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7 The Rapture of Enoch

By Norbert Lieth
Enoch's rapture symbolizes the Rapture promised to the Church, which has passed from death to life. The return of Jesus in glory with His Church is spoken of as far back as in the fifth chapter of the Bible. Do we as the Church of Jesus Christ take this message seriously enough?

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Dont Kill Fish, Animal Rights Say

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Cardinal Hopes for Historic Breakthrough

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David: Lessons in Faith

PART III
By Dieter Steiger
In Part III of Dieter Steiger's study of the life of King David, we will learn how David maintained an exemplary testimony through his trusting prayer and obedience, and how he was restored again after his greatest fall.

39 ISRAEL
The Future of the Jews and Israel

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Europe Steps in to Propose Code of Conduct for Sovereign Wealth Funds

Eternal Glory
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In Psalm 23:6, David prophetically proclaims the assurance of being in the house of the heavenly Father one day. To be eternally with their Redeemer and Saviour, Jesus, is the most glorious hope of all children of God.

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Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .By Arno Froese REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY...PROSPERITY GOSPEL...ANTICHRIST

Midnight Call
MAY 2008

E D I T O R S

N O T E

Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai,
saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me (Jonah 1:1-2).
B y A r n o F r o e s e
Now Gods word comes to Jonah and He says, Go and preach to them, tell them to repent. That didnt seem to be in the interest of Israel at all. Besides, Nineveh was a far away place; it was way past Israels border at the Euphrates. Nineveh is located on the other side of the Tigris river. That, indeed, would have been a long journey for Jonah. Before we go further, I must insert an important statement that so wonderfully shows Gods immeasurable grace. More than 250 years before Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem, God sends His prophet to the land of Nineveh, which became part of Babylon later, to give them the opportunity to repent and recognize the God of Israel. That is amazing grace! Back to the separation issue: Not only in the Old Testament, but also in the New Testament, we read of the strict separation between Jews and Gentiles. When Jesus sent out His disciples, He gave clear instructions to avoid the Gentiles, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not (Matthew 10:5). Even before Jesus was born, the angel of the Lord made this statement addressed to Joseph:

he uniqueness of the prophet Jonah not only consists of the fact that the word of the Lord came to him, but also in the four words, Arise, go to Nineveh. This is quite unusual. An Israeli, from the tribe of Zebulon, is ordered to give warning to a city that lies in darkness and sin. To tell his own people, Israel, or Judah, of the judgment of God if they were not to repent would have been natural. But Jonah is commanded to go to the Gentiles, to Nineveh. We must recall that Israel was specifically instructed to be separated from the Gentiles. As a matter of fact, the Lord God ordered to totally eradicate all the native people in the land of Canaan. We read in Joshua 6:21, And they utterly destroyed all that [was] in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword. That was the beginning of Israels taking possession of the Promised Land. From that point on, we read of innumerable wars between Israel and its neighbors, and it was always about separation. Every Israeli knew that they were not to associate themselves with Gentiles. That was Gods order.
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And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). No mention is made about the Gentiles, but only His people, the Jews. During Christs ministry, an unnamed woman of Canaan [Gentile], came and begged Jesus to heal her daughter, yet we read, But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). Today, we would rightfully say it was a careless answer, definitely not very polite. But this Gentile woman does not give up, Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me (verse 25). Again, we hear something we would not only label as inconsiderate and impolite, but outright brutal, [Jesus] answered and said, It is not meet to take the childrens bread, and to cast it to dogs (verse 26). We have to understand that the definition dogs reveals the lowest denominator a human can be defined with. In plain words, Jesus is saying that the Word of God should only be given to the children, which is Israel and not the Gentiles. The story does not end for we read, And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters table (verse 27). This woman of Canaan recognized her low position but believed in grace, to which Jesus answered, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour (verse 28). One of the most horrendous errors within Christianity is to fail to recognize our position. We depend absolutely and unconditionally on His grace, and that grace becomes effective when we humble ourselves to the lowest level. That means we accept the definition of Holy Scripture regarding our position as Gentiles. Another example: Paul, the great apostle, presents his testimony to the Jews in Jerusalem and he concludes, And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). What was the result? And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air (verse 22-23). They really got upset when Paul mentions the Gentiles. Thus we see Israel was well aware of their position, chosen as a special nation above all the people on the face of the earth. This should suffice to show why Jonah could not grasp the order of the Lord to go to Nineveh. So what did he do? But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD (Jonah 1:3). Jonah went in the exact opposite direction: instead of going to the east, he went to the west to Tarshish, to Europe. He was to go by land to Nineveh, now he goes by water to Tarshish. It is extremely significant that it says Jonah went from the presence of the Lord. When we fail to do the will of God, according to His instruction, we are removing ourselves from the presence of the Lord. Surely Jonah could have said, I am a prophet and I will go, and he did go, but instead of going to the east, the territory representing the first Gentile superpower, he went to the west to Europe, the last Gentile superpower. The Lord in His time would have the gospel proclaimed to Europe and the rest of the world anyhow, but not in Jonahs time.

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M AY 2 0 0 8

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Babylon, too, would receive the clear message that the God of Israel is the God of creation. That fact is documented for us particularly in the book of Daniel. When the time had come for Rome (Europe) to take command of the world, the Gospel was spread to Europe and from there to the entire world. Gods ways are so different from ours. We think, speculate, even dream to do a certain work or a task we believe the Lord has given to us, but too often we fail to be still before the Lord so we may hear what He has to say and follow His instruction immediately as did the Father of all believers, Abraham. Jonah was to go to the east but he went to the west. Discovering Israel Tour and Prophecy Congress This issue of the magazine is being placed in the mail on the 10th of April. Our tour with all participants have everything prepared and are ready to go. Yet there is still the possibility for you to go. This time, we will not travel as a group on one plane to Israel. A new concept has been devised that will let you depart from your local airport with connections directly to Israel, where you will be met by our tour representatives. But you must literally hurry and let us know right away. It is not difficult to get 2, 3, or 4 seats on the plane to Israel, but hotel rooms at this time of the year, particularly during Israels 60th Anniversary, are relatively scarce. So, if this is a last minute decision, we encourage you to give us a call so we can make the necessary reservations for you right away. Business Reply Envelope You will notice a self-addressed envelope stapled in the center of this magazine. Please make use of this envelope when you order our resources or send your contribution to Midnight Call Ministries. This provision is in the testing stages, and we hope that you will take advantage of this convenience. For each envelope received here, Midnight Call must pay postage due which is slightly higher than First Class mail. When you choose to put your own postage stamp on the envelope, we will be credited by our local post office here in Columbia. Whatever your decision, using the envelope will encourage us to continue providing that service to you. Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference Racing Towards a Global World Now is the time to reserve 28-30 September on your calendar for the Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference. A number of national and international speakers will serve at this conference. Norbert Lieth from Switzerland, Wilfred Hahn from Canada, and Dave Hunt from Oregon have agreed to speak at the conference. Several other speakers have been invited. We must stress, however, that your reservation is very important to us. Also, due to the significant increase of cost, virtually on all levels, the registration fee has increased to $59. However, if you pre-register before 29 August, we will honor the old registration fee of only $49 per person. Today, more than ever, we realize that we are living in a global world. This is part of the progressive fulfillment of Bible prophecy. All the world will be one and led by one person called the Antichrist. Make plans now so you wont miss this very important conference, 28-30 September 2008. MC
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B Y

N o r b e r t

L i e t h

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). The New International Version puts this a little clearer, By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.

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THE RAPTURE OF ENOCH

Noah is a picture of Israel. He survived the downfall of the old world and was led to a new one. The earth was not the same after the flood as it was before (compare 2 Peter 2:5 and 3:6) just as the remnant of Israel will one day be led through the flood of the Great Tribulation, to the new earth of the Messianic kingdom.
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him (Jude 14-15). And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: and Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: and all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Genesis 5:21-24).

Enoch and the Church

Enoch means dedicated. This applies exactly to the life of Enoch; he was a man who was dedicated to God in the same way the Church, as the bride of Christ, should be dedicated to her heavenly Bridegroom. Paul wrote to the Church in Romans 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Enoch brings a ray of hope to the Church. He is the only man, apart from Noah, who stands out in this chapter of death, Genesis 5, as a man of life: And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died (verse 5), And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died (verse 8), And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died (verse 11), And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died (verse 14),
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And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died (verse 17), And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died (verse 20), And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died (verse 27), And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died (verse 31), And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (verse 24). Enochs rapture symbolizes the Rapture promised to the Church, which has passed from death to life. Noah, on the other hand, the last man to be mentioned in Genesis 5, is the remnant of a prediluvian world, And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Genesis 5:32). Noah is a picture of Israel. He survived the downfall of the old world and was led to a new one. The earth was not the same after the flood as it was before

