09 Sept 2010

The International Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes
SEPTEMBER 2010$4.75
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Muslim Invasion Morning Star Eternal Scars
Patience
Pg. 19
Pg. 38
SecondThessalonians 1 and the Rapture

Pg. 25
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COVER STORY
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The Two Witnesses and the Rapture of the Church

By Reinhold Federolf
Many people spiritualize the two witnesses in Revelation 11 and look on them as a picture of the Church. If we do this, we have to alter the Biblical text correspondingly.Why do people have such a problem in seeing in the ministry of these witnesses the beginning of Israels spiritual restoration in the Great Tribulation?
31 GERMANY
The Four Horsemen of the Acropolis
32 EUROPE
19
Patience
By P . Abraham
Patience is among the many qualities that the Spirit of God develops in the life of believers. It is the quality of character that develops within believers as they learn to put up with people and things that test, try or annoy them.
Practicing Superstition
33 ARGENTINA
Gay Marriage Legalized in Historic Vote
35 AUSTRALIA
25
Second Thessalonians 1 and the Rapture
By Dr. Ron J. Bigalke Jr.
In 2 Thessalonians 1, the reader is instructed with regard to difficult times becoming encouraging experiences. Although the church may experience trials and tribulations, the tribulation is not in the future for Christians.When we suffer as a result of our faith in God, or simply experience the troubles of this life, difficult times reveal who we are.
New Prime Minister Faces Severe Problems
36 USA
Timothy Geithner: World Cannot Depend as Much on US as in the Past
DEPARTMENTS

4 38
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Arno Froese ZECHARIAH 12:2 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Arno Froese MUSLIM INVASION...MORNING STAR...ETERNAL SCARS
Midnight Call
SEPTEMBER 2010
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Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against
Judah and against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:2).
B y A r n o F r o e s e
xcept for verse 1, the entire chapter, including the next two, consists exclusively of the words of the Lord. God is speaking directly. This chapter can be titled the Jerusalem chapter. It identifies Jerusalem as Gods point of contact with planet earth. Judah and the rest of the world are also included in this address, but it is highlighting the name Jerusalem. We do well to note the two phrases, I will and will I. God is dealing directly with Jerusalem, Judah and the world. Before we go further, let us first take a closer look at verse 1: The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Here the God of creation is being introduced, and the reason is the burden for Israel. That simply means the
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center of the message is directed to the people of Israel. We know that the center of Israel is Jerusalem; that in the center of Jerusalem there once stood the Holy Temple of God; and in the center of that Temple was the Holy of Holies, the visible manifestation of the place where the name of God dwelt. The importance and significance of the name of God in relationship to the Temple in Jerusalem is recorded in Solomons prayer at the dedication of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 6. Note that the Lord God, who is burdened for Israel, includes the entire universe, which stretches forth the heavens. How far and how large are the heavens? Immeasurable! We are talking about infinity. Lately, several nations are claiming to have built or are planning to build the largest telescope the world has ever known. The purpose? To see deeper into space. We have to admit that what astronomy has discovered is
mind-boggling. We cannot grasp the distance of space. It cannot be measured in any way, shape or form. This reinforces that the heavens are unimaginably infinite. What the astronomers have found and established as scientific fact regarding the universe can be compared to a drop in the ocean. Back to planet earth. He layeth the foundation of the earth. That is our place. Man has taken charge of the earth, at least to a certain degree. The circumference of the earth has been measured. The world has been divided into five continents. Maps show the depths of the ocean and the height of the mountains. Man knows that water runs down the mountains into creeks, forming rivers, which empty into the oceans. So we may say that man has dominion over all the earth. Yet, when it comes to the elements of the earth, such as fire, water and air, man is totally powerless. This is evident when so-called natural catastrophes occur. An example is a volcano that spews out thousands of meters into the air or discharges lava by the millions of tons into the oceans or down mountains. In such matters, man is exposed as being utterly helpless. Furthermore, He formed the spirit of man within him. Mans spirit comes from God. God gives life, and God takes life. He is the absolute Almighty, the all-knowing and the eternal One. With the introduction of who is speaking, let us read again verse 2: Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. Clearly, Jerusalem is the center of the world. If we ask why, we find several answers in Scripture. First of all, Gods name dwelt in Jerusalem. Secondly, God became man in Jesus Christ, who came to Jerusalem and there did the unimaginable: God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). Thirdly, He left planet earth from Jerusalem, from the Mount of Olives, and will return there. The message was proclaimed by angels: this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven (Acts 1:11). Now we should understand the significance of Jerusalem from eternal perspectives: I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about. Luther translates this, unto all nations. In plain words, to the entire world. Before we occupy ourselves more with this issue, let us first determine if this is speaking about the future only, or about the past and present as well. The assumption that everything that is said here applies only to the future is relatively shortsighted. Jerusalem must have been very important to God even before the name Jerusalem appears in Holy Scripture. We read of a certain mysterious king of Salem, Melchizedek, who offered bread and wine to Abraham. Who was this king? The Psalmist speaks of him as a priest: The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a

The Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes
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priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4). Salem stands for Jerusalem, as is documented in Psalm 76:1-2: In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. Furthermore, we read in Hebrews 5:6-7 about Jesus: Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared. Thus, we see Jerusalem is much more than a city in the land of Israel. Jerusalem has universal significance. Let us see another biblical example where events transcend time by thousands of years. Here is what Daniel 2:44 says: And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. That was written about 2,600 years ago. So does it mean during the days of the Kingdom of Babylon, Persia, Greece or Rome? The Bible simply says, in the days of these kings. Thus, the prophetic Word totally ignores the gap of these 2,600 years from the king of Babylon to the last kingthe Antichristwhose empire is now in the process of being finalized. Therefore, to allocate this event to some future time may be correct in an earthly sense, but definitely spiritually in error. God is establishing His Kingdom during the entire time of these kingdoms. The people of the world shall be in the siege, both against Judah and against Jerusalem. When will that happen? Is that future? Yes and no. Yes because we know that according to Revelation 16, the kings of the earth and of the whole worldgather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. That is what we call the Battle of Armageddon. Jesus prophesies of this event in Luke 21:24: And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. So we may say this belongs to the future. However, when we answer the question with no, then we must take into consideration the fact that Jerusalem, according to historians, has been destroyed at least 14 times. Jerusalem was destroyed, Jerusalem is being destroyed and Jerusalem will be destroyed in the future. Therefore, when we read that all nations shall be in siegeagainst Jerusalem, it is applicable for both the present and the future. Verse 3 gives additional details: And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. We take note again that this is the result of the Lord saying, will I. Again, is this future? The answer is yes and no. Take, for example, the city of Jerusalem today. The center, called the Old City, is surrounded by a wall built by the Muslims. It is a relatively small area, approximately one kilometer square. Although not divided by actual
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borders, when one enters into the Jewish section, one must pass through security. The city is divided into a Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Armenian section. This is based on the various religions. One thing is clear: Jerusalem is not a united Jewish city. It is still trodden down of the Gentiles. The nations still burden themselves with Jerusalem. While there is a degree of law and order prevailing throughout the Old City on the day-to-day basis, such is definitely not the case from political perspectives. The city is not divided into four sections, but into two: Israel and the world. The whole world, under the leadership of the god of this world, is in siegeagainst Jerusalem. Therefore, we arrive at the understanding that this does not exclusively apply to the future, but is a present reality. There is a great volume of material available in the form of books, videos and particularly on the internet, clearly documenting that all the nations of the worldregardless of their political practice or preference, and regardless of their religion or non-religionthey all have one thing in common, namely, Jerusalem is not the sovereign capital city of the State of Israel. We see very clearly prophecy in the process of fulfillment. Three times the word all is mentioned when it comes to the opposition of the nations of the world against Jerusalem. Something tragic is also being uncovered by this verse, namely the assumption of some well-meaning evangelical Christians, who use political means with the intention of helping Israel take total possession of the city of Jerusalem. Many Christians are fervently supporting various religious Jewish groups who are attempting to build the Jewish Temple on Mount Moriah. They ignore the clear task given to the Church, namely the building of the spiritual temple of God as outlined in Ephesians 2:20-22: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Verse 4 begins with In that day. Again, we reiterate that this day belongs to the collective judgment of the nations, including the past, present and the future. Nevertheless, there will be a direct confrontation between the Prince of Peace and the Prince of Darkness, and that is the Battle of Armageddon. In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness (Zechariah 12:4). During Zechariahs days, military power was exhibited by horse and rider. They are to oppose Jerusalem. That means Israels enemies will act with madness and their weapons of wars will not work with the intended purpose. In contrast, God says: I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah. In the midst of the commotion, Gods eye will watch over Judah. And again, God will smite every horse of the people with blindness. This is directed toward the nations of the world. Luther translates this with, All horses of the nations will I smite with blindness.
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SEPTEMBER 2010
The Mark of the Beast has long been the subject of heated debate and even outrageous sensationalism.
While people can only speculate about the details of what it will be and how it will be implemented, there is no disputing at least one fact: The execution of the mark described in Revelation 13 will be an unprecedented landmark event in human history. Did you know that the world is being prepared now for its implementation? In every aspect of life on this earthfrom economy and government to religionthere are strong indications that we are closer than ever to the time when a worldwide identification system is a likelihood rather than a wild impossibility.
PREPARING FOR THE MARK OF THE BEAST

