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The Leading of the Eternal God
By Marcel Malgo
The Good Shepherd lets His sheep lie down in green pastures and leads them beside still waters to restore or refresh their souls. The Lord only wants what is best for His own, but it is not for our sakes that He leads us in paths of righteousness it is so that His name is glorified for His names sake.

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Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .By Arno Froese

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Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .By Arno Froese USA PROPHECY...PATRIOTISM...GLOBAL MYSTERY BABYLON

Midnight Call
FEBRUARY 2008

E D I T O R S

N O T E

I will heal their backsliding,

I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him (Hosea 14:4).
B y A r n o F r o e s e

ur study in the prophetic book of Hosea concludes this month. The books of Hosea and Amos are primarily directed toward the rebellious ten tribes of Israel. But as I have mentioned several times during this study, these prophetic pronouncements are not directed solely towards Israel, but they include the kingdom of Judah and the Gentile world. Hosea is the first book of the 12 Minor Prophets only the book of Zechariah is longer in length. But the message in both books, as well as in all of the other prophetic books, contains a stern warning, an invitation to repent and return to the God of Israel, and a revelation of Gods unspeakable grace expressed in the words we cited in the introduction: I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely. The Hebrew Bible and several other translations begin chapter 14 with the last verse of chapter 13: Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her
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God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up. It may seem like this word was added as an afterthought, but I dont believe that is the case because Samaria attempted to supplant Jerusalem. In other words, it became an imitation and as such, it was a horrendous sin against the God of Israel. We know that Israel was judged when Assyria conquered the land: the cities were destroyed, the people were killed and the remnant was carried into captivity. The most powerful expression of brutality is exhibited in the following words, their infants shall be dashed in pieces. This is significant because when you remove the infants from the equation then that nation will no doubt perish. Even worse, the threat of their pregnant women being ripped up indicates the absence of mercy. This is an utterly hopeless situation for any nation. We must note that this threat was addressed to Samaria. The text does not say

Israel or the 10-tribe kingdom but focuses directly upon Samaria because those people who were dedicated to Samaria and had accepted the rebellion against Gods order became one with the idolatry in Samaria. The word Samaria can be translated in English as watch mountain. Thus, we have another example of man's tendency toward imitation. The real mountain upon which Jerusalem is located is identified in Psalm 2:6: Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed. The psalmist describes the time that is and was when all the nations of the world opposed and will oppose the Anointed One. The admonition to repent is repeated: O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips (Hosea 14:1-2). The Tanakh translates this verse in the following way: Forgive all guilt and accept what is good; instead of bulls we will pay the offering of our lip. This verse indicates true repentance no more relying on the sacrifice of bulls, but on our confession of faith. Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy (verse 3). The remnant of 10-tribe Israel recognized that nothing would help no military power and none of the idols they had worshiped in the past. If we, too, would only take this important warning to heart and stop worshiping the idols of our modern times. Of course, they are not the idols we see pictured in books or find replicas of in museums; our idols are our possessions, achievements, our nation, our military our idols are anything that takes away Gods rightful place in our lives. It is time that we search our heart, for the Holy Spirit still convicts and there is still time to repent. Lets consider the Apostle Paul, a man who had many reasons to trust in the flesh. In fact, he wrote: if any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee (Philippians 3:4-5). Israel was a nation above all others. He came from the tribe of Benjamin, the first to be integrated into the tribe of Judah. He was a Hebrew the people to whom God spoke. He was a Pharisee, although they were negatively presented in the New Testament. I dont think there are many people who could say they were touching the righteousness which is of the law blameless. Yet in spite of all these perks, the Apostle Paul had little use for his societal position: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (verse 8). When compared with the knowledge of Christ, he counted these advantages as dung. In summary, recognition of ones own corrupt nature will lead to the gate of grace: I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily,

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The Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes PRINTED IN 12 LANGUAGES

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E D I T O R S

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and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon (Hosea 14:4-7). Grace will break through and become effective to those who humble themselves, recognize their failures and cast themselves at the mercy of the God of Israel. Ephraim is addressed once again. That name represents not only the tribe of Judah but the 10-tribe rebellious kingdom of Israel: Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found (verse 8). Finally, the book of Hosea concludes with two questions and three answers: Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein (verse 9). Wisdom will lead to the recognition of the mighty ways of the Lord; it will cause one to walk in it, and it will spur on the realization that rebellion against the Lord will lead to doom. MC

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It is for His names sake that the Lord leads His own in the paths of righteousness.

B Y

M A R C E L

M A L G O

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e leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake (Psalm 23:3). The Good Shepherd lets His sheep lie down in green pastures and leads them beside still waters to restore or refresh their souls. The Lord only wants what is best for His own, but it is not for our sakes that He leads us in paths of righteousness it is so that His name is glorified for His names sake. Everything we have received from our Lord and everything the Good Shepherd is to us and has done for us is ultimately glorifying to His unique great name. Therefore, all the good things we receive from the Lord are not primarily for our own sakes but for His names sake. In other words, we are bestowed with so many heavenly gifts because they serve to bring glory to the name of our great God! It is true; Jesus died for us, liberated us and saved us. But as true and wonderful as that is, however, Jesus Christ did not only become the Lamb of God for us, but first and foremost He laid down His life in obedience to the will of His Father in heaven for His names sake. Because God was robbed of His glory, He saw no other way than to send His beloved Son into the world to restore to His name the honor it was due. At the creation of man, the triune God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likenessSo God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:26-27). It continually impresses me that God created man in His own glorious image. But Adam and Eve obeyed the voice of the tempter and disobeyed the only commandment that God had given them and fell into sin (compare Genesis 2:16-17 and 3:1ff). As a result, the image of God that He had put into

man was marred and spoiled and a terrible shadow was cast on the glorious relationship between God and man. What did God have to do them? He had to restore His glory, but it took place first for His names sake, and second in order to save fallen man. Even born-again Christians can be so onesided in their thinking that they tend to ignore this fact. Of course the words of John 3:16 remain true: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. What love is He talking about here? He is referring to the love that the Creator has for His beloved creation, which has suffered ever since the fall of man. We sometimes speak of the love of God as though it had only become active at Calvary. Yet it is the same love that reached its full development when God created man in His own image. What infinite love! What an extraordinarily extravagant act it was when God created man! This is why the act of redemption on Calvarys cross was about the restoration of Gods glory. The victory of the Lamb of God at Calvary was primarily a victory for the heavenly Father for His names sake. God spoke to His covenant people through the prophet Isaiah: thou hast wearied me with thine iniquites (Isaiah 43:24). But this verse is directly followed by a glorious statement: I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins (verse 25). Why does the Lord say here that He will blot out Israels transgressions? For His own sake! This is the way it is today with all the other spiritual gifts. We receive them first because our great God is praised through them.

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It is true; Jesus died for us, liberated us and saved us. But as true and wonderful as that is, however, Jesus Christ did not only become the Lamb of God for us, but first and foremost He laid down His life in obedience to the will of His Father in heaven for His names sake.
We are led in paths of righteousness because it is about God, and it takes place for His names sake, so that He will be glorified. People who lived under the Old Covenant were aware of this truth. Unto thy name give glory Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truths sake (Psalm 115:1). Also in Ezekiel 36:22, which deals with the redemption of Israel, the promise of a new heart and a blessed land, the Lord said, I will not do this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy names sake Or think about Daniel, who repented for his people and prayed, O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; for thine own sake, O my God; for thy city and thy people are called by thy name (Daniel 9:19). We find the same words in Jeremiahs prayer of repentance, O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy names sake (Jeremiah 14:7). This is also how it is with the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). He leads those who belong to Him in paths of righteousness so that He is glorified. How greatly the Father in heaven is glorified when He is really able to lead His children, and when we are willing to be led by Him! When it becomes apparent in the life of a child of God that the Good Shepherd holds the reins in His hands and He is able to lead him in paths of righteousness, the result is the glorious praise that belongs to the holy name of our Lord.

The paths of righteousness I believe there are four ways on the paths of righteousness in our lives: 1.The way of goodness and truth 2.The way of wisdom 3.The straight and narrow way 4.The way of life 1. The way of goodness and truth. All the ways of the Lord can be described as good and true: All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies (Psalm 25:10). All of the ways in which the Lord leads His own, whatever they may look like, are ways of mercy and truth; His motives are never negative. On the contrary, behind all the ways in the life of a child of God, even the difficult ways, are the best intents of the Lord, full of
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mercy, truth, faithfulness and grace. It is what the Lord promises His own in Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. It can be very comforting to know this and believe it because this promise gives us His peace in many a storm in our lives. But the Lords ways are only ways of blessing for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies: All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies (Psalm 25:10). Only those who have the key (such as keep his covenant and his testimonies) to the door (all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth) and use it, will experience the goodness, truth, faithfulness and mercy of the Lord.

2. The way of wisdom. We read about this way in Proverbs 4:11: I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Personal guidance is sometimes a difficult thing for a Christian to accept, and we often ask what is the wise thing for us to do. Even as children of God, we often come to a crossroad and ask ourselves which way the Lord wants us to go. We wanted a clear answer to some questions in our lives, but the answer never came. These decisions are surely some of the most difficult times in our lives. In spite of this, a Christian may experience Gods guidance in various ways. It is a fact that the Lord wants to guide us in the way of wisdom and lead us in right paths. In other words, God will always give His children clear guidance.

Only those who have the key (such as keep his covenant and his testimonies) to the door (all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth) and use it, will experience the goodness, truth, faithfulness and mercy of the Lord.

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The Good Shepherd wants to bring His sheep to the point where we have complete trust in Him and follow Him blindly. Jesus Christ is Wisdom in person, who raised her voice even in the Old Testament.
Wherein lays the problem, then? Many of us are too complicated in our faith lives. Sometimes we brood too long over a certain matter in which we lack clarity at the moment instead of simply adhering in faith to the Word of God. It is not primarily about our experiencing Gods guidance, but whether we unconditionally believe in Scripture, which promise us wisdom, insight, guidance and leadership at the right time. We can leave the ultimate result, when the Lord gives us the necessary guidance at the right time, to Him. But we can completely rely on Him to give us this guidance at the right time and according to His plan. When the Good Shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness for His names sake this also means that He wants to teach us in the way of wisdom and lead us in right paths. The Good Shepherd Himself guarantees that of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 10:30). Our Savior, the Good Shepherd, is wisdom in person. So God has made Him wisdom to whoever has come into contact with Jesus. This again means that a way out of every blind alley is guaranteed. Here it is only about the question of faith. Do we really believe that we will receive everything we need for our lives in and through Christ, or

do we doubt it? What does faith mean here in practical terms? It means that we let the Good Shepherd teach us in the way of wisdom without any reservation. To believe means to be free of striving ourselves and to let ourselves fall into the open hands of the Lord. The Good Shepherd wants to bring His sheep to the point where we have complete trust in Him and follow Him blindly. Jesus Christ is Wisdom in person, who raised her voice even in the Old Testament:
Doth not wisdom cry? And understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and ye fools, be ye of understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things (Proverbs 8:1-6).