C O V E R

S T O R Y

One day the Lord will answer all the insults hurled at Him and His people. Think of the mocking speeches against Israel, the denial of the Holocaust, the mocking caricatures, all the condemnation of Israel by the media and the UN.
(compare 2 Peter 2:5 and 3:6) just as the remnant of Israel will one day be led through the flood of the Great Tribulation, to the new earth of the Messianic kingdom. Enoch had a message, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints (Jude 14). The return of Jesus in glory with His Church, which was raptured beforehand, is spoken of as far back as in the fifth chapter of the Bible (see also 1 Thessalonians 3:13 & 2 Thessalonians 1:10). Do we as the Church of Jesus Christ take this message seriously enough? I once heard a well-known pastor say, There are two things which are hardly mentioned in churches today: Israel and the Rapture. Enoch also proclaimed Gods judgment, however, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him (Jude 15). One day the Lord will answer all the insults hurled at Him and His people. Think of the mocking speeches against Israel, the denial of the Holocaust, the mocking caricatures, all the condemnation of Israel by the media and the UN. In February 2006 an Iranian daily newspaper announced a competition for Holocaust caricatures; the winner received 12,000 US dollars. 1 The following report could also be read in a newspaper: SS-Olmert-caricaturist receives an award The Norwegian King, Harald V, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, awarded the Norwegian political caricaturist, Finn Graf, one of the highest awards Norway has to offer, the Order of Saint Olav. Caricaturist Graf had portrayed the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, last summer in the Oslo daily newspaper Dagbladet shooting people at random from a balcony, as Amon Goeth did in the film, Schindlers List. The caricature portrayed the event, which took place in the Polish concentration camp in Plaszow, where Jews were the victims, in Israel and depicted Olmert shooting at Palestinians. The laudation spoke of the professional manner which he developed in his pictures. His work was a valuable contribution to the cultural life in Norway, it said in a statement from the Norwegian palace. The Israeli embassy protested against antiSemitism to the Ethics Committee of the Norwegian Press Society, but this was unanimously rejected on the grounds of the freedom of speech in Norway 2 These blasphemies are against the God of Israel and will not remain unpunished. It was prophesied of Edom, And thou shalt know that I am the Lord, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume. Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them (Ezekiel 35:12-13, compare also Psalm 83). When the Lord returns and judges the nations, He will judge them according to the following criterion: When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his gloryAnd the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye
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THE RAPTURE OF ENOCH

There are young people, for instance, who believe in Jesus. They meet someone who is not a believer and want to marry him or her at all costs; they are so in love! They ignore all the warnings in the Bible. Later the bitter awakening comes.
to hang our heads in silent shame? Notice that the Bible does not say, And God walked with Enoch. This was certainly also true, because God walks with those who walk with Him. But maybe we pray sometimes, Lord, please come with me, although we are not walking with Him. We have our own plans and goals and ask the Lord to come with us as a matter of course. There are young people, for instance, who believe in Jesus. They meet someone who is not a believer and want to marry him or her at all costs; they are so in love! They ignore all the warnings in the Bible. Later the bitter awakening comes. Enoch was prepared to walk with God. He was completely dedicated to Him. Jesus says to us, If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour (John 12:26). Pauls first question after his conversion was, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (Acts 9:6), and at the end of his life he was able to say, I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). What does it mean to walk with God? It means living with God. The word walk means a certain way of living. Regular and continual prayer should be an integral part of our lives, as well as belonging to a church and having regular Bible study and family devotions. It says of Jesus, And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read (Luke 4:16, compare Acts 17:1-2). Job also had his customs (prayer, morning sacrifices, sanctifying his children). Thus did Job continually, it says in Job 1:5.

have done it unto meThen shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me (Matthew 25:31,40&45). Saul, who persecuted the Christians, also discovered what it is to feel the omnipotence of God. And he (Saul) said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks (Acts 9:5). The Bible testifies that Enoch followed the Lord with an undivided heart. Four things are emphasized in particular: 1. Enoch walked with God Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Genesis 5:24). We know no more of Enoch, neither his occupation nor his possessions. What will be left at the end of our lives? Are we doing what God wanted us to do, or are we striving after our own goals? Can we put our own names in the place of Enoch, or do we have
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C O V E R

S T O R Y

The Mark of the Beast, or the number of his name, will become a financial necessity. I do not believe, however, that this mark will be forced upon people. The general public will recognize the advantages this system provides and will gladly receive it.
What does it mean to live with (Genesis 5:21-23). Why was he God? God was Enochs first converted shortly after the birth thought when he awoke in the of his son? morning, and his last thought Methuselah has two meanwhen he went to sleep at night. ings: man of the javelin and He worked with God and he when he is dead, he will send. lived with God within his family. The second meaning is very When he met friends or neighstrange. Methuselah died and in bours, he let God accompany the same year came the flood. him. His conversations were Did Enoch have a vision? coloured by his faith in God, and When he is dead, He will when he failed he clung to God. send? What will He send? The Everyone knew where they were flood! Did Enoch know of the with Enoch. It was his lifes task coming catastrophe and give his to walk with God. He did not do son this name for this reason? this now and again, but continuAnd was this the reason for his ally. He lived with God in the conversion and his dedicated God took Enoch broad daylight and in the darkest life? Enoch was conscious of Illustrated by Gerard Hoet (1648-1733) night. Whether he was alone or the fact that things could not go in the company of others made on for ever as they had done no difference. God was always the centre of until then; he knew or suspected that the end Enochs life. would come. And this is why he did not want to What about us? Does the following verse also go on living in the way he had till then. He apply to us? The bands of the wicked have wanted to use the time he had to live for God. If robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. At this really was the case, we should think midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee be- earnestly about our lives. The knowledge of the cause of thy righteous judgments (Psalm coming judgment should lead us to conversion 119:61-62). and dedication. Should Enoch really have had Enoch had continual fellowship with his Lord prophetic knowledge of the judgment of the for 300 years, And Enoch walked with God af- flood (and he was a prophet!), this means that ter he begat Methuselah three hundred years prophecy is meant to drive us to the One who (Genesis 5:22). During this time he did not fall will return. We have the Biblical revelation that back into his old life once. This does not mean God will one day judge fallen mankind, and the that he had no faults, but his life revolved clouds of the apocalypse are already visible. around God in all circumstances. They should urge us to the One in whom our Enoch was converted at the age of 65 years, lives have eternal value, for The day will come in the year of the birth of his son Methuselah, like a thief in the night 2 Peter 3:10, comAnd Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat pare 1 Thessalonians 5:3). Methuselah: and Enoch walked with God after 2. Enochs testimony he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and Enoch, whom God took to be with Him, begat sons and daughters; and all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years found favor with God. By faith Enoch was
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THE RAPTURE OF ENOCH

You may be sure that the day will come in which innumerable people will seek their relatives. Do you want to belong to the seekers or the sought? Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). The Lord testified of him; in other words, Enoch, I am pleased with you! What testimony do we have? Does the Holy Spirit in our hearts say, I am pleased with you? Or are we not quite sure and have a guilty conscience? 3. Enochs faith Enoch believed in the Rapture; By faith Enoch was translated (Hebrews 11:5). It sounds as though God wants to put His finger on a little matter in our lives. Shortly before the Rapture, not many people will believe in the Rapture. Lothar Velten, a German evangelist, also hits the nail on the head when he says: Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Are we reckoning with the return of Christ? Manfred Siebald sings in a song, We pray aloud, Come quickly, Lord, and think in our hearts, But not yet! Perhaps there have been times in which the Christian Church prayed aloud, Come quickly, Lord Jesus! I have rarely heard this prayer, however, in recent years. All the more, the quiet thought, But not yet, has become louder and louder. Our short-term aims in the Church have become so important that a return of Jesus seems almost unthinkable at the present time. Many have completely given up the theme The Return of Christ. Perhaps we are not conscious enough that Jesus Christ will comeWe speak too little of the return of JesusOur present-day society is waiting for a clear confession of the great goals of Christian faith.3 It is a fact that, amongst other things, faith in the Rapture seems to be disappearing more and more compare Ezekiel 12:21-28 with 2 Peter 3:3-4)! We know of it in theory, but are not reckoning with it. Many people have become indifferent on this subject. Let us heed the admonition, therefore, in Luke 12:35-36, Let your loins be girded about, and your
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lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord 4. Enochs removal and was not found (Hebrews 11:5). This means that he was sought. It could have happened something like this. His wife waited for his return. The meal was on the table. The children asked, Where is father? Two hours passed and Enoch was still missing. His family became worried and started to seek him. The neighbors and the grandchildren helped, but to no avail. Finally a search party was sent to look for him, but after a few days they gave up. Enoch remained missing for ever. As wonderful as the Rapture is for those who have part in it, how terrible it is for those who remain behind. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). You may be sure that the day will come in which innumerable people will seek their relatives. Do you want to belong to the seekers or the sought? Mitternachtsruf 0707 Come quickly, Lord Jesus! MC ENDNOTES
1 2 3 Israelnetz.de.11.02.2006 Israel heute 05/2007 Factum 1/2007

PART III
B y D i e t e r S t e i g e r

The King Uses the Weapon of Prayer While the Philistines attacked twice, we also read that David inquired of the Lord twice, And David enquired of the LORD (II Samuel 5:19 and 23). David had not forgotten Israels highest commander who had led them in war. He did not hold war councils with his captain Joab and his officers, but took refuge in prayer. We can learn a valuable lesson in prayer from Davids example. First, David experienced a wonderful answer to his prayers. The Lord encouraged him to attack the Philistines, and that which He promised David came to pass. In memory of the victory, the place was called Baal-perazim or the Lord who breaks out. But the Philistines were stubborn. Apparently they were not affected by their first defeat because they made another attempt. David did not make the mistake that we so often make by simply repeating the strategy since it worked so well the first time. Instead, he again sought guidance from the Lord, who gave the following instructions, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines (II Samuel 5:23-24). David demonstrated that not only was he a hearer of the Word, but he was also a doer, And

