The International Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes

JUNE 2010$4.75
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Days Shortened Eternal Security WhenWas Satan Created?

Far East AsiaTrends Today Part I: Like a Flood

Pg. 27

Pg. 39

FirstThessalonians 5 and the Rapture Part I

Pg. 16

No library is complete without the

2009 MidnightCall Yearbook!

Includes every issue of Midnight Call for 2009. Fully loaded with inspiring messages and prophecy news updates that you wont want to miss! A must for your archival needs.
2009 Midnight Call Magazine Yearbook

Order now! Limited quantities available.

4 Easy Ways to Order
Select your preference on the order form on pages 46 & 47 and mail it to us. For faster service, dial 1-800-845-2420, 8 a.m.5 p.m. EST, and have your credit card ready. Fax your order to (803) 755-6002 any time. Online www.midnightcall.com/store

$45

ITEM# 1909

Based on Ussher's The Annals of the World and featuring colorful artwork representing people and events from creation to the late 19th century, this vintage biblical and historical timeline was originally published in 1871! Post it on your walls and let it fuel your kids' imaginations as they learn. Features 21 foldout 13" x 28" panels.

Who were the first navigators? Who was the Emperor of China during the reign of Solomon? What kinds of alphabets were used in the ancient world? What advances in mathematics were made during Nebuchadnezzar's reign? How much was a Bible worth in 1440 A.D.?

Discover:

One-of-a-kind:

Inventions,Discoveries and Events European and American early history and many other details

Study:

Time-line includes detailed biblical history Ancient history (including Greek and Roman)

Based on Archbishop James Usshers classic work,The Annals of the World. 21 full-color panels,large format time-line that is easy to read nothing on the market in this size. Starts with Creation at 4004 B.C.and goes to 1870 and our 18th president Ulysses S.Grant.

ADAMSCHART OF HISTORY
Item# 2236 Casebound

$37.99 $ 29.50 SALE ADAMSCHART OF HISTORY

Item# 2237 Folds only

$27.99 $ 21.50 SALE

C O N T E N T S
COVER STORY

Reliving the Miracle of Pentecost

By Marcel Malgo
Although the miracle of Pentecost as described in Acts 2 is unique, it is in a way continually being fulfilled. Since then, the Holy Spirit has been here in our midst. He lives in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus Christ.

11

33 UK
Brain Scan to Read Peoples Thoughts

33 ISRAEL
Scientists Racing to Create Bionic Eye

16 First Thessalonians 5

34 ASIA
Asian Economy to Be on Top of the World by 2020

and the Rapture Part I

By Dr. Ron J. Bigalke Jr.
The emphasis of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 is upon the suddenness of the Day of the Lord, which is a well-developed Old Testament teaching. The Day of the Lord is not only a time judgment upon the earth for the wickedness of humanity, but also will be a time of purging the rebel within Israel in preparation for the messianic kingdom.

35 GERMANY
Now the Worlds Third Largest Arms Exporter

$ 27 Money: Ends and Trends

36 USA
U.S. Set to Lure Foreign Tourists

Far East Asia Trends Today Part I: Like a Flood

By Wilfred Hahn
Without a doubt, the emergence of certain Asian countries to greater world prominence plays an integral and necessary part in the events and trends that lead to the conditions of the upcoming Tribulation period. In this 3-part series, we hope to lay out fascinating information about Asia that appears to align with the rapid last days trends portrayed in the Bible.

38 SWITZERLAND
Solar-Powered Plane Soars 1,200 Meters High

DEPARTMENTS


4 39

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . By Arno Froese ZECHARIAH 9:9 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .By Arno Froese DAYS SHORTENED...ETERNAL SECURITY...WHEN WAS SATAN CREATED?

Midnight Call
JUNE 2010

E D I T O R S

N O T E

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:

behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zechariah 9:9).
B y A r n o F r o e s e
tant to realize is that the archenemy of God, Satan, is the same all over planet Earth. It may be necessary to explain this issue a little further. Based on Daniel 10:13, we realize that the princes and kings are of demonic origin: But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Daniel, as we know, was praying for the liberation of his people from Persia. But something was hindering the answer: it was the prince of the kingdom of Persia and the kings of Persia. We know that these are demonic forces, because literal, physical people do not have the capacity to withstand spiritual entities. In Daniels case, we read that an unnamed angelic host is opposed by the demonic power of Persia. Only after Michael, the archangel, assists the heavenly messenger, the prophetic message breaks through. We read in the next verse: Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall

hapter 9 consists exclusively of the speaking of God. The message is primarily directed against Israels enemies, from the north, along the coast, and down to Gaza. In the first two verses, six names are mentioned: The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD. And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise. Hadrach, according to Strongs Hebrew Dictionary, was a Syrian deity. Damascus today is the capital of Syria. Hamath is mentioned in Numbers 34:8 as being on the border of the Promised Land. Tyrus and Zidon are located in todays Lebanon. God sees all of them in relationship to Israel. God reveals to us, the burden of the word of the Lord. No names of people are mentioned; thus, we must assume that this is specifically directed to the demonic power structures of these places. It concerns the enemy of God, the devil. Impor4
MIDNIGHT CALL

thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days (Daniel 10:14). Considering this fact, we are forced to come to the conclusion that all nations, groups of peoples, even cities and villages are subject to demonic princes and kings who rule them. This may sound shocking to many of us, but it should not be because the Bible says he who sins is of the devil, and since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, we are all the devils; we are subject to the god of this world. This is confirmed in Galatians 4:3: Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. The exception are those who are translated into another kingdom; they have received a new citizenship, the one from heaven. Ephesians 2:19 confirms this: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Quite a number of great Bible scholars identify Alexander the Great as the destroyer of all the opposition in this case. He is the one who executed judgment upon the places named in the first two verses. This may be so, but above and beyond Alexander the Great or, for that matter, any political leader in the world, stands the god of this world who directs, who gives orders, and who executes these judgments; in this case, even the burden of the word of the Lord. But we must add that despite all the powers of Satan and his innumerable hosts, God has the absolute and ultimate authority: For all mens eyes will turn to the Lordlike all the tribes of Israel, says the Tenakh (Zechariah 9:1). The Menge translation makes it even clearer: For to the Lord belong the eyes of Aram (East Syria) just like all the tribes of Israel. He, the God of heaven, the God of Israel, always stands infinitely higher than any other power there is in heaven and on earth. In the next verse, Tyrus is specifically mentioned, but his riches will come to naught as well: And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets. Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire (verses 3-4). Next in line the southern coast of Israel is mentioned: Ashkelon, Gaza, and the city of Ekron: Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines (verses 5-6). This is the area of the Philistines. Ekron is located about 70 km northeast of Ashkelon in the territory of Judah. First Samuel 5:10 identifies this town as the place where the Philistines sent the Ark of the Covenant: Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. Again, we do not read any names of specific people. We only have Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, the king of Gaza and the Philistines. We know that the Philistines were the bitterest enemies of Israel. The strength of the


The Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes

ISSN 10948600

PRINTED IN 12 LANGUAGES

Published 12 times a year by

MIDNIGHT CALL, INC.

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

Founder Dr. Wim Malgo (1922 92) Editor Arno Froese Contributing Authors Norbert Lieth, Marcel Malgo, Wilfred Hahn, Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Reinhold Federolf, Samuel Rindlisbacher, Ernst Kraft and Thomas Lieth
Layout Designers: Michelle Kim and Lisa Dixon Text Typist: Lynn Jeffcoat Copy Editor: Kimberly Farmer Customer Service: Kathy Roland and Debbie Hale Production Manager: Simon Froese Pressroom: Joseph Howell Post Press: Dana Hale, Teresa Vining, Melissa Martin, Joyce Hagins, Chad Vining and Brian Corbett Special Order: Ruth Froese

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES

USA, $28.95 Canada, $34.50 All other countries, $38

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRY

Please send your new address and the name and address exactly as it appears on this magazine or envelope for best service. Please send all changes and inquiries directly to our US address.

MAILING ADDRESSES
USA and Canada: PO Box 280008 Columbia, SC 29228, USA Great Britain: End Time Ministries P.O. Box 5550, Newbury RG14 2WG, UK Australia: Major Rintje Taekema 3 Cleveland Drive, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria 3029 AUSTRALIA e-mail: taekema@optusnet.com.au New Zealand: 142 Cambridge Ave., Ashurst South Africa: P.O. Box 3105, 1729 Witbeck TVL.

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

JUNE 2010

In light of the times, News From Israel is

a necessary monthly magazine that will keep you updated on breaking developments throughout the Middle East.
News From Israel uncovers hidden information the news media leaves out!
To start or renew your News From Israel magazine subscription, please use the order form on pages 46-47, or call 800-845-2420 and have your credit card ready.

32 pages $ 14 for a one-year subscription 12 issues

Philistines was manifested in the giant Goliath, but this very powerful Goliath became the stepping-stone for David, who later became king of Israel. These prophecies clearly proclaim one thing: there is no hope, no future, and only shame for the enemies of the Lord. It seems that Ekron had hoped for some turn of good fortune because the Ark once rested there, but that too did not help. The city of Ashdod today is made up of modern Israeli subdivisions and is rather prosperous. Yet verse 6 specifically says, A bastard shall dwell in Ashdod. Most translations use the word strangers or foreigners. That means the people who dwelled there had no national identity. They did not belong to the people of Israel, nor to the Philistines. However, that is not the end of those foreign people. God pronounces judgment, but also grace in the next verse: And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite. Again, this identifies demonic activity. It presents to us a picture of one devouring blood and flesh, obviously sacrificed to the idols of the Philistines. It is God Himself who takes away these abominations and integrates them into the house of Judah. Thats amazing grace. For better understanding, let us read from the Tenakh: They shall become like a clan of Judah, and Ekron shall be like the Jebusites (verse 7b). We note here the mention of the Jebusites. These people were one of the original nations of the land of Canaan. The Jebusites were mentioned last in the enumeration of the original ten clans residing in the Promised Land. This is documented in Genesis 15:18-21: In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. The Jebusites were the inhabitants of the city of Jerusalem. Actually, the city was called Jebus first: And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land (1 Chronicles 11:4). Thus we see that even the bitterest enemies of Israel will experience the grace of God. Let us emphasize that these verses are not based on a vision or the word of God that came to the prophet, but they are the direct words of God: the burden of the word of the Lord. Now comes the identification of the burden; let us read carefully verse 8: And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes. The name of the city is not mentioned, but we know it is Jerusalem because of the words, mine house. Later in the New Testament we read the words of the Lord in Mark 11:17: And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. Quite naturally, God is not just speaking about the physical Jerusalem, built with mans hand, the Temple on Mt. Moriah. There is more: God is re6
MIDNIGHT CALL

E D I T O R

N O T E

vealing to us the spiritual substanceHis eternal resolutions. How do we know? Because the city of Jerusalem has been destroyed many times since the writing of the book of Zechariah, approximately 2,500 years ago. Yet we did read, and no oppressor shall pass through them anymore. Actually, many oppressors are passing through that city even today. This belongs to the future. Think for a moment. Jerusalem is the only city in the world whose position is dictated by the nations of the world, obviously under the dominance of Lucifer, the god of this world. If Israel were a nation like all others on planet Earth, then they could justifiably and legally declare Jerusalem as the capital city of their own sovereign state of Israel. That is what all nations in the world have done. They decide which city should be their capital city. Not so where Jerusalem is concerned. From the approximately 200 nations of the world, not one agrees with Israel that Jerusalem is their sovereign capital city. We must never be so nave to think that if the United States, for example, would move their embassy to the city of Jerusalem, that this conflict would be solved. Actually, it would agitate it even more. No political solution can solve the Jerusalem issue.We must confront ourselves with the fact that we are dealing with the eternal God. It is His city, His land, and the Jews are His people. Jerusalem is not free today and has not been free for the last 2,500 years. Jerusalem will not be free until the Prince of Peace comes. Jesus Himself prophesied: And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled (Luke 21:24). This verse plainly tells us that we are still living in the times of the Gentiles. They still have the power over Jerusalem. All of them, the UN, EU, USA and the rest of the world are deciding what Israel can and cannot do. In spite of seemingly insurmountable difficulties and horrendous judgments, the Lord proclaims His saving intention nevertheless: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zechariah 9:9). We consider this verse the highlight of chapter 9, because it brings heaven down to earth. God is revealed in the flesh. But no names are mentioned. We only read, daughter of Ziondaughter of Jerusalem. Who are they? They present to us an allegorical picture of their identity with the coming Savior. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed the birth of the Messiah by a virgin: Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). And Micah speaks of the daughter of Zion and the daughter of Jerusalem: And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. Now why dost thou cry out aloud? Is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail (Micah 4:8-9).

Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference

2426 October 2010
Now is the time to secure your place for the Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference. We will hear seven speakers use Holy Scripture to show in unmistakable terms that Bible prophecy is being fulfilled today. This process of continued fulfillment will be completed for the Church when the last one from among the Gentiles has been added to the body of Christ. The Church, the body of Christ, is also the spiritual habitation of God. When that building is complete, God will take up residence. This was foreshadowed during Solomons time when he finished the Temple in Jerusalem: Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORDs house (2 Chronicles 7:1-2). Please call our office for registration and the hotel for reservation. You may use the coupons in the center of this magazine. We stress again, it is essential for you to make your reservation today.