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Let me say it again. This is not primarily about whether we really experience Gods leading visibly and clearly, but whether we believe in the unconditional leading of the Good Shepherd in our lives. Take this to heart in childlike faith: if the Good Shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness for His names sake, then He will teach us the way of wisdom and lead us in right paths. In the epistle of James we read these glorious words of comfort: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). 3. The straight and narrow way. Do we always take the straight and narrow way? Christians can claim the promise recorded by the prophet Isaiah: The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just (Isaiah 26:7). The Revised Standard Version translates this verse in the following way: The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth. That sounds wonderful, but how can we know that the way has been made smooth before us? It is often the fact that we walk on uneven and difficult paths. This is because we do not walk by faith but by sight, and we continually look at the difficulties instead of laying everything into the hands of the Good Shepherd. Those who continually focus on the rough places and obstacles in their path will fall. Have you fallen in a puddle when you were desperately trying to avoid it? Why is that? Because we can become so fixated on something that we lose our balance out of sheer concentration on them and tread right in the middle of the puddle. The same is true in the spiritual sphere. If we continually look at the inexplicable things in our lives we will fall over and over again. When we
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look away in faith, however, and leave everything in Jesus hands, we will find our ways become smooth. In other words, if the Good Shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness for His names sake, we will find that the paths are often uneven and difficult, but these ways will become smooth and straight when we walk in faith beside the Good Shepherd. Then we will experience that He makes the way of the just level. It is and remains a wonderful fact that those who look away from the inexplicable things in life and look to Jesus will find that their way becomes smooth and straight. Even the Psalmist had learned to look away from his troubles and focus his eyes on the Lord. He testified, They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed (Psalm 34:5). In another place he wrote, I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope (Psalm 16:8-9). So how can our way become smooth and straight? How can we become a happy and well-balanced Christian? By not only walking beside the Good Shepherd (because he is at my right hand), but continually looking to Him: I have set the Lord always before me. When we practice this, we will find that our heart is glad and we will not be put to shame. In other words, we will not stumble over the uneven places in our life and come to fall (which would be very bitter), but go on our way through life rejoicing, in spite of the many uneven places, obstacles and things that could cause us to stumble. This truth from the Old Testament is confirmed in the letter to the Hebrews and surrounded by the following words: Let us lay aside every weight, and the

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Even the Psalmist prayed confidently, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11).
sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Our fight of faith is not in fearfully trying not to fall on account of the uneven way, but in continually having our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, the Hero and Victor of Calvary, the Risen Lord. Only this attitude of faith will lead to our often uneven way through life becoming smooth and straight. The following are three texts from the Psalms and a verse from the New Testament: Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net (Psalm 25:15). Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us (Psalm 123:2). But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord (Psalm 141:8). When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only (Matthew 17:8). May we, from this moment on, go through our lives undaunted by its unevenness but look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. 4. The way of life. Even the Psalmist prayed confidently, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). From these words we see that this was not just about an earthly path but much more. The Psalmist wrote: In thy presence is fullness of joy, and At thy hand there are pleasures for evermore. He is talking about the eternal joy that all the blood-bought ones will one day have with their Good Shepherd. Some people may be asking, Did the people in the Old Testament have an eternal hope? Yes, they did, and not only the above-quoted Psalmist but even Job, who in his great suffering exclaimed: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another (Job 19:26-27). Here he is talking about an eternal hope that could not be more glorious. Returning to Psalm 16:11, we read, Thou wilt shew me the path of life and immediately afterwards he writes of eternal pleasures, which means every path on which the Good Shepherd leads us for His names sake is always about eternity. Or, to put it in other words, every path that we tread here on earth as the Lords way, every path that we tread because He has told us to tread it, has the glorious goal of the eternal dwelling place in heaven. Children of God have a wonderful hope! Every day that we consciously spend with the Lord in our earthly bodies, however fragile and shaky they may be, brings us nearer to the goal: every hour that we live leads us towards heaven. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18). The perfect day is a prophetic expression for that which will come the eternal, heavenly homeland. And the obedient believer who has been made just through
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Christ goes on his way daily with the Lord unto the perfect day. That means until he is with his Savior at last. And every day that he walks with his Good Shepherd and Lord allows him to experience and enjoy a little more heavenly light. This is why his path is as the shining light, that shines more and more. The way of eternity The paths of righteousness on which the Good Shepherd wants to lead His own for His names sake leads continually heavenward. We have a prophetic picture of this in John 6:16-18 (or Matthew 14:22-23 or Mark 6:45-52). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, commanded His disciples to get into a boat and to row over the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. Although it was dark and very difficult to row because of the strong wind that whipped up the waves, the Lord helped them reach their destination, the village of Capernaum where Jesus lived

at that time a picture of the heavenly place where the Lord Jesus lives now. So children of God may know that whatever happens we are always on our way home where the Good Shepherd lives, we should meditate much more on this wonderful truth so that with Paul, we can conclude: For our light afflictions, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). David addressed the Lord in Psalm 119:35: Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. When we need to know the will of the Lord so that we can walk in the way of His holy will, then say to the Good Shepherd, Lord, I want to be led in the paths of righteousness for I delight in them. MC

Although it was dark and difficult to row because of the strong wind that whipped up the waves,the Lord helped them reached their destination, the village of Capernaum where Jesus lived at that time a picture of the heavenly place where the Lord Jesus lives now.

Capernaum view of sunset over the Sea of Galilee

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MIDNIGHT CALL

Dr. John Cionci 536 Fort Washington Ave., Fort Washington, PA 19034

H E A LT H W I S E

What is MRSA?
B y D r. J o h n C i o n c i

A
Dr. John Cionci is a Philadelphia native and graduate of Central High School, University of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and Chair of the AIDS Association. Dr. Cionci has been a practicing physician since 1950.

lthough these bugs have been around for thousands of years, the new strains that have evolved have been caused by our own careless mistakes from the overuse of antibiotics to the use of antibiotics in our meats, to patients who either do not take their prescribed dose of antibiotics or do not take all of them for the number of days they were supposed to. MRSA Methicillin Resistant Staphlococcus Aureus came on the scene about a year ago and evolved into a nosocomial infection that was acquired in the hospital or clinics outside of the hospital setting. The infection became known as community acquired MRSA. I am sad to say that the primary means of its transmission in hospitals and nursing homes is because some caregivers and other medical personnel do not wash their hands between seeing patients. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 18,650 people died from MRSA in the United States in 2005. A government study released in October 2007 reported that each day more bacteria became resistant to our current antibiotics and we have no effective antibiotic to fight these superbugs. Following this report, healthcare experts listed specific actions that society must take to help slow down the spread and development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. First, infection control in hospi-

tals must be better managed. This means all caregivers must wash their hands after seeing each patient. Second, enforcing appropriate use of antibiotics, which means not using them for viral infections such as the common cold. Third, the community must also wash their hands frequently. This past August, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, drafted new rules indicating that the government program will no longer pay hospitals for the costs of treating conditions that could reasonably have been prevented, such as hospital-acquired infections. Still, pharmaceutical companies must develop new and effective antibiotics to win the battle against superbugs such as klebsiella, acinetobacter, and pseudomonas, which are resistant to nearly all of our present antibiotics. Another effective tool the community can use is liquid hand sanitizers that contain alcohol. Germs are spread by contact with the hands, therefore, I would I like to add my own personal suggestion: Avoid shaking hands! Instead, gently bump fists with the other person the way some athlete's do. If we dont learn from our mistakes, well just keep repeating them. We are in a medical crisis, and I am sure the bioterrorists will use this to their advantage. The wise man sees trouble coming, and steps aside. The fool keeps walking and is destroyed: The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise (Proverbs 12:15). MC
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PART I
BY DR. RON J. BIGALKE JR.

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MIDNIGHT CALL

God has a specific purpose for the Church that is to be distinguished from His plans and purposes for regenerate national Israel. Those purposes affect the relationship of Israel to the biblical covenants, and the relationship of the Church to the Tribulation (seventieth week of Daniel), Second Coming, and Millennium.
If the significant disagreements regarding general eschatology (i.e. Rapture, Tribulation, Second Coming, Millennium) among evangelicals is not due to a lack of clarity in Scripture, but exist primarily because of ones usage or disregard of a consistent and literal interpretation of biblical prophecy, then certainly differences arise in regards to understanding the purpose of God for the Church. Scripture does teach that the Old Testament promises made with national Israel will be fulfilled with a future, regenerate, national Israel. Since Israel and the Church are distinct entities, there is no sense in which the latter can fulfill promises to the former (unless, of course, one wrongly assumes priority of the New Testament, resulting in the meaning of the promises in their original context being changed or reinterpreted so that they were not unconditional or eternal). God has a specific purpose for the Church that is to be distinguished from His plans and purposes for regenerate national Israel. Those purposes affect the relationship of Israel to the biblical covenants, and the relationship of the Church to the Tribulation (seventieth week of Daniel), Second Coming, and Millennium. Prior, however, to understanding the specifics of the future for Israel and the Church, it is necessary to understand the identity and meaning of the word church. What is the Church? Willimon provided an answer.
I do not exist as a Christian save by the call of God. For that matter, neither did Israel exist as Gods people except by Gods choice. Likewise, the church is not church except that God wills it to be so. There is something amiss in the definition of the church as a voluntary association of believers. The church does not exist because some religiously enlightened people have decided to voluntarily associate with one another to advance the study of Jesus. The challenge of biblical faith is not Do you agree? or Do you feel? but Will you join up? Like Paul (Acts 9:1-31), like the Gentiles (Acts 15:14; Romans 9-11), like Israel, we are called together by God. You did not choose me, I chose you (John 15:16) is a word both humbling and comforting to the individual believer and to the church as a whole. The church begins, like faith itself, not with pious individuals, but with God, a God who chooses to deal with us as a people, a family, a nation. 1

THE MEANING OF THE WORD CHURCH2 Although the English word church is opulent in meaning, and used quite commonly and extensively, the biblical meaning is often misunderstood. The term has been used in reference to a building (whether a cathedral or storefront), corporation with tax-exempt status, denomination, national or state church, people who meet together corporately in obedience to biblical commands, religion generally (i.e. separation of church and state), and the universal Body of Christ. The word church is actually only vaguely related to the concept of the Greek word ekklesia used in the New Testament.
The English term church, along with the Scottish word kirk and German Kirche, is derived from the Greek kuriakon, which is the

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GODs PURPOSE FOR THE C HURCH

The doctrine of the Church is not based upon the English word, but rather upon the Greek word ekklesia that is used 114 times in the New Testament (three in Matthews Gospel, 23 in Acts, 62 in Pauls letters, six in non-Pauline letters, and 20 in Revelation).
neuter adjective of kurios, Lord, and means, belonging to the Lord. Kuriakon occurs only twice in the New Testament, neither time with reference to the church as commonly used today. In 1 Corinthians 11:20 it refers to the Lords Supper and in Revelation 1:10 to the Lords Day. Its application to the church stems from its use by early Christians for the place where they met together, denoting it as a place belonging to God, or Gods house. 3 Greek New Testament, which provides the background for the New Testament language, does not lend support to this doctrine from the word ekklesia itself. 5

Usage Prior to the New Testament The doctrine of the Church is not based upon the English word, but rather upon the Greek word ekklesia that is used 114 times in the New Testament (three in Matthews Gospel, 23 in Acts, 62 in Pauls letters, six in non-Pauline letters, and 20 in Revelation).
There are words whose etymology it is interesting to watch, as they are transformed and consecrated by the Christian churchwords that the church did not invent but has employed in a loftier sense than the world has ever used them. The very word by which the church is named is a key example of this type of transformation. For we have ekklesia in three distinct stages of meaning the secular, the Jewish, and the Christian. 4 The Greek word in the New Testament for the English word church is ekklesia. It is derived from the verb ekkaleo, a compound of ek, out, and kaleo, to call or summon, which together mean to call out. While often this etymological meaning is used to support the biblical doctrine of the church as a people called out, separated from the world by God, the usage of this term both in secular Greek and the

Usage in Classical Greek Although ekklesia was used of the formal Greek assembly (legislature), it was used as reference to any assembly regardless of who was included or how it was instituted. The classical Greek usage is used in only one passage of the New Testament (Acts 19:32, 39, 41). Ekklesia, as demonstrated by the common understanding in the Acts passage, was a broad term which did not have religious connotations. It merely referred to an assembly but is never once used absolutely of the people who composed the assembly. Usage in the Greek Old Testament
An investigation of the Septuagint [Greek Old Testament] use of the word ekklesia includes a consideration of the Hebrew words qahal and edhah (the two principal Hebrew words for gathering or assembly) along with the related use of the Greek sunagoge to translate these words. Both edhah and qahal refer to an assembly or gathering, yet ekklesia is never used to translate edhah.6

The two Hebrew words that refer to an assembly or gathering are qahal and edah. At times these words appear synonymous. However, the translators of the Septuagint differentiated qahal and edah. For instance, the Septuagint never uses ekklesia to translate edah, rather, it will translate qahal as ekklesia.7

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Discussion of the use of ekklesia in the Septuagint carries significance not only to the study of any biblical passage, but also to understanding a distinction between Israel and the Church. For instance, ekklesia in the Septuagint was never used to connote a spiritual verity that would be free of spatial and earthly confines.
The translators used sunagoge to translate qahal.8 Although qahal and edah did not [have] a technical meaning in the Hebrew Old Testament, the differentiation in the Septuagint led to a technical meaning in the New Testament as the synagogue and the Church. Discussion of the use of ekklesia in the Septuagint carries significance not only to the study of any biblical passage, but also to understanding a distinction between Israel and the Church. For instance, ekklesia in the Septuagint was never used to connote a spiritual verity that would be free of spatial and earthly confines. The simple meaning of ekklesia is an assembly. There is absolutely no factual basis for attempts to find the Church, as defined in the New Testament, referenced in the Old Testament on the basis of the usage of ekklesia . The New Testament advanced and gave technical meaning to the usage of ekklesia . 9 Matthews use of ekklesia was a reference to the natural Jewish mindset of an assembly; it is even possible (although not likely) that Matthew was referring to a Jewish assembly as the synagogue in 18:17. Trench referred to the classic case of usage determining meaning of ekklesia . It was not without due reason that our Lord (Matthew 16:18; 18:17) and His Apostles claimed this, as the nobler word, to designate the new society of which He was the Founder, being as it was a society knit together by the closest spiritual bonds, and altogether independent of space. 10 The following quote also demonstrates the na-

tional Jewish understanding of the word.