ITEM# 1061 240 pgs. Hardcover
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The next verse gives us the answer, particularly about Judah, And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God (verse 5). As we already mentioned, we may apply this prophecy to the past, the present and the future. When we just think of the enemies of the Jewish people, whether Pharaoh, Haman or Hitler, they all acted with great madness, they all were blind when it came to understanding Gods plan and intention with His people Israel. Take a look at modern Israel: they were founded on communist principles, and even today Israel identifies itself as a socialist nation. Yet they know deep down in their hearts that there is a God, the God of Israel who has brought them back from their captivity to the land of Israel. The Lord continues to identify the difference between His people Judah and the nations of the world, and highlights His intention for the city Jerusalem, In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:6). Judah, that is, the Jewish people, have not ceased to exist in spite of the threat of annihilation from the nations of the world. Just in recent time we heard the president of Persia (Iran) proclaim publicly to the world that the nation of Israel should be wiped off the map. But no such thing will happen. Why not? Because Israel has eternal promises. Their existence is based on the existence of our solar system. This is what the prophet Jeremiah proclaims: Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever (Jeremiah 31:35-36). We all know that Israel did cease to be a nation in their own country for a time span of approximately 2,000 years, but from Gods perspectives, Israel never ceased to be a nation. This should help us to realize that we should not place certain verses only in the context of certain time periods. God is eternal, and so is Israel. The nations of the world may burden themselves with Jerusalem, allocating certain parts of the city to the Muslims, other parts to the Christians, and a portion for the Jews, but the Bible says, Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. That simply means there is going to be no division in Jerusalem. It is, it was, and always will be the capital city of the Jewish state and Gods residence on earth. Something peculiar is being revealed in the next verse: The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah (verse 7). We have to understand that the tents of Judah signify the geopolitical identity of the Jewish people. This actually took place in
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1948, when the Jews proclaimed the State of Israel to the entire world. With that declaration, the Jews were telling the world, we are now here; we are a nation; we are an identity; we will fight for our place among the nations. It is quite significant that after only 34 days, the first nation in the world to recognize Israel was the Soviet Union, followed by Poland, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Ireland and South Africa. That is quite interesting and contrary to many false reports from the Christian camp, stating that the USA recognized Israel first, when actually the United States gave official recognition on 31 January 1949. How does this relate to verse 7? Judah is the geopolitical identity of Israel, while David and Jerusalem signify the spiritual identity. We need to recall the words of Revelation 5:5: Behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed. Thus, the succession becomes clear: the Jews will return to the land of Israel in unbelief. They first of all had to have an address, the tents of Judah. Then in 1967, they captured Jerusalem, and from that point on, the nations of the world are in an uproar against Israel claiming sovereignty over Jerusalem. How was the establishment of Israel accomplished? Again, something peculiar had to happen. Let us first read Ezekiel 36:26: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Note the succession: a new heart, and then a new spirit. The moment the Jews returned to the land of Israel, they experienced a transformation; they changed from being the whipping boy of the nations to whipping the nations. Only later in verse 27, it is followed by Gods action, I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Here is the process: In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them (Zechariah 12:8). The Jews were always known as bad soldiers, but that changed when they came back home to Israel. There is an abundance of documentation available relating to Israels establishment in 1948. That was the War of Liberation, which was followed by the Suez Canal War, and then the most spectacular Six-Day War. Israel was the surprise winner. Something definitely went wrong for the Arabs, and something very determinedly went right for the Jews in their fight for survival against overwhelming forces. With verse 9, we again read the words, in that day. When we read these words from non-spiritual perspectives and take them literally, then we would probably identify the nations that fought against Jerusalem, all the nations that come against Jerusalem. That, however, is not the case, as we have seen in our study. All nations, all people, all that dwell upon the earth are destined to express the desire of their god, the god of this world, who says no to a Jewish Jerusalem.
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If anything is to be identified with the words, fulfillment of prophecy, it is the opposition against Jerusalem by the entire world. Granted, there are no armies gathered today with the intent to physically destroy Jerusalem. I doubt that strategies exist in the European Union, the Asian nations or the United States detailing their intended attack on Jerusalem. However, their combined and unanimous decision to allocate the city of Jerusalem to those various religious groups most certainly qualifies them as all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Finally, we see Gods I will in relationship to Israels collective salvation, 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 (verse 10). Quite significantly, it does not say in that day, but simply that Israel will experience an act of the grace of God. Their eyes will be opened to see and recognize Him whom they have pierced. Mind you, it wasnt Israel who pierced Jesus Christ while he was hanging on the cross, it was a Roman soldier. Yet the Bible specifically emphasizes this act as if done by Israel. Peter proclaimed in Acts 4:10: Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified. Israel collectively was responsible for the execution of the Prince of Life. But there is more: the whole world is co-responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. This fact is so clearly documented in Acts 4:27: For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together. Note the succession, Herod (whom we can call a half-Jew); Pontius Pilate (the Roman representative); the Gentiles (that means the whole world); and lastly, the people of Israel. All are co-responsible for the unjustified crucifixion of Jesus Christ the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. When the Spirit of grace comes upon Israel, they will recognize that this Jew, Jesus, is the Prince of Peace, the One they rejected, mocked and ridiculed, the One who was led like a sheep to the slaughter, who opened not His mouth. Thats the point where true, genuine, and bitter repentance will take place. But, as already mentioned, it is an act of the grace of God. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon (Zechariah 12:11). The prophet refers to King Josiah, the good king of Judah who walked in the ways of David his father. It was he who broke down the altars, destroyed the graven images, and cleansed Israel from all its idols. But this king of Judah committed a fatal mistake. We read of it in 2 Chronicles 35:22: Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. That mistake cost him his life, And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing
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women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations (2 Chronicles 35:24-25). That heartbreaking mourning in Judah was for a good king who made a terrible mistake. Yet the mourning for the Good Shepherd, who did not make a mistake, neither was sin found in Him, and who laid down His life for the sins of Israel and all of mankind, that will cause the entire nation to be in bitterness as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Thats the One who will appear and be seen and recognized by all of Israel. That will result in unprecedented mourning of the nation. However, we must add, it will end in the glorious salvation of Israel. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart (verses 12-14). Although the Spirit of grace and supplication will be poured upon all of Israel, repentance will not be collective, but individual: the house of David, (the royal family); the house of Nathan (representing the prophets); the house of Levi (the priesthood); and the family of Shimei, which is part of the house of Levi. But the rest of the families are not excludedall, individually and privately, will repent. We have a relating statement in 1 Corinthians 7:29-30: But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not. The key here is, the time is short. Our total and unconditional dedication to the Lord supersedes all that we have, including our possessions and our family. The difference between weeping and rejoicing is melted into the reality of the issue, the time is short. In another place, the Apostle Paul admonishes us with an example of running a race: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:24-25). In summary, the world will be judged. Israel will go through great tribulation, but ending in salvation. Finally, peace will arrive for the people of Israel, who so desperately need peace, real peace. They do not need a peace based on a piece of paper, but peace based on the payment of the accomplished atonement of the Lamb of God. He alone laid down His life for each of us so that we may taste peace and real freedom. He is the One who accomplished all. Thus, it is the Lamb of God who receives the eternal, incomparable praise from the lips of the great unnumbered multitude: Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing (Revelation 5:12). MC
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Money: Ends & Trends Due to a busy schedule, Wilfred Hahn has taken a one-month hiatus from his monthly column. But he should be back for the next issue.
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BY REINHOLD FEDEROLF
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth (Revelation 11:3-4).
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C O V E R
S T O R Y
Why do we have such a problem, then, in understanding the last book of the Bible? When God speaks, He speaks so that we can understand Him, for He is the source and creator of communication.
n Revelation 22:16, our Lord confirms the book of the Revelation with the words, I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. This is Gods communication with us. Why do we have such a problem, then, in understanding the last book of the Bible? When God speaks, He speaks so that we can understand Him, for He is the source and creator of communication. When He revealed Himself through the many laws and ordinances on Mount Sinai and in the Tabernacle, we read, And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend (Exodus 33:11). There was no interference, loss of picture, error in translation or echoes in the line. Gods communication means clarity of text. Many people spiritualize the two witnesses in Revelation 11 and look on them as a picture of the Church. If we do this, we have to alter the Biblical text correspondingly. Turning water into blood, smiting the earth with plagues, killing enemies and shutting up heaven (verses 5-6) cannot really be called spiritual gifts for the Church. Why do people have such a problem in seeing in the clearly revealed and described ministry of these witnesses the beginning of Israels spiritual restoration in the Great Tribulation? Could this not be the case? Can we correct God and say that such a thing is unthinkable and does not fit in with our theology? According to Romans 11:25-26 and Acts 15:1416, after the age of the Church, Israel will come back from the reserves bench. This is why the Rapture of the Church, the meeting of the heavenly Bridegroom with His called-out and redeemed Bride, has to take place beforehand. Our God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). It is absolutely impossible to apply literally the ministry and the sign of the two witnesses to
the Church. Every Bible with references points in Revelation 11 to the prophet Zechariah. And this prophet knew nothing of the Church because this was still a mystery in the counsel of God. When we carefully consider the time of the first coming of Jesus, we see whom Israel awaited. The question directed at John the Baptist points beside the Messiah to two further personalities, And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No (John 1:19-21). According to Malachi 4:5, Elias was to prepare the way for the Lord. This is also confirmed in the discussion concerning John the Baptist in Matthew 17:11-13, And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. Art thou that prophet? comes from Moses prophetic words, The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearkenI will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him (Deuteronomy 18:15 & 18-19). The New Testament declares this promise to be fulfilled in Jesus (John 6:14). This does not exclude the possibility, however, that this promise has a further, end-times aspect and has a future fulfillment. Before
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THE TWO WITNESSES AND THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH
When we carefully consider the time of the first coming of Jesus, we see whom Israel awaited. The question directed at John the Baptist points beside the Messiah to two further personalities, And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No (John 1:19-21).
the reappearance of our Lord at the end of the Great Tribulation, two witnesses will arise: a man like Elijah and the prophet. As everything culminates in the end times, God sends men of the highest caliber. Are these Moses and Elijah? If we take a look at Jewish tradition, it is extremely interesting that a Jewish baby boy is circumcised on the eighth day after his birth, just as God commanded Moses 3,500 years ago. To this ceremony belongs the Chair of Elijah, upon which the little covenant candidate is laid. In all, the name Elijah is mentioned twice and the name Moses three times. On the evening of the Jan Brueghel the Elder, John the Baptist preaching Passover, at the reading of the four promises of liberation, a glass of wine is drunk. As the final redemption of the whole world through the mouths and destroys people who want to attack coming of the Messiah and the one preparing the way them. They can close up the heavens and punish the for Him is still outstanding, however, the fifth glass, unrepentant with drought. They can turn water into the so-called cup of Elijah, remains untouched. blood and call down various plagues of judgment, as Usually a child is then requested to open the door so often as they will. The space of time of their special that the prophet Elijah can enter, when the time for testimony is exactly determined: 1,200 days. Their him to come has come. It is fascinating and relevant clothing and their testimony can only mean one that at the ceremony of circumcision and the Feast of thing: God is speaking especially to Israel and calling the Passover, the liberator, Moses, and also Elijah are her to repent, to turn again to the true God of Israel. remembered. Is this a preparation for the future min- This pronouncement of judgment will disappear istry of the two witnesses? completely in the apocalyptic second half of the socalled Great Tribulation, because then terrible judgWhen will these two prophets appear? Donald D. ments will come upon the whole earth. The sea will Turner gives the following advice in his commentary be turned to blood, for instance, and all the creatures on the book of Revelation: Every person must decide in it will die (Revelation 16:3-4). Half of humanity for himself concerning the ministry of the two, as also will perish in the catastrophes listed. Locusts out of the outward circumstances at that time. If every man the underworld that will put all horror films to shame decides for himself, the chaos of differing opinions is will torment men for five long months. In contrast to already a foregone conclusion. this, the plagues of the two witnesses seem like a lovWhat characterizes the two witnesses? Besides the ing Fathers attempts to correct a wayward child. sackcloth and its connected testimony (sorrow, repentance, humility), above all, the sign-like acts and In Revelation 11:7, it is easy to overlook an imporauthority are mentioned: fire comes from their tant point of orientation, And when they shall have
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C O V E R
S T O R Y
On the evening of the Passover, at the reading of the four promises of liberation, a glass of wine is drunk. As the final redemption of the whole world through the coming of the Messiah and the one preparing the way for Him is still outstanding, however, the fifth glass, the so-called cup of Elijah, remains untouched.
finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. This so-called first beast, also called the world ruler, is described later in greater detail in chapter 13, And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority (verses 1-2). First, the beast arises out of the sea of nations. Then, when he is allowed to kill the two witnesses after exactly 1,200 days of their ministry, he arises out of the abyss. The word abyss means bottomless pit, and is the dwelling place and origin of the devil and his powers. Here something really extraordinary takes place. In the beginning, the successful politician appears as a man out of the nations. The whole context points to the antique Roman Empire, present day Europe. But then, before the murder of the two witnesses of God, the beast appears out of the abyss. How is this possible? What had happened? Biblical prophecy, according to 2 Peter 1:19, is like a shining light that gives us orientation and security. When Revelation 13 verses 3 and 14 speak of a mortal wound of the end-times world ruler, we do not have to read all possible things into this. An accident can be fatal. It is not partly fatal, or fatal for a while. This ruler really does die of a fatal wound, perhaps as the result of an attack or in a war. And afterwards he is alive again; now, however, as a true puppet of Satan. After the death, resurrection and rapture of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:7-12), the false prophet imitates the true Elijah with fire from
heaven. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men (Revelation 13:13). This is a special sign, a wonder, to deceive Israel! We do not read anything of a confrontation of the two witnesses with the false prophet, for this would doubtless have resulted in his death. So it seems logical that this apocalyptic figure can only appear after the rapture of the two witnesses. These two must first be removed so that the false prophet can pull out all the stops. Let us not forget, however: it is God who sends these strong delusions as a judgment! Why does the Bible speak in various places of 1,200 days, 42 months or time, times and a half time? This is not a coincidence. It always means 3 years. Notice that prophetic pointers must be put together like a jigsaw puzzle. The Spirit of God deliberately revealed this so that the human/superficial religiosity or intelligence has a problem with this. It is hair-raising how Jehovahs Witnesses, Mormons, Adventists and unfortunately many Protestants explain the eleventh chapter of Revelation, or else simply ignore it. Our Lord Himself quoted the prophet Daniel in His speech conSEPTEMBER 2010 15
The ministry of the two witnesses initiates the spiritual restoration of Israel. This is particularly clear at their resurrection, ascension and the following earthquake: And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven (Revelation 11:13).