JUNE 2010

A Tribute
produced by Midnight Call in Brazil, featuring Andr Paganelli presenting ten of Israels most beloved compositions. Its simply a pleasure to hear these amazingly beautiful melodies in your home, office or while driving in your car.

to Israel

1- YERUSHALAIM SHEL ZAHAV (Jerusalem of Gold) 2- OSSE SHALOM 3- HEVENU SHALOM ALECHEM 4- ADON OLAM 5- HATIKVAH (Israels National Anthem) 6- SHALOM CHAVERIM 7- HAVA NAGILA 8- PEACE FOR THE HOLY LAND 9- EREV SHEL SHOSHANIM- Y. Hadar 10- HE IS JEHOVAH- Betty Jean Robinson

TRIBUTE TO ISRAEL
Item #9082 Instrumental Duration: 50 minutes

$15

$8

Artist: Andr Paganelli

It is quite humbling and contrary to our perception and imagination that the King of kings and the Lord of lords will come to Jerusalem, lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Luther translates this, poor, riding upon a donkey, a foal of a donkey. That is the epitome of poverty and of extreme embarrassment. The King of kings comes as a poor fellow, humbled, lowly, not regarded. He is not riding upon a donkey, but a little foal of a donkey. Mark and Luke specifically emphasize, whereon never man sat. That is an unbroken animal, obviously, a picture of the Gentiles. In the process of the history of time, as we will see in a moment, God broke the pride of Judah and Israel, but not the Gentiles yet. Imagine the Lord of lords and King of kings, sitting on this donkey. This animal is considered to be one of the most stupid ones. It is destined to carry burdens all of its life. This picture indeed is embarrassing; it illustrates contempt and rejection. But it is a true picture of our Lord and Savior. How different are the nations of this world! They, in their diabolical pride, use lions, tigers, eagles, elephants, and other powerful animals to propagate their national identity. I have searched but have not found a nation that uses a flea, a cockroach, a maggot or a worm as a national symbol of identity. But our God is so different. He uses that which is despised and rejected to show His glory. Jacob, the great hero of Israelof whom we read in Genesis 32:28: Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailedis pictured in Isaiah 41:14 as a worm: Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Jacob, the father of the greatest nation ever on planet Earth, is pictured here with a rather insignificant and despised animala worm. This King, who is just and has salvation, appears in utter humility to the people of Israel in order to execute righteous judgment and to prepare for peace: And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth (verse 10). The chariot and the horse are symbols of military power. No man standing in his way has a chance to survive. All Israel is meant here. The name Ephraim is used collectively for the rebellious ten tribes, and Jerusalem for the tribe of Judah. Here we learn an important lesson which, in reality, most of us refuse to accept: namely, that peace and true freedom will never be accomplished by weapons of war, neither by chariot, horse, or bow. True freedom will only come about when the Prince of Peace arrives and abolishes the military with all of its equipment of destruction. It is the Lord Himself who will bring about total elimination of all weapons. That will result in the implementation of the 1,000-year Kingdom of Peace. Our perception of peace and freedom is so twisted that we are incapable of recognizing what real peace is.
8
MIDNIGHT CALL

E D I T O R

N O T E

Quite interestingly, this King does not first of all proclaim freedom and peace to His peopleEphraim and Jerusalembut he shall speak peace unto the heathen. This most certainly is a prophecy identifying the Church of Jesus Christ on earth. How do we know? Because Christ gave His peace to His Church. But thats not all. This is also a prophecy revealing the Church of Jesus Christ on earth during the 1,000-year Kingdom of Peace. Thats when the Lord will implement His dominion over all the earth. We know, of course, that the peace Jesus speaks about to the Church must not be confused with the peace of the world. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). After He speaks to the Gentiles, He addresses His people again: As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water (Zechariah 9:11). This speaks of the blood of thy covenant. It is the blood we read of in Exodus 24:8: And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words. This is addressed to the children of Israel who are in captivity throughout the world. They are in a pit wherein is no water. That signifies hopelessness. Where there is no water, there is no cleansing, and no life. Israel, for over 2,000 years, was dispersed throughout the world. Only occasionally in some places, the Jews had limited freedom, but in the long run, it turned out that they were in the pit wherein is no water. So the Lord admonishes them: Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee (verse 12). This is Gods encouragement to the Jews to return to their homeland, and for doing so, the Lord will reward them double. This corresponds to a prophecy of Ezekiel: And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD (Ezekiel 36:11). Although the land of Israel had been a semi-desert for over 2,000 years and was considered agriculturally unproductive, we can with assurance declare that today a reversal is taking place. As a matter of fact, each time we travel to the land of Israel, we read the Scripture found in Ezekiel 36:34-35: And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. This process of taking possession of the Promised Land is prepared for with weapons of war: When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man (verse 13). During the time of the writing of that prophecy, Greece was the power to be reckoned with. Then it was followed by Rome. But no power structure was concerned with the well being of the people of Judah and Ephraim.

Now, order all 8 messages from the Revelation 13 series in one convenient CD album!

Messages include: 1 Satans Last Victory

(Introduction)
3211

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Satan's Master Deception

3212

When Good Is Bad and Bad Is Good 3213 The Many Ways to Global Unity 3214 Satans Successful Seduction 3215 Footsteps of Satan Endtime Religion & Endtime Prosperity Satans Last Victory (Conclusion) 3218
3216

3217

Revelation 13 CD Album (Item #5248)

$40.00
JUNE 2010 9

The Seven Dispensations in the Bible

This booklet was created to combine the four articles of The Seven Dispensations in the Bible into one handy resource. They were originally featured in both the Midnight Call and News From Israel, and we are pleased to present them in a single layout for easy reading.

THE SEVEN DISPENSATIONS IN THE BIBLE

ITEM# 1069 50 pgs. Booklet

$2.50
Author: Norbert Lieth

4 Easy Ways To Order

Mail your order form with payment to PO Box 280008, Columbia SC 29228. For faster service, call 1-800-845-2420 8am-5pm EST with your credit card ready. Fax your order to 1-803-755-6002 anytime. Visit our online bookstore: www.midnightcall.com/store
FREE SHIPPING FOR ONLINE ORDERS! (US addresses only)

They had to fight for themselves. They became mighty men with weapons. This fact was especially evidenced just before the founding of the State of Israel in May 1948. Britain was in control of the territory of Israel (wrongly called Palestine), and an arms embargo was implemented for the Middle East region, although plainly intended only against the Jews. Britain, France and the U.S.A. had the freedom to sell arms to the established nations such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. The Jews were literally cut off with virtually no hope. This is expressed in the prophecy of Ezekiel 37:11: Behold, they [Israel] say, our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. It is ironic that the only power that gave and sold weapons of war to the Jews in Israel was the communist Soviet Union. Doubtless, they too, as all others, did it for political opportunity. But the whole world was witness to the miracle of Israel. These mighty menvirtually untrained with primitive second-hand weaponry, and often unable to communicate with one another, since most were immigrants from Russia and Europestood victorious against well-equipped Arab armies. It was the Spirit of the Lord who caused Israel to be successful. Verses 14-15 confirm he Lords interference on behalf of Israel: And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south. The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar. Interestingly, this seems to speak of military victory only. But when we read it carefully, we note that Israel experienced a dramatic change. This is revealed in the words, shall drink, and make a noise as through wine. Here we must recall Acts 2, where we read, These men are full of new wine. That was in the past, and will be in the future Israels salvation. This definitely speaks of physical, earthly victory. Nevertheless, it is the Lord God who blows the trumpet. He is the unseen cause of Israels success. Reading the last two verses of this chapter again, notice that it does not reveal spiritual fruit. God is dealing with them in an earthly manner, not as those who have recognized the Lord and become spiritual: And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land. For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids (verses 16-17). The Jews have returned to the land of Israel, and continue to do so for three reasons: 1) identity, 2) security, and 3) possession. We need to read the last few verses in the Tenakh to make this more obvious: The Lord their God shall prosper them on that day; [He shall pasture] His people like sheep. [They shall be] like crown jewels glittering on His soil. How lovely, how beautiful they shall be, producing young men like new grain, young women like new wine. Plainly, this does not speak of the spiritual rebirth of the people, but the rebirth of the land. It is producing, and has changed from being barren to fruitful. MC

10

MIDNIGHT CALL

RELIVING MIRACLE
THE
BY Marcel Malgo

OF

PENTECOST
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:2-4).

s I thought up the title of this article, it was not without an ulterior motive. The theme was meant to be a little provocative. I wanted to challenge you with it. The statement, Reliving the miracle of Pentecost is maybe not as devious as many people think. The miracle of Pentecost is described in Acts 2:14, And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy

Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Can we relive the miracle of Pentecost in this way? The answer is a definite No! We cannot experience Pentecost again in that we experience a sound from heaven, a rushing mighty wind and cloven tongues like as of fire. This was a unique event. It was the fulfillment of one of the greatest promises of the Lord Jesus: the coming of the Holy Spirit here on earth, But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me (John 15:26), and, Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon
JUNE 2010 11

RELIVING THE MIRACLE OF PENTECOST

Have you experienced the miracle of Pentecost? Have you heard the Word of truth, believed it and been sealed with the Holy Spirit? Are you convinced that at some time there was joy in heaven on your account? If so, then we can only say, praise the Lord! If not, you should make a decision now. Believe the Gospel.
you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Since then, the Holy Spirit has been here in our midst. He lives in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus Christ. Although the miracle of Pentecost as such is unique, it is in a way continually being fulfilled, thank God, in a twofold manner.

1. Filled with the Holy Spirit. What took place when

the Holy Spirit came to the earth? They were all filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4). Let us forget for a moment the tongues of fire, speaking in tongues and the rushing wind. What glorious fact is left now? The disciples, gathered together (Acts 1:14 and 2:1), received the Holy Spirit! On this first day of Pentecost, believing men and women received the Holy Spirit and thereby once and for all the result of their new birth, their divine sonship. What Paul later wrote in his letter to the Ephesians, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13), took place here. These disciples were the first people who, after they had heard the word of truth and believed it, were sealed with the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks in this connection of the earnest of [deposit, down-payment on] our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession (Ephesians 1:14). And in 2 Corinthians 5:5 he declares, Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given us the earnest [deposit] of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:5). The Holy Spirit in us is the guarantee that we are truly saved. This is why we cannot be lost, because we have Him in us as a deposit. This glorious result of Pentecost has since been repeated millionfold, and will be repeated in the futureuntil Jesus returns. Every time a sinner is converted and receives the Holy Spirit as a sign of the new birth, Pentecost is repeated.
12
MIDNIGHT CALL

Rejoicing in heaven. The conversion of a sinner is also accompanied by extraordinary manifestations. These are not the visible signs of the first day of Pentecost, but manifestations in heaven. What takes place in heaven when a sinner hears the word of truth, the Gospel, repents and is sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise? Rejoicing breaks out in heaven; the angels of God rejoice. Our Lord Jesus says of this, I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repentethLikewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth (Luke 15:7 & 10). In this sense we could speak of a sound, like a rushing, mighty wind, not on earth as at the first feast of Pentecost, but in heaven. Have you experienced the miracle of Pentecost? Have you heard the Word of truth, believed it and been sealed with the Holy Spirit? Are you convinced that at some time there was joy in heaven on your account? If so, then we can only say, praise the Lord! If not, you should make a decision now. Believe the Gospel. Only those who believe will experience the miracle of Pentecost and be sealed with the Holy Spirit, Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). Think of the prison keeper in Philippi, to whom was said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 16:31). He be-

C O V E R

S T O R Y

When the disciples experienced their feast of Pentecost, they not only received the seal of their conversion, but also power from on high, in order to be able to live in victory in their daily lives. How does the life of Jesus Christ, His victory, become a reality in our lives? Through the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
lieved, was saved, and rejoicing broke out in heaven. I am so glad that the miracle of Pentecost continually takes place in this way until the coming of our Lord Jesus. To put it in other words, I am glad we are still living in the age of grace, and people can be converted and saved forever. Him better and to love Him more, need the power of the Holy Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit was once described as follows by the Lord Jesus, When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truthHe shall glorify me (John 16:13-14). It is the task of the Holy Spirit to glorify everything that has to do with Jesus in our lives. And when our Lord says that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth, this concerns in the first place Him, the Savior Himself. He Himself is the truth in person. Jesus said in John 14:6, I amthe truth. Do you want to love Jesus, your Savior, more? Then you need the Holy Spirit! In the words of our Lord, He [the Holy Spirit] shall glorify me, everything is included that we need to come to a deeper love for our Lord. This can mean, for instance, that the Holy Spirit in us glorifies the person of Jesus so that we are urged to concentrate on Him, that we long for fellowship with Him, that we hunger for His Word. Or we simply feel the inner urge to say to our Lord as David did, I will love thee, O Lord, my strength (Psalm 18:1). David spoke these words because deep in his heart, he had the desire to testify to his love for the Lord. This is how it is with the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Suddenly, things become clear that we should do or not do. They are laid on our hearts. The aim is always to glorify Jesus. We cannot live and survive spiritually without this power from above. We cannot do without the work of the Holy Spirit in us. This belongs to the gift of Pentecost. With the new birth, we were given the key to apply the victory of Jesus in our lives.

2. Endued with power from on high. When the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit at that time, something else took place. They were endued with power from on high. Perhaps you are asking, is this not one and the same thing as receiving the Holy Spirit? When a person repents and is converted, this is the day in which the Holy Spirit comes to live in his heart. But he is also endued with power from on high. Our Lord Jesus spoke of this when He announced the coming of the Holy Spirit, And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). When the disciples experienced their feast of Pentecost, they not only received the seal of their conversion, but also power from on high, in order to be able to live in victory in their daily lives. How does the life of Jesus Christ, His victory, become a reality in our lives? Through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Paul writes in Romans 14:17 on this subject, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. And in Romans 15:13 he writes, Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. To experience anew the miracle of Pentecost, then, means also receiving power from on high, which is essential for life as a Christian on earth. How very much we are dependent on the working of the Holy Spirit. Those who truly only live for Jesus, to learn to know Him better, to understand

Reliving Pentecost. Pentecost as such, the coming of the Holy Spirit, is unique. And the fact that the Holy Spirit came to live in us at our conversion also took place once and for all. Yet we need power from on high regularly in order to prove ourselves in our day-to-day lives. In this sense,
JUNE 2010 13

RELIVING THE MIRACLE OF PENTECOST

But there are also Christians who, perhaps over a longer period of time, live in sin and consciously quench the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of this in Ephesians 4:30, Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, and in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Quench not the Spirit. It may be that such people are not recognizable within the Church of Jesus Christ. Outwardly they have a Christian appearance, but inside the Spirit of God is quenched.
we may and should expect and experience the miracle of Pentecost time and time again. How does this take place, however? Does the Holy Spirit have to increase in us, His power become stronger? Does He have to see that He can do His work in us more and more? Does He have to see that we are filled more and more with power from on high? Not at all! We do not have to worry about this. The Holy Spirit does not have to increase in us. He already lives in us in His entire fullness. But our hearts must become enlarged for Him. We must give Him more room, so that His fullness, His power, can become effective in us. in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Quench not the Spirit. It may be that such people are not recognizable within the Church of Jesus Christ. Outwardly they have a Christian appearance, but inside the Spirit of God is quenched. For this reason, they are living dangerously. We may be able to deceive our fellow Christians, but not the Lord! Examine your life, therefore, in the light of the living Word of God. Let the miracle of Pentecost become reality in you again. See that you are endued again and more with the power from on high, by repenting thoroughly and sincerely over your sins!

Repentance. The message of repentance is not very popular with many Christians, but we Christians especially should repent more over our sins, even the so-called minor sins of our daily lives. Every sin, as insignificant as it may seem in our eyes, is an underestimation of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This results in the miracle of Pentecost fading in our lives, because the Spirit of God is grieved and quenched. Come back to your Lord, today, if necessary. Confess to Him whatever you need to confess, and you will experience anew, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When the Holy Spirit in you is given unlimited room again, you will be more endued with power from on high. This again means that Christ, your Savior, is glorified more and more in you. And you will be led into a deeper and blissful fellowship with your Lord.

Quench not the Spirit. The working of the Holy Spirit can be quenched. Unfortunately, there are Christians who, through their persevering in sin, grieve and thereby quench the Holy Spirit. This does not mean the Holy Spirit has left them, but that He lacks the room to carry out His work. Such people were once converted and attained to the new birth, but now they are living in sin. I do not mean here Christians who have fallen into sin and bring it to the Lord and ask His forgiveness. That we can be overtaken by sin, as it says in Galatians 6:1, we know only too well. When this happens, we may go straight to Jesus and confess our sins to Him. And every time we really and sincerely come back to Him, we may experience what John writes in 1 John 1:7, The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. But there are also Christians who, perhaps over a longer period of time, live in sin and consciously quench the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of this in Ephesians 4:30, Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, and
14
MIDNIGHT CALL

The right attitude. How are we basically prepared for

the working of the Holy Spirit, though? How must

C O V E R

S T O R Y

Experience anew the miracle of Pentecost and be endued afresh with power from on high! Do you want that? Then be still before the Lord.
we be inwardly so that He can carry out His work in us unhindered? Let us consider these questions in connection with an event in Acts 13. We read there of a meeting of the brothers in the church at Antioch. It was the first official sending out of missionaries. Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul (verse 1). In this church, there were real authorities: prophets, teachers and one who had had the same upbringing as Herod. Last but not least, Saul is mentioned. This was an impressive collection. Yet, how did they proceed at the election and sending out of the first missionaries? As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barbabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them (verse 2). Here the Holy Spirit of God could carry out His work in a wonderful way. He could clearly show them whom He had destined for the first missionary journey, namely Barnabas and Saul. How did this happen? Let us read again the beginning of this verse, As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said. The men gathered had a humble, ministering attitude before God. Their attitude before the Lord was not desiring, not demanding, but waiting, in still, inner fellowship with their God. This is the way that we can continually experience the miracle of Pentecost anew. through his day. Even Isaiah had to say, For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15). And it continues, And ye would not. But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift (verses 15-16). Notice the words, Therefore shall ye flee, and, therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. Inner unrest and hectic activity that restrict the Holy Spirit in His working result in trouble and distress. Where Gods Holy Spirit finds a prepared, quietened heart, however, He can and will carry out His work with joy. Experience anew the miracle of Pentecost and be endued afresh with power from on high! Do you want that? Then be still before the Lord.