The word [ekklesia] occur about 100 times in the LXX. . . . When there is a Heb. Equivalent, it is almost always qahal . . . In the LXX [ekklesia] is a wholly secular term; it means assembly, whether in the sense of assembling or of those assembledThe real point is who assembles, or who constitutes the assembly. 11

Usage in the New Testament Refinement and transformation from a generic (non-technical) term into a technical term both unique and rich in meaning awaited usage in the New Testament. There are only two verses, Acts 7:38 and Hebrews 2:12, which use ekklesia as a reference to Israel such as used in the Septuagint.12 It is possible, but not likely, that Matthew 18:17 is also a reference to a Jewish gathering such as the synagogue.13 Usage determines meaning and the New Testament clearly uses ekklesia in a manner that distinguishes it from both its Greek and Old Testament significance.14 There is a significant reason for the New Testament usage of ekklesia as opposed to sunagoge.
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PROPHETIC TIMING & THE M ILLENNIUM

The distinction between Israel and the Church is the natural result of interpreting the Bible historically and grammatically (i.e. literal, plain interpretation). One must interpret the words of the Bible in their normal or plain meaning. The opposite would be a spiritualizing (allegorizing) of the biblical text.
This distinction resulted in the choice of ekklesia by Christ (Matthew 16:18; 18:17) and His apostles as the more noble of the two words. It designated the new society of which Jesus was the founder, being as it was a society knit together by the closest spiritual bonds and altogether independent of space. 15

The determined opposition of the Jewish religious leaders could be a reason why the New Testament never used sunagoge as reference to the Church.16
Customarily the concept of the church has focused on the universal and local church. Sometimes, erroneously, the categories are stated as invisible and visible. But even universal and local do not seem to cover all the facets of the concept. Universal serves well as a label for the body of Christ, whether on earth or in heaven (Hebrews 12:23). But local needs further defining. How local is the church? Apparently we need more than the customary twofold organization of the church universal and local. (1) There is the universal church all believers in heaven or on earth. (2) There is the visible church local churches in various areas, especially those I am acquainted with. (3) There is the local church the particular assembly with which I have my primary and sustained relation. Every believer actually belongs to all these three aspects of the church, and 1 Corinthians 10:32 applies to any of them with which he has contact any time. 17

rial church (e.g. Church of England, Roman Catholic Church),19 or of the kingdom of God (or the kingdom of heaven).20 The Church is never designated as Israel. Though it has been common for some Christians to reference the Church as the new Israel, a concordance study in the New Testament will demonstrate contrariwise. In each of the 66 occurrences of the word Israel in the New Testament, the term always refers to the Jewish people.21 Both the Church and Israel have special relationships with God, but they must be distinguished. The distinction between Israel and the Church is the natural result of interpreting the Bible historically and grammatically (i.e. literal, plain interpretation). One must interpret the words of the Bible in their normal or plain meaning. The opposite would be a spiritualizing (allegorizing) of the biblical text. Dr. Charles Ryrie wrote,
Use of the words Israel and church shows clearly that in the New Testament national Israel continues with her own promises and that the church is never equated with a so-called new Israel but is carefully and continually distinguished as a separate work of God in this age. 22

Usage Not Found in the New Testament The New Testament concept of the Church is never used of a building,18 a particular denomination (Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian) or of a territo20
MIDNIGHT CALL

Since Israel and the Church are distinct entities, the unfulfilled prophecies to Israel of both blessing and curse have not been transferred to the Church. Indeed, as the cursings to Israel were fulfilled literally, so will the future restoration blessings be fulfilled literally. DEFINITIONS OF NEW TESTAMENT EKKLESIA Classic definitions of the Church are particularly deficient in terms of

The Church is not the consequence of human organization; rather, it is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Furthermore, the Church is Gods workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), created in accordance with His eternal purpose in Christ (1:4) so God may demonstrate the exceeding riches of His grace (2:7).25
New Testament theology. Definitions of the universal Church and the local church are often stated separately, and to the exclusion of either the universal or local church.
The catholic or universal church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect. . . . The visible church, which is also catholic or universal under the Gospel, consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children. . . . (Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XXV). The church is a company of visible saints, called and separated from the world by the Word and Spirit of God, to the visible profession of the faith of the Gospel; being baptized into that faith (Baptist Confession of Faith, Article XXXIII).

The World Book Dictionary expresses contemporary misunderstanding of the word church biblically and theologically (some of the definitions are entirely inconsistent with the New Testament).
1. a building for public Christian worship or religious services. 2. public worship of God in a church. 3a. Usually, Church. a group of persons with the same religious beliefs and under the same authority; denomination. b. that portion of the whole body of believers in Christ, or of one denomination of these, which belongs to a particular country, nation, state, or city. 4. a locally organized unit of a group of Christians for religious services; congregation. 5. Usually, the Church, all Christians; the whole body of believers in Christ collectively. 6. Also,

Church, the organization of a church; ecclesiastical authority or power as embodied in the clergy and historically constituting one of the three estates. 7. the profession of a clergyman. 8a. any religious body other than Christian; a nonChristian creed or congregation. b. a building for public worship or religious services of such a body. 9. any building, group, or organization like a church.23

Title: Saint Paul Writing His Epistles Artist:Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier Year: about 16 century Museum: Blaffer Foundation Collection, Houston, TX.

There is a minimum of 80 and as many as 100 descriptive terms used with reference to the Church in the New Testament. Therefore, the essential elements for defining the Church must incorporate the identity and function of the Church.
The nature of the church is far too broad to be exhausted in the meaning of the one word ekklesia. To describe its manifold meaning the New Testament writers employed numerous descriptive expressions. They explained the concept of the church both in literal terms and in rich metaphorical descriptions. This richness of description precludes a narrow concept of the church and warns against magnification of one aspect to the disregard of others. 24

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PROPHETIC TIMING & THE M ILLENNIUM

Unity of believers in a local church (community) is only a part, not all, of the universal Church. The local church is a voluntary assembly of Christians and is the sphere where the Holy Spirit manifests His gifting and edifying which makes Christ known to a lost world.
assemblies in a city or territory. Those who are Christians by grace through faith in Christ alone are expected to be members of both the universal and local church. The Church includes all, and only, those who have been regenerated (born again). The new birth by the Holy Spirit results in faith and repentance in the completed redemptive work of Christ and union with Christ and with fellow believers (Acts 2:47; 20:28). The Church is unique to this age (dispensation). The origin of the Church was still future in Matthew 16:18. Members are placed into the Body of Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). After His resurrection, Christ said the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit was still future (Acts 1:45). The Church excludes believers of the Old Testament and those who trust in Christ for salvation after the Church has been raptured. Unity of believers in a local church (community) is only a part, not all, of the universal Church. The local church is a voluntary assembly of Christians and is the sphere where the Holy Spirit manifests His gifting and edifying which makes Christ known to a lost world. The local church should be a microcosm of the unity and purity that is reality of the universal Church. The universal Church is instructed to evangelize/disciple, serve, teach, and worship, but the ex-

Essential Elements of a Definition Theologically, only one Church exists as regards the Body of Christ universally (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:4-6). The reason is that Christians are currently fellow citizens and saints of the household of God. The Church is not the consequence of human organization; rather, it is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Furthermore, the Church is Gods workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), created in accordance with His eternal purpose in Christ (1:4) so God may demonstrate the exceeding riches of His grace (2:7).25 The Church is invisible only as regards those of the Body who are already present with the Lord. The local gathering of believers in the service of Christ is as a part of the universal Church. It is essential to understand the universal and localized elements for a complete understanding of the New Testament doctrine of the Church. Accordingly, the plural, churches, is used in the New Testament as a description of multiple
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MIDNIGHT CALL

The Church has a holy calling distinct from Israel, as this is evident from an understanding of the foundation and origin of the Church.
pression of this instruction is fulfilled by the local assembly through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. The ordinances of baptism and the Lords Supper are not the exclusive privilege of the local church, but are universal expressions of the believers identity with and remembrance of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41; 8:3638; 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Church is the regenerate of this age, both in heaven and on earth, who have been redeemed by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ, and are united with Him and each other by the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit, and who assemble voluntarily in any local community for the express purpose of edification, making disciples, worship, and administration of the ordinances. The Church has a holy calling distinct from Israel, as this is evident from an understanding of the foundation and origin of the Church. MC
6 7 Radmacher, Nature of the Church (1972; reprint, Hayesville, NC: Schoettle, 1996), 123, 127. The translation of qahal as ekklesia is not exclusive since qahal is translated in the Septuagint with approximately 7 other Greek words. It is even translated 25 times as sunagoge. Therefore, qahal was used quite broadly as an assembly or gathering in the Old Testament. 8 9 From Exodus to Proverbs, the Septuagint translates edah approximately 130 times as sunagoge. Acts 7:38 and Hebrews 2:12 are the only New Testament passages which use ekklesia as a reference to Israel similar to that found in the Septuagint. 10 Trench, Synonyms, 4. Indeed,Trench even demonstrated the religious leaders opposition to the fact that the New Testament never used sunagoge to describe the Church (Ibid., 5). 11 Karl Ludwig Schmidt,ejkklhsiva, in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, 10 vols., ed. Gerhard Kittel, trans. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964-76), 3:527. 12 13 14 15 16 17 Saucy, Church in Gods Program, 13. Radmacher, Nature of the Church, 139-42. Ibid., 132. Trench, Synonyms, 19. Ibid., 19-20; Radmacher, Nature of the Church, 140. Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology (Wheaton: Victor, 1986), 395. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Radmacher, Nature of the Church, 161. Ibid., 162; Saucy, Church in Gods Program, 18. Radmacher, Nature of the Church, 168; Ryrie, Basic Theology, 399. Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology (Chicago: Moody, 1989), 352. Charles C. Ryrie, Dispensationalism, rev. ed. (Chicago: Moody, 1995), 129. World Book Dictionary, version 2.0.1 (The Software MacKiev Company, 2005). Saucy, Church in Gods Program, 19. Geoffrey W. Bromiley,Church, in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, rev. ed., 4 vols., gen. ed. idem (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979-84), 1:693. 26 Ryrie, Basic Theology, 395.

ENDNOTES
1 2 William H.Willimon, Whats Right with the Church (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985), 36. The outline that follows is adapted primarily from P.T. OBrien,Church, in Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, eds. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1993), 123-31; and, Dr. Ken Hanna,Theology 405 (unpublished class notes, Dallas Theological Seminary, Summer 2000), 1-8. 3 4 Robert L. Saucy, The Church in Gods Program (Chicago: Moody, 1972), 11. Richard Chenevix Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989; reprint, Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2000), 17. 5 Saucy, Church in Gods Program, 11-12.

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MON EY: EN DS & T RENDS

For more perspectives and resources on world economic and financial trends of interest to Christians, visit Wilfreds website http://www.eternalvalue.comfor additional resources and subscribe to the free newsletter Eternal Value Review:World Review and Market Monitor.