cerning the end times (Matthew 24:15), and points to the prophesied abomination of desolationin the holy place. Daniel, as a Jew, prophesied specifically for Israel. The mystery of the Church had not yet been revealed. And to Daniel was given an explanation of the 70 weeks of years (one week of years = 7 years) and many points of orientation so that he could explain them correctly. Without observing this clear pointer, the prophetic puzzle becomes a trap for representatives of Christian sects or religions, who take out individual pieces of the puzzle (clearly visible in Islam). Bible-faithful expositors are unanimous that the last year of weeks in Daniels list of prophecies has not yet been fulfilled. Seven years of Gods special dealings with Israel are still lacking until everything can be brought to a conclusion (Daniel 9:2 ff.). These are the seven years of the so-called Great Tribulation. The following texts speak of the 1,260 days, 42 months or time, times and an half: And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time (Daniel 7:25). And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished (Daniel 12:7). And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly
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into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent (Revelation 12:14). 1,260 days: And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3). And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days (Revelation 12:6). 42 months: But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months (Revelation 11:2). And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months (Revelation 13:5). 1,260 and 1,335 days (a little more than 3 years): And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days (Daniel 12:11-12). Time references such as 1,260 days, 42 months and time, times and half a time are a prophetic code, a key. This has nothing to do with the Church, but describes Gods dealings with Israel concerning her salvation. The ministry of the two witnesses initiates the spiritual restoration of Israel. This is particularly clear at their resurrection, ascension and the follow-
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According to Romans 11:25-26, the countdown of the last seven years of Gods plan of salvation with Israel can only take place after the age of the Church and the Rapture: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.
ing earthquake: And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven (Revelation 11:13). Here at the latest, a change of thought begins in the people of Israel, a turning around, and the flight before the Antichrist. In the second half of the so-called Great Tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21), the apocalyptic judgments increase through the poured out wrath of God. Here the patience, faith and endurance of the saints is called for, for there is no escape (Revelation 13:10). This is also emphasized in Daniel 12:11-12, And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. If the Rapture were to take place in the midst of the time of tribulation (as some Bible scholars teach), there would have to be a vacuum of saints. They would all be raptured and the new believers out of the Great Tribulation only appear gradually (Revelation 7:14). But we read in Revelation 13:10 of the patience of the saints, who have observed and experienced the ministry of the two witnesses and the abomination of desolation in the temple in Jerusalem. There was and is no Rapture here. According to Romans 11:25-26, the countdown of the last seven years of Gods plan of salvation with Israel can only take place after the age of the Church and the Rapture: For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Israel will remain on the reserves bench until the full number of the Gentiles is saved, until God calls Himself a people for His name out of the Gentiles (Acts 15:14). Only after this will the restoration of the fallen tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16) occur and the Deliverer out of Sion return. The people out of the Gentiles and the fallen tabernacle of David are two completely different matters. Terms like first (verse 14) and after this (verse 16) emphasize this logic. The second comes only when the first is finished. Only after the Rapture, when the full number of the Gentiles has come in, can the two witnesses appear on the apocalyptic world stage and call Israel to repentance on the streets of Jerusalem (Revelation 11:3-13). The Rapture of the Church will take place before the time of the Great Tribulation, then. We Christians describe the future third temple sometimes as the temple of the Antichrist. An Israeli pastor stated concerning the Jerusalem Temple Institute (where concrete preparations for the next temple are taking place): This is all for the Antichrist! Be careful, however! A worthless temple cannot be desecrated if it is already impure. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains (Matthew 24:15-16). An abomination of desolation (abomination that causeth desolation in the NIV) can only be set up in a real temple that is acknowledged by God. We read in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, describes the next temple as the temple of God. All Bible scholars who apSEPTEMBER 2010 17
May the Lord open our eyes so that we can escape the end-times temptations and the beginning spiritual blindness, and swim against the tide. May God be able to use us as bright lights, as His witnesses in the midst of an increasingly perverse humanity, in order to save people. He is coming soon. Maranatha!
ply this to the Church should note that Daniel did not know the mystery of the Church. He prophesied for Israel. And Jesus also spoke to Israelites. Could it be that with the advised escape route (Let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains) the Alps are meant? Of course not! This is about the mountains in the Judean land. This is a prophetic pointer of God to a certain place at a certain time (in the midst of Daniels weeks of years). And the disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things (Matthew 17:1011). All things can most certainly refer to the restoration of the temple, as also the sacrifice. For this tremendous undertaking, after a time span of almost 2,000 years, direct divine orientation and instructions seem essential. When God gave Moses the task of building the tabernacle, He showed him a model and explained all the details personally to him (Exodus 25:40 and Hebrews 8:5). This also took place around 500 years later, before the building of the first temple through Davids son, Solomon. David emphasized clearly that he was given complete instructions by God (1 Chronicles 28:11-12 & 19). This would be a further strong argument for the ministry of the two witnesses in the first half of the 70 weeks of years. It may by all means be possible that the building of the third temple is not initiated through the peace treaty with the world ruler (Daniel 9:27), but through the two witnesses. We can imagine how these two specially authorized men are perhaps accompanied by other friends of the temple, who gather before the wall of prayer (a nicer term for the Wailing Wall) in order to ascend together in the direction of the Temple Mount. We can imagine the reaction of the Muslims and the whole of the Arab world. We can imagine how suddenly, on account of the terrible supernatural fire that neutralizes all hostile aggression, resigned and with
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clenched teeth they must clear the temple site and have to surrender it for the building of the great new temple. It is almost phenomenal how the last book of the Bible is ignored outright, explained allegorically, misunderstood or even abused. Could this have something to do with the arrogant disregard for Israels right to exist by boycotting the nation? This is why terms like waiting for the return of Jesus, Rapture of the Church, restoration of Israel, and prophetic Word have become an offense for so many, like a red rag to a bull. They belong to the vocabulary of fundamentalist fanatics. But God said to Abraham concerning Israel, I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee (Genesis 12:3). It belongs, moreover, to the priority and the high position of the Church, that through the Biblical prophecy of the Old and New Testaments, we know clearly what awaits us in the world, although we will not have any part in the coming judgment! The book of the Revelation was given first to the Church (Revelation 22:16). God informed Abraham personally of the judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, although Abraham had nothing to do with it. Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do? (Genesis 18:17). Abraham was called the friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7 and Isaiah 41:8), and Jesus also calls us friends, Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you (John 15:15). May the Lord open our eyes so that we can escape the end-times temptations and the beginning spiritual blindness, and swim against the tide. May God be able to use us as bright lights, as His witnesses in the midst of an increasingly perverse humanity, in order to save people. He is coming soon. (MR0310/383) Maranatha!
Patience
B Y P. A B R A H A M
he ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes (400325 BC) was sitting as usual, under a tree, sweating, scooping pasty gruel from a weathered bowl. (When asked by Alexander the Great if he wished any favor, Diogenes requested only that Alexander not come between him and the sun). The court philosopher was being carried home in a palanquin for his lunch and afternoon siesta. He lifted the curtain and asked the bearers, Who is that beneath the tree? They answered, No one of any consequence, Sir. A fellow called Diogenes. A waster. All he does all day is sit under the tree, and yap with whoever comes along. Take me to him, directed the philosopher. He asked Diogenes, What are you doing? Why, I am eating this gruel, responded Diogenes. You fool. If only you would learn to get along with the king, you wouldnt have to spend the rest of your life eating that miserable gruel. My dear Sir, answered Diogenes, If only you would learn to eat this gruel, you wouldnt have to spend the rest of your life trying to get along with the king. We must all learn to eat that gruel.
Patience is among the many qualities that the Spirit of God develops in the life of believers. It is the quality of character that develops within believers as they learn to put up with people and things that test, try or annoy them (Eph. 4: 1-2; Jas. 1: 3-4). The specific feature of Christian patience is that believers exercise it in a spirit of love, joy, humility and forgiveness (1 Cor. 13:4, 7; Col. 1:11; 3:12-13). Patience is the ability to put up with people you would like to put down. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Demonstrations of impatience reveal the sour fruit of our fallen hearts, not the sweetness of Jesus in our lives. When we abandon patience, we miss the opportunity to show the glory of God to the world through our lives. When we burst with impatience, we are demonstrating that we are more concerned with our own agendas than the needs and struggles of others. Patience gives us the privilege of sharing the refreshing fruit of God with others. Be patient, show the world what God is really like. Never cut what you can untie. What we wait for is far less important than what God is doing while we wait. He works in us to deSEPTEMBER 2010 19
Often, our patience evaporates when we are late for a critical engagement and are caught in a traffic jam. Being forced to wait increases our stress and shortens our fuse. When that happens, we fail to be patient. Also, we undercut the Spirits work in our lives. We have all heard the prayer, Dear God, please grant me patienceI want it right now. David prayed, Make haste to help me, O Lord (Psa. 70:1).
velop the spiritual virtues of meekness, kindness and patience with others. More importantly, we learn to lean on God alone and to rejoice and be glad (Psa. 70:4). God stretches our patience to enlarge our soul. Never think that Gods delays are Gods denials. Hold on, hold fast, hold out. Patience is genius. Often, our patience evaporates when we are late for a critical engagement and are caught in a traffic jam. Being forced to wait increases our stress and shortens our fuse. When that happens, we fail to be patient. Also, we undercut the Spirits work in our lives. We have all heard the prayer, Dear God, please grant me patienceI want it right now. David prayed, Make haste to help me, O Lord (Psa. 70:1). God is patient with sinners, withholding His judgment, and providing instead a way of salvation (Psa. 103:8-9; Jon. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:20). Those who respond to His patience in faith and repentance receive His forgiveness. Those who ignore it fall under His punishment (Exo. 34:6-7; Rom. 2:3-4; 9:22; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Pet. 3:9). Why is He delaying His judgment? The delay is only because He wants sinners to come to Christ and be saved from the coming wrath. Each of us is formed by God in a unique way for a unique work. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10). Though we are created for good works, we are not yet finished. We must experience the kiln of affliction. Aching hearts, weary spirits, and ageing bodies are the processes God uses to finish the work He has begun. Dont fear the furnace that surrounds you. Be patient in tribulation and await the finished prod20
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uct. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (Jas. 1:4). Through the emotional and physical thorns that God allows in our lives, we learn what it means to trust Him. In the process, we learn patience and kindness toward all. Comfort the faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all (1 Thess. 5:14). Jesus example assures us that patience is more than tolerance; it is endurance and steadfastness (2 Thess. 3:5; Heb.12: 3). We must be prepared to endure insults, hardship, injustice, persecution, suffering and trials of every kind (2 Thess. 1:3-4; Heb.11:25-27; Jas.1:12; 5:10-11). The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it open. As we bear the trials of life patiently, the expectancy of Christs return gives purpose to our perseverance (Heb. 6:11-12; Jas. 5:7-8). It also acts as a constant incentive. It is proof of the genuineness of faith and leads to spiritual maturity (Jn. 8:31; Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3-4; Col. 1:21-23; Heb. 3:12-14; 4:111; 6:11-12). It provides proof of their salvation. It shows that their faith is genuine (Mk. 13:13; 22-23; Lk. 21:36; Phil. 3:13-14; 2 Tim. 4:7-8). According to Warren Wiersbe, the formula looks like this: testing plus Christ equals patience; patience plus Christ equals character (experience); experience plus Christ equals hope (Rom. 5:3-4). Trials can produce patience. God put young Joseph through thirteen years of testing that He might make a king out of him. Peter spent three years in the school of testing to be changed from sand to rock! Paul went through many testings, and each one helped to mature his character. It takes faith to trust
Patience
Trials can produce patience. God put young Joseph through thirteen years of testing that He might make a king out of him. Peter spent three years in the school of testing to be changed from sand to rock! Paul went through many testings, and each one helped to mature his character. It takes faith to trust God during trials, but the knowledge that God has a divine purpose in mind helps us to yield to Him.
God during trials, but the knowledge that God has a divine purpose in mind helps us to yield to Him. All comes at the proper time to him who knows how to wait. The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord. God often permits us to be perplexed so that we may learn patience. We should not be double-minded; such Christians are not stable during trials. Their emotions and their decisions waver. Faith in God during trials will always lead to stability. Grace is provided through the disciplines of life. When we suffer, we come to the end of ourselves and learn to lean on Him. As we suffer, He equips us, confirms us, and puts a foundation under us. Oswald Chambers said: Dont jump to conclusions too quickly; many things lie unsolved, and the biggest test of all is that God looks as if He were totally indifferent. Does this mean that we should patiently suffer all the wrongs? Not at all. For example, Apostle Paul lost patience with the slave girl, possessed of a spirit, and exorcised the spirit in the name of Jesus (Acts 16:1618). Gods seeming indifference to sin is due wholly to His patience, the aim of which is to induce repentance. Hard impenitence is an investment in divine wrath at compound interest, to be realized on the Day of Judgment. This shows that Gods patience is not without limits. Ask God for patience and a positive perspective to handle lifes setbacks in a mature Christian way (Jas. 1:2-5). When things go wrong, ask God for strength and wisdom. Then thank Him for working to increase your faith. The Psalmist was in a state of despair over the guilt of his sins (Psa. 130:1-3). He prayed and gained assurance of forgiveness (v. 4). The Corinthians did not have patience with each other in the assembly (1 Cor. 14:29-32). Love not only patiently bears with wrongs, but also positively acts in deeds of kindness. Think of Christs patience with Peter after the time Peter sinned against Him. The apostle John addresses himself as a companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:9). Having surveyed the achievements of the past heroes of faith, the author of Hebrews confronts us with the inspiration and challenge to run with patience, to find encouragement to patiently face reproach and persecution by deliberately filling our minds with thoughts of Jesus and His triumphant achievements (Heb. 12:1). He encourages us to be spiritually diligent throughout our lives. We are urged not to become sluggish, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12). Though we often desire immediate results in our walk of faith, it is a matter of patient practice. Persons who fight for a cause are impatient to see the cause prevail. This testifies to their commitment to the cause. But every change takes timethe deeper the change, the longer it will take. For a long time, it appears as if all the effort is having no effect at all. When you have done all you could, the only thing left is to wait patiently until God vindicates you. We must have no price. And everyone must know that you cannot be bought. When you are committed, you should be prepared to patiently face the consequences of taking a stand. In this operation, expect the least from everyone else. Gandhi(ji) wrote, Every good movement passes through five stages: indifference, ridicule, abuse, repression and respect. This applies equally to issues we take up in regard to all figures of authorityin churches as well as other organizations. Hence the need for patience. If we persevere, and if the cause is just, we will be vindicated in due course of time. Either the correctives prescribed will be adopted, or the
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Though we often desire immediate results in our walk of faith, it is a matter of patient practice. Persons who fight for a cause are impatient to see the cause prevail. This testifies to their commitment to the cause. But every change takes timethe deeper the change, the longer it will take.
consequences will befall the organization and/or its controllers. Quite often, the problem is that we define success very narrowly. If the demand is not conceded immediately, we feel discouraged. But the controllers look at the demand as indiscipline or disloyalty. They know that what they have been doing will not stand any scrutiny. They are not looking for discipline, but servility. The ailment therefore remains uncorrected, and the character of the organization is corroded. God engineers our circumstances as He did those of
His Son; all we have to do is to follow where He places us. The majority of us are busy trying to place ourselves. God alters things while we wait for Him. Let us keep practicing the Lords instructions as we walk patiently by faith to the fulfillment of all He has promised. We count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job (Jas. 5:11). (381)
Reprinted with permission from Light of Life:The Magazine for Christian Growth,February 2010 issue, Mumbai, India.
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PART II
24-26 October 2010