David did so, as the LORD had commanded him (II Samuel 5:25). Trusting prayer and obedient action led to two significant victories over the enemy. From this we learn three important steps in maintaining our victory. 1. David stood upon the Word of God Not only did David receive the assurance of divine help prior to his calling, but before these victories he also received the expressed assurance that God would establish his throne forever (7:13). We find repeated confirmation of this covenant in the Psalms. Additionally, at this particularly successful venture against Edom came the special promise that Edom/Esau would be subject to his brother Israel/Jacob (Genesis 27:40). Whoever stands on the solid ground of the Word is founded on the promises of God and possesses an army which cannot be beaten. 2. David experienced Gods help Those who stand on the Word of God have Gods help and will experience the fulfillment of His promises. We read of the results of Davids obedience in II Samuel 8:6 and 14, And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. This invisible protection was infinitely superior to all the visible enemies who confronted David. No Philistine, Moabite, Syrian or Edomite could overcome it. It was not Davids military genius or the bravery of his soldiers that guaranteed the victory, but the hand of God which intervened from above. Blessed are those who have
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The king sat in his palace at Jerusalem. All of the surrounding nations had either been conquered or were on friendly terms with Israel. David could now focus his attention on other tasks. He had time to play his harp and sang songs of victory and praise.
this hand of protection! In Jesus Christ we know that God is for us. So we may well ask, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 onward). The Lord Himself wages the battle while His servants help to build His kingdom. Therefore all the glory belongs to Him and never to the instrument (His people) He uses. 3. David had the people of God behind him For seven years David was recognized as king of Judah. Now, however, all of Israel stood united with him. What a host! Yes, they were sinful people, but they were people of the covenant nevertheless. David had not subdued this people by force, but waited patiently for God to place them under his rule. Now that all of Israel was behind him, he experienced victory upon victory. Whoever relies upon the Word of God enjoys His protection, untainted fellowship with His people, and victory in his church and work. Grateful Retrospect The king sat in his palace at Jerusalem. All of the surrounding nations had either been conquered or were on friendly terms with Israel. David could now focus his attention on other tasks. He had time to play his harp and sang songs of victory and praise. The introduction of Psalm 18 says, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies. When we read this glorious psalm, we see why David was considered a man after Gods own heart. David, in contrast to King Saul, saw himself as Gods servant through whom the Lord could exercise His rule over Israel. He ruled in complete dependence upon the heavenly government. David looks back and gives us a glimpse of his prayer life and even lets us take part in it, I will call
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upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemiesIn my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears (verses 3 and 6). David called and cried; he did not sit in a warm room and recite a formal prayer; he was in mortal danger, The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me (Psalm 18:5). He then describes the Lords mighty intervention: Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it (verses 7-8). Doesnt this remind you of Revelation 8 where John saw how the prayers of the saints produced voices, thundering, and lightning, and an earthquake? Our prayers have included us in spiritual history and the governments of the world. David continues to describe the Lords help, He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for meHe brought me forth also into a large place (verses 16-17 and 19). In spite of many things he did not understand, he sang, As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed (verses 30-31 and 49-50). Do we

Although God said No to Davids prayer, He said, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart (II Chronicles 6:8). Can you imagine how encouraging this comment was for David? It would certainly make a lasting impression in his life!
use such words when we pray? Do we sing songs like this? An Exemplary Testimony Successors to the throne in Jerusalem were measured by God according to their ancestors. Weve all heard the saying, Like father, like son. Unfortunately this was true of only a few of Davids descendants, the so-called reformatory kings. Regarding most of them, the Lord said, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father (I Kings 11:33). The apostle Paul referred to the Lords words in I Samuel 13:14, while at a synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will (Acts 13:22). Preparations for the Temple Nathan was a true servant of the Lord who carried out His Word fearlessly. King David spoke to him about his hearts desire (a matter about which he had doubtlessly also prayed), to build a house for the Lord because he himself lived in a house of cedar, while the ark of the covenant was still in a tent. When Nathan heard Davids plan, he encouraged him and thought he was definitely the right man in Gods eyes to build a temple in Jerusalem. For many years David collected the necessary materials for the future temple. He said, Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance (I Chronicles 29:2). Nathans Message in the Night Evidently God had a different plan. The following night God told His servant His thoughts concerning David, his descendants and the building of the temple in Jerusalem. He desired to build a house for the God of Israel but Gods thoughts were higher than Davids. Through Nathan He said, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle (II Samuel 7:5-6). Although God said No to Davids prayer, He said, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart (II Chronicles 6:8). Can you imagine how encouraging this comment was for David? It would certainly make a lasting impression in his life! The Lord reminded David of the blessing that had been imparted to him to that point. But then through Nathan He said, the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house (II Samuel 7:11b). David wanted to build the Lord a house of stone; instead, the Lord would build a house for David, And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever (II Samuel 7:16). The Lord also made the following promise to Abraham, and kings shall come out of thee (Genesis 17:6), and of Sarah He said, I will bless herand she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her (verse 16). The Lord also said to Jacob at Bethel, I am God Almightyand kings shall come out of thy loins (Genesis 35:11). Judah, the great-great-grandson of Abraham, was given the express promise that a leader would come from him, The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be (Genesis 49:10).
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Davids throne in Jerusalem no longer existed. However, when the Lord Jesus returns, He will seat Himself on the throne of David.
and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. How does a child of God react when his or her prayers are not answered? Let us learn from David. He did not lament over Gods denial for him to build the temple. He rejoiced over the promise of future blessings, and acknowledged Gods sovereignty. Let us not forget that God will not fulfill all of our desires, but He will fulfill all of His promises. The Organization of Worship Together with Zadok and Ahimelech, the king divided the sons of Aaron into 24 orders (I Chronicles 24) who were responsible for the worship of God in the temple. He also appointed 24,000 Levites, for the service of the house of the LORD. This was the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God (I Chronicles 23:28). Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith (I Chronicles 23:5). David was not only a psalmist and singer himself, but he was also responsible for organizing the music in the temple, And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy (I Chronicles 15:16). Song for Temple Dedication Psalm 30:1 is introduced with the words,A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David. The contents of this psalm show that David wrote it after he had sinned by numbering the people, and after he had purchased the threshing place of Araunah the Jebusite (II Samuel 24, I Chronicles 21:1-22:1) as land for the temple. Singers Praise God In various books of the Old Testament we repeatedly come across the words, to praise the Lord according to the order of David, the king of Israel.

Fulfilled and Unfulfilled Prophecy These verses are a good example of a part of the Old Testament in which some things are fulfilled in the near future while others are fulfilled in a much more distant future. Solomon was the next descendant; he built the temple in Jerusalem. When the Babylonians captured Jerusalem in 587 B.C., the time of the nations began. Davids throne in Jerusalem no longer existed. However, when the Lord Jesus returns, He will seat Himself on the throne of David. Kingly Worship David worshipped God when he heard that through his family would come a divine descendant and king. He addressed God six times with the words, O LORD God, and ten times he humbly called himself His servant. Before the Israelites he was a victorious king, but before God He was a servant, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears (II Samuel 7:22). Apparently David understood the extent of his election which is clearly indicated in Psalm 2:7-8, I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance,
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In his prayer of thanksgiving, David reminds us that we should be faithful stewards of all that the Lord has entrusted to us. Moreover, he directs our eyes to our own mortality, so that we may create things of eternal value.
The 24 orders of Levites were formed under Davids rule, led by Asaph, Heman and Juduthun (I Chronicles 25). Twice in this chapter we come across the words, according to the order of the king (verses 2 and 6). David gave the royal command to praise the Lord. Two hundred and eighty-eight trained singers (as we would call them today) had the glorious task of praising God in His temple. Inspired Building Plan In the same way God showed Moses the exact plan for the tabernacle on Mount Sinai, so too He gave David exact instructions for building the temple. At the dedication of the tabernacle we read, as the Lord commanded Moses. Why? Because God specifically told Moses, According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it (Exodus 25:9). It was imperative that the earthly sanctuary of God corresponded with the heavenly sanctuary, right down to the last detail. David gave Solomon, his son and successor, the exact pattern of the temple with the words, All thisthe LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern (I Chronicles 28:19). Surely David must have explained to Solomon the various stages of the building of the temple and the temple court with great emotion, and the pattern of all that he had by the spirit (verse 12). Then he encouraged Solomon with the words, Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do itBe strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD (I Chronicles 28:10 and 20).