Ten Endtime Signs for Heathens

Part I
B y W i l f r e d H a h n

What are the signs of the last days and the Lords coming? These are among the most contested questions in Christianity, even among evangelicals who believe in a pre-millennial return of Jesus Christ and a pretribulational Rapture. Even among this latter group of believers which is a small minority in Christianity these days one hears of schisms and breaking of fellowship over these signs of the Lords coming or the related question of whether prophecy is being fulfilled in our day.
o certain signs only relate to the Jews or do they also apply to the times of the Gentiles and the dispensation of the Church? Is there a distinction between actual prophetic fulfillment of certain events and the conditions or processes that must take place before these can actually occur? These questions are surely the subject of important study and discussions. But the practical focus for the Christian is relatively straightforward. We are to
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be watching looking to His coming recognizing the season being prepared in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Yet, the sad reality is that only a very small portion of those who call themselves Christians today believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will soon return or that the very last of the last day events, namely the Tribulation Period, is fast approaching. The paradox of this situation is this: Christians, the very people that possess the Bible and its prophecies, represent most of the scoffers who

Ten Endtime Signs for Heathens Part I

protest, saying: Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation (2 Peter 3:4). This attitude itself is a prophetic sign of the last-days season. Christ asked, [] when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:8) This situation is really more incredible than it seems. Why? Because one doesnt have to be a Bible-reading Christian to recognize that the world is heading for troubles and that many of todays trends are simply not sustainable. If Christians stand accused of ignoring the Bible and obvious world trends and events today, would then non-Christians have any excuse for ignorance? No. The Secular Observer of the World Any analyst or person, in the course of researching world developments, must be struck with the many monumental, nonsustainable changes that are underfoot on the globe today. Of course, the Bible-believing analyst will quickly recognize that all of these factors are in alignment with Bible prophecy, even if not mentioned specifically. To them, it is a compelling conclusion that the last-day events of the Tribulation are fast approaching. Yet, even the secular, non-Bible-believing analyst must conclude that dire times are ahead, if the present course of the world is not soon changed. Many world trends on the scene today are not sustainable. In other words, they either point to an end or major world-wide dislocations that certainly could be apocalyptic in scale. To prove that the evidence is available for all to see, lets take the perspective of a nonChristian and do a bit of common sense analysis.

Lets put on our analysts hat and attempt some forecasts, just as any policy or economics specialist would. Doing so, we of course will realize that forecasting is a treacherous endeavor at the best of times. By interpreting the appearance of the sky (Matthew 16:2) in no way are we attempting to prophesy. Thats the domain of the Bible prophets. In any case, Prophecy is not given to enable us to prophesy, quoting Sir Robert Anderson. We are simply wishing to show that the last-day season should be sensed by the entire world. With that, in no particular order, lets review ten such possible indicators. 1. Skewing of Wealth between Rich and Poor The chasm between the worlds rich and its poor continues to widen. The only major debate that concerns this topic has to do with its cause. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) profiled an in-depth study titled Globalization and Inequality,observing that inequality has risen in all but the lowincome country aggregates over the past two decades. Of greater moment is a ground-breaking report entitled The Worldwide Distribution of Household Wealth, which was released in December 2006 as this was the first ever wealth survey of the entire world. Its conclusions were much more sobering than had been previously indicated

James prophecy found in James 5:1-6, Now, listen your rich people you have hoarded wealth in the last days, which speaks of a huge wealth inequalities in the last days, surely fits our time.

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$
By Wilfred Hahn
and Europe. Also that year, Libyan leader Muammar Al-Qadhafi, said We have 50 million Muslims in Europe. There are signs that Allah will grant Islam victory in Europe without swords, without guns, without conquests. The fifty million Muslims of Europe will turn it into a Muslim continent within a few decades. Some prophecy scholars in fact think that Islam will be part of a world-wide religious ecumenicism at some point in the future. This, however, seems unlikely. True Islam does not compromise and never has, other than for short-term advantage. In fact, Arabs (Islam, after all is an Arab religion) cannot even agree among themselves, a characteristic that the Bible itself documents. The Bible says of Ishmael, the father of the Arabs He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyones hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers (Genesis 16:12). If Islam does not become part of the Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes, we have another dilemma that will be sure to heighten in the next 10 to 20 years. Al-Qadhafis comment points to a dynamic that our secular observer would not miss. Arab and Islamic populations are growing much faster than that of Europe and the rest of the world. Compared to overall world population growth of 1.2%, the average growth of Middle Eastern countries is 1.7% while the European Unions growth rate is only 0.1%. Today, it is estimated that there are approximately 1.5 billion Muslims in the world versus 1.2 billion Roman Catholics and perhaps a total of two billion people that broadly identify themselves as Christians. If present trends are any indica-

The Bible says of Ishmael, the father of the Arabs He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyones hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers (Genesis 16:12).

by other studies that only surveyed income. James prophecy found in James 5:1-6, Now, listen your rich people you have hoarded wealth in the last days, which speaks of huge wealth inequalities in the last days, surely fits our time. Secular analysts would surely wonder where these trends are heading. At the present rate of this development, any one of two outcomes, or both, could occur either a world controlled by small cabal of rich overlords or anarchy and societal breakdown. It would not be overstating the case to say that todays wealth imbalances in the world exceed that during the late stages of the past Roman Empire. It is not a positive outlook. 2. Islam, Europe and the Catholic Church In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI faced quite a backlash from Muslims in response to a quote that he used in a speech: Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, It raises the question of whether a major clash lies ahead between Islam
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Ten Endtime Signs for Heathens Part I

tion, to the secular analyst it is inevitable that Europe or a broader number of Christian countries will either clash with Islam or become subservient to it. However, the Prostitute shown in Revelation 17 is not subservient, but rather sits as a queen (Revelation 18:7) and rules over the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:18). Therefore, by deduction, we could conclude that the Prostitute must be already here or emerge in the very near future. In view of world population growth rate trends that we have just reviewed, in perhaps one or two decades, she may no longer have the undisputed position of where she sits as an uncontested queen upon world affairs. By deduction, this suggests that Tribulation events must begin to unfold before that time. 3. Materialism and Financial Pyramiding Seen over history, western society (now also including much of the rest of the world) has been living in the 5 Pillars of P window for only a very brief time. These 5 Pillars stand for Petroleum, Penicillin, Population, Productivity and Pyramiding, the five major factors behind todays endtime modernity. This 5 Pillar window amounts to a time/space of only a century or so, a fraction of mankinds sojourn on earth. Mankind has become exceedingly proud of its recent achievements. They have contributed to a fertile breeding ground giving rise to humanism, mankinds confidence and self-determination without God. Yet it is overlooked that all 5 Pillars are subject to reversal. For example, mankind may yet lose the battle with microbes (resistance to antibiotics) and the Age of Oil will pass (perhaps sooner than expected).

However, none of these factors are more vulnerable than the last two of the 5P list Productivity and Pyramiding. These relate to the economic and financial explosion over this period, involving globalization, technology, the increasingly invasive role of money, and the unstable system of monetarism. It has created a lustrous, intoxicating apparition of wealth albeit mostly false wealth. While the advance of technology itself likely will not be lost, the huge financial colossus that has emerged in recent years is extremely vulnerable to collapse. Even secular analysts can see this. One does not need the Bible to understand this, though the Scriptures surely are in line with this view. Given the greed, corruption and rapaciousness that are part of this trend, it is only a matter of time. In fact, this collapse may already have started. It can happen quickly and suddenly. Just how long can the worlds shaky financialization boom last? While it is
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These relate to the economic and financial explosion over this period, involving globalization, technology, the increasingly invasive role of money, and the unstable system of monetarism. It has created a lustrous, intoxicating apparition of wealth albeit mostly false wealth.

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M ON EY: EN DS & T REN DS

By Wilfred Hahn

The discovery of penicillin, and the development of antibiotics which it spawned, had a remarkable impact upon modern civilization. For this and other reasons, death rates dropped sharply and lifespans increased significantly over the last century.

impossible to be precise about such matters, the current pace of developments cannot continue indefinitely. Simple mathematics and classical monetary theory prove this view. The rate of changes in financial developments and debt are just too astounding. For example, consider that in the space of the last ten years alone, total world financial value has risen by a factor of ten times. Is this sustainable? And, if not, what will be the ultimate outcome? Actually, of all the Ten Endtime Signs for Heathens, this one is the most imminent. While it is possible that the world monetary authorities and governments can buy some time by way of temporary manipulations, it remains very possible that the worldwide financial problems that began to unravel as of July 2007 are in fact, the start of the deteriorating conditions that will culminate in the final disasters in the Tribulation Period.The sad truth, however, is that while many non-Christian analysts can see the writing on the wall, a large part of North American Christianity remains deluded, clinging on to their prosperity theology and the idea that God will not judge the materialism and greed that are the very underpinnings of our society. 4. Diseases, Pandemics, Biodiversity One of the 5 Pillars of P was represented by penicillin. The discovery of penicillin, and the development of antibiotics which it spawned, had a remarkable impact upon modern civilization. For this and other reasons, death rates dropped sharply and lifespans increased significantly over the last century. For example, in 1900, the
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average life expectancy at birth of a male in America was only 48 years. Today? A male can expect to live to an age of over 75 years. That has been a welcome trend. But can it continue? There are some disturbing developments that suggest that the advances of medicine with respect to germs and microbes may only be temporary. One of these is the emergence of the superbug bacteria that have mutated to become resistant to multiple types of antibiotics. Infectious disease physicians are becoming increasingly alarmed that the development of new antibiotics will lose pace with this threat. They have good reason for their concerns. For one, pharmaceutical companies are falling behind in the development of new antibiotics. Secondly, antibiotic resistance spreads fast. To provide an example, consider this observation from a study by the Food and Drug Administration: Between 1979 and 1987, [] only 0.02 percent of pneumococcus strains infecting a large number of patients surveyed by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were penicillin-resistant. []. Today, 6.6 percent of pneumococcus strains are resistant, according to a report in the June 15, 1994. There are other developments in biology, biodiversity, nanotechnology etc. that are cause for concern and point to possible severe challenges ahead. Here can also be included that the rising vulnerability that arises from genetic engineering and pandemics. A common sense analyst observing all of these trends can only conclude that the rising risks in this re-

Ten Endtime Signs for Heathens - Part I

spect point to certain disastrous outcomes someday. 5. Israel & Jews in the World Even if our secular analyst did not know that the worlds time line circumnavigates around the Jews and that they were destined all to return to their original homeland, they would surely draw a few notable observations about the Jews. Without a doubt, they must be a special people. For one, it would have been noticed that for the first time in over 2,500 years, the majority of the worlds Jews now live in Israel. That is a recent bellwether. Up until 2006 or so, most Jews still lived in the US. (See Midnight Call issues of November and December 2007 for a broader discussion of this condition.) An understanding of probabilities and world history would further highlight the significance of Jewish developments in the world today. What people has ever been restored to their homeland after 2,500 years? In fact, what people has ever survived that long with their identity intact once they have lost their country? What probabilities are defied by the fact that Hebrew, a language that fell out of common usage, would again become a spoken language? We can conclude that the non-religious analyst would be amazed at such developments, thinking them beyond reasonable probability. Yet, amazingly, there are people who do have knowledge of the Bible and its prophecies that still believe that the modern day events surrounding the world and the Jews are nothing more than circumstantial! MC ENDNOTES
1 In Part II, we will conclude with the final Five Endtime Signs for Heathens, proving that mankind, whether Bible-believing or not, has no excuse to be ignorant of the signs of the times.For since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualities

Skyscrapers in Tel Aviv

His eternal power and divine nature have clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20). 2 3 4 5 Sir Robert Anderson, The Coming Prince, Kregel Classics, Grand Rapids, Reprinted 1957, pg. 271. World Economic Outlook, September 2007. Chapter 4: Globalization and Inequality. World Institute for Development Economics Research, UN University (UNU-Wider). The passage originally appeared in the Dialogue Held With A Certain Persian, the Worthy Mouterizes, in Anakara of Galatia[3], written in 1391 as an expression of the views of the Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus, one of the last Christian rulers before the Fall of Constantinople to the Muslim Ottoman Empire, on such issues as forced conversion, holy war, and the relationship between faith and reason. 6 7 8 9 Speech by Libyan leader Muammar Al-Qadhafi, which aired on Al-Jazeera TV on April 10, 2006. World Bank, World Development Indicators Database, 2006 statistics. http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0005140.html. Ricki Lewis, Ph.D., The Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections, US Food and Drug Administration. Accessed http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/ 795_antibio.html, December 1, 2007.