Landmark Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach,South Carolina
RESERVE 24-26 OCTOBER 2010 FOR OUR ANNUAL PROPHECY CONFERENCE!
This prophecy conference promises to be another highlight in our long tradition of Bible conferences. Let each of us be in prayer in preparation for these meetings, based on the promises of the Lord, Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Let us remember the words of Revelation 1:3: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. In case you have not registered for this conference, we urge you to do so soon. Dont miss these 2 days of intensive study of His prophetic Word. NORBERT LIETH WILFRED HAHN DR. RON J. BIGALKE JR. DR. J. RANDALL PRICE JAMES K. WALKER ARNO FROESE
SEPTEMBER 2010
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
2010 Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference
24-26 October 2010

Monday, 25 October
Dr. Randall Price What Jesus Didnt Do: The Unfinished Message of the Messiah Break Wilfred Hahn Like a Flood: Top Global Accelerating Trends Since 1948 Arno Froese United in Diversity
Lunch
Time 8:45 9:30 10:00
Sunday, 24 October
Tuesday, 26 October
Norbert Lieth One MIRACLE Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy Break Dr. Randall Price Iran in Prophecy: How Close Are We to the Fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39? Wilfred Hahn Far-East Asia Today: Geo-politics or Geo-prophecy?
Lunch
10:45
14:00 14:45 19:00 19:30 20:15 Introduction/Welcome Arno Froese The Gospel of Prophecy Dr. Ron Bigalke Lukewarming: Response to Environmentalism and the Greening of Salvation
Dr. Ron Bigalke Evangelicalism Today: Response to Current Attacks/Challenges to the Biblical Faith Remsen Beitel To the Uttermost Parts by Radio Norbert Lieth One WAY Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy James Walker Jihad and the Gospel: The Challenge of Islam
MC 09/10
James Walker From Joseph Smith to Jesus Christ: The Challenge of Mormonism Questions & Answers
Evening Banquet
Norbert Lieth One HEALING Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy Arno Froese Jerusalems Future
MC 09/10
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THESSALONIANS 1 AND THE RAPTURE

By Dr. Ron J. Bigalke Jr.
Since the content of 1 and 2 Thessalonians is similar, it is prudent to reconsider the primary teachings of the first epistle written to the church at Thessalonica. Paul commended the church for three necessary virtues: faith, hope and love (1 Thess 1:3; cf. 1 Cor 13:13). Without these qualities, a good pastor, good organization, good discipleship, and a good evangelistic outreach are worthless. In chapter 1 verses 4-9, Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the radical transformation they experienced because of the proclamation of the Gospel (which would have included essential teachings about the person, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ). In verse 10, he taught the church to wait for His Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. A major component of the Christians spiritual growth and purity of life is the result of anticipating the return of Christ.
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Although the church may experience trials and tribulations, the tribulation is not in the future for Christians. Nevertheless, when we suffer as a result of our faith in God or simply experience the troubles of this life, difficult times reveal who we are. It is in that sense that we can welcome difficulties as a means by which our faith in God is revealed.
APPLICATION OF PROPHETIC TRUTH

Living in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ certainly serves as an impetus for spiritual growth. The words wait for His Son from heaven (1:10) establish the tone for the remainder of the first epistle to the Thessalonians, and indeed establish the major theme. Their conversion was expressed by turning to God from idols, and their life transformation was by serving the living and true God. Waiting for Gods Son from heaven appears to have expressed itself in an attitude of anticipation that tended to be a significant inspiring factor in their new life. It appears that Paul identified this factor among several other possible factors, because he desired to build upon it and relate to it throughout his epistle. The spiritual growth of these new believers is described in two paragraphs: 1 Thessalonians 1:23 describe their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope; and, verses 4-10 describe their increasing reputation for faith in God. Throughout the first epistle, living in anticipation of the return of the Lord is the theme. Both 1 and 2 Thessalonians are thematically similar. Pauls reference to the persecution of the church and Gods judgment upon unbelievers in 2 Thessalonians 1:410 establishes the theme of encouragement in the second epistle (because the Lord Jesus Christ will return for His people). In 2 Thessalonians 1, the reader is instructed with regard to difficult times becoming encouraging experiences. The word tribulation is not a technical term, which means it can have more than one meaning. Context will help determine whether the word is used with regard to general suffering (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 5:3; 12:12), to the seven years of Daniels seventieth week (Jer 30:7-9; Dan 9:24-27; 12:1), or to the second half of that week, the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:21 refers to the last half of Daniels seventieth week as the great tribulation, whereas Matthew 24:8 uses beginning of sorrows for the first half.) Daniels seventieth week (the seven-year tribulation) does not relate to Gods
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purpose for the church. The tribulation will come upon a world that is in rebellion against God (Rev 15:1; 16:1-21; 19:15) and will reveal Satans nature (12:7-12). During the tribulation, national Israel will come to repentance and faith in the Messiah in preparation for the millennium (Jer 30:7-9; Zech 12:914:5; Rev 19:1-6). It will also be a time of evangelism (Matt 24:14; Rev 6:9-11; 7:1-17; 11:214; 12:13-17; 13:7; 14:1-5, 12-13). Although the church may experience trials and tribulations, the tribulation is not in the future for Christians. Nevertheless, when we suffer as a result of our faith in God, or simply experience the troubles of this life, difficult times reveal who we are. It is in that sense that we can welcome difficulties as a means by which our faith in God is revealed.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH DIFFICULTY

Second Thessalonians 1:1-2 is a typical salutation for a first-century letter to a local church. Therefore, the development of thought begins with verse 3. The Thessalonians were growing spiritually in spite of (or perhaps because of) persecution. Nevertheless, they needed encouragement. In verses 3-4, Paul expressed gratitude for their spiritual growth. All believers should be encouraged when their faith is increasing. The language that Paul used indicates a faith that was increasing more and more. The Greek word @uperauxanei, used in verse 3, indicates wonderfully vigorous growth, which was probably the result of the suffering. Indeed, faith often increases as the result of suffering. Additionally, all believers should be encouraged when their love increases. The same word that Paul used in 1 Thessalonians 3:12 as his prayer, is seen here as reflecting Gods answer. Believers should also be encouraged because they endure (persevere) in faith. Perseverance means believers endure their trials and persecution in a godly manner, that is, without complaint. The word persevere (Gk. @upomonhs) in 2 Thessalonians 1:4 may be accurately translated patience, and literally means to
SECOND THESSALONIANS 1 AND THE RAPTURE
Scripture teaches the same in verse 6. Not one act of injustice upon believers will be forgotten. The righteous God of justice will repay every injustice with affliction. Certainly, this verse is teaching Christians something with regard to the nature of God.
remain or abide under. The preposition under (Gk. @upo), of course, is a prefix (i.e. attached to the beginning of the word to modify its meaning) to the word abide. A common word picture to convey this idea is one in which an individual is standing under an ominous threat or danger but not moving. The church may be encouraged because of their faith, love, and endurance. However, a rather unexpected form of belief also encouraged these first century believers: Gods righteous judgment. Someday, those who persecuted them will be persecuted by God in the form of eternal punishment. Apparently, Paul considered the possibility that this generation could experience the return of Christ and this judgment would then occur to unbelievers who were living at the time. Verses 5-10 contain the next element of encouragement by way of vindication (ie. clearing someone of any wrong by showing they are justified or correct) of believers through the destruction of their enemies.
CONFIDENT ENDURANCE BECAUSE GOD IS JUST