Voluntary Collection It is very refreshing to read about the generosity of the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the kings workThen the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD; and David the king also rejoiced with great joy (I Chronicles 29:6 and 9). In his prayer of thanksgiving, David reminds us that we should be faithful stewards of all that the Lord has entrusted to us. Moreover, he directs our eyes to our own mortality, so that we may create things of eternal value. Davids Greatest Fall We know from Scripture that David was a man after Gods own heart, but he was still a man with a sinful nature equally capable of falling into various temptations. Through several avenues Satan capitalized on Davids weaknesses. Weapons, pride, riches and sex have brought about the downfall of many of the Lords servants. David fell prey to the whispering enemy in the scandal with the wife of his faithful officer Uriah and in numbering the people. Scripture
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David probably could have avoided his second mistake had he kept his eyes in control. But he saw the beautiful Bathsheba and lusted after her, prompting his damaging downward spiral. The sin of lust and a lack of discipline also brought about Samsons fall.
2. Limitless Lust David probably could have avoided his second mistake had he kept his eyes in control. But he saw the beautiful Bathsheba and lusted after her, prompting his damaging downward spiral. The sin of lust and a lack of discipline also brought about Samsons fall. Let us beware of the first look, the arising lust, and let us flee immediately by turning our eyes and thoughts upon the Lord. How many servants of the Lord have fallen because of lust and desire? May God keep us pure! But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death (James 1:14-15). Let us use David as our example and guard our thoughts. 3. Shameless Dishonesty When we fall into sin, the next step is always dishonesty; we lie to try and cover up our actions. Davids conversation with Uriah sounds very innocent. He called the officer back and asked him how things were going in the front and suggested he spend a few days at home with his wife in the hopes of hiding the disgrace that Bathsheba was expecting his child. When this plan failed as a result of Uriahs exemplary discipline, he sent a letter to Joab containing a death sentence for the Hittite. So we see that one sin leads to another, David had now become tangled in a web of sin! Repentance and Restoration How can we lead people to the way of repentance today? Let us consider three points: 1) The goodness of God David was reminded of Gods love in his life up to that point, as well as the many manifestation of His grace. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Sauland gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been

does point out the fact that the devil lurked behind these evil deeds, And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel (I Chronicles 21:1). Davids Fall Took Place In Three Stages 1. Dangerous love of comfort The rainy winter season was over and the war against the Ammonites resumed; however, David remained in Jerusalem. Was he tired from the long war? Did he think they could win this war without him? Those who keep their distance from the battle must hear the words of judgment, Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house (II Samuel 12:10). The very thing David wanted to stay away from now came upon him in an increased measure. There would be strife and bloodshed in his own house. He wanted to avoid the disturbance of war, yet he brought disturbance into his very own house and heart. The backsliding of many Christians begins with the sin of loving their comfort zone. Suddenly they resent the long way to the places where they found inner strength from the Word of God. They make themselves comfortable and withdraw from Gods holy war. We gain nothing when we leave the work in the Church and the mission field to others.
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Nathan revealed Gods goodness and Davids guilt. Then he points to Gods wrath and judgment and advised David of the nature of the punishment appointed by God, Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine houseThus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house (verses 10-11).
too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things (II Samuel 12:7-8). The Lord had wonderfully led David and was prepared to add further blessings. Therefore the vision of Gods undeserved favor should lead the sinner to repentance. The apostle to the Gentiles raised the following question in Romans 2:4, despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? What things God has done for those who resist His call even up to the present day! How many times has He confronted them with His Word and shown them much grace in inner and outer distress? Can pointing this out to rebellious people awaken their conscience and touch their hearts? 2) The sin of man After Nathan pointed out the amount of grace God had shown David during his life, he asked, Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and has taken his wife to be thy wife (II Samuel 12:9). Nathan then proceeded to list Davids sins: despising the commandment of the Lord, adultery, murder. Against the radiant background of Gods unmerited grace, the darkness of Davids sins became more and more prominent. Is the list of our sins shorter than Davids? We know from Jesus Sermon on the Mount how seriously God takes sin. Jesus said that if we look upon another with lust in our hearts, we have committed adultery, and if we utter hateful words against our brother we are a murderer...so, is our list of sins shorter than Davids? 3) Nathan revealed Gods goodness and Davids guilt. Then he points to Gods wrath and judgment and advised David of the nature of the punishment appointed by God, Now therefore the sword shall

never depart from thine houseThus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house (verses 10-11). Continual war, misfortune and disgrace in his own family was what King David had to look forward to. Our God is a holy God, a consuming fire. Not only must we convey that message to unbelievers, but we must never lose sight of it ourselves. God takes sin seriously. The reference to Gods goodness and wrath, combined with the ingratitude and sin of man led David to repentance, I have sinned against the LORD (verse 13, compare also Psalm 51:4). Only Gods grace and subsequent restoration could bring about a new beginning in Davids life. May the word of the Lord spoken through His prophet bring many to repentance. Why was Davids prayer for his child not answered? God pardoned David for his sin and allowed him to live, ...The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die (II Samuel 12:13). However, Davids sin would not go unpunished, Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great
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Through the childs death, those who had mocked with their mouths were silenced. They were able to see that the God of Israel does not treat sin lightly, He is holy and righteous.
whatever he wanted and not experience any consequences. As believers, we love the Lord; we must also fear Him. David would have forgotten that everything always turned out his way. This situation kept David humble and sensitive to his sin and aware of his complete dependence on God. Verse 16 paints a moving portrait of Davids reliance on the Lord, David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. This new distress kept David in close contact with his God, and his prayer life remained alive and intact. 3) The Lord allowed the child to die on the seventh day (verse 18). David did not bury himself in his grief but acknowledged Gods heavy, exalted hand upon him. Immediately following the childs death, David went to the sanctuary where he worshipped God for His divine guidance (verse 20). It is there that God comforted him and he was able to move on. Davids behavior is a moving testimony. Many people may have thought that because Davids child was dead that God did not treat the godly any different from the godless. But this situation and the way David handled himself illustrated the tremendous difference between the child of God and the child of the world. May God also help us have such an attitude when we experience sorrow. Chastening Grace When the believer falls into sin he is chastised by the Lord. When you are on the receiving end of divine discipline it is difficult to glory in it, but that is when we should rejoice because Gods Word tells us that the Lord will chasten those He loves. This is really good news! For those who struggle with their salvation or feel forsaken by God, remember this promise. God has no reason to chastise the unbeliever. Think of it this way: As a parent or adult, you do not have the liberty of disciplining somebody elses children. In the same way, the unbeliever be-

occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die (verse 14). Doesnt this appear to be a limitation of Gods grace? Sometimes our limited intellect only understands grace as a means of escaping punishment, but biblical grace is more than that. Biblical grace takes the eternal punishment of Gods judgment away, but it does not always remove the results and consequences of sin. The grace of God allowed Davids child, who was conceived in sin, to die. Lets take a closer look into why God allowed this to happen: 1) This rod of correction was necessary on account of Gods enemies. Through the childs death, those who had mocked with their mouths were silenced. They were able to see that the God of Israel does not treat sin lightly, for He is holy and righteous. If no sign of judgment had accompanied grace, many people would have a false sense of security in believing that God does not take sin so seriously. 2) This could have been dangerous for David as well. Think about it. If God had allowed the child to live, David might not have realized how gravely he had sinned. He might have become complacent in his worship of the Lord, thinking that he could do
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longs to this world, led by the prince of darknessthey are somebody elses children! Consider these verses which testify to the good that comes from being chastened by God, For they (our fathers) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. And, Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peacable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:10-11, compare also Titus 2:11 onward). As we have just stated, children of God experience Godss chastening because, if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons (Hebrews 12:8). In spite of Davids failures, he remained a man after Gods own heart because of the way in which he bore Gods chastening. How did David behave after God forgave him? Lets take a look at one instance: Pressure from Absaloms rebellion caused David to leave Jerusalem. Weeping, he walked barefoot with his head covered up the Mount of Olives. He endured the cursing of Shimei the Benjaminite of the house of Saul as a part of Gods chastisement (II Samuel 15:30 and 16:5 onward). Are we practiced in the school of the Lord? Can we resist His chastening? Can we harden our hearts against it, yet continue to call ourselves Christians? An Evil Seed Ripens Davids eldest son Amnon acted in much the same way with regard to his half-sister Tamar as his father did with Bathsheba. Motivated by uncontrolled lust, he disgraced her by pretending to be sick, forcing himself upon her, then hating her afterwards. Absalom, Davids spoiled son, reacted toward his brother Amnon just as his father had toward Uriah. He employed the same hypocritical strategy of inviting him to a meal and then having him murdered by his servant. Imagine the guilt David must have felt as he watched his family deteriorate before his eyes, incapable of doing anything about it. But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth (II Samuel 13:21). David could not reprimand or chastise his son because the memory of Bathsheba burdened his heart. How could he

be angry with Absalom for this murder when David had Uriah murdered? Because he had sinned so gravely himself, David experienced the humiliation of having to look on while his house and his kingdom suffered threat of collapse. Because David had only half-heartedly forgiven Absalom, a rebellion arose, and David had to flee, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7). The Royal Psalmist Of all the Old Testament books, the psalms most clearly describe the faith of the individual believer in the Lord. The psalms are the inspired answers of the hearts of men to Gods revelation of Himself in the Law, in history and in prophecy. Throughout the course of time the saints have used this collection of prayers and praise in their services and for their personal worship. When we consider this we are reminded of C.H. Spurgeons The Treasury of David. What a tremendous blessing this interpretation of the 150 psalms has brought to Christianity. Seventy-three psalms were written by David and two by Solomon. The majority of the psalms were written 1,000 years before Christ. Well conclude this chapter with 12 important points that relate to David and ourselves: 1) To pour our hearts before God, making everything into a prayer, When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek (Psalm 27:8). 2) To claim the Lords promises by basing our prayers on the Word of God. David came into the presence of the Lord on the grounds of Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 3) To examine ourselves to see whether we are praying like David (with all our hearts and souls rather than with just our minds). Are our prayers empty or are they a cry from our hearts? Do we pray earnestly or habitually? Do we pray with words we have memorized or with the words the Lord puts on our hearts? 4) To, like David, have the Lord before us who knows everything, sees everything and is omnipresent, O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine
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David exclaimed these truths in reverence and wonder. He who had spent time as a young shepherd in the fields of Bethlehem, had learned from his youth not to rely on his own capabilities, but to cry out to the Lord.
uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off (Psalm 139:1-2). 5) To hold fast to the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, trusting in His infinite power and help. 6) To rejoice over His Word when we read or hear it. David uses various pictures to describe what the Word meant to him, The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward (Psalm 19:7-11). 7) To praise, worship and adore Him as David did in Psalm 9:2 and 11. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most HighSing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion, and Psalm 34:1, I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 8) To trust in the grace of God alone, and rejoice over the forgiveness we have experienced. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (Psalm 32:1). 9) To long for the leading and teaching of the Lord exemplified by David in Psalm 5:8. Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face, and Psalm 25:4-5, Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. David was convinced of the truth of Psalm 25:12, What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 10) To know that we are safe by day and night in the hand of the Lord. David said, I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me (Psalm 3:5). And, I will both lay me down in peace, and
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sleep, for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8). 11) To have the blessed assurance that the Lord hears our prayers. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill (Psalm 3:4). I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fearsThis poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles (Psalm 34:4 and 6) 12) To have a vision for the Lords claim to the whole world. But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness (Psalm 9:7-8). The Heavens Declare the Glory of God The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork (Psalm 19:1). O LORD our LORD, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens (Psalms 8:1). When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? (Psalm 8:3-4). David exclaimed these truths in reverence and wonder. He who had spent time as a young shepherd in the fields of Bethlehem, had learned from his youth not to rely on his own capabilities, but to cry out to the Lord. This was very often a great help to him. The psalms are full of such cries for help and praise he experienced. David followed the Lord as a servant and could have rightly said in the end, Dear God, thank you for not answering my prayer. Why? Because it was not the answer to his prayers that were decisive, what mattered most was the Lord Himself, for He is the answer to all things! MC
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Eternal Glory
BY M AR CEL M ALGO and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalm 23:6).
hilst the first part of this verse speaks of the life of the believer here on earth, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, the second part is about eternal glory, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. The writer of the Psalm, David, was surely thinking of the sanctuary of God in Jerusalem, but he was prophetically proclaiming the assurance of being in the house of the heavenly Father one day. As believers of the new covenant, we are reminded of the words of Jesus, In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you in John 14:2. Born-again Christians may know with certainty that this life will be followed by eternal glory, eternal life with the Lord. It is for this reason Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:19, If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. To be eternally with their Redeemer and Saviour,