For one, it would have been noticed that for the first time in over 2,500 years, the majority of the worlds Jews now live in Israel. That is a recent bellwether. Up until 2006 or so, most Jews still lived in the US.

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B y

E r i c h

F i s c h e r

And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly (Luke 22:60-62).

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And the Lord Turned...

Even when His eyes broke in death on the cross, they moved hearts and turned lions into lambs. He made the Roman centurion, who was familiar with the cruel method of execution by crucifixion, realize, Truly this man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39).

eter warmed himself in the courtyard and declared he did not know Jesus or belong to Him. When he was asked about his relationship with Jesus for the third time, he angrily denied it: Man, I know not what thou sayest. Three events took place at this moment: 1. The rooster crowed while Peter was still speaking. 2. At the moment when the rooster crowed, Jesus, who had been condemned in the meantime, came out into the courtyard and turned to look at Peter. Perhaps Peter was so concerned about his denial that the crowing of the rooster alone did not wake him from his spiritual sleep. Even the Lord turning towards him would not have had any effect if another thing had not also happened. Was it a word, a gesture, a call or even a sermon? No! 3. It was and this is the third element the silent, penetrating look Jesus gave him. Jesus looked into the eyes of the fallen disciple: And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. This look struck the fallen disciple like a flash of lightning. It produced a miracle in his soul, and nothing has changed about this up until the present day. Those whom Jesus looks upon with His penetrating eyes will immediately see their lost condition. The Psalmist expresses the indescribable power in the eyes of the Almighty with the words, He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth (Psalm 104:32). Even when His eyes broke in

death on the cross, they moved hearts and turned lions into lambs. He made the Roman centurion, who was familiar with the cruel method of execution by crucifixion, realize, Truly this man was the Son of God (Mark 15:39). Let us return, however, to the courtyard where Peter looked into the Saviors eyes. Neither the roosters crow nor Jesus physical turning to look at him could shake Peter to the core, but the look itself penetrated the depths of his heart. Let us consider the situation in which Jesus found Himself, and afterwards that of His disciple. In Jesus look we see:

His caring love

The caring love of our Lord is tremendous. Let us remember that the Lord had just come out of the palace of justice. Perhaps He was even thrown out: Then they did spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands (Matthew 26:67). The Holy One
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And the Lord Turned...

Our Lord always has His eye on His little flock, independent of whether He is on His earthly way to the cross or in heavenly glory. His eyes are always on those whom He redeemed and made righteous before God through the shedding of His holy blood and life on the cross.
Our Lord always has His eye on His little flock, independent of whether He is on His earthly way to the cross or in heavenly glory. His eyes are always on those whom He redeemed and made righteous before God through the shedding of His holy blood and life on the cross. He did not bring this sacrifice out of duty but out of mercy and love. Even now, from heaven He continually has His eye on those who follow Him in truth. Even David knew this, The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry (Psalm 34:15). And the Lord turned Jesus has not lost sight of any of us. He looks at us and knows our thoughts, hears our words and sees our deeds. Forgetting His own situation and His pain, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. At this moment we see...

bore all this. And now He stands in the courtyard, bound, with open wounds and His head covered in blood. What does He think about now? Does He replay the events that just took place? Does He consider the physical pain He must have been in? No. His thoughts are with the one who had just denied Him. It is quite natural that our thoughts are full of our own suffering when we are in pain. The graver a disease is, and we should remember this when we visit people who are ill, the smaller the world around the patient becomes. Many a sufferer is so deep in pain and sorrow that he almost has to be torn out of this condition by force. How different it was with Jesus! Even as the Son of God, He was still true man, with human feelings, but He did not think about Himself. He thought about Peter. Although He had just been mocked, tortured and assaulted, His thoughts were with His disciple. The Lord turned and looked at him as though nothing had happened, as though He Himself was not a man who was condemned to death and Peter was not a failure.
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His inconceivable grace

It is clear from John 18:15 that not only Peter followed the Lord but also another disciple. This other disciple was acquainted with the high priest. It is assumed that it is John, of whom it is said that Jesus loved him. By speaking with the doorkeeper, he and Peter gained entrance to the courtyard. So there are two of them. While Peter remained out in the courtyard, warming his hands by the fire and hoping to hear something about the events going on, this other disciple goes with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. We would expect that Jesus would seek this disciple after the hearing. It is not said in vain that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Once again we see that Je-

There they stand: Peter and Jesus. Perhaps they were not far from each other, Peter at the warming fire and Jesus standing wounded in the doorway. But they looked one another in the eye. Here we see the wisdom of Jesus. The Lord knew what was best in this situation. He didnt say a word, but simply looked at Peter.
sus is quite different. His eye does not only seek the faithful companion, but the one outside warming himself by the fire who denied Him, who even cursed with an oath, Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man (Matthew 26:74). What inconceivable grace! Jesus always looks at the one who has gone astray. This corresponds with what He once said to the scribes and the Pharisees, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick (Luke 5:31). Jesus does not look at the other, but at Peter. Where would we be if Jesus had turned away from us in the hour of our greatest need and desperation, or if His eyes had looked straight through us? He is also looking today at those who have departed from the straight and narrow way and gone astray and now stand there weeping and desperate. He does not only look at these people, however, but also those who continually or still avoid His eyes. It is a matter of great concern to Him that these people are also found. He wants to move their hearts and see them weep, so that He can forgive their sins. Is He perhaps looking at you now through these words? He will not turn His back on you, just as He did not turn His back on Peter. On the contrary, His look of compassion is resting on you, though he be not far from every one of us (Acts 17:27). He is near you and has thoughts of peace (Jeremiah 29:11) toward you, and this applies to everyone. For this reason you may look up to Jesus with all your fears and troubles, all your guilt, however great it may be, for He has always had His eye on you.

His divine wisdom

There they stand: Peter and Jesus. Perhaps they were not far from each other, Peter at the warming fire and Jesus standing wounded in the doorway. But they looked one another in the eye. Here we see the wisdom of Jesus. The Lord knew what was best in this situation. He didnt say a word, but simply looked at Peter. Some time ago He had spoken to His disciple by calling him to become a fisher of men. And when Peter threatened to sink in the Lake of Galilee, He extended His hand to him. But now, at this moment of helplessness, fear and trouble, where Peter feared for his life, Jesus did not speak to him or extend His hand to him, He simply did the most necessary thing: He turned His eyes upon him in silence. How careful and how clever! Had Jesus spoken to him, He would have betrayed him and
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And the Lord Turned...

And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice (Luke 22:61).
you? But you did not want to listen. Be of good cheer, however. I will still continue to use you. No, nothing of the kind! Jesus convicts us lovingly and wants to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). He approaches us lovingly to speak with us about unforgiven sins. First, He does this in our quiet time or when we hear His Word preached. He wants to convict us of guilt and sin and lead us to repentance. To expose a person is our way of doing things, not Jesus. How quick we can be to expose someone elses sins according to the motto, Everyone should know what youre like! Often this takes place for one reason alone: to put ourselves in a better light. Once again, how different Jesus is. He does not want to expose us. He wants to first speak to us about our guilt, or as in Peters case, our fall, The Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. With Peter this was not without effect. The spell was broken the moment their eyes met, sin was recognized and Peters heart was penetrated: And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept (Mark 14:72). How this recognition must have hurt Peter, seeing he had vowed to follow Him unto death! And now he had denied His Lord. This recognition brought tears to his eyes. Perhaps Peter also remembered at this moment the words Jesus spoke to him, I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not (Luke 22:32). Jesus must have spoken these words shortly beforehand, for Luke mentions them in the same chapter only 27 verses previously. Jesus, the Sav-

the people in the courtyard, who were already mistrustful, would have had every reason to take hold of Peter. They would rightly have called him a liar who had only come to spy. Jesus realized this in His divine wisdom, and He did not say a word to him but merely looked at him. Jesus behaves towards us in this way even today. He wisely chooses the right way to speak to us and to show us His love. Sometimes He speaks clearly and we see how gloriously He treats us. Other times He speaks very quietly to us through His Word and His Spirit, My child, I will lead you with my eye. And then there come times when it seems as though He does not speak to us. Do we know this silence of Jesus? But even in such moments we may be assured that His eyes are watching over us. He has not lost sight of us. There is something else that we may know. Our Lord will never expose the sins of His chosen ones before the eyes of the world. Jesus could have said, Peter, did I not tell you beforehand? Did I not warn
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We stand before a heap of ruins because we have been disobedient. Recognition of sin, tears of repentance and the breaking of our own ego make it possible for a new beginning through the grace of God.
ior, had provided a tissue for His disciple to dry his tears in his hour of despair. God does not only speak about our mistakes, our sins and our fall, but also of our arising! God does not only speak of punishment, judgment and condemnation, but always shows us the grace that He gives to those who bow themselves in tears and long for His grace. In His Word God does not only let us taste of the bitterness of death and judgment, but also the balm of His kindness. The pain is mixed with the comfort and peace of Jesus Christ. This sweet savour may fill our hearts. With the bride in the Song of Solomon, Peter could, therefore, have said the mysterious words now, While the king sitteth at his royal table, my spikenard [perfume] sendeth forth the smell thereof (Song of Solomon 1:2). This is Jesus way of counseling. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice (Luke 22:61). The King of all kings turns to His fallen disciple. The perfume of comfort and peace is able to spread itself in his heart again. But first he must taste the myrrh, the bitterness of pain. The loving look of the Lord has already touched the heart of His disciple and the latter now lets his tears flow, And Peter went out, and wept bitterly (Luke 22:62). Peter certainly did not weep because his reputation as a rock of faith was now ruined. And he did not weep because he thought he could lose all the advantages he had enjoyed until now. No, Peter shed bitter tears because he had not believed what his Lord had predicted beforehand. Let us apply this to ourselves. If we do not believe the Word of the Lord, we shall be put to shame and experience great sorrow. All disobedience to the Word of God results in sorrow in one form or another. But it is a healing sorrow, a godly sorrow, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 7:10, For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Godly sorrow produces repentance and a new beginning. If I do not believe Gods Word and I am disobedient and it leaves my heart unmoved, this shows that the Spirit of God can no longer lead me to the sorrow that produces repentance and a new beginning. That is bitter! Peters fall was bitter, but it would have been much worse if he had simply gone away without weeping over it. This would probably have led to the biggest catastrophe of his life. We see Peter in tears. But these tears proclaim the new birth of the disciple. The old Peter, who always trusted in himself, died at this moment of recognition and became a man of humility and devotion to the Most High. The wish to glorify the name of the Lord from this moment on breaks through the tears of recognition. A new beginning takes place. There can be no other way for Peter or for us. We stand before a heap of ruins because we have been disobedient. Recognition of sin, tears of repentance and the breaking of our own ego make it possible for a new beginning through the grace of God. Peter went out and wept bitterly. It does not say where he went. We do not know if he was present at the crucifixion.
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And the Lord Turned...

We do not hear anything more of him until the morning of the resurrection. Peter knew when he left the courtyard and afterwards only too well that he could not trust himself. He consciously kept in the background now, until Jesus called him to the foreground. And how powerfully he worked after Jesus had called him! In the same measure as he was humbled and accepted the death of his old self, the Lord was able to open his eyes for the secret of the cross and free grace. What a tremendous process of maturing took place in this disciple in such a short amount of time! We can observe this process of maturing in Peters letters. We only have to think of the first letter where he tells the believers to put their hope wholly in grace. What had he done himself beforehand? He had put his trust in himself, in his own faith and his own faithfulness. With this attitude he was able to say, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended (Matthew 26:33). And now he tells the believers, Hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13). He urgently warns all believers now of the fragility and feebleness of human nature by calling to their remembrance the words of the prophet Isaiah: For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away; but the word of the Lord endureth for ever (1 Peter 1:24-25). And he speaks of the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:19). As one who himself had been impulsive and had been in a spiritual sleep, but through the grace of Christ had been healed, he was now able to admonish others: Be sober, be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8). He knew of Satans subtleties from his own experience, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
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seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8-9). It is also Peter, however, who presents Christ to us, encouraging us with the words, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7). This once self-righteous disciple knows what he is talking about. He is not speaking theoretically anymore, for he has himself experienced what it is to fall and rise again. This is why we can learn very significant things from him, for instance:

Peter went out

Peter turned away from the servants and maidservants with whom he had spoken just before. Even if it doesnt say where he went to, we can assume that in his momentary state of mind he sought a quiet place to think about his failure. It is possible that Jesus heartfelt compassion also concerned him. Do we do this when we have failed? Do we seek a quiet place to think things over? I often ask myself how thorough the repentance is of people who have fallen into sin and realized it, when they want to play a role in the church again immediately as though nothing had ever happened. True recognition of sin, deep sorrow for sin, total brokenness do not allow us to put ourselves in the foreground again immediately, although we may be sure of our forgiveness. A new beginning within the fellowship of believers and strengthening from hearing the Word of God preached should have priority. And he went out, and wept bitterly. Not until Easter morning do we hear from him again. There is another reason for this going out. Brothers and sisters, wherever possible avoid all the places where you once fell. Turn your back on places and people who can become a temptation to you. Distance yourself from everything that contaminates your thoughts and prayers. Peter went out. He left the place that had become a tempta-

And the Lord Turned...