The desire of the Holy Spirit. In James 4:5, there is a very impressive statement, Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? Yes, the Spirit of God watches over our hearts jealously to be able to do His work in us. Do you know why? Because it is about Jesus! It is the burning desire of the Holy Spirit to glorify Jesus Christ in us. Therefore, let your heart become still at last! Flee from hectic activity and stress. Adopt a humble,
ministering attitude before your God, as the brothers did in the church at Antioch. Then you will experience the miracle of Pentecost anew. You will be more and more endued with power from on high. And this means that you will be led into ever deeper fellowship with Jesus.
(MR0509/377)

Be still before the Lord. It is not only sin that reduces the working of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian to a minimum, but often the not wanting to come to inner stillness. Man lives in general in enormous hectic activity and rushes

JUNE 2010

15

FIRST
THESSALONIANS5 ANDTHERAPTURE
PARTI
By Dr. Ron J. Bigalke Jr.
First Thessalonians 5:1-11 is the second of three primary eschatological passages in the letters to the Thessalonians. The first, of course, was 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The next principal passage will be in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, which addresses issues relating to the rapture of the church. The consideration of 1 Thessalonians 4 in the previous two articles addressed the invalid attempts to merge the rapture and the second coming into a single event, and demonstrated that the comfort of that passage will be the reunion of the deceased and living saints in Christ at the pretribulational rapture. First Thessalonians 5:1-11 provides a different focus with emphasis upon the Day of the Lord, and this passage also has relevance for the doctrine of the rapture.

DISTINGUISHING THE COMING OF LORD JESUS Scripture does not employ the actual language first coming and second coming, but this does not imply that the doctrinal terminology is unbiblical. The Bible, for example, does not use the term Trinity, nor in a solitary verse does it state that God is three equally eternal Persons, who are the same substance but distinct in subsistence. Biblical theology is the systematic formulation of the doctrinal (propositional) statements of Scripture.
16
MIDNIGHT CALL

Therefore, simply because the specific language that modern readers of Scripture desiresuch as first coming and second comingis not employed does not mean that the teaching represented in the doctrinal and theological classifications is not explicit. It is often questioned why Scripture does not categorically state that Christ will return once in the rapture, followed by His return to the earth at least seven years later. To answer that question, one may also consider the

FIRST THESSALONIANS 5 AND THE RAPTURE

In reading the New Testament, it is evident that there will be two comings of Messiah. However, if one were to talk with the biblical scholars of Jesus time (and the general populace), the notion of a first coming to suffer followed by a second coming to reign seemed preposterous. Even the disciples struggled with the concept.

first and second comings of Messiah. The Old Testament certainly prophesied that Christ would suffer on behalf of His people, that is, to give His life as a substitute, and that Messiah would rule and reign upon the earth. In reading the New Testament, it is evident that there will be two comings of Messiah. However, if one were to talk with the biblical scholars of Jesus time (and the general populace), the notion of a first coming to suffer followed by a second coming to reign seemed preposterous. Even the disciples struggled with the concept. Acts 1:6 records the disciples question to the Lord with regard to the kingdom. Believing correctly that Jesus is the Messiah, the disciples expected Him to restore the kingdom to Israel. The disciples struggled to think in terms of Messiah leaving for any period of time and then returning to establish the Davidic (millennial) kingdom.1 With the vantage of hindsight, it is evident that an intercalation (i.e. the introduction of an unseen time element) between the first and second comings is occurring.2 The time element between the first and second comings establishes a biblical precedent that what may appear to be an indication of only one future event may actually require two separate events. Not only is the intercalation true between the first coming of Christ to suffer, and His second coming to rule and reign, but also with regard to the rapture and the second coming. A DIFFERENT EMPHASIS IN 1 THESSALONIANS 5 Whereas the emphasis of 1 Thessalonians 4 is upon the awe and hope associated with the coming of the Lord, the focus of 1 Thessalonians 5 is somewhat gloomy. The change in emphasis is evident in the two Greek words, peri de (but [Now] concerning [as]), that begin the chapter.3 Whenever the Apostle Paul used these words in 1 Corinthians and 1 Thessalonians, it was to introduce a new subject.4 Therefore, the Greek preposition and con-

junction in 1 Thessalonians 5:1 indicates a transition from the emphasis upon the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Now, the emphasis of verses 1-11 in 1 Thessalonians 5 is judgment. For instance, one reads, For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. Paul indicated that the Thessalonian believers were quite knowledgeable with regard to the Day of the Lord, but such language may not be as familiar to modern readers. It behooves the reader to seek definition and explanation of this Old Testament event by consulting three Old Testament passages. The Day of the Lord is a welldeveloped prophetic concept in the Old Testament prophetical books. Since this concept was known well, it was only prudent for Paul to address the rapture first, since this is a distinct New Testament doctrine. There are references to the second coming in the Old Testament, but none with regard to the rapture, which was the source of confusion. The church was well acquainted with Old Testament history, and then Paul introduced a mystery teaching, which was something that was not mysterious in the sense of being some kind of esoteric teaching, or some pagan, occultic teachingnot a mystery in that sensebut a mystery in the sense that it was not revealed in the Old Testament, and therefore was a source of confusion. With regard to the Day of the Lord, however, the early church was quite familiar. Isaiah 13:9-11 reads:
(9) Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, Cruel, with fury and burning anger, To make the land a desolation; And He will exterminate its sinners from it. (10) For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not flash forth their light; The sun will be dark when it rises And the moon will not shed its light.

JUNE 2010

17

The focus in Zephaniah is again upon the fact that the Day of the Lord is a judgment that God will instigate against the wicked. There is also the idea in the Old Testament that the Day of the Lord is not only a judgment on the wicked nations and depraved humanity, but also a judgment upon unbelieving Israel.
(11) Thus I will punish the world for its evil And the wicked for their iniquity; I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud And abase the haughtiness of the ruthless.

judgment, with the more immediate exile as something of a preview. The easy manner in which to think of these near and far judgments is that of types and antitypes.
Types and Antitypes

The prophet Isaiah revealed that the Day of the Lord would be a time of very specific judgment that God will bring upon the earth for the wickedness of humanity. Of course, the language used in verse 10 is also language that is prevalent in the Book of Revelation. The same type of language is also very dominant in Matthew 2425, the Olivet Discourse. Zephaniah 1:14-17 reads:
(14) Near is the great day of the LORD,
Near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! In it the warrior cries out bitterly. (15) A day of wrath is that day, A day of trouble and distress, A day of destruction and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness, (16) A day of trumpet and battle cry Against the fortified cities And the high corner towers. (17) I will bring distress on men So that they will walk like the blind, Because they have sinned against the LORD; And their blood will be poured out like dust And their flesh like dung.

There are certain types that are specified in the Bible, like Abraham offering his son, Isaac, which is a type of the Father offering His Son, the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Abraham and Isaac are the type, whereas the antitypethe non-typeis the Father and Jesus Christ. Hebrews is filled with explaining all sorts of types and shadows, and how they all pointed to Jesus Christ, the antitype. Just as there are types and antitypes with regard to individuals, so there are with regard to events, such as the judgment passages of the Day of the Lord. Zephaniah provided a preview of some kind of a near fulfillment, but there will also be a complete fulfillment in the future, in a prophetic time. A type gap is when an Old Testament prophet described an event, person, or institution (type), and progressive revelation in the New Testament indicates the prophetic significance of this event, person, or institution (antitype).

Type

Type

Gap

AntiType

The focus in Zephaniah is again upon the fact that the Day of the Lord is a judgment that God will instigate against the wicked. There is also the idea in the Old Testament that the Day of the Lord is not only a judgment on the wicked nations and depraved humanity, but also a judgment upon unbelieving Israel. Zephaniah 1:14 states specifically, Near is the great day of the LORD, which is a combination of near and far elements in the warnings regarding the Day of the Lord. In some of the prophecies, there is a more immediate judgment of the exile that God will accomplish; but in other prophecies, there is the warning of an end-time
18
MIDNIGHT CALL

A time gap is when an Old Testament prophet spoke with regard to two different events, which are separated by a wide space of time, as thought they were one event. Generally, the two different events, separated by the time gap, have reference to the first coming and second coming of Messiah. The Old Testament prophets were unaware of such gaps when they were inspired with the prophecy (1 Pet 1:10-12), in order that the prophet communicated a message for his own day in addition to a future time.5

Early Event

Time

Gap

Later Event

FIRST THESSALONIANS 5 AND THE RAPTURE

Amos prophesied a judgment upon the nations and upon Israel, but then also, there is the reference to justice and righteousness being established throughout the earth following that judgment. There is a brief reference to the millennial kingdom as something that is future.

The manner in which one may distinguish the near and far fulfillment is to answer whether everything prophesied was fulfilled historically and literally. If an event was fulfilled entirely in the past, one should not expect any future fulfillment; however, if there are things stated that did not occur in the historical timeframe, then that leads one to conclude that such events are yet future, because God said that He will fulfill all His Word (Matt 5:17-18). Often connected with the judgment passages is blessing associated with it, and therefore, the Day of the Lord ultimately manifests the omnibenevolence and omnipotence of God. It is a curious thing about those who reject a premillennial understanding of the Bible, because they will interpret the judgment upon Israel very literally. God has judged Israel in such a mindset, and He has fulfilled those prophecies, but then the blessings that are so connected with the judgment are spiritualized (i.e. the blessings now refer to blessings in Jesus Christ and the blessings of heaven). However, the judgments are literal, and so will the blessings be literal. When the Word of God reveals specific details with regard to judgment for Israel, it almost always addresses blessings associated with the judgment that have not been fulfilled. Consequently, one should conclude that God will fulfill His word completely and literally, and one should expect that a prophecy is still future if it has not been historically fulfilled in its entirety. In the Old Testament prophecies, there are references to a near fulfillment, and then sometimes a far fulfillment. Amos 5:18-20 reads:
(18) Alas,you who are longing for the day of the LORD, For what purpose will the day of the LORD be to you? It will be darkness and not light; (19) As when a man flees from a lion And a bear meets him, Or goes home, leans his hand against the wall And a snake bites him. (20) Will not the day of the LORD be darkness in stead of light, Even gloom with no brightness in it?

the conclusion of the end times in establishing the millennial kingdom. Verses 23-24 are interesting within the same chapter of Amos 5.
(23) Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. (24) But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

In these verses, there is another reference to the future Day of the Lorda time of great judgment that God will bringthe Day of the Lord being something that awaits

Amos prophesied a judgment upon the nations and upon Israel, but then also, there is the reference to justice and righteousness being established throughout the earth following that judgment. There is a brief reference to the millennial kingdom as something that is future. The Day of the Lord was a well-known concept, and would be understood as a time of tremendous judgment that God would bring not only upon Israel, but also upon the nations for their wickedness. Some comment and teach that the Day of the Lord should be associated with the tribulation periodthe entire seven years of judgmentbut then also say that the Day of the Lord should include the millennium. The Day of the Lord is simply the tribulation period. Whenever prophecies reference the millennium, the language is always in that day; therefore, that day seems to be generic language which could refer to either times of judgment, the tribulation, or the millennium. Conversely, the Day of the Lord seems to refer very specifically to the time of judgment that God will bring upon Israel and the nations. The Day of the Lord should be defined primarily as an Old Testament term referring to the seven years of tribulation. Moreover, the term is never used in reference to the millennial kingdom, but that day is an Old Testament term that may reference either the tribulation or millennium. Of course, when Scripture uses the idea of the Day of the Lord, it is not speaking of a twenty-four hour period, a calendar day. For example, in 2 Thessalonians 2:2, Paul wrote, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. The idea in the Greek (enesthken) is that the Day of the Lord has already come. The Greek is in the perfect tense, which would literally mean has already come and continues, which demonstrates that a day can
JUNE 2010 19

However, the midnight hour is evident in passages such as Psalm 119:62 and Matthew 25:1-13. Comparing the Book of Revelation and other Old Testament prophecies, it would seem that the Day of the Lord begins with the opening of the first seal of Revelation. The rapture will precede the tribulation, and then the Day of the Lord may be regarded as coming in an unexpected manner.

upon a woman with child, and they will not escape (5:3). It is noteworthy that Matthew, in his gospel (Matt 24:8), referred to the same period and called it birth pangs. Even in Jewish commentaries, this concept of birth pains preceding the time of Messiahs return is established. Relying upon extra-biblical sources, Raphael Patai devoted an entire chapter to The Pangs of Time.
The pangs of the Messianic times are imagined as heavenly as well as earthly sources and expressions. From Above, awesome cosmic cataclysms will be visited upon the earth. . . . All this will lead to internal decay, demoralization, and even apostasy. Things will come to such a head that people will despair of Redemption. This will last seven years. And then, unexpectedly, the Messiah will come. Because of this gloomy picture of the beginning of the Messianic era, which by Talmudic times was firmly believed in, some sages expressed the wish not to see the Messiah. . . . In any case, both the people and its religious leaders continued to hope for the coming of the Messiah.7

be longer than just simply twenty-four hours, and so it is with the Day of the Lord. Posttribulationalists disagree that the Day of the Lord is longer than a calendar day, for they believe that it is the second coming. However, such an understanding does not adequately consider the Greek perfect tense, because the indication is that the Day of the Lord comes and then continues. Sometimes in life one day leads into another, especially if one is busy, but biblically, the Day of the Lord should be something regarded as a longer framework of time that would include the prophesied judgments of the Bible. Of course, in the creation account of Genesis, the word day means something entirely different, because there it uses morning and evening, day one and day two, so that the reader knows that those are not longer than twenty-four hour periods, and therefore revealing that creation occurred in six twenty-four hour days.6 THE DAY OF THE LORD AS A NIGHT THIEF According to 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, the church was not uninformed with regard to the prophecies of the Day of the Lord. Their confusion was concerning the rapture, as it was a new teaching, that is, something not known from the Old Testament. Additional instruction was not needed regarding the Day of the Lord, because the believers knew full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. Conversely, when the unbelievers will be saying, Peace and safety! then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains
20
MIDNIGHT CALL

The Jewish understanding of the birth pangs associated with the Day of the Lord and Messianic era is certainly consistent with the sequence of the Book of Revelation and the eschatological discourses in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 24 // Mark 13 // Luke 17).8 In 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11, the characteristics of the Day of the Lord are described, with focus upon the fact that believers are well informed with regard to that period. Its coming is compared to a thief in the night. No one knows when a thief will come, but when a thief does come, then it becomes patently obvious, and so Paul used that language with regard to the unbelievers surprise. The Jewish tradition is that the Messiah will come in the middle of the night, in the same manner as the Destroyer came to the Egyptians.9 There are some early traditions that relate the coming of Christ to the midnight of Easter, which does not seem accurate. However, the midnight hour is evident in passages such as Psalm 119:62 and Matthew 25:1-13 (of course, midnight occurs at different times throughout the world). Comparing the Book of

FIRST THESSALONIANS 5 AND THE RAPTURE

Scripture prophesies that Israel will become a cup that causes reeling to all the world (Zech 12:2), which indicates a focus upon Israel, and a type of individual coming and enforcing peace upon them. Ezekiel referred to the false peace treaty as a covenant with death (28:18), because it is not Messiah providing peace for them, but rather, they will have been deceived by Antichrist.