Jesus, is the most glorious hope of all children of God. Rock-like assurance In Psalm 23:6 David uses three key words: I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Here he is speaking of an unchangeable fact which is determined and cannot be altered. I will remain in the house of the Lord for ever. With the word remain David is not saying that he will certainly get there one day and stay there for a certain length of time. No, with the third key word he is emphasizing that this is a place where he will be for ever. In his letter, James rebukes self-assured people who plan their lives without God, Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain (James 4:13). He then admonishes them earnestly with the words, For that ye ought to say, If the Lord
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Every child of God finds himself, according to his or her high calling in Jesus Christ, at the door of heaven since his or her rebirth. In other words, as believing Christians, we live, spiritually seen, directly at the door of heaven.

will, we shall live, and do this, or that (verse 15). With David it was no over-estimation of himself, and certainly not a form of megalomania when he spoke of remaining in the house of the Lord for ever, but he said this in great confidence of faith. I will remain in the house of the Lord for ever. Here David is not speaking of a place which we have to leave after a while, in order to go to another place. No, he is saying that he will be there without interruption, without end. It is a finale that does not lead to an end, that is an end in itself. Do we also have such confidence when speaking of the future? Paul did when he wrote to the Thessalonians about the Rapture and then exclaimed jubilantly, and so shall we ever be with the Lord! (1 Thessalonians 4:17). David and Paul were both writing about the same thing, eternal fellowship with the Lord. Jesus Christ longs for His own Not only Christians undergoing persecution, or children of God who are suffering from health or other problems, long to be raptured to be with Jesus for ever. No, the Good Shepherd Himself is also longing to be united with His own. How do we know this? Because Jesus said in His highpriestly prayer to His heavenly Father, Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst
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me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24). Were these words only significant for the disciples? No, because only a few verses before this we hear Jesus pray, Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word (John 17:20). This applies to all children of God up to the present day. In John 12:26 also we have an interesting statement from which we see that the Lord Jesus wants to have his own with Him, If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. We must read these words in the first place in connection with the calling of His first disciples, but over and beyond this they have a much more far-reaching meaning. When Jesus says, Where I am, there shall also my servant me, He is showing how He longs for close fellowship with His own. At that time it was the disciples. Today it is a world-wide Church, and soon the never-ending finale will take place: the eternal fellowship of the Son of God with His BrideChurch. At the door of heaven Because our Saviour so longs for eternal fellowship with His own, we should concern ourselves with eternity, like David and Paul. But there is a further reason for us to do this: children of God are far more connected to eternity than they know.

Every child of God the kingdom of heaven finds himself, accordare registered; it is called ing to his or her high the book of life (Revelacalling in Jesus Christ, tion 20:12 & 15). Paul at the door of heaven mentions this in his letter since his or her rebirth. to the Christians in In other words, as bePhilippi, whose names lieving Christians, we are in the book of life live, spiritually seen, di(Philippians 4:3). We also rectly at the door of read in Revelation 3:5, He heaven. This is our that overcometh, the same lebensraum. Why is this? shall be clothed in white raiEvery true child of God ment; and I will not blot out is incorporated and enhis name out of the book of rolled in heaven already life, but I will confess his name during his or her life on before my Father, and before earth through Jesus his angels. Only those can be Our conversation (citizenship) is in blotted out who were once writChrist. We are not yet in heaven (Philippians 3:20). heaven, but we are alten in it. The fact is, that, acready registered there. In cording to the will of God, this sense we are at the door of heaven already; before the foundation of the world, the names of all that is, we are very close to heaven. It only takes a people were written in the book of life (compare 1 small step for us to be there in reality. Timothy 2:4). But all those who were not converted to What do we have to understand by the words Jesus Christ during their lifetime, whose sins were not that we are already incorporated in heaven? We blotted out through His blood which He shed on the form one body with Jesus Christ: cross, and because of this died without forgiveness of For as the body is one, and hath many their sins, will be blotted out of the book of life. members, and all the members of that one body, Those who have received Jesus Christ in their being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by hearts (John 1:12) by faith, and belong to His flock one Spirit are we all baptized into one body (1 (compare Luke 12:32) are incorporated in heaven Corinthians 12:12-13). through the Son of God and remain in the book of Now ye are the body of Christ, and mem- life. This is why born-again Christians, children of bers in particular (1 Corinthians 12:27). God, find themselves directly at the door of heaven. Christ is the head of the church: and he is And this is why it is like passing from one room to anthe saviour of the body (Ephesians 5:23). other when a child of God takes his or her last breath If we are one body with Christ, the head, and here on earth. He is already in heaven (at the right hand of the Actually we are only waiting for the door of Majesty on high, Hebrews 1:3 and 8:1), then we heaven to be opened so that we can enter into the are in and through Him incorporated in heaven. eternal homeland. This could take place any day, Therewith we really are at the door of heaven or whether through our death or through the Rapture, near heaven. the taking of the Church from this earth (1 ThessaOn top of this, the names of children of God are lonians 4:16-17). already written in heaven, because they have citizenship there. Paul wrote to the Christians at The sufferings of this time in the Philippi, Our conversation (citizenship) is in light of eternal glory Certainly the fact that we, as children of God, heaven (Philippians 3:20). There really is a citizens register there in which all future citizens of actually live very close to heaven fills us with great

PASSPORT

Heaven

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joy and new courage. will be transported to Like David and Paul, the door of heaven we should think of (compare John 1:12, whose names are in the book of heaven and speak of it Colossians 1:13-14)! life (Philippians 4:3). with great confidence. If you have taken this When Paul, who was step of faith, and then daily afflicted (2 are called away from Corinthians 11:23ff this world to eternity, and Romans 8:36), you will enter through considered his present the door of heaven sufferings in the light into eternal glory. If of eternal glory, he you belong to the wrote, For I reckon Church of Jesus that the sufferings of Christ, of which the this present time are Lord Jesus said, The not worthy to be comgates of hell shall not pared with the glory prevail against it in which shall be reMatthew 16:18, then vealed in us (Romans the whole power of 8:18). And in 2 hell will have no more Corinthians 4:17-18, For our light affliction, right to you. The gates of hell will only be unable which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far to overcome you, however, if you have come to the more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while door of heaven through the power of the blood of we look not at the things which are seen, but at Jesus. the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not Walking with God To receive Jesus Christ into your heart and seen are eternal. Peter also informed his readers, Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a sea- life, and become therewith a child of God (John son, if need be, ye are in heaviness through mani- 1:12) is only one side of the coin: Jesus died for fold temptations (1 Peter 1:6). Certainly we have me! The indivisibly connected other side of the manifold temptations today, but one day we coin is: I died with Jesus (compare e.g. Galashall rejoice with unspeakable joy when we are tians 2:19-20)! This concerns my daily walk. We see from the short biography of Enoch with Jesus. For this reason we may look forward to the day on which this will all be fulfilled with how this can be achieved. Of this man we read, God took him (Genesis 5:24). Enoch is an exgreat confidence today. ample of a person who reaches this glorious Where will you spend eternity? house of the Lord to remain there for ever. This Not only old and incurably sick people are at will take place with every child of God, whether heavens door, but all born-again Christians live they die a natural death or are raptured: God there. It is their spiritual environment. Are you will take each one of His children to Himself in also at heavens door? Can you say with certainty a moment! whether, if you were to be called today, you would Enoch lived in consciousness of this moment. pass through this door into eternal glory? Or do His walk shows us how our daily lives should be you have to fear that you are still at the door of so that God can take each one of us with joy. hell? If you are not yet born again, this is indeed What characterized Enochs life should also be the case! Then there is only one thing for you. Let found in us, And Enoch lived sixty and five Jesus Christ save you today, through which you years, and begat Methuselah: and Enoch walked
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The love of money is a sin with enormously farreaching consequences, according to the Bible, which is why it is called, the root of all evil:

with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: and all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: and Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Genesis 5:21-24). It is not by chance that in this short biography it is said twice that Enoch walked with God. No, the Lord Himself saw to it that we are given this important fact in duplicate. This is not strange, for there is no better reference to the walk of a born-again Christian than the testimony of Enochs walk with God. Are you also walking with God and in this way preparing yourself for the day on which you will move into the heavenly dwelling place? This is very important, for you want to be prepared when the Lord Jesus takes you to be with Himself, at your death or at the Rapture. What hinders a walk with God? Those who really want to walk with God must not look back at their old lives but must consciously renounce everything that was sinful in them. Paul writes to the believers in Ephesians, in chapter 4:22, that ye put off concerning the former conversation (life) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. There were people there, apparently, who were converted Christians, but who had not completely renounced their old lives, and the apostle had to admonish these earnestly. It ap-

plies to us children of God also: if we have not renounced our old lives with all our hearts, we cannot possibly walk with God. Then we are too taken up with our earthly lives and cannot say with great confidence, like David, concerning the heavenly homeland, I will remain in the house of the Lord for ever. A further hindrance on the way to a walk with God is greed. We are told, therefore, in Hebrews 13:5, Let your conversation (lives) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Why is greed or covetousness the love of money the New Internal Version writes mentioned here together with our walk or lives? There are many other sins, such as lying and deceiving, which hinder our walk with God. The love of money is a sin with enormously far-reaching consequences, according to the Bible, which is why it is called, the root of all evil: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:10). Those who are lovers of money harm their own faith, for they open a door for themselves which leads to further damage. A person who is possessed by love of money cannot walk with God, and certainly not look forward to remaining in the house of the Lord for ever.
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The Bible does not only show us the hindrances (sins) to our walk with God, which can even make it impossible, but it is the signpost to a walk with God.

Miserly, covetous people worship money. In the epistle to the Ephesians we find the terribly earnest words, For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Ephesians 5:5). This verse speaks of harlotry, impurity and covetousness, but only of the covetous does it say that he is an idolater. The New International Version translates this verse, No immoral, impure or greedy person such a man is an idolater has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. This does not mean that immorality or impurity are less sinful than greed. No, sin is sin. But it is said clearly here that the love of money really is the root of all evil, a cardinal sin. What helps a walk with God? The Bible does not only show us the hindrances (sins) to our walk with God, which can even make it impossible, but it is the signpost to a walk with God. James wrote in 3:13, Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. A walk with God, a good conversation, is supported in actual practice by two important characteristics: meekness and wisdom. Jesus called to His disciples, Learn of me; for I am meek (Matthew 11:29). And those who see that they lack wis28
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dom should ask God to fill this deficiency, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). For a walk with God we need meekness and wisdom, because we are living in this world as sheep of the Good Shepherd amongst wolves. This is why the Lord Jesus said to the twelve disciples at that time, Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). Wise as serpents this means wisdom, and harmless as doves this is a picture of meekness. We do well to learn meekness from our Lord Jesus and to ask God for wisdom. Through these two characteristics, our walk with God in this world is helped. In this way we shall be children of God who look forward to the eternal homeland in heaven and can testify to this joy, I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalm 23:6), or So shall we be ever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians Mitternachtsruf 1107 4:17). MC

MON EY: EN DS & T R END S

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

Final Offer: An Endtime Rewards Program

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

An unsettling spectre has been playing out globally in recent years. As has already been observable for some time, a geo-political power shift has been underway. In terms of economic clout, Asia and the Middle East have been in ascendancy, rapidly moving into position as world creditors, as well as becoming leaders in world trade. During this same period, the European Union has formed itself into a political counterweight to the United States.
arious so-called non-aligned nations such as Russia, Iran and Venezuela have found opportunity to effectively hector the established world power axis at its fringes. If this were not confusing enough, other types of influence and power have been emerging to notable effect. For example, as American and other global financial institutions have recently again fallen into crises as they seem to do every 20 years or so it has been Middle Eastern and Asian money that has come to the rescue. This seemed so unlikely both for geopolitical and religious reasons. It wasnt more than a few years

ago that there was an uproar in America when China wanted to buy Unocal (an American petroleum company). At the time, a WSJ/NBC poll showed that only 15% of Americans favoured letting China buy Unocal and only 31% would allow Arab countries to invest in the US at all. Yet, how is it that Sharia observing nations are the source of money that is supporting Western-based financial systems? Supposedly, these operate on principles that are the very antithesis of the teachings of Islam. It is all very confusing. What is behind all these power shifts?
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$
By Wilfred Hahn
40% virtually unchanged. The 12 country members of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) still account for 40% of the worlds oil production and 70% of its reserves. Almost 4 decades have passed, and this cozy arrangement with respect to OPEC, the Middle East and oil remains. Due to the high oil price, money continues to gush into these countries. In 2008, a surplus of $300 billion is estimated for the Gulf states alone Kuwait, Qatar, Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, which, incidentally, account for nearly half of the worlds SWF assets. Now we understand why the SWFs of Muslim countries have lately emerged as such influential actors on the world stage. But, what to make of these shifts in the various power structures in the world? While we cannot predict their specific roles, they assuredly are part of last-day, geo-political power struggles. Endtime Power Strategies Consider this verse, He [] will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price. (Daniel 11:39, NIV) This verse is excerpted from a section that describes the actions of the final world ruler. We see here that elites of some kind, will receive considerable reward for their complicity in supporting the agendas of the final incarnate spirit of the antichrist himself. Who are the ones that receive honor from the Antichrist? The answer those that will acknowledge him. Virtually all English Bible translations use the word acknowledge. It means here that certain key people who recognize him and accept his authority will receive a reward land. It should be noted that the original Aramaic word used for land in this verse can also convey the idea of property

Due to the high oil price, money continues to gush into these countries. In 2008, a surplus of $300 billion is estimated for the Gulf states alone Kuwait, Qatar, Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, which, incidentally, account for nearly half of the worlds SWF assets.

One thing is for certain, the incentives of money and power seem to be behind these changes. According to the Bible, it is precisely these elements that play a role in the emergence of the worlds final power structure. However, before we further explore these dynamics, a brief overview of the Islamic connection and the emergence of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWFs) is timely. What Oils the Situation? Although they have existed for some time, it is only lately that Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) have come into prominence and influence. They seem to be popping up all over the place, recently Russia and Saudi Arabia announcing the formation of several new ones. What are they? They are country-sponsored investment companies that are growing rapidly. According to one estimate, they are expected to quintuple in size over the next 10 years, controlling a total of as much as $15 trillion. China and a number of Middle Eastern countries control the largest of the SWFs. But where is all the money coming from? It is estimated that two-thirds of all SWF assets were derived from oil and gas export revenues. That high oil prices should be swelling the treasuries of these countries (also Russia) should be no surprise. Consider that back in 1971, 41% of the worlds energy was supplied by oil. What is the reliance today? Despite several supply crises since that time, it is
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Final Offer: An Endtime Rewards Program

or economic domain as well as geographic area. After all, in ancient times, land was the main foundation of wealth and economy. It only follows that this must be a small, elite group of people who likely are already influential in their own right. Why? They will be made rulers over many. As not everyone can be made a ruler over many, therefore, these will be few. Not only is this logical, but the Bible also specifically tell us what the reward will be for everybody else; in other words, all the rest of the masses that acknowledge and worship the Antichrist. They will not be killed (a negative reward) and be allowed to buy or sell. He causes, [] all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell (Revelation 13:15-16). The elites, on the other hand whoever they are are bought off for their loyalty with further reward the additional pay-off of power or economic domain, we reason. It is the same or similar deal that Satan offered Christ when he was being tested in the wilderness, promising [] authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours (Luke 4:6-7). But why did the devil think it worthwhile to specifically test Christ in such a colossal way? Obviously, it would have been great gain for him were he successful. Here was motive and incentive. We may therefore take some license and deduce that there will be a similar motive behind the Antichrists endtime reward systems. The elites selected for reward must have something to barter in return likely their fame

or endorsement. And, it wouldnt be surprising then if these were highly revered people, politicians, great humanitarians, or Christian masqueraders even so-called angels of light. We are given at least a few criteria with which to identify who these elites might be at that future date. In the first instance, they must be humans. Also, they must be capable of being rulers, already likely possessing some measure of power and authority. And, they must be willing worldly complicitors. Although these events play out during the future Tribulation period (and therefore really do not concern us), is it already possible today to discern the power structures that these elites might command? Although we cannot be definitive by the light of conditions today, we can certainly propose some candidates whatever the form they may actually take. In addition to the newly emerging SWFs, we outline three more: 1. The 10 Kings. The Bible makes extensive mention of the 10 kings that will give their power and authority to the Antichrist (Revelation 17:12). This group indeed could fittingly represent these elites mentioned in Daniel 11. The Bible provides us with at least 13 sets of characteristics or markers of these 10 persons. The strict literal meaning of the word king (whether in Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek) is a human male that is head of a nation, tribe or people. Of the more than 2,500 appearances of this word in the Bible, only with one exception is it conclusively used in any other way than as referring to a male head. That applies to God, who was also manifest in the flesh. The word prince is instead almost always used to describe potentates of spiritual realms. However, it remains true even at this late date that we cannot yet identify
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We may therefore take some license and deduce that there will be a similar motive behind the Antichrists endtime reward systems. The elites selected for reward must have something to barter in return likely their fame or endorsement.