Do not look at your feelings, then, but more at the Word of God. Take it seriously. And should you fall even deeper than Peter and hear a voice saying, Stop trying. There is no help for you! then do not listen to it! Hold fast to Jesus promise that He will not cast out those who come to Him.
tion and ultimately his downfall. It is better to stand in the cold and freeze than to sit by a warming fire and put your soul in danger. you. Engrave rather the comforting promise on your heart, My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee (Isaiah 54:10). Weep bitterly over the sin that you did not believe the Lord. Herein lays the root of all evil. Go to the Savior; confess your despair, your failure to Him. This is about you and not about your neighbor! Only when you have put your own life in order, in deep and genuine regret, may you speak with the Lord and with Him alone, about the sins of your neighbor. Not in judgment, however, but by asking Jesus to show him his wrong behavior so that he can repent and be forgiven. In the opening words of his first letter Peter can write of the others that they are chosen, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit (1 Peter 1:2). This way of sanctification is the way that Peter himself went after his fall and rising again. He did not merely say, Lord, forgive me, but turned away from his old life, went out and let himself be sanctified by the Spirit of God. There is a Peter in all of us. If we do not realize this, then maybe there is a Pharisee in us. We have every reason to bow ourselves in tears like Peter, and to go out so that we can walk in newness of life through the sanctification of the Spirit. May the Lord give us much grace to do so. MC Mitternachtsruf, 0307
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Peter wept bitterly

How good and healing it is to weep. There are people who can no longer do this, and they are the ones who suffer the most. Pain that is repressed and cannot find an outlet in weeping does great damage to the soul. Weeping is not to be put on a par with weakness, as is often suggested by the words, Men dont cry! Failure that is confessed in tears liberates the soul and makes room for a sigh of relief. We must not stop there, however, but we must go to the Savior like David did and pray, Put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? (Psalm 56:8). You may weep before the throne of grace, but do not weep because you feel locked out, for this feeling is not from the Lord. Jesus promised us, Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out (John 6:37). Do not look at your feelings, then, but more at the Word of God. Take it seriously. And should you fall even deeper than Peter and hear a voice saying, Stop trying. There is no help for you! then do not listen to it! Hold fast to Jesus promise that He will not cast out those who come to Him. Do not weep bitterly because you think that Gods grace has departed from

EUROPE

EU Should Fill

Global Leadership Gap

When America falters, European governments come under pressure to step into the breach. The Bush administration is faltering badly, but still has more than two years to run possibly with a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, probably with increasing popular discontent undermining its foreign policy, certainly with increasing confusion within the administration itself.
Reluctantly, European governments have shouldered widening responsibilities in Afghanistan and are now taking on the task of restoring order to southern Lebanon. In both cases, European Union ministers are responding to US pressure. But they should also be planning to supply the gap in global leadership by taking initiatives themselves. In principle, Europe now has a firmer basis for multilateral foreign policy. The EU Council Secretariat, under Javier Solana, has a multinational planning unit and a military staff. Three years ago heads of government signed up to the European Security Strategy the planning unit had drafted, though without great effort to engage their parliaments and publics in an informed debate on what it implied for collective foreign policy and defense. Eufor in Bosnia, civil and military missions elsewhere in the Balkans and two operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In three years [they] have built experience of common operations. EU monitors are managing the Rafah crossing point between Israel and the Gaza Strip. In spite of the filing out among European governments on Iraq, the British, French and German foreign ministers have together pursued negotiations over nuclear issues with Iran, against American opposition. The most urgent priority is to define a shared European approach to the Middle East, without which the commitment of troops to the UN mission to Lebanon will lack a broader framework. It is as

vital to explain to US foreign policymakers why European attitudes and interests legitimately differ from Washingtons a message Tony Blair, UK prime minister, has failed to deliver, and for which French political leaders could not attract an audience. The imperial unilaterialism the Bush administration has pursued during the past five years has failed. Effective multilateralism, which European governments offer as their alternative, needs more active diplomacy. Strengthening international institutions, from the UN to the International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organization, requires them to compromise on national status to accommodate rising powers.
-Financial Times, 27 September 2006, pg. 15

This article was published in the September 27, 2006 issue of Financial Times, but

the message remains valid: Europe is being forced to take on more of a leadership role. Bible prophecy identifies only four Gentile superpowers. We receive a much clearer picture when we analyze world events from a biblical perspective. Russia, China and the United States are gigantic power structures, but from a biblical perspective they are neither significant nor are they decisive. With that, we can be sure that the last Gentile power structure will literally dominate planet Earth, particularly when the final authority is revealed: And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done (Daniel 11:36).

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USA

Yale President Urges Leaders To Escape Their InsularThinking

US leaders suffer from tremendous insularity and the countrys top universities need a more international focus to address the problem, according to the head of Yale University, President George W. Bushs alma matter.
Richard Levin, the president of Yale, said Americas Ivy League universities had educated many US leaders who had then often made unwise foreign policy decisions because they lacked a global perspective. Mr. Levin steered clear of directly criticizing Mr. Bush. When first running for president, Mr. Bush was notoriously unable to name the president of Pakistan, referred to Greeks as Grecians and struggled to tell the difference between Slovenia and Slovakia. Yale is trying to become more international by increasing its proportion of foreign undergraduates, which has risen from 2 percent when Mr. Levin became president in 1993 to almost 10 percent. It also encourages every undergraduate student to spend some time studying abroad. If our educational leaders had pushed this internationalization earlier they might have changed America, Mr. Levin told the Financial Times. A major motivation for this internationalization effortis in combat the tremendous insularity of leaders in America. The distinguished economist who studied at Oxford, Stanford and Yale added I also do believe that for personal success in life, in a much more interdependent world, the capacity to understand another culture has to become one of the prerequisites of an educated person.
-Financial Times, 30 October 2007, pg. 1

It is significant that America has been classified as insular. In general, we hardly notice it, but

that fact is precisely why even our intellectual elite is being left behind. We still use ancient European measurements miles, yards, feet, gallons, and pints and most people are unwilling to change. We must, however, emphasize the positive aspect of such negative behavior: the US is becoming a hindering element in the final amalgamation of the nations. Nevertheless, all nations must comply with the dictates of global democracy led by the ten-horned beast.

MOROCCO

French President Tables Mediterranean Union

The idea of a Mediterranean Union is not a completely new one it was floated by Mr. Sarkozy the leader during the French presidential campaign in spring of this year. Under the plans, the group should tie southern Europe with North Africa as well as Israel and its Arab neighbors and tackle topical issues such as counter-terrorism, immigration, energy, trade, water and sustainable development. However after offering Turkey that it could be the backbone of the club the project has been widely seen as another attempt to give Ankara an alternative for its bid for full EU membership. Mixed reactions According to the European Commission, it is good to have initatives promoting regional cooperation, however, they should build on existing structures. There are fears that Frances proposal would try to bypass the 12-year-old Barcelona process, designed to foster dialogue between the EU bloc and ten countries on the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. Libya has observer status since 1999. It is a successful process, the commission spokesperson said, indicating the executive body will want more details on any new union. Only seven EU countries Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain would be part of the new bloc, the rest would have a role of silent observer.
-EU.observer.com, 25 October 2007

There is no question that closer ties between the Mediterranean countries will be established but the method that will be used to reach this goal is still

open for speculation. There is little doubt, however, that the European Commissions statement that any new development should be built on existing structures clearly indicates that it must be patterned after the European Union. I believe that a semimembership for the European Union will be created, thus opening the door for Africa and Asia.
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EU

Microsoft Finally Admits Defeat

Microsoft finally admitted defeat in its nineyear battle with the European Commission, agreeing to allow competitors access to technology that Brussels said would create more innovation in the software market. The US software developer agreed to comply with the European Union antitrust regulators finding that it was abusing its dominance, upheld by the European Court in 2004. The result would be lower prices and more choice for customers, the Commission said. I welcome the fact that Microsoft has finally undertaken concrete steps to ensure full compliance with the 2004 decision, Neelie Kroes, competition commissioner, said in Brussels. It is regrettable that Microsoft has only complied after a considerable delay, two court decisions and the imposition of daily penalty payments. Microsoft said it would not appeal against the decisive CFI ruling in September, which upheld the Commissions finding. The decision was the culmination of an investigation that began in December 1998.
-Financial Times, 23 October 2007, pg. 1

DENMARK

Economy Needs Foreign Workers

After exceeding 3 percent growth in 2005 and 2006, the economy will grow 2.2 percent this year, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. In 2008 it will have the slowest increase in the OECD (with Italy) at just 1.4 percent. This decline reflects the countrys success in raising employment since the flexicurity labor model was established by the Social Democrats in the 1990s. Reforms made hiring and firing easier kept benefits high and expanded schemes to upgrade skills and test availability for work. At 3.3 percent, unemployment is lower than for 33 years and the lowest in the EU (with the Netherlands). But there is little room to increase the workforce at a time when robust European growth has made industry desperate for workers. The greatest task in coming years will be to ensure an adequate supply of manpower, Mr. Rasmussen told parliament. Looking ahead, the outlook is even more gloomy because of demographic trends. There will be 40,000 fewer Danes of working age by 2015 and by 2030, the ratio of dependent people to workers will rise to 11.1. Either we will have to increase the labor supply rather dramatically or we will have to accept a low growth economy, says Kim Graugaard, deputy director-general of Dansk Industries. The opposition Social Democrats favor opening the door wider for migrant workers but oppose cuts in the top tax rate. Getting to grips with the labor shortages will require radical measures. We have to be even more global in our thinking, Mr. Maaloe says. This is a competition for the best people in the world. You cant be in the Champions League with just national players.
-Financial Times, 26 October 2007

The European Union represents the worlds largest economy at this time. Furthermore, representatives from a number of countries are waiting to be accepted into the worlds most important club. Therefore, it is only natural that Europe will dominate when it comes to writing global laws. From a prophetic aspect, this is nothing short of progressive preparation for the final fulfillment of such prophecies as Daniel 7:23: Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. Such descriptive words as diverse and the whole earth reveal that the fourth and final Gentile superpower must be global.

The European Union is already considered the worlds prime target for foreign workers, but Denmark is looking for more in order to keep its prosperous economy on a roll. Maaloes statement that Denmark must play on a global field is significant: You cant be in the Champions Leagues with just national players. In spite of the publics general opposition toward increasing immigration and foreign workers, the economy dictates otherwise, and since money rules thus will always be the case.