Revelation and other Old Testament prophecies, it would seem that the Day of the Lord begins with the opening of the first seal of Revelation. The rapture will precede the tribulation, and then the Day of the Lord may be regarded as coming in an unexpected manner. For the second coming to occur and the establishment of the millennium, there are specific events that must occur. Consequently, it is not possible to say that the rapture is the same as the second coming, or that the Day of the Lord (as posttribulationists believe) is the second coming, because it would not occur as a thief in the night. One would know how to count to the very end of the seven-year tribulation, and expect the second coming. The fact that Paul used language of unexpectedness, in relation to his teaching of the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4, supports pretribulational doctrine that the rapture will precede this period. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, those who enter the tribulation will know that the period has come (cf. Rev 6:12-17), which would eliminate any kind of false teaching such as the idea that the Day of the Lord was being experienced by the Thessalonians. The false teaching being circulated among the church at Thessalonica was that they had somehow missed the rapture of 1 Thessalonians 4, and were now experiencing the Day of the Lord. Paul said the period is a time of judgmenta well-established fact of the Old Testamentand when it does occur, it will be obvious. The Day of the Lord will occur when people are saying, peace and safety. The unexpected beginning of the period would seem to parallel the first half of the tribulation from Daniel 9:24-27, and the emphasis therein upon the signing of a peace treaty with Israel. Even in the current time, there is continual discussion regarding peace in the Middle East, and demands for a two state solution in Palestine. Scripture prophesies that Israel will become a cup that causes reeling to all the world (Zech 12:2), which

indicates a focus upon Israel, and a type of individual coming and enforcing peace upon them. Ezekiel referred to the false peace treaty as a covenant with death (28:18), because it is not Messiah providing peace for them, but rather, they will have been deceived by Antichrist. The Book of Revelation also pictures the first three and a half years of the tribulation as relatively peaceful in Israel. It is not until halfway through that period that Antichrist breaks his covenant with the Jewish people, and then they understand who he is and flee for their lives. First Thessalonians 5:3 is stating that those people who enter the tribulationthe people that are saying peace and safetyare the ones who are also going to experience the judgment of God: they will not escape. They will experience Gods due wrath and judgment, which leads into another teaching of 1 Thessalonians 5. NOT DESTINED FOR WRATH Verse 9 reads, For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The concept of wrath is a term that whenever used, is reserved strictly for divine punishment upon those for whom there is no longer any hope of salvation. The wrath of the tribulation is punishment for wickedness, and so it will be expended upon the wicked. First Thessalonians 1:9-10 already expressed the teaching here in 1 Thessalonians 5:9. In comparing the two parallel statements, the teaching is that God has not appointed the church unto receiving His wrath. According to these texts, God has said very clearly that He has not appointed the church unto receiving His wrath, but unto salvation. Such a statement would support a pretribulational understanding of these things, because the wrath is the entire period of the tribulation, and it is not Gods purpose to take the church through that period. The rapture is not a reward for faithfulness, but correlates with Gods plans for Israel in relation to the kingJUNE 2010 21

Gods purpose for the church is distinct from Israel, and therefore, the rapture of the church will precede the tribulation. It is a wonderful privilege to possess Gods revelation of the future, and certainly worth a lifetime of study, in addition to all the truths of Scripture.

dom. The tribulation is a period that is prophesied for Israel. It is a judgment upon them for things in the past, and a time of purging the rebel from among Israel in preparation for Messiahs return. It is evident from this text and others that the church will not experience the tribulation. Of course, not all details are answered here in this first letter to the Thessalonians, but will be explained more fully in 2 Thessalonians 2, which does provide a very specific rapture statement. CONCLUSION The emphasis of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 is upon the suddenness of the Day of the Lord, which is a well-developed Old Testament teaching. The Day of the Lord is not only a time judgment upon the earth for the wickedness of humanity, but also will be a time of purging the rebel within Israel in preparation for the messianic kingdom. The Day of the Lord is the same as the seven-year tribulation, or Daniels seventieth week. Although the church may benefit from persecution (and much of the church throughout the world is experiencing tribulations), it is not Gods purpose to have the church enter this period of wrath and judgment. Gods purpose for the church is distinct from Israel, and therefore, the rapture of the church will precede the tribulation. It is a wonderful privilege to possess Gods revelation of the future, and certainly worth a lifetime of study, in addition to all the truths of Scripture. The church has a responsibility in this world until the time of the rapture, and should be diligent in service of the Lord by His grace and for His glory. The instruction to pray for the true peace of Jerusalem is always binding (Ps 122:6), yet believers know that it will be the return of the Lord to establish His kingdom of righteousness that will culminate in real peace being experienced throughout the (388) world.

thinking that the destruction of Jerusalem and cataclysmic events would signify the end (Matt 24:6). He warned the disciples with regard to deception concerning false messiahs, wars, and other events. 2 All amillennialists and some premillennialists and postmillennialists believe the kingdom of God was inaugurated (initiated) at the first coming of Christ. It is noteworthy that the prophecies concerning the Roman Empire in Daniel 2 and 7 were fulfilled precisely at the time of the first coming of Christ, but the prophecy concerning the final destruction of that Empire has never been fulfilled. For instance, Rome did not fall as a result of Christianity, but fell primarily due to corruption that decayed the empire internally.The influence of the Roman Empirethe legs and toes of the image of Daniel 2continued for several centuries after the first coming of Christ. Moreover, in the year 408, it was the Visigoths with Alaric in command who besieged Rome and defeated it. However, in reading Daniel 2:35, it is evident that all effects of the fourth kingdom and the preceding kingdoms are destroyed and disappear at the second coming of Christ, so that it is saidthe wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found. 3 4 The practice is distinct to Paul, although some seek to apply the act to other biblical authors, such as in Matthew 24:36, but this is incorrect. James D. G. Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998) 611; Margaret M. Mitchell,Concerning PERI DE in 1 Corinthians, Novum Testamentum 31 (1989): 229-56; Huub van de Sandt and Jrgen Zangenberg, eds., Matthew,James,and Didache:Three Related Documents in Their Jewish and Christian Setting (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2008) 157. 5 Sometimes there is even a combination of a type gap and time gap. In this double reference, the Old Testament prophet would speak of two similar events, people, or institutions (type), although they are widely separated from the antitype in time.The first event is a prefiguring of a later event. For example, the invasion of locusts in Joel 1-3 is the type, and the invasion of human armies in Matthew 24:15-22 is the antitype. 6 7 For more information on this subject, see chapter 4 in The Genesis Factor, which is offered by the bookstore of Midnight Call Ministries. Raphael Patai, The Messiah Texts (Detroit:Wayne State University Press, 1979) 95-96. Ron J. Bigalke Jr.,A Comparison of the Synoptic Eschatological Discourses and Revelation 620, Chafer Theological Seminary Journal 13 (Spring 2008): 68-70. 9 Clemens Leonhard, The Jewish Pesach and the Origins of the Christian Easter: Open Questions in Current Research (Berlin:Walter de Gruyter, 2006) 417.

In Matthew 24:1-2,the thinking of the disciples was based upon Zechariah 14,wherein verses 12 describe Jerusalems deliverance,verses 38 prophesy the destruction of Jerusalems enemies by Messiah,and verses 911 record the establishment of the kingdom.Therefore,the disciples thought the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem would culminate in the reign of Messiah.In the Olivet Discourse,however,Jesus warned against

22

MIDNIGHT CALL

 PART II

24-26 October 2010

Landmark Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach,South Carolina Just look at the exciting topics we will have at this year's conference!
The Gospel of Prophecy Lukewarming: Response to Environmentalism and the Greening of Salvation What Jesus Didnt Do: The Unfinished Message of the Messiah Like a Flood: Top Global Accelerating Trends Since 1948 United in Diversity Evangelicalism Today: Response to Current Attacks/Challenges to the Biblical Faith To the Uttermost Parts by Radio One WAY Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy Jihad and the Gospel: The Challenge of Islam One MIRACLE Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy Iran in Prophecy: How Close Are We to the Fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39? Far-East Asia Today: Geo-politics or Geo-prophecy? From Joseph Smith to Jesus Christ: The Challenge of Mormonism One HEALING Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy Jerusalems Future

 PART II

24-26 October 2010

Landmark Resort Hotel,Myrtle Beach,South Carolina
RESERVE 24-26 OCTOBER 2010 FOR OUR ANNUAL PROPHECY CONFERENCE!
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it (Zechariah 12:3).
Although this prophecy was made about 2,500 years ago, it is more applicable today than ever. Three times the word ALL appears in that verse, and that is precisely what we are seeing today. There is not one nation on the face of the earth agreeing with the Jews that Jerusalem is the capital city of the State of Israel. That fact demonstrates a wonderful, marvelous word of prophecy! We may be concerned about many things that are transpiring before our own eyes, and rightly so, but above and beyond that, we may rejoice as children of God, having the knowledge that He is fulfilling His plan in His time, and we are witnesses thereof. This prophecy conference promises to be another highlight in our long tradition of Bible conferences. Let each of us be in prayer in preparation for these meetings, based on the promises of the Lord, Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Let us remember the words of Revelation 1:3: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. In case you have not registered for this conference, we urge you to do so soon. Dont miss these 2 days of intensive study of His prophetic Word.

LANDMARK RESORT HOTEL

This fine facility, in the heart of Myrtle Beach, offers extremely favorable rates for conference participants. There are various categories of rooms and suites available. Some have full kitchen facilities, but all rooms are equipped with a kitchen sink, refrigerator and microwave oven. The hotel is located directly on the oceanfront. There are a number of restaurants close by on Ocean Boulevard. Only two blocks away is the famous Kings Highway. Here you will find several restaurants and shops for your convenience.

REGISTRATION/RESERVATION
We encourage you to take advantage of our pre-registration offer at only $49 per person. This rate will only be valid until 31 July 2010, after which the regular registration fee of $59 will take effect. Of course, as always, the registration fee is 100% refundable should you be hindered from attending the conference. Although the hotel offers over 400 rooms for your selection, they are available only on a firstcome-first-serve basis. Therefore, we recommend that you make your reservations early.

24

MIDNIGHT CALL

MEET THE SPEAKERS

NORBERT LIETH is a graduate of Midnight Call Bible School in Montevideo/Uruguay. He has served as Midnight Calls missionary in several South American countries. Norbert Lieth is the lead speaker for Midnight Call Ministries throughout Europe. He has authored 18 books, and many have been translated into several languages. He and his wife, Elke, and their four daughters reside in Switzerland. WILFRED HAHN is known for his writings and insights on present-day world economic and money trends, viewed from a Biblical perspective. He has global investment industry experience spanning three decades, having held various executive positions from Director of Research for a major Wall Street firm, to Chairman of Canadas largest global investment group. At one time also a top-ranked global analyst and strategist, he continues to write and work as a Chief Investment Officer. The Mulberry Ministry, founded in 1995 with his wife, Joyce, publishes and distributes Eternal Value Review and over 40 books and booklets. For the past nine years he has been a contributor to Midnight Call magazine. DR. J. RANDALL PRICE serves as President for World of the Bible Ministries. He is a Th.M. graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and holds a Ph.D. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. He has done graduate study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and conducted archeological excavation in Israel with the University of Texas in conjunction with the teaching of courses in biblical archaeology and the history and culture of modern Israel, and more recently headed the archaelogical dig at the Qumran Plateau between 2002 and 2008. He is currently the Executive Director and Distinguished Professor of Judaic Studies at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. REMSEN BEITEL is the founder of RADIO New Hope, a Christian satellite and Internet radio network broadcasting the Word of God throughout Europe and the Middle East. Remsen and his wife Ellen (a Messianic Jew) went to Germany as missionaries in 1994, and ministered there for 14 years. In 2006 RADIO New Hope merged with Midnight Call and its broadcast studio was moved to Zurich, Switzerland. At the end of 2007 Remsen and Ellen returned to the US, where he serves as the Director of US Operations for RADIO New Hope. They live in Tulsa, OK.

DR. RON J. BIGALKE JR. (BS; MApol; MTS; MDiv; PhD) is the Georgia state director with Capitol Commission, and missionary with Biblical Ministries Worldwide. Through his personal ministry (Eternal Ministries), he has served in numerous discipleship and evangelistic ministries, including conference speaking, educational ministry (secondary/college/seminary), literature ministry, pastoral ministry, pulpit ministry, and youth ministry. Dr. Bigalke is an ordained minister, and partner of apologetics evangelism with the North American Mission Board. He is a regularly sought contributor to various publications, and has served as general editor of four books, in addition to service as general editor of a theological quarterly. He is the member of several well-known Christian professional societies. His undying commitment is to the preservation and promotion of biblical, conservative, evangelical theology in the life of the church. He and his wife, Kristin, have two children. JAMES K. WALKER, the president of Watchman Fellowship, is a former fourth generation Mormon with over twenty years of ministry experience in the field of Christian countercult evangelism, apologetics, and discernment. He has been interviewed as an expert on new religious movements and cults on a variety of network television programs including Nightline, ABC World News Tonight, and The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. He has spoken at hundreds of churches, colleges, universities, and seminaries throughout the United States and internationally. ARNO FROESE is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the critically-acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.