God will vindicate Himself and believers. The vindication is evidence of Gods righteous judgment that honors the confident endurance and patience of the church. God will vindicate Himself and those trusting in Him. The idea here is to declare the believers worth to be a partaker of the kingdom of God. The verb for worthy (Gk. kataxiwqhnai) means to declare or count worthy, not to make worthy (such as to justify or declare righteous). Therefore, believers are urged to regard their endurance as evidence of God working in them and
assurance that He would keep His promises concerning their future place in the coming kingdom. God will also repay every injustice. Paul wrote, it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you (1:6). Since God is just (righteous), He cannot allow evil to be unpunished. Those who persecuted the believers would experience the judgment of God. The Hall of Names at Yad Vashem (Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority) is a tribute to the victims of the Holocaust by remembering them not as anonymous numbers, but as individual human beings. To date Yad Vashem has computerized 3.2 million names of Holocaust victims, compiled from approximately two million pages of testimony and various other lists. The Hall of Names is Israels way of saying that none of the victims of the Holocaust will be left out. Not one act of injustice will ever be forgotten. Scripture teaches the same in verse 6. Not one act of injustice upon believers will be forgotten. The righteous God of justice will repay every injustice with affliction. Certainly, this verse is teaching Christians something with regard to the nature of God. It is not just first century injustices that will be repaid. According to the Christian ministry Voice of the Martyrs, more Christians are being persecuted today than any other time in history. God will make every one of those injustices right someday, because it is consistent with His character to do so. God will judge those who reject Him and rebel against His authority. The Lord Jesus will adminisSEPTEMBER 2010 27
It is because God breathed into the nostrils of man the breath of life that he became a living being, and an eternal, immortal being; therefore, every human being will live forever in the presence of the Lord, or in the Lake of Fire separated from the presence of the Lord. Indeed, according to 2 Corinthians 6:2, now is THE DAY OF SALVATION.
ter retribution to those who do not trust in Him alone for eternal salvation. In other words, the Lord Jesus will personally judge those who reject the Gospel message. All who do not have a faith relationship with God will receive His retribution. Some translations may read vengeance. The word does not mean revenge (which would be the satisfaction of a personal grudge). The word for retribution or vengeance (Gk. ekdikhsin) means God will satisfy His holy law. According to Romans 1:20, all humanity is accountable to God and without excuse for rejecting Him, For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made. Those who reject God this way are not innocent, but they suppress the truth in unrighteousness. If someone rejects the revelation of God, he or she will receive Gods retribution, that is, His judgment. It is for this reason that all local churches should support missions at home and abroad. All humanity is accountable to God, and therefore all believers should desire to preach the full revelation of Gods grace, so those who hear may believe and receive the gift of eternal life. The Lord Jesus will also administer retribution to those who rebel against Him. The first group rejected what revelation they had received, while the second group heard the truth of Gods Word and rebelled against it. All who reject the Gospel and rebel against God will be accountable. Verse 9 reads, These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. If by grace through faith, Christ alone does not pay the penalty for your sin, then you will pay the penalty of eternal destruction. The relief here in verse 7 is not a reference to the rapture of the church, but the second coming of Christ after the seven-year tribulation. The Lord Jesus being revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire is against the unbeliever on
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earth. The relief (rest) is relief from affliction (tension). The knowledge that God will judge wickedness should give believers relief in trials and even in persecution. Justice and righteousness will right all wrongs when God judges. God will also enforce eternal punishment. The Bible does not teach that when the wicked die they are annihilated. The retribution of the wicked and unbelieving and the reward of the righteous are everlasting, and as the reward is conscious, so is the retribution. It is because God breathed into the nostrils of man the breath of life that he became a living being, and an eternal, immortal being; therefore, every human being will live forever in the presence of the Lord, or in the Lake of Fire separated from the presence of the Lord. Indeed, according to 2 Corinthians 6:2, now is THE DAY OF SALVATION. Destruction in verse 9 means separation from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, which results in an eternity of woe or ruin. The thing ruined is the opportunity to ever be restored to fellowship with the Creator for eternity. It is the eternal ruin of everything worthwhile, including the purpose for which man was created. Asked the question of the purpose of man, the authors of the Westminster Confession responded, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The opportunity for those whom God will judge will be ruined and lost forever. Moreover, the presence of the Lord and . . . the glory of His power will be displayed. What this means is that no one alive at this moment in time has experienced eternal separation from the presence of the Lord and . . . the glory of His power. Those who reject and rebel against God have no idea of what they are destined to experience for eternity. The Bible refers to this destiny as the second death in the Book of Revelation. The first death is the separation of ones soul to heaven or hell from his or her body. The second death is the eternal separation from the presence of the Lord and . . . the
SECOND THESSALONIANS 1 AND THE RAPTURE
The trials and temptations of life may tempt us to retreat from service to the Lord, but where would be the evidence of the work of faith with power? Pauls prayer was that believers would be fruitful in the midst of troubles.
CONDUCT YOURSELF WORTHILY

The next element of encouragement is to conduct oneself worthily during difficulties. The final manner in which Paul encourages believers is through his prayers. Christians should pray to be worthy. Persecution did not produce godly believers per se, nor do trials determine the character of believers. Instead, persecution of believers and the troubles that Christians endure demonstrate ones character. Paul did not pray for the persecution to cease, but instead prayed that the believers would be counted worthy to endure suffering for Christ! Those who are worthy of the calling of Christ will persevere for His glory, and their faith is revealed as committed and strong when difficulties arise. Pauls prayer was that the Christians would be worthy to endure reproach in Christs name. How do you respond in the trials of life? Is your faith worthy to endure hardships for Christ? Do you see trials as opportunities to show forth your calling in your moral and spiritual life, and that God would empower you in this important function? Trials and temptations are certain to come if we belong to God, but believers should rise to the occasion and manifest Gods effective calling. Paul also prayed for the church to fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power. His prayer was that the church would be fruitful during trials. Often when troubles arise, Christians retreat from service to the Lord, and pray the difficulties disappear. However, there are many in the church today who do not yield to that temptation, but serve God willingly in the midst of many difficult circumstances. The trials and temptations of life may tempt us to retreat from service to the Lord, but where would be the evidence of the work of faith with power? Pauls prayer was that believers would be fruitful in the midst of troubles. Lastly, Paul prayed that the church would be faithful, and that the grace of God would cause their lives to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. God has designed a plan whereby He uses limited and weak
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glory of His power. These are sobering truths. However, there is a positive and encouraging aspect to Gods righteous judgment. God will grant victory and glory to believers. As terrible as the judgment will be for the unbeliever, there is a positive side for the believer. Of course, it is not pleasurable to think of the ruin of the wicked, but it will be a reality and an incentive to do the work of an evangelist and be a witness of Gods saving grace. For the believer, though, there will be victory and glory. The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is the subject of verse 10. While the unbeliever will experience judgment and retribution, the believer will experience victory and glory. The church will have been removed from earth to heaven before Gods wrath begins, and will return with Him to earth when His wrath is concluded. In heaven, reigning with Christ during the millennium and into eternity, the saints of God will forever be trophies of Gods grace, and the glory of Christ will be revealed in the redeemed of all ages. The glory of the Creator is revealed in the disciples He produces, and so Christs glory will be revealed in the victorious believers who accompany Him when He returns to earth to rule and reign. It will be a glorious sight to behold those whom Christ has redeemed and who radiate His glory.
Our prayer should model the Apostle Pauls, in that we should ask God that He would count us worthy through our trials, to bring forth fruit in the midst of the trial, and to increase our personal faith and the faith of the church around us.
earthen vessels to accomplish His work. Second Corinthians 4:7-11 is an example of the kind of faith of which Paul prayed. Pauls words in 2 Corinthians and 2 Thessalonians remind us that even in the most difficult situation that you can imagine, Gods will is working to bring glory to His name through the faithfulness we show as His people. Our response should be as this first century church: a life of faith, increasing love, and hope that glorifies Christ. By being in Jesus, we are also gloried, and set forth to receive an honor not self-generated, but given to us by our relationship with Him.
COUNT YOURSELF WORTHY

As will be evident in the next chapter of 2 Thessalonians, the church received a letter from someone claiming to be the Apostle Paul. The letter stated that the seven-year tribulation had arrived, and that the church was living in that period. The trials and tribulations of the church were said to be evidence that the tribulation had already begun, and therefore the Christians had not been taken in the rapture. Paul corrected such thinking by indicating events that must occur prior to the beginning of the tribulation. Second Thessalonians was written to correct this erroneous teaching among the church. The church was indeed experiencing difficult times, but this was not because the rapture had already occurred and they somehow missed the event. Therefore, the opening chapter of 2 Thessalonians provides encouragement to the church. Their difficulties were not the prophesied events of the tribulation, and therefore, they should thank God for the opportunity to be counted worthy to suffer for His glory. Faith, love, and hope are essential virtues in the life of every believer. Considering the example
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given to us, our faith should be working and ever strengthening. Our love should be increasing. When we suffer or see others suffering, it is an opportunity to give empathy and understanding, and to increase our love. Our hope should be persevering. Trials provide opportunities to endure with hope of future victory and glory at Christs return. Though our trials as the church will not include the coming wrath of God in the tribulation, we still need to thank God that He counts us worthy to suffer for Him. Our prayer should model the Apostle Pauls, in that we should ask God that He would count us worthy through our trials, to bring forth fruit in the midst of the trial, and to increase our personal faith and the faith of the church around us. In this opening chapter of 2 Thessalonians, we have seen a two-fold source of Gods grace and peace: from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The fountain of grace is God the Father, and His grace is mediated through the Lord Jesus Christ, and may also be said to come from Him. Let us pray each and every day that God would fully glorify Christ in us, His saints, as we in turn receive our glory from Him in accordance with the gracious calling of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (401)
* Dr. Ron J. Bigalke is the Georgia state director for Capitol Commission (capitolcom.org), and serves as missionary with Biblical Ministries Worldwide (biblicalministries.org). His teaching ministrythrough speaking and writingis Eternal Ministries (eternalministries.org). Dr. Bigalke also serves as professor of Bible and theology and member of the doctoral committee for Tyndale Theological Seminary (tyndale.edu), and is the general editor of the seminarys theological quarterly, the Journal of Dispensational Theology.
GERMANY
The Four Horsemen of the Acropolis