WORLD

Least To Most Corrupted Nations in the World

Denmark Finland New Zealand Singapore Sweden 9.7 Germany 7.8 Ireland 7.5 France 7.3 USA 7.2 Greenland 4.6 Poland 7 2.3 Russia 2.3 1.8 Afghanistan 1.8 Iraq 1.5 1.5 Myanmar 1.4 1.4 Somalia .4 1.4 0 2
9.4 9.4 9.4 9.3 9.7 7.8 7.5 7.3 7.2 4.6 4.7

10 = no corruption 0 = totally corrupt

-NGZ, 27 September 2007

10

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ISRAEL

Weizmann Institute Chosen As Worlds Top University

Israels Weizmann Institute of Science has been voted the best university in the world for life scientists to conduct research. The poll was conducted by The Scientist magazine as part of its third annual Best Places to Work in Academia survey.
The more than 2,600 academics who responded to [last] years survey rated relationships with their peers, a sense of accomplishment in their work, and access to research resources as the ingredients that make for a great workplace. The Weizmann Institute of Science attributes much importance to the work environment and the conditions which are made accessible to the scientists, in particular to the young scientists, to enable them to use their full potential for the benefit of humanity, said Prof. Ilan Chet, President of Weizmann. If you peek into any lab at the Weizmann Institute located in the central Israeli city of Rehovot, you will see a staff hard at work at rigorous, meticulous, tedious tasks the nitty gritty of scientific research. It is hard to believe that these labs are the labor rooms for blockbuster drug development, strategies for blocking cancer, faster and more efficient electronic processors, dramatic brain and neurological research, the creation of tools which helped crack the genetic code, and tools for the first and still the best database for mining the human genome. Yeda Research and Development, the commercial arm of Weizmann Institute, (established in 1959, 10 years after the Institute was inaugurated) can point to revenues that would stagger the imagination of the Institutes founder. Weizmann has become a world leader in the commercialization of patents. In 1988, revenues from royalties were $1 million; in 1998, $16 million; in 2003, $93 million. Yeda now registers about 80 patents a year, 75 percent of them in the life sciences. In all, Weizmann scientists have been responsible for well over 1,000 registered patents, many of which have been developed commercially. More than half of the senior scientific staff at Weizmann is involved in the life sciences, with the rest in computer sciences, chemistry and physics. What does the future hold in store for Weizmann researchers? One candidate is the worlds smallest biological computer a nanocomputer which is listed in The 2003 Guinness Book of World Records. It is composed of tiny, tiny molecules (synthetic DNA and enzymes) so small that they can fit in a drop of water... but so powerful that they can detect changes in the balance of molecules that indicate the presence of certain cancers. The Weizmann team says that it can already pick up molecular signals of 15 types of cancer. The prototype produced by the scientists can also fight cancer by releasing the appropriate medication to cause the cancerous cells to self-destruct. The promising biological computer has a long way to go before it will become an actual product capable of performing medical and pharmaceutical applications within the human body. But with the drive and determination of the Weizmann life sciences staff, the nitty gritty of research will likely one day turn it into reality.
-www.israel21c.com

This development is nothing short of miraculous when we consider that Israel is not even 60 years old, and the Jewish people live with the constant threat of annihilation by residents of some neighboring Muslim countries. But that is one side of the story. The other side is that Israels intellectual ability brings us closer to the implementation of the Mark of the Beast, which will result in the total control of every human being on planet Earth.

VENEZUELA

Hugo Chavez:Friend or Foe?

To listen to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and the Bush Administration, you would think that our nations were mortal enemies. However, trade between the two actually has increased in each of the last four years. United States exports to Venezuela tripled between 2003 and 2006. Car sales to Venezuela rose from $9.3 million to $323.9 million, while exports of computers and computer accessories jumped more than 400%, and organic chemicals soared 800%. During the same period, United States imports from Venezuela more than doubled, fueled by our purchase of more than $27 billion of crude oil from the petroleum-rich country in 2006.
-Parade, 21 October 2007, pg. 9

This article reconfirms the power of economy against politics. While accusations fly back and forth between the United States and Venezuela, the purses on both sides are growing, thus, political realities become insignificant when compared with money.

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ISRAEL

Draft-Dodging On the Rise

It was supposed to be like numerous drafts before it. Thousands of teenagers, fresh out of high school and accompanied by their parents, showed up this week at the IDFs Tel Hashomer Recruitment Center (Bakum) and received their kitbags, uniforms and boots and boarded buses taking them off to the next three years of their military life.
This year, however, Col. Amir Rogobeski, commander of Meitav the IDF Draft Management and Recruitment Unit dropped a bombshell and revealed statistics showing another rise in the number of teenagers dodging military service, with the total reaching 25 percent of youth scheduled to be conscripted this summer. While non-service in the IDF is not novel, the rates have been steadily increasing for over the past 20 years. In 1980, 12.1% avoided the draft, 16.6% in 1990 and 23.9% in 2002. Rogobeskis revelation changed the entire mood at Bakum. The daily morning talk-radio shows interviewed the new recruits alongside their draft-dodging counterparts, and parents quickly set up an organization to combat the phenomenon under the slogan: Our sons will not be suckers. Some blame the IDFs granting of unwarranted exemptions from military service on the grounds of bogus mental health conditions. Explaining the reasoning behind the decision to grant the exemption at almost every opportunity, one IDF mental health officer said this week that military psychologists were not willing to take chances by enlisting someone who claimed before his or her draft to suffer from poor mental health. Were concerned about the off chance the draftee is telling the truth, he explained. If something really does happen, we know that well be the ones to take the fall.
-The International Jerusalem Post August 3-9, 2007, pg. 15

Apparently the Israelis are following in the footsteps of the Europeans who

generally look down upon the military. Several factors are responsible for the declining desire to serve in the military, but the most important reason seems to be the relative ineffectiveness of military operation in recent years. For instance, weapons of war have inflicted virtually no damage upon Israel, but suicide bombers have caused massive amounts of bloodshed. The Lebanon War revealed that overwhelming military power could not eradicate Hezbollah. The same can also be said about the United States: widespread damage was achieved, not by armed forces but by suicide terrorists armed with box cutters! The days of one army fighting against another is coming to an end.

That is one of the developments of the global world and apparently only sophisticated intelligence can effectively protect a nation from enemies within and from without. From a prophetic perspective, we must realize that Lucifer is the master of imitation, who desires the disarmament of the nations to create the illusion that prophecies such as Micah 4:3 are being fulfilled: And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. The god of this world will not be able to precisely fulfill this prophecy because military power will be granted to the beast, which will apparently have exclusive power. Thus the question: Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? (Revelation 13:4). In the meantime, the prophetic words of our Lord apply: And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrow (Matthew 24:6-8). The Antichrist is building his kingdom of peace in the midst of this chaos, and according to Scripture, the entire world will be deceived by his plan.

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RUSSIA

Russian Army Gets Its First Chief Rabbi Since 1917 Revolution
For the first time since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, a chief rabbinical chaplain is servicing the spiritual and religious needs of Jewish soldiers in Russias armed forces and various security services.
Rabbi Aharon Gurevich, 34, was appointed after being asked to fill the role by the chief rabbi of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar [insert space between first and last names], who had received official permission from the Russian government to establish a military rabbinate. Upon accepting the post, Gurevich was granted the rank of colonel by Russian authorities and was given permission to visit military bases freely. While his status as a military rabbi has yet to be fixed by law, Gurevich has effectively been functioning as chief rabbi of the Russian Army Earlier this year, since the beginhe was invited to ning of the year. deliver a lecture at a In a recent inspecial seminar for terview with The Jerusalem Post, the top police commanRabbi Gurevich and three soft-spoken and ders from across Jewish Russian soldiers. cordial 34-yearthe country. old Moscow native was full of As a member of the Russian praise for the cooperation he has Defense Ministry's Public Council, received at all levels of Russias Gurevich advises the military and military establishment. the police forces on various matI work closely with the General ters relating to Jewish life. I visit military commands on Staff and its education department, and a number of army and a regular basis and determine police generals have shown great the estimated number of Jews in interest in my initiative to teach the locale, speak with their comabout the basics of Judaism in manders and explain the need Russian military academies, for a spiritual component in the motivation to serve, he says. Gurevich said. Shortly after his appointment, Gurevich visited Israel to consult with the IDF's military rabbinate, as well as the chief rabbi of the Israel Police, to learn more about the role and functions his office should fulfill.
-The Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2007, pgs. 6-7

The theme of the Bolshevik revolution was the public denial of Gods existence; thus, systematically destroying organized religion. God remained silent until finally He said, Thats enough; there is now no Soviet Union!

ISRAEL

Billionaire Sets Up Political Movement To Challenge Fatah,Hamas

Hundreds of Palestinian business people and professionals, led by an influential billionaire, launched a new political movement, reflecting growing disillusionment with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah party. Billionaire businessman Munib al-Masri, 73, inaugurated his Palestine Forum with meetings in Ramallah and Gaza, linked by video conference. Supporters said he would convert the new group into a political party and field candidates in the next Palestinian election. No date for an election has been set. Recent polls have shown that about a third of the people have no faith in either party. Al-Masri said he and has holdings in plans to step into industry, agriculthat breech, emture, tourism and in phasizing the econbanks. His leaderomy, education and ship appeals to the welfare programs Munib al-Masri (left) with Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud West Banks elite for the needy as Abbas in 2003 (AP) and middle class, well as reuniting trying to protect their investments the West Bank and Gaza. My concern about the fate of my and businesses in a chaotic political people has driven me to form a na- situation. The 2006 election reflected frustional democratic body that cares about people, al-Masri told The Asso- tration with Fatah for corruption, ciated Press. The situation is very diffi- nepotism and ineffective rule as cult, the national cause is much as support for Hamas. Memdeteriorating and people are frus- bers of the Palestine Forum said if trated. Fatah does not reform itself, the The U.S.-educated al-Masri runs new group is poised to replace it. an investment company that conPalestinian public opinion expert trols the telecommunications sector Jamil Rabah said that is a distinct possibility. The people are closer to Fatah, supporting a peaceful solution to the conflict with Israel, so if Fatah doesnt reform itself, people would see the Forum as an alternative.
-The Jerusalem Post, January 3, 2008

Whenever something positive surfaces it is usually destroyed or rendered ineffective by an act of terrorism. However, even if this Palestine forum were effective in representing the Palestinian people, it still does not provide an answer to Israels territory, such as Judea, Samaria, Golan Heights and Jerusalem.
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L ET T ERS T O T H E ED ITO R
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.

USA Prophecy... Patriotism... Global Mystery Babylon...

USA Prophecy Dear Arno, God bless your ministry. I felt led to send you these prophecies by Wilkerson and Compass International that I believe have been God-sent. The two were recently sent to me. I also refer to the Zondervan Publishing House book by Franklin Logsdon printed in 1968. The United States is the only nation that fills the scenario mentioned in these prophecies. I have never heard or read anything from you on this subject. I realize this is not a popular subject but it is one that must be dealt with as God has included it in His Word.
-John Cordova, Rio Rancho, NM

Answer: Jeremiah 50 and 51 document Babylon as the first Gentile superpower. God used the Babylonians to punish Israel but they overstepped their authority: Because

it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple (51:11). This has no relationship or parallel to any other country. Isaiah 18 contains a pronouncement of judgment on Ethiopia, but not necessarily todays Ethiopia. Chapter 47 readdresses Babylon, and the Lord God of Israel specifically emphasizes that He caused Israels destruction, but Babylon overstepped His limit of destruction: Thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke (verse 6). Note also the rebellious spirit of Babylon: And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever (verse 7). Now apply this prophecy to the final Babylon: Mystery Babylon the great, the mother of harlots an abomination of the earth. Her testimony of rebellion is recorded in Revelation 18:7: I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. It is dangerous to base a teaching on similarities. We cannot do away with clear refer-

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

While you rightly indicate that there will be a world of the man, Antichrist, there is the certainty that Mystery Babylon identifies a special city where religious institutions sit as the only one true Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The city of Rome because of the Vatican will be eliminated by those with whom the Vatican did business, probably that man, Antichrist, in his aim of wanting to go to Jerusalem.
-ANTONIO AMBROSI, FOUNTAIN, CO
ences to geography and race. We do well to stick to the clear prophecy of the Bible, which reveals four Gentile superpowers: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. To add another superpower to that list would be contrary to Scripture and must be rejected as a false teaching. Rome (Europe) is the final Gentile superpower and it will usher in the power structure of Antichrist, which will rule the world.