JUNE 2010

25

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

2010 Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference

24-26 October 2010

Monday, 25 October
Dr. Randall Price What Jesus Didnt Do: The Unfinished Message of the Messiah Break Wilfred Hahn Like a Flood: Top Global Accelerating Trends Since 1948 Arno Froese United in Diversity
Lunch

Time 8:45 9:30 10:00

Sunday, 24 October

Tuesday, 26 October
Norbert Lieth One MIRACLE Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy Break Dr. Randall Price Iran in Prophecy: How Close Are We to the Fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39? Wilfred Hahn Far-East Asia Today: Geo-politics or Geo-prophecy?
Lunch

10:45

14:00 14:45 19:00 19:30 20:15 Introduction/Welcome Arno Froese The Gospel of Prophecy Dr. Ron Bigalke Lukewarming: Response to Environmentalism and the Greening of Salvation

Dr. Ron Bigalke Evangelicalism Today: Response to Current Attacks/Challenges to the Biblical Faith Remsen Beitel To the Uttermost Parts by Radio Norbert Lieth One WAY Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy James Walker Jihad and the Gospel: The Challenge of Islam
MC 06/10

James Walker From Joseph Smith to Jesus Christ: The Challenge of Mormonism Questions & Answers

Evening Banquet
Norbert Lieth One HEALING Toward Fulfillment of Prophecy Arno Froese Jerusalems Future
MC 06/10

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

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

Registration by phone: (800) 8452420 or (803) 755-0733 Fax: (803) 755-6002

Registration Fee: $59 per person ($49 before 31 July) # in party: ______x $59 Total Registration $ # Banquet: ______x $35 Total for Banquet $ Total Enclosed $ Participant's Name: Attending Banquet? 1._____________________________ Yes__ No__ 2._____________________________ Yes__ No__ 3._____________________________ Yes__ No__ Your Name:________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ City:________________________State:____Zip:______________ Phone:___________________________________________
J Check J Visa/MC/Disc/AMEX

Arrival Date:

J Interiorview Hotel Rooms $40/night J Oceanview Hotel Rooms $45/night J Oceanfront Hotel Rooms $51/night J King Angle Oceanview Suites $52/night J Oceanfront Efficiencies $52/night J Oceanfront Suites $60/night J Double Angle Oceanview Suites $55/night # in party: J Deluxe Oceanfront Suites $63/night

Departure Date:

Card#_____________________________________________ Expires:______Signature:_______________________________

$ /night x nights = $ *Plus $5 resort fee per night $ *Plus 13% accommodations tax $ Total for Accommodations $ Your Name:____________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________ City:________________________State:____Zip:_____________ Phone:_____________________________________________
J Check J Visa/MC/Disc/AMEX

Card#_______________________________________________

26

MIDNIGHT CALL

Expires:______Signature:____________________________________

MONEY: ENDS & TRENDS

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

GLOBAL TREMORS SERIES

Far East Asia Trends Today Part I: Like a Flood

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

Can you name the country that is the most eastern of all countries mentioned in the Old Testament? Israel being the geographical anchor of the Bible, we are of course here referring to Asian countries namely, Far East Asian nations. Is that country Babylon or perhaps Elam (Iran)? Just what other nations mentioned in the Bible could possibly be named that are even further east?
ctually, in the book of Esther, we find the mention of a country called Hodu (so-named in the original Greek). This is what happened during the time of Xerxes, the Xerxes who ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush (Esther 1:1). Hodu is a word derived from the Persian word for Hindu and refers to Hindustan, the nation of India today. However, we will not stop there, as there is yet possibly one more nation mentioned that is even further east. Indeed, as we will show, the Bible does provide some specific information about the roles of sev-

eral Asian countries in the last days. And, at least one of these indications has been mostly overlooked by Bible readers. In this 3-part series, we hope to lay out fascinating information about Asia that appears to align with the rapid lastdays trends portrayed in the Bible. Without a doubt, the emergence of certain Asian countries to greater world prominence plays an integral and necessary part in the events and trends that lead to the conditions of the upcoming Tribulation period. Though very few specific events may be pinpointed from Bible prophecy, Asias influence and likely endtime roles can also be disJUNE 2010 27

M ONEY: ENDS & T RE NDS

$
(1948 or 1967), the rise of Asiaspecifically, the main thrust of the reawakening of China, India and others occurred after that time. But to what end and purpose? More intriguingly, could China and other Asian nations be specifically mentioned in Bible prophecy? If so, what roles will these countries play? The Bible does mention that certain kings from the east will play a part in last day events (Revelation 16:12). Just who are these kings, and what is their expected consequence? Will it be malevolent or beneficial for the world? And, can we connect such references to developments in Asia today? Before making any further references to Scripture, it will be instructive to get a sense of the epic nature of the recent Asian phenomenon. It is yet another rapid 20th century trend that has direct linkages to economic, financial and geopolitical developments. Even more significant, the rise of Asia has all the hallmarks of an endtime financial phenomenon in addition to Scriptural alignments. All of these five tell-tale characteristics of a last-day season phenomena can be observed: 1. An acceleration observed after 1948; 2. A seeming improbability and inexplicability of its occurrence at least at first; 3. Godlessness (apostasy) i.e. spiritual elements; 4. A scope for worldwide impact; and, above all, 5. Suddenness and rapidity. An Awakening For some reason, Asia began stirring not much more than 50 to 60 years ago. Why then, and why not a century sooner or five decades later? Taking a prophetic perspective, the specific set of forces that this awakening imparts to the rest of the world couldnt be more opportune or timely.

The Bible does mention that certain kings from the east will play a part in last day events (Revelation 16:12). Just who are these kings, and what is their expected consequence? Will it be malevolent or beneficial for the world? And, can we connect such references to developments in Asia today?

cerned through deduction. As in astronomy, black holes are not directly visible, but they can be discerned through their impact on other celestial bodies. In the same way, we can observe trends in the Middle East and the Roman-heritage world, informed by both facilitating and parallel developments in other parts of the world. The Modern Asian Phenomenon A significant impulse that has rocked the world in recent decades is the rapid emergence of a group of Asian economic dynamos. Large countries with huge populations such as India and China seem to have awoken rather suddenly. After years of slumbering, this cocooned region began its butterfly transformation only some 60 years ago. Today, as some of these nations have muscled onto the world stage as economic titans, they are projecting a wide wakeone that is washing up on the shores of all the highincome countries around the world, particularly North America. They are also becoming more influential geopolitically. Without a doubt, the rise of these nations is significant and should be seen as a major development of the last days. Why? There are a number of reasons, as we will discover. For now, let us state that any sudden development with potential global impact taking place after May 14, 1948 is likely to have material portent with respect to a last-day world. The significance of that date is well known. On that day, Israel was officially reborn as a nation after nearly two millennia of non-existence, thus signaling the start of the last generation of the last days. Some analysts argue that the signal date marking the onset of the last generation is the Six-Day War, which gave Israel control over Old Jerusalem as of June 10, 1967. Whichever date it may be
28
MIDNIGHT CALL

Far East Asia Trends Today Part I: Like a Flood

In recent decades, many Asian tigers began to roar. Their economic influence swept the world; several Asiabased companies are now dominating global industries. Their rapid eruption into world trade flows and overall fast economic growth has challenged the worlds high-income countries. The worlds resources whether energy fuels, water, iron ore or copper plateand financial systems are no longer the preserve of the rich world. The West can no longer unilaterally commandeer the world economy for its own exclusive benefit uncontested. With this newfound economic influencea primary factor in determining geopolitical influence in this present Age of Global Capitalthere are now additional contenders for future global supremacy. Therefore, over the past several years, we have seen nations such as China and India sitting at the global policymaking tables of the G-20 and other transnational organizations. Small Beginnings with Big Consequences It wasnt that long agonot much more than 25 years pastthat the Western world still looked upon the Far East with a certain aloofness. It was and remains a poorly understood part of the world, large and diverse, comprising roughly 40% of the worlds land mass and approximately 60% of the earths population. To illustrate, the countries of China and India evoked belittling visions of rice paddies and countryside peasants, or respectively, teeming Hindus living in the stifling suburbs of Calcutta between their wandering, sacred cows. Westerners would donate their nickels and dimes to alleviate the hun-

Tokyo, Japan

gry and homeless in this region perhaps, the lepers in India. The Mao uniforms that were worn in the Middle Kingdomunisex brown khakis for everyonewere also a familiar picture. These Asian peoples, different as they were, seemed a world awaycertainly far out of harms way and of no fathomable threat to America or any other high-income country. We considered them less fortunate, backward and undevelopedso far beneath the enlightened ways of our Hellenistic and progressive cultures. Their customs and religions were strange. Or so thought the cuckolded Western mind. It did begin with a whimper. Earlier in the century, the world witnessed the first beginnings of Asias economic miracles in a selected number of smaller countries. Japan was the first Asian nation in the post-war period to enter take-off into rapid economic development. Beginning in the late 1950s, Japan began a hyperactive period of economic growth and development, rapidly rising from its relatively poor status to eventually become the worlds second largest economic powerhouse. While it had been a force to be reckoned with during World War II, Japan economically was seen as diminutive and non-threatening in the post-war period. Its economy in 1960 represented only 3% of world ecoJUNE 2010

Japan was the first Asian nation in the post-war period to enter take-off into rapid economic development. Beginning in the late 1950s, Japan began a hyperactive period of economic growth and development, rapidly rising from its relatively poor status to eventually become the worlds second largest economic powerhouse.

29

M ONEY: E NDS & TR ENDS

$
economy-priced cars with dubious quality standards. For example, Datsun automobiles in the late 1960s rusted out in a matter of a few years due to the shortage of quality steel in Japan. Products from Asia were often the object of mirth. To say that something was Made in Hong Kong was to imply that something was shoddy and cheap. No American or European manufacturer yet felt threatened. After all, these were small countries with modest manufacturing sectors. But only a decade later, Japanese electronic productsthe Sony Walkman, a famous exampleand many other products became household names. Toyota, Honda and Nissan cars became considered quality vehicles. By the mid-1980s, Japans image was very different again. Now, more and more people began to worry that Japan was going to take over entire world industries. American companies began to earnestly study Japanese ways and manufacturing methods. How was it that Japan was so productive and successful? Other world manufacturers adopted the worker circle concept and just-in-time inventorying (JIT) that Japan had perfected. Japan became the worlds third largest economy in 1967, leap-frogging both France and Britain that year for the first time, and then overtook Germany for the second-place position in 1972. While we have provided only a very superficial account of the thundering emergence of such countries as Japan and Korea upon the world economic stage, it nonetheless illustrates the rapidity of this transformation. In less

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea was next. It seemed even less significant, its economy in 1960 amounting to less than 1/3 of 1% of world output and possessing less than 1% of the worlds population. Beginning in the early 1960s, this Asian competitor to Japan began its journey to eventually become one of the high-income nations of the world.

nomic output. Its population accounted for a similar proportion. Then, suddenly, Japans economy was sparked to grow more than two to three times as fast as those of America and Europe during this early growth phase. South Korea was next. It seemed even less significant, its economy in 1960 amounting to less than 1/3 of 1% of world output and possessing less than 1% of the worlds population. Beginning in the early 1960s, this Asian competitor to Japan began its journey to eventually become one of the high-income nations of the world. Only 25 years later, in 19961, it would become one of the 30 members of the Organization of Economic Development (OECE)the rich country club of the world. Ridicule Leads to Eventual Supremacy Despite the durable and dynamic transformations in these two Asian countries, it was still considered a putdown to consider that a product might have been made anywhere in Asia even as late as in the early 1970s. Westerners still had no inkling that a new industrial revolution had been underway in certain corners of this region for more than a decade at that time. Datsun, today renamed Nissan, and Toyota automobiles were still considered
30
MIDNIGHT CALL

Far East Asia Trends Today Part I: Like a Flood

than 30 years, these two nations rose from the status of disregarded underlings to world-feared competitors. Today, such American industrial icons as General Motors, Polaroid and others have either disappeared, are near bankruptcy or have required government bailouts vanquished by Asianbased manufacturers, so to speak, on their home turf. Waves of Toyotas, Nissans, Hondas, and Hyundais descended upon showroom floors to waiting buyers. They meet the satiating criteria of the American consumera good product at a good price. The same consumer preference applies to other Asian imports, most notably from China. The Asian Behemoths Begin to Stir While such countries as Japan and South Korea prospered by trading successfully with a fast-globalizing world, China and India continued to sleep for the most part. And, for that matter, so did Westerners. Similar transformations were thought impossible in these two countries. India was a calcified and bureaucracy-bound country that was mostly inward looking. Its predominantly Hindu culture seemed inert to a consumer-oriented market economy revolution. In the case of China, even as late as the mid-1970s, it was still in the grip of Mao Zedongs Cultural Revolution, deeply communistic and antagonistic to Western values and ways. These were big countries with huge populations. In 1980, Indias population of 687 million people accounted for almost one-sixth (15.5%) of the worlds population. Chinas population of 981 million people at that time accounted for an even greater share of 22%. Together, these two slumbering giants harbored almost two-fifths of the human souls on the planet. Yet, both Chinese

and Indian economies each only accounted for approximately 1.7% of world output. That both these nations appeared trapped and content in their non-progressive cultures and ideologies was comforting. But, things soon changed. Next to awake was China. Napoleons prediction would finally prove prophetic. Returning from a trip to that nation 200 years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte uttered these now famous words, When China awakes, it will shake the world. Today, hardly 35-40 years after China began stirring, the world is indeed shaking. The China Agenda: What Is It? As a world-traveling investment executive, this writer had only come to fully grasp the significance of Chinas economic awakening somewhat late. I remember the very day that my awareness was alerted. On a research trip to Asia in 1992, I visited with the
JUNE 2010

Next to awake was China. Napoleons prediction would finally prove prophetic. Returning from a trip to that nation 200 years ago, Napoleon Bonaparte uttered these now famous words, When China awakes, it will shake the world. Today, hardly 35-40 years after China began stirring, the world is indeed shaking.

31

M ONEY: ENDS & T RE NDS

$
world was small even with a population of one billion people. China met the goal it had set in 1979, quadrupling the size of its economy in the next 20 years. Today, it is already well advanced in its goal to again quadruple the size of its economy by 2020. And yet, it is only in very recent years that the world has come to recognize the stupendous impact of a stirring China. Rising oil prices and a job-deficient economic recovery in the US have awakened a sleeping West to finally notice the industriousness of Asia and to consider the impact it may have upon the cherished and accustomed lifestyles enjoyed by these countries. Now, the future implications of a booming China look all too obvious. But the past does not always extrapolate neatly into the future. While the future is never as sure as a popular consensus may think, it is true that China has indeed awoken and the world is shaking. But there is more to this epic development than meets the eye. We continue with this series in the next issue: Far East Asia Trends Today Part II: Topic of Bible Prophecy. In it we reveal the mysterious Asian nation mentioned in the Bible that is furthest east and prove from Scripture that Far East Asia indeed has a prophetic role. MC

Now, the future implications of a booming China look all too obvious. But the past does not always extrapolate neatly into the future. While the future is never as sure as a popular consensus may think, it is true that China has indeed awoken and the world is shaking. But there is more to this epic development than meets the eye.

Chief Investment Officer of a major family fortune (with Mainland connections) in Hong Kong. This man, who was Chinese and educated in Australia, was more than forthcoming about what was happening in China. Basically, his message was this: Western corporate executives were so greedy they were willing to supply all their technology free to Chinaand significant investment capital to bootif they could have an opportunity to access Chinas domestic consumer market. He was chuckling as he said it. Whats more, he didnt think foreigners were ever going to make much money in China. He was amused with the transparent gullibility and greed of the wai loliterally meaning, foreign devils. It was the Chinese version of a capitalist monkey trap. That conversation took place already a full decade after the economic opening to the rest of the world was begun by Premier Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s. In retrospect, the views of my Chinese contact were largely correct. Few foreign investors have made much money although a sizable proportion of the foreign industrial entities (FIEs) and companies owned by foreign multinational companies are now profitable. As mentioned, 1992 was rather late to recognize the big picture that was unfolding. It had been 1979 when Premier Deng Xiaoping first launched Chinas economic development program. The objective was to quadruple the size of Chinas economy over the next 20 years. Chinas leaders realized that globalizationwhat they more accurately recognized as Anglobalization2was here to stay and that projecting worldwide influence and power was primarily a function of economic might. As China had been so disengaged from free market capitalism, its economic footprint in the
32
MIDNIGHT CALL

ENDNOTES
1 OECD Website. Korea signed the Convention founding the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development on 12 December 1996, thereby pledged its full dedication to achieving the Organisations fundamental aims. Accessed November 26, 2005. http://www.oecd.org/about/0,2337,en_33873108 _33873555_1_1_1_1_1,00.html 2 Niall Ferguson, Empire: The Rise and Fall of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power (New York: Basic Books, 2003). The term Anglobalization is coined in this work.