In 1998, four renegade German professors tried to stop the introduction of the euro with a legal challenge in Germanys highest court. Now, 12 years later, they are fighting against a German bailout for Greeceand this time around, people are listening to them.
From left: Wilhelm Hankel, Wilhelm Nlling, Albrecht Schachtschneider and Joachim Starbatty pose in front of the Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe.
Wilhelm Hankel is sitting on the stage at a meeting of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. He is beaming with joy. The 81-year-old professor has just explained why the euro has always been a monstrosity, and why it will and must fail. Although the current plans to get a living corpse to walk are touching, he scoffed, one thing is already clear: The euro bailout package will only save the banks. Surprisingly enough, his presentation was met with long and enthusiastic applause from his audience of economists. For Hankel, it was about time. The recalcitrant professor has been waiting for what has seemed like an eternity for this recognition. Since January 12, 1998, to be precise. It was on that day Hankel drove to Karlsruhe in southwestern Germany, together with constitutional law expert Karl Albrecht Schachtschneider and economists Joachim Starbatty and Wilhelm Nlling. At the German Federal Constitutional Court, which is located in Karlsruhe, the four professors dropped off a 352-page brief that would change their lives. It was a complaint against the introduction of the euro. They didnt want this new currency. They wanted to keep
of the administrations role is raised. He criticizes Berlin for demanding solidarity with Europe while demonstrating no solidarity whatsoever with its people. Hundreds of billions of euros are being destroyed in Germany because the country has taken on the role of the monetary unions paymaster, Nlling says. In violation of all A celebration to laws, we are being forced to mark the introducrescue a currency that cannot tion of the euro notes and coins on be saved. Dec. 31, 2001 in His comrade-in-arms, Karl Dublin, Ireland: The four professors Schachtschneider, is motivated were ostracized afby something else. I want to ter their legal challenge to the euro's be someone who carries the introduction. torch of justice, the 69-year(AP) old says, with a heavy touch of pathos. The only lawyer among pieces. Political allies distanced themselves from the four, he perceives democracy as the greatthe four men. We were the Antichrists, says est good. Hankel, describing the mood at the time. Jrgen Echternach, the former head of the Starbatty, who for years has been chairman of center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) the Social Market Economy Actions Group in Hamburg, felt the brunt of Schachtschnei(ASM), which is generally considered to be ne- ders passion when, in 1988, Schachtschneider oliberal, believes in the power of the free market. spearheaded a lawsuit directed against EchterAs the quartets avid economic liberal, he is horri- nachs undemocratic style of leadership. fied by political intervention in the economy and Although the four professors dont appear to relentlessly raves against what he calls the Brus- stand much of a chance, they are taking advansels planned economy. tage of every opportunity they can get, partly Nlling, another member of the group filing because all four now have people listening to the complaint, gets emotional when the subject what they have to say. Hankel is fighting against
(continued next page)
their old Federal Republic of Germany, as postwar Germany is officiall known, and its German mark. Nothing was the same again after that. Suddenly they stopped getting invited to conferences. Newspapers were reluctant to print their opinion
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(continued from page 31)
Acropolis
Practicing Superstition
In Europe, the birthplace of the Enlightenment, millions of citizens remain under the sway of superstition, with widespread beliefs in phenomena such as lucky numbers and worry that society depends too much on science and not enough on faith, a new EU survey has shown.
According to a study on public attitudes to science and technology published on 21 June of over 30,000 people from EU member states and Croatia, Iceland, Norway, Turkey and Switzerland, two out of five Europeans are superstitious, with a full 40 percent of respondents saying they believe in lucky numbers. The strongest belief in lucky numbers tends to be found in poorer European countries in the east and south of the union, while wealthier states with more expansive social welfare systems tend to be less susceptible to myths and legends, although there is no across-the-board correlation, with, for example, 43 percent of Danes believing in the power of numbers while 39 percent of Bulgarians also feel the same way. The survey also shows that across the EU, almost two fifths (38%) of respondents believe that society depends too much on science and not enough on faith. But only just over a third (34%) feel the opposite way. In a different vein of science-wary thinking, six out of 10 Europeans feel that science and technology can sometimes damage peoples moral sense, and only 15 percent disagreed with the statement. Along the same lines, one in two Europeans feels that applications of science and technology can threaten human rights. On the whole, the more rich and the less religious a country is, the more its society leans toward rationalism, creating a divide in the EU between the north and west of the bloc and its south and east. But the correlation does not work across the board. Countries which see a more pronounced free-market political discourse, such as the UK, Poland, and the Czech Republic, also place more trust in commercial science. The EU survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 31,243 citizens in 32 countries in January and February of this year.
-euobserver.com, 21 June 2010
a monetary policy that he believes is a burden to the nation, Starbatty is fighting to uphold the rationality of the free market and against incompetence in Brussels, Schachtschneider is fighting for democracy and Nlling for stronger political morals.
-spiegel.de, 30 June 2010
These four men are not the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, neither are they Antichrists. These are highly educated, intelligent people, who simply cannot grasp the required change that must take place in Europe, and from there to the rest of the world. At this point, we need to remind ourselves that the whole world, without exception, always has and always will oppose the Lord and His Anointed. But this unity must be manifested by earthly infrastructures, and for that purpose, the European Union and its currency (the euro) are in the right place at the right time. This coming unity found its expression in ancient time during the building of the Tower of Babel. They were democratically united, and their intention is recorded for us in Genesis 11:4: And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. The world today is looking desperately for ways and means to guarantee success for all nations, politically, economically, and religiously. But world unity will cause world rebellion against the Lord: The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed 3864 (Psalm 2:2).
While this article indicates that people in more advanced countries are less likely to be superstitious, there is plenty of evidence to the contrary. Most hotels, for example, do not have the 13th floor, neither do many passenger planes list row 13. Thus, one sees that superstition is deeply engrained in the culture of virtually every nation. What is quite surprising is the fact that many fear science and technology, which the article says, can sometimes damage peoples moral sense. That has been proven since the introduction of film and television. The process toward the decline of moral sense may be slow to be noticed, but is rather significant when compared from one generation to the next. All this is part of the continuous progress toward the ultimate control by technology, namely, the mark of the beast: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name (Revelation 13:17). 3866
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MIDNIGHT CALL
ARGENTINA
Gay Marriage Legalized in Historic Vote

Argentina has legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Latin America to grant gays and lesbians all the legal rights, responsibilities and protections that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.
The law is sure to bring a wave of marriages by gays and lesbians who have increasingly found Buenos Aires to be more accepting than many other places in the region. The approval came despite a concerted campaign by the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical groups, which drew 60,000 people to march on Congress and urged parents in churches and schools to work against passage. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio said everyone loses with gay marriage, and children need to have the right to be raised and educated by a father and a mother. Same-sex civil unions have been legalized in Uruguay, Buenos Aires and some states in Mexico and Brazil. Mexico City has legalized gay marriage. Colombias Constitutional Court granted same-sex couples inheritance rights and allowed them to add their partners to health insurance plans. But Argentina now becomes the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide, granting gays and lesbians all the same rights and responsibilities that heterosexuals have. These include many more rights than civil unions, including adopting children and inheriting wealth.
-news.yahoo.com, 15 July 2010
times. Luke 17:28-29 reads: Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. The Apostle Paul clearly identifies this group of people when he wrote the Epistle to the Romans: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient (Romans 1:26-28). 3867
BELGIUM
US Vice-President Calls Brussels Capital of the Free World

In a highly-anticipated speech to the European Parliament on 6 May 2010, US vicepresident Joe Biden went to great lengths to reassure MEPs of Washingtons commitment to civil liberties and privacy rights, wooing their support for a new anti-terrorist bank data deal after they rejected an earlier one in February. Recognizing the new powers granted to this parliament by the Lisbon Treaty, Mr. Biden was the first top US official in 25 years to formally address the plenary session of the EU legislature since thenpresident Ronald Reagan spoke to MEPs in 1985. He spared no compliments on the history of EU institutions, with the bloc set to mark the 60th anniversary of the Schuman declaration, the key document which laid the foundation of what was later to become the European Union. Brussels has a legitimate claim to the title of capital of the free world, normally a title reserved for Washington, Mr Biden said. It is a great city
which boasts 1,000 years of history and serves as capital of Belgium, the home of the European Union and the headquarters of Nato. Time and again he reassured MEPs of Americas strong desire to have Europe as a strong partner, even if they sometimes disagree. A new agreement is currently being negotiated by the European Commission and the US administration, both hoping a deal could be sealed before summer recess. The parliament will then have to give its consent or to strike it down again. MEPs listening to the speech said the Biden assurances were important as they showed the European Parliament was now on Washingtons radar. The main message was that the Obama-Biden administration is listening to allies. You cant speak about partnership if one of the sides dictates to the other, Dutch Liberal MEP Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the rapporteur for the TFTP agreement, told this website. She and other colleagues dealing with civil liberties and data protection issues returned from a visit to Washington and said the Obama administration was now committed to giving the European side a more equal footing in the negotiations.
-euobserver.com, 6 May 2010
The message for the world is crystal clear: all must cooperate and compromise to make this world function in a civilized manner. That is where the strength of the EU is found, expressing it perfectly with the motto of the union, United in Diversity. Politicians, whoever they might be, use their diplomatic skill to enlist support for their goals. That is the fruit of democracy. Friendly persuasion is key to unity, or as the KJV translation says, flatteries in Daniel 11:32: And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
(For more detailed information, read How Democracy Will Elect the Antichrist, Item 1064.) 3834
Jesus specifically refers to the times of Sodom when speaking about the end stages of the end
SEPTEMBER 2010
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USA
Boeing Wins Subsidy Case Against Airbus

European aircraft giant Airbus received illegal EU and national subsidies from France, Germany, Spain and the UK, the World Trade Organization ruled on 30 June, in a long-standing case filed by the US and its aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
In the final ruling, the expert panel confirmed US complaints filed six years ago that the EU and some of its member states had provided prohibited export subsidies that violate WTO agreements. It also agreed with the US that the effect of the subsidies displaced imports of a similar US product into the European marketa reference to Airbus main competitor Boeingconstituting serious prejudice to the interests of the United States. The EUs illegal subsidies also affected US aircraft exports to other markets in the world, the ruling said. Under the verdict, the EU, France, Germany, Spain and the UK will have to withdraw the WTO-prohibited subsidies within the following 90 days. In the case of the A380, the worlds largest passenger plane, Airbus will now have to repay a portion of the 3.2 billion it received in governmental launch loans. The WTO did not specify, however, which parts of the loans will have to be paid back, as Frances loans were not considered illegal. Boeing called the verdict a landmark decision and a sweeping legal victory, blaming the illegal subsidies as a source for Airbus rise on the global market. The France-based aircraft producer topped Boeing as the worlds biggest seller of commercial aircraft in 2003, one year before the complaint was lodged with the WTO.
-euobserver.com, 1 July 2010
Finally, the US legal team has won a significant case against the EU, this time, regarding subsidies. Obviously, this is not the end. Airbus already has complained to the WTO that Boeing is receiving subsidies through illegal research grants. However, what this report clearly shows is that no nationin this case, two giant companies, Boeing and Airbuscan operate independently without knowing that the whole world is watching. This development too is part of the process of creating a truly global society, ruled by global laws. And there is no turning back. 3865
The US doesn't see data privacy as a human rights issue
EUROPE
Privacy Rules Changing US Companies

EU data privacy rules are shaping a change of attitude in American companies when dealing with information collected from their customers, but the US is still far from considering data protection as a basic human right.
Whoever bought a book online or opened an email account with Google has already experienced it: tailor-made advertising landing in their inbox, based on a personal profile created by the company. The term behavioral advertising is a commonplace in marketing strategies, particularly in USbased companies such as Yahoo, Amazon or Facebook. It is seen as a reliable revenue-making tool on the Internet. A fundamental difference between the EU and the US approach to data privacy is the question of ownership, law and privacy experts told a group of European journalists in New York. In Europe, data protection is granted even after the consumer has passed on the data, while in the US, the companys understanding is that once it has the information, it can do whatever it wants with it.
When we explain to a US company for the first time how data privacy laws work in Europe, they say you must be kidding? It takes a few years to acclimate to that, said privacy lawyer Lisa J. Sotto from Hunton & Williams, a New York based law firm. A self-certifing scheme dubbed Safe Harbor, encompassing some 2,200 US companies, helps businesses comply with EU data protection law when doing business with European customers. Under the agreement, the Federal Trade Commission can put companies under increased scrutiny for up to 20 years and even give fines if they violate the terms they subscribed to. But critics point to the low enforcement levels of the data protection rules and the fact that in its 10 years of existence, Safe Harbor has seen only seven cases brought to court in the USall were companies wrongly stating they were part of the scheme, not actual non-compliance cases. None were notified to EU data protection authorities. No US company is in compliance with the EU data protection directive. If this directive was applied thoroughly, US companies couldnt do businesses in the EU, Adam Levitin from Georgetown Law School said. He explained that the system of selfcertification meant that American businesses were only paying lip service to requirements such as access to and correction of data, security and integrity of the information and no automatic use for other purposes than the one stated in the notice to consumers. While big online names such as Yahoo, Google or Facebook are part of the Safe Harbor scheme, most US air carriers are not. Nobody from the air sector is in Safe Harbor: Delta, American Airlines, none of them are. When you give them the information in Europe, I am sure beyond any doubt that the information goes to Atlanta (US), Edward Janger from Brooklyn Law School said.
(continued next page)
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AUSTR ALIA
New Prime Minister Faces Severe Problems