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$
By Wilfred Hahn
plosion in financial markets (as of end 2007, valued at $760 trillion or 15 times the size of the world economy), accounting for an increasing share in world income, levels of indebtedness, and economic control. Today, the largest 50 financial corporations in the world represent well over one-third of total world banking assets. 3. Corporations. Multi-national firms (MNCs) today, as a group, are probably the most influential economic force in the world. And, as money is power in this age, they may also be the most powerful, viewed as a group. Though these companies may find their roots a few hundred years ago, their global power has only really developed over little of the past half century or so. Could 10 MNCs emerge sometime in the future that are large enough to master the world? It is possible. In fact, today, of the top 100 hundred economic entities in the world, roughly half are made up of countries, the other half by MNCs. The heads of these companies, though they are answerable to boards of directors, nevertheless are very influential. These firms can employ hundreds of thousands of employees more than the population of many countries. Some secular analysts do foresee the day where a small group of such commercial polyglots will indeed dominate the world economy. Each of these forms and structures will have a human head at its top. All of them will likely be pursuing a reward of some type. Yet, having taken this brief survey (hardly exhaustive),

Certainly, financial conglomerate s are becoming ever larger and financial systems ever more invasive.

these 10 kings. There are a number of theories, the most prevalent of which is that these 10 kings will all come from a revived Roman Empire, of which the European Union of today is the predecessor. While this is a very plausible and popular interpretation, it remains unproven. The Bible simply does not provide us with a conclusive identity of the 10 nations. Daniel 9:26, which, on the one hand, is an extremely important verse in the apologetics of Bible prophecy, does not provide an ironclad connection to the European Union of today. (For a more in-depth examination of the 10 kings, please see the Midnight Call issues October to December 2006.) However, could new types of power structures other than sovereign countries emerge that could also have heads like kings? If so, we could then pose some additional candidates: 2. Financial System Powers. There are a number of possibilities in this arena. Some prophecy analysts have theorized that the heads of various financial entities (such as banks) could quality as the 10 kings. Or could it be 10 regional central banks, coordinated under the Bank of International Settlements (BIS)? To date, most all central banks are coordinating their activities through the BIS. In fact, the Club of Rome some time ago conceptually divided the world into 10 financial regions. Certainly, financial conglomerates are becoming ever larger and financial systems ever more invasive. It is these large companies that are behind the ex32
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Final Offer: An Endtime Rewards Program

we still cannot identify the identity of the elites that Daniel mentions with any degree of certainty. This shouldnt be disappointing. It causes us to keep watching; to not be taken unawares; and to remain open to new information. The worlds power structures do keep shifting. Though [] we have the word of the prophets made more certain (2 Peter 1:19), at the same time we must also realize that our Enemy is cunning and a supreme master of deception. The only wise and sure conclusion is that we must keep our options open keeping ourselves oriented to the Scriptures; watching and waiting for our Lords return, so as to not be distracted nor caught sleeping. Thoughts to Ponder We have pondered the questions of who will be the final group of elites who are in complicity with the Antichrist as well as the nature of their reward. We have no certain answers as to their final identities. However, there are at least two things that we can know with surety. We know the fate of these elites and also everyone else in the world that does not acknowledge Him, the true God and Savior. Just as was decreed to Nebuchadnezzar, Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes (Daniel 4:32). Seven times means seven years in the typical Aramaic usage. At the end of the Great Tribulation, every knee of those remaining shall bow and worship Him, the Lamb that was slain. We also know the identities and fate of those who do not acknowledge the Antichrist. They are the ones who in-

stead acknowledge the Risen Savior. However, while this refers to those who became believers in the Tribulation, on this side of the rapture, they are those that struggle against the spirit of the antichrist. Christs promise remains in force: Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32-33). What then is our reward and the price? Certainly not the promise of something so mundane and temporal as the land promised to the elites; in other words, material wealth, position and power in the world. Said Christ, Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:12). No, the saints are the ones that the world will hate, as the world also hated Christ. Said Jesus, [] you will be hated by all nations because of me (Matthew 24:9). As Apostle Paul experienced, the saints are more likely to be troubled than coddled, perplexed than self-reliant, persecuted than befriended, rejected than accepted. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body (2 Corinthians 4:11). Take courage, Christ is coming quickly with his reward. Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. (Revelation 22:12) For, soon it will be time for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great (Revelations 11:18). MC
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We know the fate of these elites and also everyone else in the world that does not acknowledge Him, the true God and Savior. Just as was decreed to Nebuchadnez zar, Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. (Daniel 4:32)

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2008 CHARLESTON PROPHECY CONFERENCE

ndeed, today we are racing toward a global world.This is our theme at I the Charleston Prophecy Conference, September 2008. Presently, six speakers have accepted our invitation to participate in this important meeting to highlight the progress that is being made politically, economically, and especially religiously towards the global world.We must keep in mind that what is written in Revelation 13:8 will come to pass:All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the beast). How we can know that we are in the midst of this frightful development and how we as believers should act will be the focus of this important meeting. By all means, reserve the last three days of September for the Charleston Prophecy Conference.Fill in your registration form now and return it to us by mail so your place will be secured.

Wilfred J. Hahn has accumulated extensive and relevant experiences in the global financial industry during his career; thus, he is able to speak knowledgeably and authoritatively on global events in economics, investment markets and international, social and political affairs. He is the executive director of Mulberry Press Inc. and editor of Eternal Value Review. He is the author of The Endtime Money Snare: How To Live Free. Dave Hunt is an internationally known author and lecturer who has written several dozen books with a combined sale of over 4 million copies. Some of his bestsellers include: A Woman Rides the Beast;The Seduction of Christianity; A Cup of Trembling; In Defense of the Faith and Judgment Day! Rev Joseph Chambers has authored six books, co-authored 2 books,has written over 185 booklets,and made over 18 videos on various Christian- related subjects. He is famous for his video series giving a negative expose` on the Pensacola Outpouring,Benny Hinn,Kenneth Hagin, and The False Anointing.He is married to Juanita H.Chambers and has three children and six grandchildren.He was a pastor in Black Mountain, North Carolina between 1964-1968,and went on to become the Senior Minister of Paw Creek Ministries in Charlotte,NC,where he still resides. Dr. John Cionci is a Philadelphia native and graduate of Central High School, University of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and Chair of the AIDS Association. Dr. Cionci has been a practicing physician since 1950. Semi-retired since 1988, he has dedicated his retirement to serving people with AIDS and educating the public about this disease.

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,many of which have been translated into several languages.He,his wife Elke and their four daughters reside in Switzerland. 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.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
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Historic Carriage Tours

2008 Charleston Prophecy Conference The Francis Marion Hotel 387 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

28-30 September
With the average temperature in September being a comfortable 83 degrees, we expect great weather at the conference this year, perfect for a stroll down the battery or taking a walking tour! When it comes to attractions in this city, the possibilities are endless.
Historic Churches Historic Homes The Battery Shopping Gardens The Citadel Carriage rides and walking tours

Charleston, SC

Broad Street

Fort Sumter Market Street Charleston City Market

Patriots Point

The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel offers spectacular views of Charlestons historic harbor, church steeples and legendary King Street.The Francis Marion Hotel, with its central downtown location, is an easy walk to the antebellum homes, magnificent gardens, antique shops and boutiques, and world-class restaurants. Double $109.00 per night Limited space, book now to take advantage of this special rate Midnight Call has arranged for your stay at the Francis Marion Hotel, on the National Historic Registry! Please call 1-877-756-2121 for the hotel reservation. Banquet is $38 per person Registration is $59 per person Book your room, banquet, and registration together by 1st of July and take $10 off your registration! Vist our website www.midnightcall.com For the latest information

Middleton Place Gardens

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N O R W AY

Dont Kill Fish,Animal Norway Federation for Rights Say The Animal Protection opposes teaching
children to fish because, they allege, fish and worms feel pain. They have opposed projects to distribute fishing poles to grammar school students. Animal Rights activist Siri Relling said, It is important for children to experience nature, but they can do it without tormenting other species.
In 2007, a popular chef in Norway was accused of animal cruelty by animal rights groups because on his television program he advocated boiling crabs alive, the traditional way to cook them. The case was dismissed by the court, but the chef, Yngve Ekern, was required to face his accusers at a Conciliation Board. The animal rights group NOAH claims that boiling crabs alive is a violation of the Animal Protection Act. Yet Stein Martinsen, of the Institute of Marine Research, observes: It is difficult to kill shellfish in other ways than boiling. I know some who hack lobsters in two, but they have a tiny brain that is not so easy to hit (Charges after Crab Boiling. Aftenposten, June 16, 2007). We dont advocate any true abuse of animals, but all of this is just plain silliness. Fish eat fish, and birds eat worms, and tigers eat anything they please, and they arent interested in humane ways of doing it. If people are just animals, as the evolutionists believe (and probably most animal rightists are evolution-

EGYPT

The New Wall in Gaza

Demonstrations to save fish have been held in Norway before, though this one seems to have frightened passersby into Burger King.
PHOTO: STEIN BJRGE

ists, while many others believe in some form of theistic evolution), then it doesnt matter what we do, because there is no design or purpose to existence.
-Christian News, 4 February 2008, pg. 2

Egypt is building a three-meter-high concrete wall along its border with the Gaza Strip to prevent any new breach such as took place when Gazans broke through on January 23. The security official confirmed the numerous eyewitness reports about the construction of the new wall. Civilian workers were seen doing the job. So far, three kilometers have been built, stretching from the main Salaheddin gate in downtown Rafah to the sea. The new wall, which replaces the mixed barbed-wire fence, iron and concrete barrier that was breached in several places by Hamas explosives in January, will prevent any future incursion by the Palestinians, the official said.
-Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2008, pg. 2

The Old Testament defines certain categories of animals not to be killed and eaten, but the New Testament makes this statement: Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lords, and the fulness thereof (1 Corinthians 10:25-26).