UK

Brain Scan to Read Peoples Thoughts

British scientists from University College London found they could differentiate brain activity linked to different memories and thereby identify thought patterns by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
The evidence suggests researchers can tell which memory of a past event a person is recalling from the pattern of their brain activity alone. Weve been able to look at brain activity for a specific episodic memoryto look at actual memory traces, said senior author of the study, Eleanor Maguire. We found that our memories are definitely represented in the hippocampus. Now that weve seen where they are, we have an opportunity to understand how memories are stored and how they may change through time. The results, reported in the March 11 online edition of Current Biology, follow an earlier discovery by the same team that they could tell where a person was standing within a virtual reality room in the same way. The researchers say the new results move this line of research along because episodic memoriesrecollections of everyday events are expected to be more complex, and thus more difficult to crack than spatial memory. In the study, Maguire and her colleagues Martin Chadwick, Demis Hassabis, and Nikolaus Weiskopf showed 10 people each three very short films before brain scanning. Each movie featured a different actress and a fairly similar everyday scenario. The researchers scanned the participants brains while the participants were asked to recall each of the films. The researchers then ran the imaging data through a computer algorithm designed to identify patterns in the brain activity associated with memories for each of the films. Finally, they showed that those patterns could be identified to accurately predict which film a given person was thinking about when he or she was scanned.
-news.yahoo.com, 11 March 2010

Man, in his keen desire to uncover some of Gods secrets of creation, is certainly making progress. These sophisticated instruments are able to measure brain activity with an admirable level of success. The reason for such research is plain fighting terrorism! Such a brain scan could be used to identify the intention of anyone who wishes to do harm when boarding a plane. Therefore, the develop-

ment of any instrument capable of guaranteeing security would certainly be welcomed the world over. Obviously, this leads in the direction of the attempt to copy the Lord Jesus Christ, for of Him is written: And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in manBut he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth (John 2:25 and Luke 6:8). 3791
(For more information, read The Coming Digital God, Item 1046.)

ISRAEL

Scientists Racing to Create Bionic Eye

Israeli and international scientists are working to develop a revolutionary technology that could restore sight to millions. Within a few years, one or more versions of a bionic eye for people with degenerative conditions affecting the retina are expected to be available commercially.
The innovative technology relies on the brains acquired ability to process visual data. As such, it will only provide a limited field of vision. Nano Retina, based in Herziliya Pituah and founded by entrepreneur Yossi Gross, is developing an implant that will replace damaged photo-receptors in the eyes and provide gray-scale vision to a resolution of 1300 pixels for the first generation of chips and 5000 pixels for the second generation. The company hopes to begin marketing its implant (continued next page) within five years.

JUNE 2010

33

(continued from page 33)

Bionic

ASIA

The German biomedical firm Retina Implant AG, meanwhile, recently reported the successful conclusion of a clinical trial involving 11 subjects who lost their sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. A tiny chip implanted underneath the retina enables light entering through the pupil to be converted into neural signals that are received by the brain. The chip is powered by a tiny external battery that is affixed behind the ear. Nano Retina engineers say their chip will enable users to identify facial features and to watch television. While both chips use a similar biological infrastructure, Nano Retinas battery will be charged wirelessly, by a mini-laser attached to a pair of eyeglasses. Meanwhile, Bionic Vision Australia announced recently that its bionic eye, which includes a miniature camera attached to glasses, will be on the market within three years.
-haaretz.com, 6 April 2010

Asian Economy to Be on Top of the World by 2020

Business analysts predict an economic rise for Asian corporations. The current conditions work towards the success of Asian giants. Their success is presumably based on the low cost of products which in its turn is based on the use of a cheap labor force. The prospering Asian companies cannot be good at everything. Their weak point is the spheres of communications and branding.
Fleishman-Hillard, a global leader in marketing and communications, conducted a research [project] titled The New Asian Champions. The survey revealed that 70 percent of world political, scientific and business elite were certain that Asia, with China at the head, will become the most influential region of the global economy by 2020. Sixtyseven percent of respondents said that enormous opportunities of the Asian economy would be visible already in five years, taking into consideration current economic trends. Seventy-two percent of respondents said that the main advantages of Asian transnational corporations are based on the low cost of their products and inexpensive labor force. Nevertheless, Asian companies have to solve many problems to be able to use their potentials on the world market. Thirty-five percent of the respondents said that Asian corporations lacked branding and specialization. The New Asian Champions have all chances to achieve unprecedented success. It is too early for Asias leading companies to rest on their laurels, though. The leadership of the Asian region in the world shall not be taken for granted. It is time for Asian corporations to think about investing in branding. The fast-growing economies of India and North Asia have provided unprecedented opportunities for todays Asian MNCs. As they continue to grow and take on new markets, the next few years will test their ability to rein-

The scientific achievement of Israel is nothing less than remarkable. The blind shall see! That is one of the dreams of medical science the world over. More than 2,700 years ago, the prophet Isaiah expressed it this way: And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness (Isaiah 29:18). The New Testament documents the fulfillment: Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached (Luke 7:22). Thus, we may consider this technological achievement a prophetic pointer to that which is yet to come, when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to Israel and from there rules 3805 the entire world.
(For more information on technology, order The Coming Digital God, Item 1046.)

vent themselves into global success stories. Clearly, the New Asian Champions have unprecedented opportunities to succeed globally, said Dave Senay, president and chief executive officer of Fleishman-Hillard.
-pravda.ru, 17 March 2010

Only time will tell how precise these predictions will turn out. One thing is crystal clear: Asian economies are catching up quickly with the European (Western) world. This is necessary in order to create a more balanced planet, as much neglected Asia plays a more significant role. Although cheap labor seems to be the initial fuel for Asias fantastically growing economy, it should only be a temporary issue if compared with the European economy. For example: Germany has barely been replaced by China as the worlds number one exporter, but Germany operates with the most expensive workforce in the world. The issue really boils down to quantity versus quality, thus brand name recognition.
(continued next page)

34

MIDNIGHT CALL

GERMANY

Now the Worlds Third Largest Arms Exporter

German arms exports more than doubled during the last five years, according to a new report, placing the country behind just the US and Russia on the list of the worlds largest weaponry exporters. The opposition in Berlin wants more oversight.
When it comes to arms exports, few will be surprised that the US tops the list, with 30 percent of global expenditures on arms going to weaponry from America. Second place is likewise hardly a shocker23 percent of the worlds weapons originate in Russia. Third place, though, is raising more eyebrows. According to the 2009 annual report put together by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Germanys weapons exports have more than doubled in the last five years, to 11 percent of the global total. German submarines and tanks, the report makes clear, have gained a number of loyal customers. Given Berlins tentative forays into geopolitics in recent yearsagainst a backdrop of deep domestic skepticism about German involvement in conflicts across the globeit is perhaps not surprising that the opposition is up in arms at the SIPRI ranking. Indeed, the Greens are now demanding greater parliamentary oversight for arms exports. This report shows that we need more stringent control over and sharper criteria governing arms exports, Green leader Claudia Roth told the Klner Stadt-Anzeiger. Parliament must finally get the right to monitor the governments weapons exports, she continued, adding that such control was commonplace elsewhere. China and India lead the pack of arms importers, but Singapore and Algeria made the top 10 for the first time. Indeed, Singapore arms imports increased by 146 percent during the peGermany has become the world's third largest arms exporter, with many of its weapons, including this submarine, earmarked for Greece.

Jan van Ajen, deputy floor leader of the far-left Left Party, called the increase in German arms exports horrible and called for a ban. There shouldnt be any jobs in this country devoted to the death of other people, he told the Frankfurter Rundschau. Rainer Arnold, security spokesman for the opposition Social Democrats, told the newspaper, however, that he finds nothing objectionable about German companies supplying weapons to NATO allies. Deliveries to other countries, he continued, must be viewed very critically.
-spiegel.de, 15 March 2010

riod of 2005-2009 against the years 2000-2004. Malaysian arms purchases increased by 722 percent during the same period. SIPRI regularly comes up with higher estimates of German arms exports than the German government, primarily due to the fact that the institute includes compensation deals in their statistics in addition to the sales of used weaponry and presents. The SIPRI report found that warships made up 44 percent of German arms exports with tanks contributing an additional 27 percent.

We are still living in the time of the Gentiles, which Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:6: 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. Weapons of war are still a lucrative business; thus, preparation for war seems but natural: Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong (Joel 3:9-10). 3773
(For quick answers to Bible prophecy questions, read 119 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Prophecy, Item 1055.)

(continued from page 34)

From that perspective, it is highly unlikely that Asian products will collectively outshine the European world. Important to keep in mind is that the Bible recognizes only one global power structure, and that is Rome. Rome represents Europe, and Europe represents the world.

What is written in Daniel chapter 8 has been in the process of fulfillment for almost 2,500 years, but will climax in the final stages of the endtimes: And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also

he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand (verses 24-25). 3793
(For an in-depth study on the book of Daniel, we suggest Daniels Prophecies Made Easy, Item 1057.)

JUNE 2010

35

AFGHANISTAN

The Champion of Drugs Production

We really have to take our hats off to NATO. This clique of arms lobbyists and defender of jobs for the boys invaded Afghanistan in 2001 on the pretext that Osama bin Laden was using the country to attack western interests. Almost a decade after the Taleban declared war on drugs production, NATOs Afghanistan is not only the worlds largest producer of opium but now, of hashish also.

UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa declared in the report that the astonishing yield of the Afghan cannabis crop makes Afghanistan the worlds biggest producer of hashish, estimated at between 1,500 and 3,500 tons a year, being 145 kg per hectare, compared with Moroccos 40 kg. Cannabis fetches 3,900 USD in income per hectare, compared with opiums 3,600 USD. The UN report states that there are both cannabis and opium trading centers throughout the country. So what exactly is NATO doing in Afghanistan, where the Taleban was supposed to surrender ten years ago and still has not, where heroin production has risen no less than 40 times in the same period and now Afghanistans claim to fame is world record holder of opium and cannabis production?
-pravda.ru, 1 April 2010

USA

U.S. Set to Lure Foreign Tourists

The United States will spend up to $200 million targeting foreign tourists under a bill that passed Congress and is all but assured of a presidential signature.
South Florida tourism officials lobbied for the Travel Promotion Act, which creates a $10 fee charged mostly to European visitors to fund up to $100 million a year for advertising campaigns and other marketing efforts. The travel industry would provide the other $100 million in joint ad purchases, donated trips for travel writers, and other contributions. Its going to mean a lot to South Florida, said Joe West, former dean of Florida International Universitys hospitality school and now a professor there. This will give us a better opportunity to market our product. Foreign visitors account for about half of MiamiDades 12 million annual visitors, the biggest share of international tourism among the countrys major hotel markets. Though the Commerce Department says foreign arrivals hit a record 58 million in 2008, the travel industry sees the United States losing market share in the global tourism industry as other countries spend more on promotion. The United States has not had a national tourism campaign since a spotty effort in Europe in the middle of the last decade that amounted to less than $50 million over three years, according to the travel association. While many other nations have a tourism ministry as a cabinet-level position, the U.S. has only a small tourism office devoted to research. The new act, which passed the Senate and the White House supports, would charge $10 every other year to foreign travelers who dont need visas to enter the United States. That applies to visa-waiver countries, which mostly are in Europe.
(continued next page)

And nearly ten years later, NATOs considerable coalition has not managed to gain control of the country, the NATO-installed President, Karzai, is railing against his NATO masters because he has been accused of corruption and considers it is their fault (no really) and now we learn from the United Nations Organization that NATOs Afghanistan, already the worlds leading supplier of opium, has now become the record-breaking producer of hashish as well. Wow, NATO 2 world population 0. Is this why they insisted on expanding eastwards (after saying they wouldnt) to create new markets? The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in its report Afghanistan Cannabis Survey, estimated that between 10 and 24 thousand hectares of cannabis per year are cultivated in Afghanistan. Not only is the figure shocking, worse still is the affirmation that this production takes place in half of the countrys 34 provinces.

This article does reveal that foreign military force can no longer control a conquered country and its people. Quite the opposite seems true. Now, opium and hashish have become the key factors in this conflict. We must recall that the Soviet Union tried to subdue the Taliban elements, which the US strongly supported. Today the issue is reversed. NATO, under the leadership of the United States, tries desperately to subdue the Taliban, but without apparent success. It seems that NATO has made opium and hashish king. We are reminded here of the words of our Lord in Matthew 24:6-7: 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.
3797

(For more information, read How Democracy Will Elect the Antichrist, Item1064.)

36

MIDNIGHT CALL

UN

Israels Ambassador: You Have Done Nothing to Stop the Rockets

Israel charged that the United Nations Human Rights Council does not believe it has the right to self-defense against the rockets Gaza Palestinians launch against its citizens on the southern border.
You have done nothing about it, and you expect that Israel does nothing either, said Israels ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Aharon Leshno Yaar. The council is expected to approve four resolutions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One resolution invites the International Committee of the Red Cross and interested parties to discuss the legality of Israels use of certain munitions in Gaza. It also welcomes the General Assembly recommendation that a conference be held on measures to enforce the Fourth Geneva Convention in the Palestinian territories. Two other resolutions before the council accuse Israel of a host of human rights abuses against Palestinians and take it to task for continued settlement-building, including in east Jerusalem. For six hours in two separate sessions, one country after another attacked Israels treatment of the Palestinians, and few said anything about the rockets or the continued captivity of IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, who has been held by Hamas in Gaza since June 2006. This was followed by speeches from non-governmental organizations. In his second speech of the day, Leshno Yaar spoke about the rockets and noted that even South African Jurist Richard Goldstone had stated that the firing of these rockets are war crimes and may amount to crimes against humanity. Only recently, he said, one such rocket killed a Thai citizen, Manee Singueanphon, who was working in an Israeli greenhouse on the Gaza border.
(continued from page 36)

Israel's UN ambassador attacks UNHRC as damaging peace effort, unbalanced.

This council has not built hope, confidence or done anything to bring the sides closer together. If anything, it has done the opposite, nurturing bitterness and anger, mistrust and suspicion, he said. The ambassador accused council members of disproportionately focusing on the IsraeliPalestinian conflict as a way to shift the bodys focus away from their own human rights issues. Debates such as the one held, said Leshno Yaar, come not from a genuine hope to improve the lives of Palestinians or Israelis, but only a dubious urge to lash out at Israel. Pakistan, on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, accused Israel of pursuing a policy of wanton oppression and of eliminating the religious and cultural heritage of Palestine. In turn, the World Union for Progressive Judaism compared the Hamas charter with Nazi manifesto Mein Kampf. The Hamas charter simply calls for Jews to be killed in Israel, to be eliminated, said a representative of the NGO, adding that it inspires a jihadist terrorist regime to teach systematically a culture of hate and death.
-Jerusalem Post, 23 March 2010, pg. 18

The issue is no longer a Palestinian state in the land of Israel, but the end of the State of Israel and its being replaced by an Islamic republic. While Israel has many friends in the European world (West), none will support Israels claim to the Promised Land in accordance with the geography given in Holy Scripture. We are reminded here of the words of the prophet Ezekiel, who speaks of the land of Israel and those who claim the land for themselves: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey (Ezekiel 36:5). There is overwhelming evidence that the land of Israel was indeed castfor a prey. It became a semi-desert, unproductive agriculturally to support a large population. Besides a few Jews and some Arab Bedouins, the land was barren. Everything changed when the Jews returned to their own land and proclaimed to the world the independence of the State of Israel on 14 May, 1948. Today, the land of Israel supports a population of over 7 million people. 3806
(Read more about the Promised Land in News From Israel.)