There was a change of power in Australia. For the first time a woman (Julia Gillard) became the nations Prime Minister. She managed to win against Kevin Rudd, the person who was regarded as perhaps the most popular head of government in the history of the country.
The change of government in Australia was a surprise to many. The position of Laborite Kevin Rudd, who headed the office three years ago, was considered fairly strong. During his time in office the Green Continent managed to avoid the influence of the global economic crisis which seemed to have affected everyone. Rudd was failed by the ecological issue. In February of this year he refused to consider the bill suggesting introduction of quotas on the emission of greenhouse gases for large enterprises. Australia, like the U.S., after signing the Kyoto Protocol decided not to undertake the reduction of harmful emissions into the atmosphere and the introduction of national quotas for greenhouse gases until 2013. The government was under the assumption that the country should fight against global warming not by reduction of emissions, but through the introduction of new environmentally friendly technologies. Yet, many citizens were not happy with the fact that the administration followed the example of the Americans. The ruling Labor Party gave life to the bill, which still imposed quotas on emissions. When Prime Minister Rudd refused to support it, many of his colleagues saw it as an act of political cowardice. In addition to environmental issues and a tax on mining companies, the electorate had another problem with Rudd, this time regarding foreign policy issues. Polls showed that over 60 percent of Australians wanted an expedited withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan, counting 1.5 thousand people. However, the Government has made it clear that this process could take anywhere from two to four years, until the Australian military fulfilled its mission of proper training of Afghan soldiers. On June 24, the parliamentary faction held an election of its new leader. Rudd, realizing he had lost the confidence and support of his colleagues, chose not to nominate himself. Therefore Gillard won without struggle. Now she will lead the country for at least six months (before the election). This was a landmark event. Not only because Gillard is the first female prime minister. She is the first Prime Minister of Australia born outside of the country. Julia was born in Wales, but at the age of five she immigrated to the green continent with her parents. Until now, Australia fully supported the U.S. policy. It supported the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and refused to fight global warming through the introduction of emissions quotas. Polls showed the majority of citizens do not support this course. And now the first fe-
Julia Gillard during house of representatives question time at Parliament House in June 2010. Photo: Stefan
Postles
male prime minister will have to choose between continuing the course of Washington support that had proven successful over the years, and listening to the opinion of her fellow citizens.
-pravda.ru, 25 June 2010
Australias first female Prime Minister has come into power by carefully analyzing not only the opinion of the population of Australia, but world opinion. War, as is evident, is no longer a unifying force, but rather a dividing issue. Besides, military action cannot achieve the desired goals. Thus, the solidifying substance is global economy, and more precisely, a higher standard of living for all countries concerned. Australia, as virtually all other successful nations except the United States, practices social-capitalism. Now that China is increasingly favoring social-capitalism, the world is growing together into a more unified force. When the majority of nations have achieved that standard, then no nation will dare to oppose, thus preparing the way of him whom the Bible calls Antichrist. We read in Revelation 13:3: And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 3857
(continued from page 34)
He pointed to the fact that these companies are subject to EU law if their branches operate on European soil, but that there is little scrutiny of their responsibilities. I dont know of any EU audit on whether these companies have adequate data protection, he said.
-euobserver.com, 29 June 2010
Privacy rules and laws apparently mean different things to different people. To use personal
data for commercial advantage most certainly infringes on the privacy of the individual person. Thus, the bottom line is, what may a business do or not do with available individual data of persons? Whatever the answer or opinion, all global corporations will sooner or later have to abide by the strict rules of the EU, which is becoming a model for the world. Why the European Union? Because they have the experience to deal with many lan-
guages, cultures and traditions. The EU is capable of expressing centuries-old laws, traditions and cultures in terms of international law. Regardless of the immediate outcome of this apparent disagreement, in the end, all will have to agree, all will have to compromise, and what is written in Revelation 17:13 will be fulfilled: These have one mind, and shall give their power and 3868 strength unto the beast.
SEPTEMBER 2010 35
RUSSIA
USA
Agriculture Ministry Cuts Forecast of Grain Harvest for 2010

The Russian Agriculture Ministry has decreased the forecast of this years grain harvest from 90 million tons to 85 million tons, while the export potential will make up at least 20 million tons, Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik told a session of the government presidium. The new forecast takes into account possible consequences of the ongoing drought in twelve Russian regions, the minister explained. In her words, Russias grain consumption is estimated at 77 million tons. In addition, the volume of grain carry-over stocks of 2009 is at 24 million tons, which will allow us to keep the countrys export potential [at least 20 million tons] even if this years harvest drops, Skrynnik said.
-itar-tass.com, 5 July 2010
Timothy Geithner: World Cannot Depend as Much on US as in the Past

He said that other major economies would have to grow more for the global economy to prosper.
He also played down any differences in policy between the US and Europe regarding deficit reduction. Mr. Geithner was speaking in Washington ahead of G8 and G20 meetings in Toronto. UK Prime Minister David Cameron, said in an article for the Globe And Mail newspaper: No one can doubt the biggest promise we have to deliver: fixing the global economy. I believe we must each start by setting out plans for getting our national finances under control, he added. Many European governments have implemented severe austerity measures in order to cut debt levels. In a letter to G20 leaders, US President Barack Obama warned against cutting national debts too quickly as it would put economic recovery at risk. But Mr. Geithner said the US and Europe have much more in common than we have differences. We all agree that we have to restore responsibility to our fiscal positions. Everyone agrees that those deficits have to come down over time to a level thats sustainable, he said. But he said that the US and Europe would take different paths, at a different pace in order to reach the common goal. Its going to require different things as we have different strengths and weaknesses, he said. Mr. Geithner said the US was not in a position to work out what were the best policies for European countries to pursue.
-news.bbc.co.uk, 25 June 2010
US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner
The possibility of failed crops globally has been reported for the last 100 years. However, technology has overcome the potential danger of lack of food, thus producing an overabundance of agricultural products. But what would happen if rainfall would decrease to near zero the world over for one year? There is no need to speculate, because we know it would cause the greatest catastrophe the world has ever known. Literally, the entire global economy would collapse. However, we repeat, this will not occur because we have the promise of the Lord in Genesis 8:22: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and 3870 day and night shall not cease.
The world economy averted total collapse from the US-initiated global
financial crisis due to help from communist China, Russia, Brazil, and some of the prosperous European nations such as Germany. With the United States no longer to be counted on as the absolute driving force, we see the financial and economic world drifting aimlessly in the ocean of uncertainty. Has the time come for one man to arise and take over the reigns of planet Earth? Based on our understanding of the prophetic Word, we have not reached that point yet. The mostly selfinflicted damage done to various economies will not be solved quickly, and the burden will be carried for decades to come. Thus, the reemergence of the US as the deciding economic/political force in the world seems all but impossible. In the past, changes were initiated by war, particularly World War I and II. However, the days of war among the major nations of the world are now out of the question, since the nations are virtually inseparable through their connections in finance and economy. But a change will come, and we read of that change in Daniel 11:21: And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. 3858
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MIDNIGHT CALL
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SEPTEMBER 2010
37
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.
Muslim Invasion... Morning Star... Eternal Scars
Muslim Invasion Dear Sir, I have asked to have my subscription terminated as soon as possible in response to your article, The Coming Muslim Invasion? I respectfully object to the comments and conclusions your article makes. The article is void of the true facts and is ill informed. One only has to research, listen to ex-Muslims and witness what is happening in Europe and in our own backyard to know that groups such as CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), the Muslim Brotherhood and others are doing all they can to undermine our laws and impose Islamic teaching and culture.
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MIDNIGHT CALL
I suggest you contact ex-Muslims who are Christians such as Walid Shoebat, Mark Gabriel, etc., noted scholars and authors to get a true perspective of what our nation is facing. Muslims are not just any immigration group. They do not wish to assimilate but to overthrow our way of life. To make the threat less than real and dangerous does a grave disservice to the Church and our nation. I studied Islam under a noted scholar, and have seen firsthand the effects of taking this issue lightly. I have visited Europe. I have kept informed through conservative and unbiased news services (which are few), and have read extensively on the subject.
In my own case, I gave my life to Christ at age 7 when an Army Captain at the Salvation Army told me about God and his saving grace, and I was convicted of my sin and knew I was a sinner. For me, that was my age of accountability. Therefore, until there is more biblical evidence to convince me that God will send innocent children to hell even though they are born with a sinful nature, I will stick to what the Bible teaches about accountable sin. Do you have more biblical evidence?
-C. WALKER, MS
I first got interested in what was happening when my oldest daughter started college and I saw how prevalent the bias was against Christianity and how they were so pro-Islamic (studies and distribution of Islamic material on campus paid for by the Saudis). One only has to read the Quran and do ones homework to know we are under siege! I pray your eyes may be opened to the truth of what is happening. A retraction is in order.
-N. Ward, FL
Answer: What Scripture does say should be decisive in any analysis or attempt to understand our times. We clearly read that there will be an Antichrist (instead of Christ). Second Corinthians 11 speaks of another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel. Verses 13-15 identify false apostles of Christ, an imitation angel of light, and fake ministers of righteousness. You must agree this does not speak of communists, atheists,
Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. This speaks of the greatest danger in all of history, and that is the Great Imitation, which will climax in the Antichrist. Thus, if you are looking for an enemy, you dont have to step outside your door. Read the warning of the Apostle Paul, For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears (Acts 20:29-31). He does not warn against Roman idols or Greek mythology, but he warns against false Christianity. In the United States, the greatest danger is the mixing of politics with the Church. The Antichrist is Christian, not Muslim, not atheist, not communist. The fact that Islamists are identified in most terrorist activity in these days cannot be denied. Also, that Christianity as a religion is being attacked on virtually all levels is not a
secret either. But we must realize that these things have absolutely no relationship to the true Church of Jesus Christ, the body of believers, consisting of born again Christians who love the Lord with all of their heart, all of their soul, and all of their mind. When it comes to Muslims, from the various reports I receive, there is a great harvest taking place today in various Muslim countries, especially where extreme discrimination is the official policy of the prevailing government. Conversions to real faith in Jesus Christ are not a rarity. Remember, Jesus said, I will build my church. You are correct, they do not wish to assimilate. Such is also the case in America: blacks are not fully assimilated, yet they form an integral part of the U.S. nation. In the end, however, all will assimilate, not under the auspices of the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists or atheists, but under Churchianity: And all the world wandered after the beastAnd all that dwell upon the earth shall worship himand he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a
SEPTEMBER 2010 39
LE T T E R S TO THE E DITOR
mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads (Revelation 13:3, 8, 16).
Morning Star Dear Editor: There have been many things that dont mesh with my way of thinking. You mentioned you are a magazine that deals in theology and I dont agree with some of your assumptions. Your reply to L. Sinsabaugh of NY (June 2010 issue) was the finish: Ephesians 1:4 reads: he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world. This indicates activity in heaven before the Genesis account. Because of Gods foreknowledge, He created His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, also before Creation. This leads me to assume that the morning star (Satan), also called Lucifer, rebelled against God during some undefined time previously. My Bible says, I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. You are incorrect in ASSUMING Satan, also called Lucifer, is the morning star.
-A. Sheffler, AZ
the morning. The Tenakh reads, O shining One, son of dawn. Luther translates it with beautiful morning star. Incidentally, the close relationship in name translation makes the morning star the perfect candidate for the Great Imitator, whose final masterpiece will be the Antichrist.
Eternal Scars Dear Brother Arno, I appreciate your Midnight Call magazine a lot. My question is, does Jesus keep His scars throughout all eternity? He appeared to his disciples behind closed doors in His resurrected body. He showed them His hands, feet and His side, and they believed Him to be Jesus. Some Scripture references: Zechariah 12:10, John 20:2429, Revelation 1:7.
-H. Froese, WA
Bible Questions Dear Editor, First, I would like to say how much I enjoy reading your magazine and all the questions and answers. I have been a subscriber for more than a year now, and always look forward to my new copy. I am 75 years old and have a sick wife to care for, so Im not able to go to church as much as I would like. Im writing asking you to explain Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:5-8. It seems like the same thing. Also, what does Revelation 12:1-17 mean, and who or what is the lady?
-R. Footman, TX
Answer: You answered your own question by quoting the KJV translation, the bright and morning star, while in my answer you read, the morning star. Clearly, these are two distinct identities. The closest translation of the Hebrew would be son of
Answer: Revelation 5:5 reads, The lion of the tribe of Judah, and verse 6, a lamb as it had been slain. Here we are given a glimpse into heaven by John, using earthly definitions. Solomon asked the questions: But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? (1 Kings 8:27). Jesus is God, God was manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). The moment we ask such questions, we are confronted with something that is literally out of this world. Yet, as the Scriptures you have cited show, it is also very physical and earthly. Therefore, my conclusion is that we will receive an answer when we shall see Him as He is.
Answer: Genesis 1 documents the six days of creation. Chapter 2 goes into detail. In chapter 1, a summary is given that God created male and female. Chapter 2, verses 22-25 report how. The same goes for Adam, with details in chapter 2, verse 7. Incidentally, that type of journalism is practiced today. Articles in the news media do a summary in the first paragraph, and then give further details about the issue. The answer to Revelation 12 is in verse 5, And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. The woman is Israel. Jesus was born of an Israeli woman in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, ministered in the Galilee, and finally went to Jerusalem, where He was crucified and buried. But He arose on the third day, and after forty days ascended unto the Father. According
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MIDNIGHT CALL
to Acts 1:11, He will return, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. About the future, Revelation 2:27 documents, He shall rule them [the nations] with a rod of iron.
Body or Bride? Dear Mr. Froese, In your book, 119 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Prophecy, the question was asked on page 64, I quote, What is the difference between the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ? I feel your answer was a Christian one, but I also believe something else, not saying you were wrong. Ive learned from Moody Bible Institute that every Christian at some time must form his/her own belief on Christian doctrine and Biblical theology. Here is my belief regarding what you spoke about Adam and Eve. Two things stand out: 1. Adam said (so written by Moses), Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife. But Adam and Eve were not born of a mother and father! 2. He also spoke directly at Eve (so wrote Moses), and said in Genesis 2:23: This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, but he never addressed her or introduced her as his wife.
When God questions Adam concerning what he already knew, the eating of the fruit, Adam replied: The woman whom thou gavest to be with me. He did not say, My wife whom thou gavest to me. In short and in a nutshell, I believe when Moses penned the five books, some of his present day surroundings slipped into his inspiration from God. I believe (and it doesnt mean Im right), that the body of Christ equals believers that are still being added (Acts 2:47), and the Church is engaged to be married. However, the Bride of Christ equals the Rapture has happened and the Church (the Body) is in heaven being married to its head (Christ)Revelation 19:7-10. When the Bride is mentioned on the earth, its in the future tense, whereas the body of Christ is present tense.
-B.L. Smith, IA
we will be perfected in His presence for eternity. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones (Ephesians 5:30). He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled (John 3:29). Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready (Revelation 19:7). In this light, we also understand Luke 7:28, where John is identified as the greatest prophet. Yet when compared with the Bride, he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Answer: The Bible speaks of the Church as the bride, the wife and the body. This is an illustration of the intimate relationship between Christ and His body, His bride and His wife. Indeed, spiritually the Bride of Christ is already in His presence, as documented in Ephesians 2:6, And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. When the Church is complete, i.e. when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, the Rapture will then take place and
6,000 Years Dear Editor, In the June issue of Midnight Call (see Letters to the Editor), reference was made to the time span of a generation. There is another way to consider the approximate end of the church age. Here is how. The beloved apostle John taught the martyr Polycarp, who in turn taught Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons, France. In his work Against Heresies, Irenaeus, not unlike earlier church fathers, taught a combined 6 day or 6,000 year timeline for the Old and New Testaments taken together. The death of Christ appears to have been somewhere in the years AD 29-33. Since this
SEPTEMBER 2010 41
LE T T E R S TO THE E DITOR
is 2010, the 6,000 year period of both Old and New Testaments would end in the next 19-23 years, including the 7year peace treaty of the first 3 years, plus the last 3 years of Antichrist rule. Any thoughts?
-J. Ryan, IL
Answer: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Indeed, the 6,000-year theory has been around for some time. However, our main target should always be waiting for the Lord, regardless of any kind of mathematical configuration. Remember that our Lord stated, Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh (Matthew 24:44).
Great Tribulation Dear Midnight Call Staff, I have two Bible studies a week. One has been ongoing for 20 years, and the other for 12 years. Your newsletter and books have contributed to both studies over the years and have been invaluable. We thank God for your service to Him and your dedication to the body of Christ. One thing in particular we have noticed. You consistently teach that the tribulation (thats the Great tribulation of the end times, the time of Jacobs Trouble) is either concurrent to or the same as the great and mighty day of the Lord, meaning the day of the Lords wrath or the second coming of Christ. We are very confused on this issue because of the following:
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MIDNIGHT CALL
The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord (Joel 2:31). Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven (Matthew 24:29-30). Based on these two scriptures which, taken together, say that the sun and the moon will be darkened after the tribulation and before the wrath, we have concluded that the tribulation and the wrath of God are two different events separated by the sign of the Son of Man or the second coming of Christ. This understanding is further supported by Isaiah 13:9-10; 34:4, Revelation 8:7-12; 6:12, and other Scriptures too numerous to mention. As I stated before, we are very confused on this issue. Would you please take a few minutes and explain to us why you believe and teach that these events are one and the same? There is no need to go into great depth. We know your time is valuable, and at the core of our studies are persons with over 40 years of study under their hats and hearts. It is sufficient to our needs if you would just indicate the Scriptures that prove your stand. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. May
God bless you in your continued ministry.

