieves that there is some other way controlled experiment does not tell us much evolution. If other scientific proof about what undirected mutations can produce in showing evolution to be in error were presented, would it change the minds of the wild. In his book Evolution, Colin Patterson sum- those who believe? Apparently not, for marized the lost hope of finding evolution from we read in 2 Thessalonians 2:11: And for this cause God shall send them HOX investigations: The spectacular effects of homeobox gene strong delusion, that they should believe 3935 mutations were first seen in Drosophila, early a lie.
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 1 25

FRANCE

Is Life Forming onTitan?


A team of investigators led by University of Arizona graduate student Sarah Horst has approximated, in a French lab, atmospheric conditions on Saturns moon Titan. Through a series of experiments, they bombarded the gases with radiation, producing a number of compounds, including amino acids.
Could these molecules be the basis for the development of life on Titan? Horst and the other researchers supplied radiation powerful enough to break the triple bond between the two nitrogen atoms that comprise nitrogen gasa known constituent of Titans atmospherewhich freed the nitrogen atoms to bond with other nearby atoms, including carbons. What was in the resulting concoction? Assuming there are at least three or four structural variations of each, we are talking up to 20,000 molecules that could be in there, including a handful of some of the smallest chemical units found in cells, according to University of Arizona information. But for this chemical mixture to springboard, or even crawl, toward becoming a living cell, it wouldfor startershave to be added to, taken away from, sequestered into compartments, and organized according to a real biological language. Failure of any of these processes to shape molecules toward a cell is a deal-breaker for life to springboard out of chaos. The long series of specifying processes would follow such a torturous track that not even an intelligent investigator would be able to do it. And so far, it has not been done, despite massive efforts to build life. Decades ago, there was optimism that successful origin-of-life experimentation would be achieved. But each passing year adds another layer of newly discovered, complex, and specified information found in real living cells. So why, then, should the randomizing processes of nature have any success in creating life from random mixtures? Even if one introduced a massive mixture of whole nucleotides to Titans atmosphere, all the right-handed sugars would somehow have to be culled, and there is no known natural mechanism to perform this task. The handedness problem alone is a dead end for any naturalistic origin of life. chemistry to perform what repeated scientific experiments have demonstrated are feats only possible for a Creator God.
-english.pravda.ru, 6 November 2010

In the end, when granted all the chemicals of life [] the mixture would be light years away from a living cell because it would be missing the most important ingredient: information. And as technical author Bernd-Olaf Kuppers wrote in his 1990 book, Information and the Origin of Life, The problem of the origin of life is clearly basically equivalent to the problem of the origin of biological information. Titan is sterile. The processes going on in its atmosphere should add absolutely no fodder to feed naturalists huge faith in the laws of

The above article, written by Brian Thomas, a science writer at the Institute for Creation Research, clearly reveals the impossibility of life coming forth from non-life. Although scientists have uncovered a tiny fraction of Gods creating power, the mystery of God can only be fully revealed through Holy Scripture. The Apostle John begins his gospel with these words: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3). 3969

BRAZIL

Brazil Recognizes Palestinian State


Brazil says it has recognized the state of Palestine based on borders at the time of Israels 1967 conquest of theWest Bank.
The Foreign Ministry says the recognition is in response to a request made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Silva sent a letter to Abbas on December 1, saying Brazil recognizes Palestine and hopes that the recognition will help lead to states of Israel and Palestine that will coexist peacefully and in security. The Brazilian foreign ministry says that the recognition is in line with Brazils historic willingness to contribute to peace between Israel and Palestine. The announcement was posted on the Foreign Ministrys website.
3956

-haaretz.com, 4 December 2010

26

MIDNIGHT CALL

LET TE RS TO TH E ED ITOR
Address letters for publication to: Letters to the Editor, Midnight Call, P.O. Box 280008, Columbia, SC 29228. Include full name, address, and daytime phone number. Without name and address, letters will be discarded unread. All material is subject to editing. Midnight Call assumes all publishing rights on letters sent to the Editor.