An airline trade group opposed the plan, saying it could turn-off tourists forced to pay the extra fee. But travel officials see the passage as good timing, given the recent decline in foreign tourism during the financial crisis.
-miamiherald.com, 27 February 2010

Although the United States attracts only a fraction of the global tourism industry, America presents a bargain primarily due to the decline of the US dollar on the international currency market. Doubtless, tourism will continue to increase in line with economic growth globally. As the US becomes an even more service-ori-

ented economy, international tourism becomes a shot in the arm from countries with strong currencies such as the euro. Traveling to and fro is nothing new, but in the end times, it is virtually exploding. Tourism is a great contributor towards internationaliza3759 tion of the nations of the world.
JUNE 2010 37

SWITZERLAND

Solar-Powered Plane Soars 1,200 Meters High

A solar-powered airplane designed to fly day and night without fuel or emissions successfully made its first test flight above the Swiss countryside.
The Solar Impulse, which has 12,000 solar cells built into its wings, is a prototype for an aircraft intended to fly around the world without fuel in 2012. It glided for 87 minutes above western Switzerland at an altitude of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) with German test pilot Markus Scherdel at the controls. Everything went as it should, Scherdel told Reuters Television at Payerne military base after landing. It took six years to build the carbon fiber aircraft, which has the wingspan of an Airbus A340 and weighs as much as a mid-size car (1,600 kg). The prototype made a flea hop in December 2009, flying a distance of 350 meters one meter above the runway of a military airbase near Zurich. It was then transported to Payerne airfield in the west of Switzerland for its maiden flight. The propeller plane is powered by four electric motors and designed to fly day and night by saving energy from its solar cells in high-performance batteries. It is ultimately expected to attain an average flying speed of 70 kms per hour and reach a maximum altitude of 8,500 meters (27,900 feet). Bertrand Piccard, one of the Swiss pilots behind the project, is best known for completing the first non-stop, round-the-world flight in a hot-air balloon in March 1999. The other main pilot, Swiss engineer Andre Borschberg, has described it as ten times lighter than the very best glider. Such a large wingspan for so little weight is something completely new in the world of aviation, he said on the initiative's website www.solarimpulse.com. The projects budget is 100 million Swiss francs ($94 million), 80 million francs of which has been secured from sponsors, according to spokeswoman Rachel de Bros. Belgian chemicals company Solvay, Swiss watchmaker Omega, part of the Swatch group, and German banking giant Deutsche Bank, are the three main sponsors. 3799
-reuters.com, 7 April 2010

UKRAINE

Presidential Candidate Campaigns for National Dictatorship

According to Sergey Ratushnyak, the Mayor of Uzhgorod, and the presidential candidate, Ukraine must be saved in the most dictatorial wayLenta.ru.
The villain must be cut to his size; the bribetaker judgeup against the wall; prosecutorup against the wall; customs officer, taxation officerup to the wall. Every state official must have a choice: decent and well-paid job or a guillotine. Ratushnyak highlighted that only such radical measures can save Ukraine and drive it out of crisis. The presidential candidate also said that corruption is blossoming in Ukraine; and all the TV channels, financial system, industry and energy sphere belong to evil clans.

Presidential elections in Ukraine [were] held on January 17th 2010.

-georgiatimes.info, 30 November 2009

Sergey Ratushnyak did not win the election, but his suggestion of practicing radicalism has become popular in several parts of Eastern Europe. But how to successfully combat crime and corruption can be shown best by the European Union. Although several member nations are considered extreme when it comes to crime and corruption, the built-in checkand-balance mechanism of the European Union system is showing remarkable success. From another news source, we read the following: Even the slightest real hope on the European integration of Ukraine, even in the long term, could work wonders with this country in terms of internal reform, EU-Russia Center analyst Olena Prystayko said.

3800

Under EU procedure, if a country submits a formal request for membership, EU member states decide by consensus whether or not to refer the application to the European Commission for evaluation before later launching accession talks (euobserver.com). Based on various other sources, Ukraine is not ready to be considered as a serious applicant for membership in the EU. Nevertheless, it is our belief that all of Europe will and must become members of the Union in the not too distant future. The European Unions philosophyUnited in Diversityis the only practical solution to the innumerable problems facing the world. After all, Europe is Rome, and Rome is the final Gentile superpower dominating planet Earth.

(For more info, read Revelation 13: Satans Last Victory, Item 1067.)

38

MIDNIGHT CALL

LET TER S TO THE ED I TOR

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.

Days Shortened... Eternal Security... When Was Satan Created?

Days Shortened Dear Sir, A recent discussion on a Christian radio program brought out a meaning regarding Matthew 24:2122 that Ive never heard before: for the elects sake these days shall be shortened. The idea was put forth that shortening might mean a faster daysay 20 hours for one rotation of Earth. To my way of thinking, increasing the speed of rotation would cause the casting off of loose substrata due to centrifugal force, and causing even more tribulation in the form of earthquakes and tsunamis. What is your view of this definition?
-C. Murray, NJ

Answer: The theory of tsunamis and earthquakes slowing down or speeding up the rotation of the earth is based on shortsighted temporary science. The world will continue as is, according to Genesis 8:22: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. The seven-year tribulation is more or less 2,557 days. In the midst of the tribulation, about 1,278 days, God will send His angels (Matthew 24:31) and supernaturally transport the Jews to a safe place, according to Revelation 12:14. If the full 2,557 days would come upon the Jews, then indeed should no flesh be saved. The prophet Jeremiah speaks about that time in chapter 30, verse 7: Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacobs trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
JUNE 2010 39

LE T T E R S TO THE E DITOR

Eternal Security Hi, Ive enjoyed your magazine for two years. I may not agree with every point, but its very well written and gives a person much to think about and dwell on. I especially enjoyed your book on Daniel and highly recommend it for anyone who desires a deeper knowledge of the Word. Question: You believe strongly in the doctrine of eternal security. How then do you explain Matthew 24:4551? Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
-M. Evans, FL

give meat in due season to the flock, and therefore will be rewarded. The servant who does not waitand to eat and drink with the drunken, instead of feeding the flock in due seasonshall lose any and all rewards. 1 Corinthians 3:15 reads, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Answer: Matthew 24:45-51 does not relate to eternal security. Although this is not expressly called a parable, it is in fact. Servants should be ready at any moment; subsequently, they

When Was Satan Created? Dear Brother Arno, First, I want to thank you all for producing the Midnight Call magazine, with the many timely articles and your heart for the Scriptures. I thank our God that it causes me to meditate upon the Scriptures and search the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11). What caught my attention was in the Letters to the Editor section of the February 2010 issue, from J. Dvorak, MT, concerning Satans fall. Dr. Kent Hovind covered that same question in his excellent seminar on The Garden of Eden, concerning the Gap Theory and the contradictions that theory produces with the Scriptures, citing Ezekiel 28:13-15 and others. Following are some other Scriptures that came to my mind, concerning when Satan was created, rebelled and fell. Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. For

my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD (Isaiah 55:8). For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known (1 Corinthians 13:12). As created beings, our minds and spirits are darkened with sin: He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:11). So we, who are in time, cant comprehend eternity, where there is no time/endless time. When was Satan created? When did he fall? Dont know really, and can we be content with what we have and not need to know more? The other Scriptures that came to my mind concerning Satans creation were Genesis 1:31-2:1: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. All the host of them makes me think angels were created at that time, and all was very good. When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy (Job 38:7). A physical day to us is limited in time, but in eternity a great deal of things may have

40

MIDNIGHT CALL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

occurred. So tying these Scriptures together in my limited understanding, and in relation to our time scale of sojourn on this earth: I think Satan was created (not as Satan of course) when the heaven and earth were created and the host of them; that Satans rebellion took place before he tempted Eve in the garden (we dont know how many years Adam and Eve were in the Garden before they were expelledcould have been a hundred or more); and Satans fall, being cast to the earth (excluded from heaven), will take place, as you concluded, at the Rapture. Makes sense to me in light of the Scriptures and Revelation 12:7-12: And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they

loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And as Brother Bob Dylan said in his song, Pressing On: Many try to stop me, shake me up in my mind, say prove to me that He is Lord, show me a sign, what kind of sign do they need, when it all comes from within, when whats lost has been found, whats to come has already been.
-L. Sinsabaugh, NY

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. This certainly is an out-of-this-world description, revealing an unearthly place. Furthermore, the residence of this perfect, created being was not on the level with the Most High, which is revealed in Isaiah 14:14: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Satan wanted to be equal to God. That, incidentally, is still his aim. When we consider the heaven of heavens, then we must allow for the possibility that there is infinitely more than revealed to us in Scripture because, as you rightly say, we are limited in our understanding.

Answer: Here we must think of the Lords high priestly prayer, For thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24). Ephesian 1:4 reads: he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world. This indicates activity in heaven before the Genesis account. Because of Gods foreknowledge, He created His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, also before Creation. This leads me to assume that the morning star (Satan), also called Lucifer, rebelled against God during some undefined time previously. Deuteronomy 10:14 makes an interesting statement: Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORDS thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. There is a heaven, and there is the heaven of heavens. How many? Millions? Trillions? There is a clue as to the place of Lucifers creation in Ezekiel 28:14:

Tribulation and Rapture Shalom Dear Editor Arno Froese, Greetings from our blessed Savior, Yahshua the Messiyah. Your answer to Satans Fall, page 43, February 2010 Midnight Call: But when the Rapture takes place, The accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our [Elohim] day and night. What you quoted is true, but it is not what you teach. Daniels prophecy in chapter 12:1-2 is talking about the time of the Rapture/resurrection, which is the time Michael stands up; this will take place in Revelation 12:7. After the man child (the believers body of Messiyah) is caught up (Revelation 12:5) cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:17: Then
JUNE 2010 41

LE T T E R S TO THE E DITOR

we which are alive and remain shall be caught upYahshua, speaking to the assembly of Thyatira (Revelation 2:25-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:2), tells us that we shall judge/rule the world. We are the man child, the same as the ones we see in Revelation 7:9-14. We the believers in Yahshua must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of Yahweh (2 Thessalonians 1:4; Revelation 1:9; 2:9). We shall not go through the wrath of Yahweh (1 Thessalonians 1:10). The wrath of Yahweh is the last 3 years of Daniels 70th week (Revelation 16:1). The man child is caught up, and then the woman fled into the wilderness for 3 years, the last 3 years of Daniels 70th week. You see, we are caught up to heaven after the first 3 years are over. This is the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-5). Look at the testimony of the believers (man child) when Satan was accused in Revelation 12:11: And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and loved not their lives unto the death. Compare with Revelation 7:14.
-J. Dunkelberger, PA

beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21). That is tribulation unto destructive judgment. Israel, however, will be saved out of it, according to Jeremiah 30:7. You present some excellent arguments, except you make no distinction between the Church of Jesus Christ and Israel.

Answer: The Bible speaks of many different tribulations. You mentioned some of them that fulfill a specific purpose: namely, tribulation unto sanctification. The Great Tribulation, however, is something very unique. Jesus said: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the

Two Israels? Dear Mr. Froese, I love your magazine. Ive been reading it for over 10 years; it is a blessing to me and I look forward to it every month. There are two things I would like to share with you for your consideration: 1. Would it be possible to shorten the articles and be more to the point? In simple words, for people like me and perhaps thousands more. There is so much theology. The articles are so long that lately I skip over them and go to the news around the world, what is going on in Israel, and Letters to the Editor. 2. Would it be possible to include news of new converts in Jesus Christ in Israel? Also, how Palestinians are coming to Jesus and are in constant danger of being killed for their faith? You will agree that salvation is for everyone who puts his/her faith in Jesus. This would be a blessing for countless West Christians who sometimes hate Palestinians and the rest of the Arabs. The reality is that not all are

terrorists; to the contrary, few are the real terrorists. In Palestine, if it not were for the Hamas terrorists or other groups, the situation would be different. The sad reality is that these people are suffering too. They are poor to the extreme because of this group and the infamous Arafat, who gave them nothing but fake money. For the first time, I learned about this fact in a new book that I got at the bookstore, Two Nations Under God, by Tom Doyle.
-E. Lakomy, FL

Answer: Theology is essential to our existence; its the Word of God. To publish news items is to show events developing toward fulfillment of Bible prophecy. When it comes to our activity in Israel among Jews and Arabs, we have learned it is best to be silent. Here, I must recall our experience during the times of the Iron Curtain. We operated an extensive work of publishing and supplying the Word of God in the former Soviet Union, but we never mentioned it publicly. Why not? Because it would only damage our work and quite possibly endanger those who were the recipients. There is good news, and we confirm that souls are being added to the Church from among the Jews and Arabs in the land of Israel. You should have noticed that there is something badly wrong with a book titled, Two Nations Under God. According to Holy Scripture, there can only be one: For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God,

42

MIDNIGHT CALL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth (Deuteronomy 14:2). All other nations are under the authority of Lucifer, the god of this world. The Bible says, the whole world lieth in wickedness (1 John 5:19). Galatians 1:4 reads: Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. See also Ephesians 2:12. Today, the nations (ALL) are being prepared to be judged: I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land (Joel 3:2).

This Generation Dear Brother Arno: For many reasons, I agree with T. Parrish, whose letter you published in the October 2009 edition of Midnight Call, that the Rapture of the church must be no later than 2011. Jesus said: This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled (Matthew 24:34). Jesus established a generation as 70 years when he spoke of His generation, which effectively ended in 70 AD with the destruction of the temple, and when He said the men of Nineveh would judge His generation. The generation of the men of Nineveh was also 70 years, because it was 65 to 70 years after they repented at Jonahs preaching

that Nahum condemned them, and that condemnation came 70 years later in 612 BC. God gave them another generation to repent, which they did not. Jonah apparently preached repentance to Nineveh in approximately 750 BC. Nineveh was destroyed about 138 years later, in 612 BC. Thats approximately 140 years, or two 70-year generations. If these dates are correct, Jesus would therefore have established the repentant generation of Nineveh at 70 years, plus His own generation at 70 years with the destruction of the temple, making the current generation of Israel, of which He prophesied and which was born on May 14, 1948, a 70-year generation (not 40 or 100, etc.). Israel now being 61 years old, the 7year tribulation can start no later than May 14, 2011, if it is to fall within a precise 70-year generation. This is not date setting. Jesus commanded us: When ye shall se these things come to pass, know [imperative] that it is night, even at the doors (Mark 13:29). The children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32). What ought Israel to do in these times? Maybe all of this discussion and revelation is more for them who will face the Antichrist than for us who will be caught away Home.