-C. Bigelow, ID
Answer: In Acts 2:16 we read, But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. Then it lists the fulfillment of Bible prophecy at that moment, yet with one breath continues, And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come (verses 19-20). We all know this blood, fire, vapor of smoke, moon into blood, etc., did not occur at that time, but will take place after the 1,000-year kingdom has expired. Peter speaks of this final act in 2 Peter 3:11-13. However, the pre-fulfillment will take place during the Great Tribulation, as is evident from Revelation 6:12-13, with verse 14 speaking of the final judgment. Your attempt to chronologically follow these events will not lead to a conclusive answer, because these things are observed from heavenly perspectives, where there is no time or space. Remember, when John was raptured into heaven (Revelation 4), he saw the past, present and the future as one.
All Babies Saved? Dear Editor: Re: Where does a baby go when it dies? The Midnight Call is one of my favorite informative sources of insight into biblical subjects. In my estimation, you have been right on target on several doctrines that are accepted by the majority of
born again believers. Like myself, you are certainly entitled to your opinion, but perhaps other Scriptures would give more understanding as to what happens to a child when it dies. Your answer to M. Payne, GA (August 2009) apparently still promotes that children of any age without Christ go to hell. Please consider the following: The Bible teaches that He who knows to do good and does it not, to him it is a sin. My question is: How would a baby know he was sinning? Since God is a good God, why would He condemn a child that does not understand right from wrong? Jesus said, If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin (John 15:22). Therefore, how can a child or even a mentally challenged person that does not comprehend right from wrong be held accountable? How could they understand that something is wrong or right? Jesus is explaining that once you have been toldonly then is it counted sin. Adam and Eve were in the same innocent state as children until they ate of the forbidden fruit. However, they were told beforehand not to eat it, but they disobeyed. Even though children are born with a sinful nature, until they realize they are sinners and have been told about Jesus and convicted by the Holy Spirit that Christ is the Son of
God, they are similar to Adam and Eve. So why would God send them to hell? That would seem to contradict that God is a God of love, mercy and grace. Wouldnt you agree? But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14). But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6). Lets take the child issue a step further. What about an unborn child? There are millions of aborted children. God knows who they are (as he knew Jeremiah) even before these children entered their mothers womb. What sins have aborted children committed? What sins could they have committed in their mothers womb? The abortionists say they are not alive. Pro-Lifers disagree. In my own case, I gave my life to Christ at age 7 when an Army Captain at the Salvation Army told me about God and his saving grace, and I was convicted of my sin and knew I was a sinner. For me, that was my age of accountability. Therefore, until there is more biblical evidence to convince me that God will send innocent children to hell even though they are born
with a sinful nature, I will stick to what the Bible teaches about accountable sin. Do you have more biblical evidence?
-C. Walker, MS
Answer: I have no right to proclaim that all children under an undefinable age will automatically go to heaven. What will happen to the little ones? I dont know, but God does and that is decisive. Ask yourself the questions: What happened to the over one million innocent children who perished in the Holocaust? How about the babies and unborn during Noahs flood and in Sodom and Gomorrah? All infants and the unborn died in Jericho when judgment was executed. That is uncomfortable to our emotional lives, but these are immoveable facts. The danger of proclaiming that all innocent children will automatically go to heaven would open the door for the abortionist murderers to claim that they are doing a good job. That, you will agree, is a horrible thought. After all, only a minority of people born will eventually grow up and accept the Lord as their Savior, according to Scripture. We may be emotionally moved to accept Gods mercy implemented to all, but such teaching is simply not confirmed in the Bible. Just recently, I read Psalm 58, where it says in verse 3: The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. We do know that the Lord is merciful, for the Bible says, For God so loved the world, but how His love is accepted is the ultimate issue. MC
SEPTEMBER 2010 43
18 29 May 2011*
Day 1: Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Depart the USA on overnight flight to Tel Aviv
Day 8: Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Jerusalem: Temple Mt., Pool of Bethesda, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Wailing Wall, Ophel Park
Day 2: Thursday, 19 May 2011 Arrive in Israel/ take bus to Haifa Day 3: Friday, 20 May 2011
Caesarea, Muhraka (Mt. Carmel), Akko (Acre)
Day 9: Thursday, 26 May 2011

Bethlehem: Church of the Nativity
Day 10: Friday, 27 May 2011

Jerusalem: City of David, Yad Vashem, Mt. Zion, Upper Room
Day 4: Saturday, 21 May 2011

Megiddo, Nazareth, Beit She'an, Mt. Gilboa
Day 11: Saturday, 28 May 2011

Jerusalem: Garden Tomb, Golgotha, Mt. Scopus, Mt. of Olives, Chapel of Tears, Garden of Gethsemane, Temple Model, Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls)
Day 5: Sunday, 22 May 2011

Karmiel, Caesarea Philippi, Golan Heights
Day 6: Monday, 23 May 2011

Mt. of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Jordan River (Baptism)
Day 12: Sunday, 29 May 2011

Free time in Jerusalem until flight back home
Day 7: Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Dead Sea, Qumran, Masada
* 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.
MC0910
J Yes, I wish to join the Promised Land Prophecy Tour. Please reserve _______seat(s) for me(us).
I enclose $400 deposit for each person. J Jsut send me a complete information package at this time. J Please reserve a single room for me ($525 extra).
Midnight Call Ministries P.O. BOX 280008 Columbia, SC 29228
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We will need additional information for each participant. If possible, please use the detailed registration form found on our website: http://www.midnightcall.com/israel_tours.html in lieu of this coupon.
On the 18th of May 2011, we will embark on a 12-day tour of Is- Cancellation Policy
rael. 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 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. For participant-initiated cancellations, a full refund of the landonly portion (up to $1995 per person, plus optional $525 single room supplement) of the tour 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 the land-only price. Since you will be making air travel arrangements separately, the airlines cancellation/refund policy applies. If you feel you need it, purchase travel interruption insuranceeither from our travel agent or another source.
Fishing boats on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, Israel
Accommodations
19 May 22 May Hotel Beth-Shalom http://www.beth-shalom.co.il 22 May 24 May Kibbutz Guest House Maagan Holiday Village http://www.maagan.com/english 24 May 29 May (TBD) Jerusalem
Nazareth is the capital and largest city in the northern district of Israel.
18 29 May 2011
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46
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Israel: A Journey Through Time
sraelA Journey Through Time is an exciting six DVD series filmed entirely in Israel. This documentary examines Israels incredible history in all of its dramatic past, present and into its prophetic future. Hosted by Rev. Dr. John Tweedie, this fascinating journey through time offers a biblical perspective on the remarkable history of the Jewish people from Abraham to Armageddon. The series has aired on a major Christian television network and three of the programs in the series have won an Aurora Award. DVD 1: From Abraham to Jesus DVD 2: Jesus: The Jew That Divided History DVD 3: Anti-Semitism DVD 4: Aliyah: Rebirth of A Nation DVD 5: Israel In Crisis DVD 6: What Time Is It? The Bible says, And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country (Ezekiel 34:13); But ye, O mountains of Israel, ye
shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people of Israel; for they are at hand to come And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited (Ezekiel 36:8, 34-35).
ISRAEL, A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
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(continued from page 34)

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