Righteous Lot... Half-Hour Silence... Mother of God


Righteous Lot Dear Mr. Froese, I was just rereading your book, How Democracy Will Elect the Antichrist. It is the first one that you wrote in the 1990s, as I dont have the updated version. It does seem to be a little out of date now since the economic crisis, but nevertheless fairly astute. There is one item I disagree with, just as I disagreed with it when I first read it, and I wanted to give you my viewpoint. It is about Lot. The Bible says he was a righteous man. When Abraham and Lot separated, God had already showed Abraham the land he was going to give him. So when Abraham told Lot to pick first, was Abraham tempting him? Well, of course not. They both knew which land was Abrahams, so Lot went the other direction. God says he was a righteous man. His daughters obviously werent, just as Samuels werent. Noah was righteous, but not the rest of his family, although two sons appear more so than the third. Lot was righteous and was saved because of it. Today, we are living just as Lot was among filth and immorality. Yet, we are in it, but not of it. My Bible footnotes also make mention of Lot being a backslider, but I beg to differ. God says he was righteous. As in the days of Noah and Lot, so will it be in the end. Noah/Israel (protection) Lot/ Spiritual Israel (removal)
-J. Colgrove, MT

Answer: You are referring to chapter 4 in my book, subheadline,Lot Chose the Left. The issue here is whether Lot had a calling to go with his uncle Abraham or not. Whether he was righteous or unrighteous is not the issue. Lot chose based on what he saw, It was well watered everywhere, but in the end, he lost all. That doesnt make him unrighteous, as you rightly state; the Bible calls him righteous Lot. However, that issue was between him and the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, not an issue between him and his uncle Abraham.
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 1 27

LE T T E R S TO TH E E DITOR

Half-Hour Silence Dear Mr. Froese, Would you please respond to a few questions/comments I have after reading your book on editorial answers from 2000. 1) Revelation 8:1 mentions a half-hour of silence in heaven. Is this not significant? Ive seen so little teaching on this Scripture and nothing satisfactory. Ive wondered for years, how long is a half-hour in heaven, on earth? Any opinion? 2) Revelation 8:3, another angel with the censer. In other words, an eighth angel? Who or what does this one represent, and if this is so important as to create enough emotion in Jesus to halt everything mid-judgment, something profound must be happening here. Does the eighth angel represent new beginnings? Do you believe there is a physical bride for Christ? A flesh bride who is of the Church, but not in itthe reverse of the Church, which is in the world, but not of it? Someone who is currently being kept in a sanctuary on earth until the perfect moment. It seems like a very personal moment for our Lord. 3) Second Thessalonians 2:5 and 7. The one that hinders has to be the Holy Spiritholding back the revealing of Antichrist. But, there is also another one who is taken out of the way. Who is this other one? It doesnt seem like this could be the Holy Spirit, because He wouldnt need to be taken out. Wouldnt He just leave? It appears He is waiting for another one whom
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MIDNIGHT CALL

He will take with Him. Could this be another event, but simultaneous to the Rapture? The Holy Spirit cannot be the same as this other person, or it would violate the personhood of both of them, would it not? Ive easily brushed over these Scriptures in other years, but this time, I find them impossible to pass over as Im beginning to see the Word in a new lightHis.
-M. Nisula, FL

Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Whom are we praying to? Mary is Jesus Mother, and He is the Second Person of the blessed Trinity. The holy Rosary of Mary is said daily by thousands. What are we praying for? Her to plead for our needs to Jesus, the Son of God, her son. Son of God, son of Mary, pray for us.
-P. Magathan, KS

Answer: After the seventh seal was opened, it was not the end, but rather the announcement of the beginning of the seven trumpet judgments to come; thus, time is allowed for heaven and earth to take a breath before the next judgment. The other angel (Revelation 8:3) is representing the saints and is not part of the seven angels who sound the trumpets. The Holy Spirit in the office of the Comforter of the Church must be removed with the Church. Otherwise, Jesus cannot return, based on John 16:7. Unfortunately, time and space do not permit me to answer all questions in detail, which I virtually never do in this column. Therefore, we must wait until we shall see Him as He is.Then, all of our questions will be answered.

Mother of God Dear Editor of Midnight Call, This letter is in reference to the November 2010 issue, page 42, top left-hand column. You say Mary is the mother of Jesus, but never the mother of God. Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,

Answer: Please keep the two issues apart: 1) the eternal Word of God and 2) the tradition of man. The Bible reveals Jesus Christ as the only and exclusive Savior. He stated,I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). Only Jesus is our Savior, our High Priest and our Advocate (lawyer). He is the only sinless One (except Adam, who fell into sin). The only valid payment for our sin is the shed blood of Jesus; only through His name do we have access to the Father, and only He stands in defense of those He has purchased with His own blood. Jesus does not need help from anyone. Any teaching that indicates Jesus needs help is a teaching that does not echo the truth of Holy Scripture. It is up to you to make the decision to believe in the absolute truth of the Jewish bookthe Bibleor in the interpretation of the Bible by your church.