Letters to the Editor Dear Mr. Froese, The Lord has laid it on my heart to take time to write to you again. I first wrote about three months ago to explain how I use the inserts in the letters from Midnight Call and to thank you for them after I read the complaint you received from a man who did not want the inserts mailed to him. [I would like to suggest that] he could pass these inserts on to others as a way of witnessing and help spread and

share the Good News of salvation. I just want to thank you and all the wonderful staff at Midnight Call for this wonderful up-to-date and insightful magazine. I have ordered just about every book from the inserts you send, and I am trying to order the new books on the inserts I have just received. I pray daily for all of you and the readers of this magazine and thank God for all of your helpful God-given experiences and insights into His Word and His work. Every time Midnight Call magazine is a treasure beyond measure to me. I devour every word on each page and pass the magazine on to others when I finish reading it. Thank you again. May God continue to bless you as you keep up the good work at Midnight Call Ministries. I will send you something for my subscription and your work there as soon as I can.

I know that other people feel the same way I do, and just like me, they have not taken the time to tell you how they feel. I love and respect you all very deeply and thank God daily for you. I am still looking for you to do a second book on Letters to the Editor.
-Denise Abernathy, Columbia, OH

Answer: Midnight Call s Letters to the Editor column serves to reveal specific thoughts on various subjects within the Church, which is why we rarely publish encouraging letters such as yours. Second Timothy 3:16 is our guideline for the entire magazine and all of the resources we offer: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. This instruction is urgently required today because the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but afF E B R U A RY 2 0 0 8 45

LE T TE R S TO T H E EDIT OR

ter their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3).

Patriotism Dear Editor of Midnight Call : The view of Midnight Call concerning Christians being patriotic, nationalistic, and involved in politics is very disturbing. On page 48 of the October 2007 edition of Midnight Call, you wrote the following: there is no such thing as a Christian patriot there must be a separation. Patriotism says, My nation, right or wrong, Nationalism says, My nation is number one. I believe you wrongly defined the word patriotism and then proceeded to speak against it, which aims to serve ones country, either in defending it from invasion, or protecting its rights and maintaining its laws and institutions in vigor and purity (American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828). I cannot see how this accurate definition of patriotism conflicts with the Christians duty to love God supremely and to love our neighbor as ourselves. A true Christian will render...to all their dues; tribute to whom tributefear to whom fear, honour to whom honour. A true patriot aims to promote the highest interests of his nation by upholding its good laws (laws that are in opposition to the Bible). A true Christian patriot will not break
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Gods law to keep a particular man-made law. He will not endorse unjust or un-Constitutional wars (such as our present war with Iraq). And neither will he vote for or speak approvingly of civil leaders who make an appearance to be for the best interest of their nation but are really not (such as President Bush, all Democrats, and almost all Republicans). A true patriot will not support its leaders in wrongdoing because he knows that wrongdoing always hurts innocent people, results in adverse consequences, and invites divine judgment. For this reason, the best patriots are Christians and the best Christians are patriots. All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. True Christians are those who overcome the world through their faith (1 John 5:4). If we have given up fighting corruption in this world, as opportunity and ability allow, then we are being overcome by the world. If we are not putting forth efforts to improve the morals of individuals, churches, homes, businesses, and governments that exist in this world, then we are being overcome by the world and the devil. If the world holds us in a state of banishment from its domain, if the world system has pressured us to back out of it and to leave it alone to wallow in darkness, then we are, in that sense, being overcome by the world and the devil.

May God rid us of the evil notion that Christians are not supposed to make this world a better place.
-Don Violette, Monroe, ME

Answer: Your assumption that our country is good, our government is right and we as Christians should make it our goal to improve it is contrary to Scripture. Your statement, May God rid us of the evil notion that Christians are not supposed to make this world a better place, follows Vatican doctrine, which insists that Christianity is necessary in order to achieve a functional government. I think you will agree that the United States belongs to this world, which is described in 1 John 2:1617 as follows: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. We are to be segregated from the things of this world. The United States has the strongest Christian influence in government because of Vatican doctrine, but what does that actually mean? We are the greatest destroyer of the family the divorce rate in this country is ranked number one in the world! We have the highest crime rate in the progressive world our prisons are filled to capacity. When it comes to generosity, our foreign aid per capita places our country in 32nd place. Compare that figure with a pagan nation such as Japan, or even most European nations, and you will see

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

that they can indeed present a significantly better report card to the world. You are attempting to civilize Satans territory via a Christian influence. At best, this scenario could lead to an anti-Christian society and at worst, Lucifers supremacy. Christians are in this world not of this world.

causing surprise, etc. for many people, but to Him, this man Antichrist will be of no concern at all. All this it seems must be accomplished after the Rapture that we in the Lord Jesus Christ are waiting.
-Antonio Ambrosi, Fountain, CO

appear in the first edition of the Authorized Version of the KJV Bible1611, which has His name spelled JESUS. Jesus is another man-made name from Babylon. J. D. Douglas, Ph.D. is the editor of the New Bible Dictionary and the New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. He writes,
JEHOVAH-A misleading representation in English of the only name (as distinct from titles) of God in the Old Testament. But the formulation, Jehovah arose by inserting the vowels of adhonai into the consonants YHWH, thus producing a name that never was.

Global Mystery Babylon Dear Mr. Froese, I am always grateful to receive Midnight Call. I greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to all who work as one with you in this ministry. I read your Cover Story, Iraq, Babylon & Mystery Babylon and once again I see that you have decidedly indicated that there is no need to identify this prophecy with a certain city or country when we read about Mystery Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. While you rightly indicate that there will be a world of the man, Antichrist, there is the certainty that Mystery Babylon identifies a special city where religious institutions sit as the only one true Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The city of Rome, because of the Vatican, will be eliminated by those with whom the Vatican did business, probably that man, Antichrist, in his aim of wanting to go to Jerusalem. First he will decide to be free from that Vatican organization because of no few reasons, always personal to him, and

Answer: Mystery Babylon is global, but as I have mentioned many times in the past, Rome is the physical point of contact with the power structure of the invisible world, just as Jerusalem is Gods point of contact with the visible world. I dont consider the European Union to be the new Roman Empire because it is still the same Roman Europe, but is definitely the deciding part of the system of the last empire identified in the Bible as the fourth beast kingdom. Indeed, we are waiting for the coming of our Lord, which is our great comfort.

Hebrew Name Shalom Dear Editor, Greetings in the only name given under heaven, Yahshua, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). In the last Midnight Call [you published] an article in the World Focus column entitled Roman Catholic Bishop Proposes Allah for God. This is nothing new, for the same thing was said at the Tower of Babel: and let us make us a name (Genesis 11:4). And no marvel for the Jewish people have called him Adonoot. Christians have called their god Jehovah since the 13th century C.E. The name Jesus does not

MalakYah 3:6: For I am Yahweh, I change not Moshe asked the Almighty concerning his name: when I come into the children of Israeland they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?(Genesis 3:3-15). In verse 14 He said, I AM both sent me unto you. I AM is not his name; it is a state of being. We must not stop there as most Christians do, and say that Moshe went to the children of Israel and said that the I AM was his name. But we must continue on to verse 15: And Elohim said moreover unto Moshe, thus shalt thou unto the children of Israel, Yahweh the Elohim of your fathershath sent me unto you, this is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. You may not think that His name is important. But His only begotten Son did: I am come in my Fathers name (Yahchanan 5:43).
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And in 17:6: I have manifested thy name And in 17:11: keep through thine own name those whom thou hath given me And in 17:12: I kept them in thy name. And in 17:26: And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it It is the same Spirit that dwelt in him, which now dwells in me, declaring the name of the Father unto you. Hebrews 2:12: Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren. In Revelation 13:1618, we see not only the world, but deceived Christendom who worship JEHOVAH and JESUS or whatever you choose to call him, they will have the Mark of the Beast. But in opposition to the Mark of the Beast, we see those who have the name of his Son and his name in their foreheads: that is Yahshua and Yahweh: Yahshua. Messiyah the same yesterday, and to day and for ever (Hebrews 13:8). Revelation 18:4: come out of her my people.
-Joseph Dunkelberger, Milton, PA

who I am, I will be what I will be etc. The Jewish people who know and live their language agree that the translation I am who I am is the best we have in the English language, but it is obviously not perfect. I would have to be a greater scholar than the Jewish people to come up with a better definition of the English translation. Incidentally, there is no such thing as an authorized version. It was authorized by King James who, incidentally, was head of the church, a clear imitation of Catholic religious philosophy.

Answer: In Acts 2 we read the report of the Jews who heard the Gospel proclaimed in about 16 languages. This confirms that the message of the Bible will be available to all people, even in such pagan languages as English. The use of the Hebrew language does not sanctify nor does it save. Reading the English translation of the Hebrew Bible in Exodus 3:1315 (not Genesis 3:13-15 as you wrote) the explanation given to the Hebrew Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh reads: words Meaning of Hebrew uncertain; variously translated, I am that I am, I am

Lack of Prophecy Dear Brother Arno, Please find enclosed my order form and contribution as well as a book that I thought I would send along, since it bears out so well with your constant admonition about not mixing the Gospel with politics. I found it to be very interesting in light of your teaching regarding the fact that many people have a false notion that Americas founding fathers were all Christians. The author is a celebrated Harvard Law School professor, who also interestingly is a pro-Israel Jew. He obviously doesnt know Messiah Jesus as his Savior; however, he is a great defender of Israel and I am also reading his book, The Case for Israel, in which he makes many points similar to ones Ive read in your writing as well as those brought forth by Dr. Tommy Ice, Dr. Randall Price, and so on. A better witness could indeed be made to Dr. Dershowitz if there were not so much intermingling of Christianity and politics.

Please let me say that I continue to be immeasurably blessed by the teaching of Midnight Call Ministries and eagerly await each issue of your two journals as well as your CD each month. My husband and I have visited many Bible-believing churches in the Cleveland area, since my husbands job brought us here six years ago, and we are in regular fellowship with other Christians; however, I have found hardly any teaching on Israel or the Second Coming of our glorious Lord Jesus and almost no one, including pastors, who take the dispensational overview of the Bible by placing Israel in its proper place. Therefore, I am so entirely indebted to the Midnight Call for my understanding of Scripture and my constant watching for the Rapture of the true Church of Jesus Christ. I pray for you at least once a day and usually more often than that, thanking God and the Father of our Lord Jesus for all of you at Midnight Call.
-Mrs. Mary Ann McLaughlin, Mentor, OH

Answer: Although he is not a Christian, Alan Dershowitz clearly exposes political Christianity in its desperate attempt to mold the United States into a Christian nation based on the principles of Vatican doctrine, which insist that the political identity of a nation and the Church are one and the same. Subsequently, Churchianity had to fight wars for almost 2,000 years to establish its man-made doctrine, which teaches Satans lie to be able to make the world into a better place. It is sad that ministers of the Gospel refuse to recognize the mystery of the Church: This is a great

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MIDNIGHT CALL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32).

Without Christ Dear Arno, When I attempt to share the Gospel with others Im usually met with these arguments: 1) What is the future for sincere, orthodox Jews who pray at the Western Wall and seek the Messiah? Since Israel is blinded by God and cannot see, are they not like Noah and Abraham who walked with God? Are they saved? 2) Are people who have never had the opportunity to hear the name of Christ and the Gospel judged by their con-

science alone? This would include Muslims who are not permitted to know the truth. Please give biblical references so that others may know that God is just and merciful and that It is not Gods desire that any should perish.
-Ray Brannigan, Pittsburgh, PA

Answer: These questions are not answerable from an intellectual perspective, but the Bible says that nothing is impossible with God. We know that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and Jesus said,I will build my church, meaning that it will be completed. We must not confuse Churchianity (Christian infrastructure) with the true Church of Jesus Christ. We may be in for a big surprise

when one day a great number of hidden believers from among the Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists are revealed while only a few from among the so-called Christian nations were actually saved. There is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him (John 3:36). When I read Romans 1:20, I understand that those who seek will find. In the meantime, we as believers are urged to do our utmost to make known the saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame (1 Corinthians 15:34). MC

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This new book is the most comprehensive examination of ancient biblical prophecy and modern-day Middle East politics regarding Islam, Israel, and the nations, which includes the United States of America. Painstakingly researched using up-to-the-minute data, Judgment Day! is sure to become a respected resource for scholars, analysts, pastors, professors, politicians, and laypeople alike. Amazing historical facts and first-hand, eyewitness insight make this book a thrilling, sometimes troubling, read but one that is necessary for a heavenward understanding of the prophetic times in which we live.

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The Olivet Discourse

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