I believe that The Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Jews is currently rapidly underway. After all these centuries, the veil is being lifted from their eyes. They have not known, nor undersood, for He hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand (Isaiah 44:18). It is given unto you [disciples] to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them [the Jewish multitude] it is not given (Matthew 13:11). How many Christians, even, knew only a few years ago that Jesus Hebrew name is Yeshua? Until only recently, most Jews thought Jesus was a Catholic and, for that matter, so did a lot of Christians. Now, virtually everybody knows He is Yeshua haMashiach, the Jewish Messiah, Marys Beloved Rabboni (John 20:16). How far away can His returning be? Israels time has come. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
-M. Hoffman, TX

Answer: In Genesis 15:16, God calls one generation one hundred years. In Hebrews 3:9-10, a generation is identified with 40 years. Your argument about the 70-year generation is certainly noteworthy. However, when it comes to determining the time of the Rapture, I am forced to reject it because of my often-repeated statement that if Jesus will come in 2011, I dont have to wait for Him today. That, however, contradicts the continuous admonition of the Bible to wait for Jesus today.
JUNE 2010 43

LE T T E R S TO THE E DITOR

Seventh Day Dear Mr. Froese, My dear neighbor who is a wonderful sweet Christian lady shares the Midnight Call with us and we share our publications with her. I find some of your World Focus articles very interesting as well as the Letters to the Editor. I always respect anyone who is trying to lead people to Jesus and the study of the Scriptures, though I may not agree with their biblical interpretation. I find very troubling your response to a reader (April 2009) under the heading Seventh Day. You mentioned sev-

eral denominations with which you disagree, and that certainly is permissible, but what seems to me as unfair is to denigrate them as cults, not representing true biblical orthodox Christianity. In my lifetime (82 years) I have found wonderful devout Christians in all denominations whom I believe will be in heaven. We are so blessed in this country to have ready access to the Scriptures and all kinds of commentaries and helps for studying them. We are told that God so loved the world, and the grace of God has appeared unto all men. It

is up to each of us to search the Scriptures and follow what we believe is true, and to be careful how we judge one another. Of course, we are warned about false teachers, unbiblical teachings and theories which would draw us away from our Savior. However, did you ever think that some of these people whom you denigrate might think the same about you and what you teach? Sadly, you are completely mistaken or misinformed about Seventh-Day Adventists. Why do you not read their own statements of belief, rather than assume they have
MC 06/10

Clip and mail to : Midnight Call. P.O. Box 280008. Columbia, SC 29228 or Call 1-800-845-2420 (MF 85 EST)

Your family, relatives and friends need to be updated on events taking place today as they relate to the eternal Word of God. What better way to do that than by sending a gift subscription that keeps coming to them 12 times a year?
With your credit card ready, please call 800-845-2420, or you can fax your order any time to 803-755-6002.
J Check J Visa/Master/Discover/Amex Name:
Card# Expires: Phone:
1
Name:_______________________________________ Address:______________________________________ City:________________________________________ State/Province:__________________________________ Zip/Postal Code:_________________________________

Zip Code:

E-mail: ______________________________________________

Dont forget to order a gift subscription!

J I would like to give gift subscriptions to the name(s) I have listed below and pay
only $12 per subscription (a $28.95 value). J I would like to give four gift subscriptions to the names I have listed below. I accept your offer to renew my subscription to Midnight Call for one year free of charge (a $28.95 value).

2
Name:_______________________________________ Address:______________________________________ City:________________________________________ State/Province:__________________________________ Zip/Postal Code:_________________________________

3
Name:_______________________________________ Address:______________________________________ City:________________________________________ State/Province:__________________________________ Zip/Postal Code:_________________________________

4
Name:_______________________________________ Address:______________________________________ City:________________________________________ State/Province:__________________________________ Zip/Postal Code:_________________________________

44

MIDNIGHT CALL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

additional teachings, revelations and interpretations? Let them speak for themselves. We are all accountable to God for the way we understand His Word, which is the ultimate test of our faith. To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20). Our whole duty is summed up in the Old Testament, where Solomon says, Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. In the New Testament, Jesus said if we love Him, we will keep His commandments and walk as He walked. The ultimate test of the

true disciple is that we love one another. Let us pray for one another and for those with whom we disagree; that the gospel message will be carried to the world and we will inherit our heavenly home.
-E. Hill, NE

Answer: Indeed, true Christians, born again of His Spirit, can be found in all denominations. I am not disagreeing with certain denominations, but with teachings that are contrary to Holy Scripture. That is the issue. We are duty-bound to warn about unbiblical teachings and theories which would draw us away from the Savior. How can one

R PE CE SU ARAN ! E CLE SAL

How the Church is Being

Deceived
Examined in the light of Gods Word: Spiritual Baptism Laying on of Hands The Identity Theory Out-of-Body Experience Signs and Wonders Renewal Theology The Ecumenical Alignment
THE CHURCH SUBTLY DECEIVED?
ITEM# 2091 128 pgs. Paperback

$9.99

$5

Author: Alexander Seibel

draw away from the Savior? By disregarding His accomplished work on Calvarys Cross. That is being done by confusing the requirement of keeping the Laws of the Old Testament with the act of grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament. You will agree that Jesus is our great High Priest. He is different, so we read in Hebrews 7:12: For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. In Chapter 8, verse 13 we read, In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. You try to draw me away from Jesus in the wrong direction with your statement, Our whole duty is summed up in the Old Testament when Solomon says, Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Solomon did not bring about salvation, but Jesus did. Remember, the Pharisees asked about the commandments, and Jesus answered, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Matthew 22:37-40). Actually, the Apostle Paul warns quite seriously against those who want to place us under the burden of the Law, which Jesus fulfilled: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days (Colossians 2:16). MC
JUNE 2010 45

Mail order to: Midnight Call Box 280008 Columbia, South Carolina 29228
For Visa/MasterCard/Discover/AMEX orders, dial 18008452420 or 18037550733

Item# Title
Order by item number
Prophecy

(85 EST, MF). Please

have card ready.

CLIP & MAIL

Author Qty.
Hahn, W Froese, A Froese, A Froese, A Lieth, N Froese, A Froese, A Lieth, N Froese, A Froese, A Harris, K Froese, A Froese, A Froese, A Robinson, J Ankerberg, J Chambers , J Grobman, A Hindson, E Hunt, D Bigalke, R
LaHaye & Hindson

Price
$ 14.95 $ 11.95 $ 12.00 $ 10.00 $ 8.00 $ 8.00 $ 9.00 $ 8.00 $ 5.00 $ 8.00 $ 10.00 $ 5.00 $ 15.99 $ 6.00 $ 13.99 $ 10.00 $ 15.00 $ 15.00 $ 8.00 $ 18.00 $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $ 20.00 $ 10.00 $ 2.99 $ 2.99 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 8.00 3.00 8.00 8.00 6.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 2.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00

Total

MC 06/10

1068 1067 1064 1061 1060 1057 1055 1052 1050 1046 1044 1040 1038 1034 2244 2233 2229 2228 2226 2211 2203 2207 2201 2196 2161 2157
Christian Living

Global Financial Apocalypse Prophesied New Revelation 13: Satans Last Victory New How Democracy Will Elect the Antichrist SALE Preparing for the Mark of the Beast SALE Hidden Signs in the Olivet Discourse SALE Daniels Prophecies Made Easy SALE 119 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Prophecy SALE Zechariahs Prophetic Vision for the New World SALE Terror Over America SALE The Coming Digital God SALE The Unveiling SALE When Y2K Dies SALE The Great Mystery of the Rapture SALE Saddams Mystery Babylon SALE Bankruptcy of Our Nation Middle East Meltdown SALE The Masterpiece SALE Nations United SALE Antichrist Rising SALE Judgment Day! SALE One World SALE The Popular Bible Prophecy Workbook SALE The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy SALE When Will Jesus Come? SALE The Truth About the Millennium The Truth About Jerusalem in Bible Prophecy When Death Comes SALE Why It Pays to Be a Christian SALE Dear God, Thank You for Not Answering My Prayer SALE Letters to the Editor SALE Prayer & Revival SALE The Church Subtly Deceived? SALE My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition My Utmost for His Highest One Minute Updated Edition The Seven Dispensations in the Bible New The Bible is True SALE Nebuchadnezzars Dream SALE Seven Signs of a Born-Again Person SALE How To Walk With God SALE Message-of-the-Month Club (12 New CDs) Revelation 13 CD Album The Coming Muslim Invasion? The Gospel of the Lord Go and Build the Temple of the Lord The Last Gentile Superpower Why Jerusalem Is Jewish The Exclusive Church Racing Toward Religious Globalism Racing Toward Economic Globalism Racing Toward Political Globalism The Next Most Exciting Event Bible Prophecy for Our Time The Prophecy of Obadiah Israels Connection to Rome The Reality of Eternity The Proof of Faith and Eternity Approaching Eternity The Ultimate Deception They Shall Beat Their Swords into Plowshares MIDNIGHT CALL

LaHaye, T Hunt, D Ice, T Ice, T Harris, K Lieth, N Froese, A Froese, A Malgo, W Seibel, A Chambers, O Chambers, O Lieth, N Wasserzug, G Malgo, W Malgo, W Malgo, W

1056 1054 1047 1045 1002 2091 2243 2242

Booklets

1069 1059 1053 1030 1003 9213 5248 3224 3223 3222 3221 3220 3219 3210 3209 3208 3207 3206 3205 3204 3203 3202 3201 3200 3199

Message-of-the-Month on CD By Arno Froese

$ 47.95 $ 40.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00 $ 7.00

46

Mail order to: Midnight Call Box 280008 Columbia, South Carolina 29228
For Visa/MasterCard/Discover/AMEX orders, dial 18008452420 or 18037550733

Item# Title
Other Resources

Order online www.midnightcall.com/store CLIP & MAIL and shipping is free!

(85 EST, MF). Please

have card ready.

Author Qty. Price

$ 14.99 $ 7.99 $ 7.99 $ 8.00 $ 4.00 $ 39.00 $ 12.00 $ 12.00 $ 40.00 $ 21.50 $ 29.50 $ 8.00 $ 10.00 $ 12.00 $ 25.00 $ 30.00 $ 10.00 $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 10.00 $ 2.00 $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $ 8.00 $ 7.00 $ 9.00 $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $ 8.00 $ 8.00 $ 30.00 $ 39.00 $ 49.99 $ 49.99 $ 99.95 $ 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 52.00 $ 44.00 $ 68.50 Paganelli, A $ 8.00 $ 24.50 $ 14.00 $ 45.00

Total

MC 06/10

2247 2245 2246 1058 1039 2241 2240 2239 2238 2237 2236 2235 2234 2232 2231 2230 2227 2225 2224 2223 2216 2215 2214 2213 2212 2209 2206 2204 2202 2194 2007 9350 9356 9080 9081
DVD

The New Answers Book 3 New Ham, K The Truth About Islam and Jihad Ankerberg & Caner The Truth About Islam and Women Ankerberg & Caner The Masonic/Christian Conflict Explained SALE Harris, K How the Clinton Clergy Corrupted a President SALE Adams, M The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus SALE Whiston, W The New Answers Book 2 SALE Ham, K The Genesis Factor: Myths and Realities SALE Bigalke, R The Pilgrims Progress SALE Bunyan, J Adams Chart of History (folds only) SALE Adams, S Adams Chart of History (casebound) SALE Adams, S Refuting Evolution SALE Sarfati, J The Concise Guide to Todays Religions and Spirituality SALE Walker, J The New Answers Book SALE Ham, K The Annals of the World SALE Ussher J Unwrapping the Pharaohs SALE Ashton, J Preparing Catholics for Eternity SALE Gendron, M Christianity vs. Gnosticism SALE Hamilton, G Yoga and the Body of Christ SALE Hunt, D The Remarkable Wisdom of Solomon SALE Morris, H The Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code SALE Abanes, R In the Beginning Was Information SALE Gitt, W Christ-Centered Ministry vs. Problem-Centered Counseling Bobgan M&D Psycho Heresy SALE Bobgan M&D Understanding the Bible from A to Z SALE Rhodes, R If Animals Could Talk SALE Gitt, W God and the Nations SALE Morris, H World Religions & Cults 101 SALE Bickel & Jantz Examine the Evidence SALE Muncaster, R Fast Facts on False Teachings SALE Carlson, R Biblical Mathematics SALE Vallowe, E Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible (KJV) (Hardcover) SALE LaHaye, T Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible (KJV) (Burgundy Bonded Leather) SALE LaHaye, T Franklin Electronic Holy Bible 570 (KJV) SALE Franklin Electronic Holy Bible 570 (NIV) SALE Israel, A Journey Through Time New Secret Mysteries of Americas Beginnings Volume 1 The New Atlantis SALE Secret Mysteries of Americas Beginnings Volume 2 Riddles In Stone: Secret Architecture of Washington, D.C. SALE Secret Mysteries of America's Beginnings Volume 3 Eye of the Phoenix SALE Order 7075, 7076 and 7078 together for $52 SALE 2009 Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference CD SALE 2009 Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference DVD SALE Tribute to Israel (50 minute musical CD) SALE Midnight Call News From Israel Midnight Call Yearbook for 2009

7080 7075 7076 7078 5247 6057

Instrumental/CD

Prophecy Conference

9082
Renewals

9211 9212
Yearbook

1909
Name: Address: City: State/Province: Phone: E-mail:

SHIPPING Flat Rate For All Orders

Zip/Postal Code:

Purchase Total Gift to MC Shipping Grand Total

Visa MasterCard Discover Amex

Expires:___________

USA USA Priority Mail Canada All Other Countries

$ 4.95 $10.95 $ 9.00 $20.00

Card#:__________________________________________________

Thank You
47

Midnight Call is made possible by its members, subscribers and contributors.

JUNE 2010

Midnight Call Box 280008 Columbia, SC 29228

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid W. Columbia, SC Permit No. 168

Secret Mysteries of Americas Beginnings

Order all 3 DVDs for $52

Secret Mysteries of Americas Beginnings Volume One The New Atlantis

Secret Mysteries of Americas Beginnings Volume Two Riddles In Stone: Secret

Secret Mysteries of Americas Beginnings Volume Three Eye of the Phoenix

Item# 7075 172 min.

Architecture of Washington, D.C.

Item# 7076 170 min.

Secrets of the Dollar Bill

Item# 7078 170 min.

$ 20 DVD
The greatest Whodunit of the past 500 years! Secret Mysteries takes the mystery out of America's history. If America was founded as a Christian nation, why are many of its symbols, buildings, and monuments based on Pagan traditions? There is no doubt that much of Americas national heritage was Christian, but just as a coin has two sides, our national heritage has a second sideone based squarely on occult secret societies and their values.
4 Easy Ways to Order
Select your preference on the order form on pages 46 & 47 and mail it to us. For faster service, dial 1-800-845-2420, 8 a.m.5 p.m. EST, and have your credit card ready. Fax your order to (803) 755-6002 any time. Online www.midnightcall.com/store

$ 20 DVD
This video continues our examination of the true history of America's founding. We examine the architecture, the paintings, the sculptures and the street layouts of Washington, D.C. Since so much controversy over the centuries has erupted concerning the role Freemasons have played in the founding of America and of our nation's Capitol, we set up a public debate with top-ranking Masonic authorities on the one hand and independent researchers on the other.

$ 20 DVD
This high quality History Channel type documentary proves the following points about the two Seals on the back of the One Dollar Bill with clarity and precision: 1) The two Seals are Egyptian and Luciferian 2) The two Seals were introduced by Freemasons, in 1782 3) Masonic President Franklin Roosevelt, aided by his Secretary of Agriculture/Vice President Wallace, ordered these Seals to be placed on the back of the Dollar Bill in 1935, having been urged on and advised by the Russian channeler/ mystic, Nicolas Roerach.

FREE SHIPPING FOR ONLINE ORDERS! (US addresses only)