Prayer Cloths Dear Mr. Arno Froese, I want to know what you think about prayer cloths. Tommy Combs sent me one and said it was related to Paul

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


giving handkerchiefs. To me, it seems like you are putting your faith in it, instead of God. Thank you so much for your help.
-J. Smith, NY

Answer: Regarding prayer cloths, you already answered that question yourself. It is a plain deception that causes the recipient to look upon an object instead of looking to the Lord. Whenever the motive is not Christ and Him crucified, it falls into the category of Titus 1:11: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucres sake.The Apostle Paul testifies, I am crucified with Christ, and confirms this in 1 Corinthians 2:2: For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.What does it mean? It simply means that there is no future, no hope nor advantage for our life in the flesh and blood, except that it be totally dedicated to God. Only then does our life become a good seed, to bring forth fruit for eternity. It is unfortunate that many ministers capitalize on the well being of our life on earth instead of identifying that we are here to prepare for eternity. When listening to prayer requests in churches, one notices that virtually all are targeted toward the well being and the advantage of the flesh here on earth.That, in essence, is anti-Christianity.

Coming in the Clouds Dear Mr. Froese, Thank you for your magazine, which I enjoy and from which I learn. Could you please comment on a few of my thoughts, if you have time?

People who believe in the Rapture often seem to think that its a secret event, and those who are left behind will wonder where all those people went. But to me, Christs coming in the clouds looks like it will be seen all over the world. How could the raising of all the godly dead be missed? (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Also, we are Christs glory in the skies, as a flash of lightning (Luke 17:24). It seems to me that Christs coming in the clouds and raising the godly dead is met on earth mostly by the usual yawn of indifference. Then, God starts to pour out His wrath and His last drops of warning and mercy in the tribulation. Next point: Doesnt going up in the Rapture have an element of choice on our part? For Jesus warns us to remember Lots wife (Luke 17:32). Most people seem to look only at verses 34 and 35 in Luke 17, where we go upzap! without considering the warning in verse 33 not to cling to our lives. Im not putting down the involuntary aspectits just that like so many of the things of God, there are two sides of the coin: Gods sovereignty and our choice. Lastly, what do you think of this: Ive been looking for the Rapture in Revelation, and now wonder if it might be symbolized by Johns ascent to heaven in 4:1. John was the head of the church in Eph-

esus, which was the leading church of that era. So, he could have symbolized all believers. Again, I enjoy your magazine, and I congratulate you on the Zechariah series. Carry on.
-M. Hancock, OH

Answer: The mystery is hidden within the Second Coming of Christ to earth. Jesus will return in great power and glory, and all the world will see it. His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olivesthats clear. However, the mystery of the collection of His Church is revealed in the meeting place, in the air. The Rapture is not the Second Coming, but rather our going away. How will it affect the rest of the world? With the Church gone, Satan will have a free hand to totally deceive the entire world. He will be extremely successful, so that the whole world will enthusiastically welcome, support and even worship him. When reading end-time utterances of our Lord, such as Luke 21 or Matthew 24, we must keep in mind that they are addressed to the Jewish people. In 70 A.D., many took heed of these warnings and escaped to the hills when the Roman legion destroyed Jerusalem. When the Rapture takes place, the overwhelming majority of Churchianity will continue to function and will accept some logical explanation for the disappearance of the believer. The Bible says,God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. Indeed, Revelation 4 gives us an allegorical picture of the Rapture of the Church, particularly the words, Come up hither. MC
F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 1 29

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What did the founders believe about Jesus Christ?


The Hidden Faith of the Founding Fathers is perhaps the first and only documentary to go where no film has ever gone before,confronting the little known beliefs of Americas founders. Conservative Christian leaders often claim that the revolutionaries were godly men who were trying to build a Christian nation. But was their faith the true faith of the Bible? Or is it possible that the exact opposite is true? The real questions are:What did the founders believe about Jesus Christ? Christianity begins with faith in the Person of Christ Himself:what did the founders think of Him? What did they think of the Gospel? Were they fighting for Christianity,or against it? Included in this DVD: 1) The faith of Thomas Paine 2) The faith of Thomas Jefferson 3) The faith of Benjamin Franklin 4) The faith of John Adams 5) The faith of George Washington 6) Washington & the Jesuits 7) Bartonian History 8) The Question of Freemasonry 9) Biblical World View
Secret Mysteries of Americas Beginnings Volume Four The Hidden Faith of the Founding Fathers

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Item # 7082 3 hours $ 29.99 DVD

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