The fact that an Arab country has to keep out Arab people should be considered quite unusual. Egypts news media continues to proclaim the suffering of Arab Palestinians in Israel, and quite naturally, the blame is placed on the Jews. But this hypocritical behavior is now clearly exposed. Egypt wants no part of Arab Palestinians. One does not need much imagination to see what would happen to Arab Palestinians if they were to operate terrorist cells in Egypt. Total annihilation would certainly be the result. Thus, it becomes clear that the freest country for the Arab Palestinian is still Israel.

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VAT I C A N

Cardinal Hopes for Historic Breakthrough

Muslim scholars who have called for greater dialogue with Christians began two days of talks with the Vatican to prepare for what church officials say will be a historic audience with Pope Benedict XVI.
The group includes representatives of 138 Muslim scholars and intellectuals who wrote to Benedict and other Christian leaders last year urging Christians and Muslims to develop their common ground of belief in one God. Cardinal Tauran himself has said the planned papal audience, which Benedict proposed as part of his official response to the Muslims letter, could start a historic dialogue between the faiths. The Vatican has welcomed the Muslim letter as an encouraging sign, eager to improve relations with moderate Islam ever since Benedict angered many in the Muslim world with a 2006 speech about Islam and violence. In the speech, Benedict cited a medieval text that characterized some of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as evil and inhuman, particularly his command to spread by the sword the faith. In the letter to Benedict and other Christian leaders, the Muslim scholars, muftis and intellectuals drew parallels between Islam and Christianity and their common focus on love for God and love for ones neighbor. They also noted that such a focus is found in Judaism. As Muslims and in obedience to the Holy Quaran, we ask Christians to come together with us on the common essentials of our two religions, the letter said. Let this common ground be the basis of all future interfaith dialogue between us. Noting that Christians and Muslims make up an estimated 55 percent of the world population, the scholars concluded that improving relations is the best way to bring peace to the world.
-msnbc.msn.com, 4 March 2008

There are seemingly insurmountable hurdles for Muslims to accept Christians and vice

versa. How this and other meetings will come out is not clear at this time, but we know a resolution will be found, and people all over the world, from all religions, will come together. Revelation 13:8 will be fulfilled: And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the image of the beast). The greatest power in the world is still the Vatican, and the most influential man on planet Earth is still the pope of Rome. We must add that religion is here to stay, because religion, in conjunction with democracy, will indeed install the Antichrist.

W O R L D

Will Asians and Africans Evangelize Europe?

Because the center of Christianity is moving from the northern hemisphere to the southern, the question is now being asked, who will evangelize the world? Will churches in Asia and Africa be able to evangelize Europe?
PHOTO: Chinese Holy Bible

That was the important question the General Secretary of the Ecumenical Council of Churches, Samuel Kobia, discussed at a meeting with the Philippine Church President in Manila. Churches throughout Asia and Africa are experiencing phenomenal growth, while churches in Europe are losing membership and many are closing its doors. In the meantime, church buildings have been sold to Muslims who have renovated them to be mosques, businesses, even hotels and restaurants. Christians from Asia are actively involved globally. For example, churches in the Philippines now minister to their people who live in foreign countries. According to reports by the ecumenical news agency, there are about 10 million Philippinos working in Middle East, Hong Kong, Europe, and North America. Evangelical Pastor Joel de Rosario reported that his ministry is concerned with workers in foreign countries. Their work is done in cooperation with the Catholic Church. One

of the joint projects is to protect the financial security for workers outside the Philippines. The church plans to open bank branches for foreign workers, but they also include spiritual ministry, because many who have been separated for a long time from their families exhibit emotional problems.
-Idea 49/07

The numbers supplied with this article are nothing short of astonishing. In 1900, 90.3 percent of Europeans were members of a church; it decreased to 61.9 percent in 1970 and down to 52.8 percent in 2006. Africa, on the other hand, showed 9.2 percent of total population being Christians in 1900, 40.6 in 1970 and 44.8 in 2006. Surely, the last shall be first and the first shall be last. When the gospel is preached, it brings forth spiritual rebirth, thus the fullness of the Gentiles will come in and be completed soon.
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EU

Record Fine of = C899m Euros Against Microsoft

The European Commission fined Microsoft a record = C899m ($1.36bn) for its failure to comply with demands to end allegedly anti-competitive business practices.
The fine came days after the worlds biggest software group announced it would open parts of its software to rival companies in an attempt to assuage regulators, skeptical about its promise to make its Windows operating system more open and transparent. According to Neelie Kroes, the European Unions competition commissioner, it is the first time the EU has fined a company for failure to comply with an antitrust decision. Mrs Kroes said she hoped the fine would close a dark chapter in a history of non-compliance with a 2004 ruling requiring Microsoft to disclose complete and accurate technical information that would allow rivals to develop products that would work with Windows. Microsoft said it would review the action, leaving the door open to a possible challenge. The Commission announced in October 2007 that Microsoft was in full compliance with the 2004 decision, so these fines are about past issues that have been resolved, the group said in a statement.
-Financial Times, 3 February 2008, pg. 16

SERBIA

Europes Last Frontier

On June 28, 1389, the Serbs lost to the Ottomans at Kosovo Field in the Battle of Kosovo. This began a 500-plus year dominance by the Ottoman Turks in Central Europe, and particularly in that powder keg known as the Balkans. It also meant that Islam the faith of the Ottoman Empire now had a door into Christian Europe.
The Serbs, a proud people, never forgave themselves for that loss and that foot in the door. They would harbor a 600-year guilt, as evidenced by a June 28, 1989 speech by Slobodan Milosevic at that infamous battlefield site at Kosovo; it was there that Slobo shook his fist before a huge crowd of one million Serbs, vowing vengeance and a united Greater Serbia, with his people Battle on Kosovo, by Adam Stefanovic, oil, 1870 rising from the ashes of history, ascendant and triumphant. No one will ever beat you again, promised the new unanswered questions about their deepseated conflict. Involved are Orthodox butcher of the Balkans. It was at that battle in 1389 that the Serb Serbs, Catholic Croatians, Bosnian hero Prince Lazar was defeated. That spot, Muslims, Catholic Slovenes, Bosnian and all of Kosovo, became a kind of politi- Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Kosovars, Alcal-religious shrine to Serbs. Our faith was banians, ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, born there, our language, our national and the list goes on. So the question is, why do these namyth, our pride, explained Vuk Draskovic, one of the Serbian goons who served in Mr. tions seek independence? After all, it is Milosevics foreign ministry in the 1990s. quite evident that everyone wants to beWe must protect Kosovo, even if we all long to the most prestigious club in the world, namely, the European Union. die. -The Bulletin, 26 February 2008, pg. 23 Why fight for independence? The answer is relatively simple: the Bible tells Not only Serbia, but virtually all Eu- us that the world will be one; this can ropean nations, including all colonial only be achieved through the last world countries, have had a similar experience. empire, Rome (Europe). Therefore, the Borders have shifted, depending on the reason for these nations in Europe and power of the nation or the enemies. But the rest of the world to gain their indeWorld War II settled most of the worlds pendence is to surrender their soverborders. Yet there are many conflict eignty to the power structure of the zones, in particular Serbia, who vehe- Antichrist. It stands to reason, you cant mently opposes the independence of surrender something you dont have. Kosovo. The declaration of indepen- Thats why the nations which have not dence by Kosovo does not end this mil- been recognized fully yet fight so deslennial old conflict. There are still perately to be recognized.

The all-powerful European Commission is the one who gives the orders; everyone will have to comply globally. This issue again shows us clearly that the law will go forth from Europe (Rome). However, it is temporary, because in the end, the law will not go forth from Rome, but from Jerusalem: And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem (Micah 4:2).

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ISRAEL

The Future of the Jews and Israel

Any evaluation of Jewish life must begin with the extraordinary success of the Zionist project in the twentieth century. Zionism and Israel have dominated the Jewish landscape for as long as any of us can remember. Their successes, failings, inadequacies, and promise have stood at the center of Jewish discourse for a century. What has Zionism accomplished for the Jews and Israel?
It has established a state that has become part of the world community, despite Arab hostility. It has created a vital and highly developed economy, despite what some researchers estimate as $44 billion of economic harm caused by the Arab boycott since the establishment of Israel. Israel has been slowly integrating into the region over the past two and a half decades, despite intifadas and wars. Formal peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, as well as informal diplomatic and economic relations with several North African and Persian Gulf countries, are proof of this. Reinventing Zionism and Israel - Diaspora Relations The ideology, policy, and strategy of Zionism in the twenty-first century must be to provide a framework for the optimal self-actualization of the Jewish individual. There is no single objectively definable Jewish people. There are, however, many real individual Jewish persons. There is no objectively definable Jewish problem. But there are millions of individual Jewish problems. The preoccupation with the optimal self-actualization of the individual Jewish person is the precondition for the physical and cultural success of the collective Jewish people. The Future of Arab-Jewish Relations The Arabs have constantly demanded that Israel should reject the West and integrate into the Middle East. But when we get specific, we can easily see the superficiality of this demand: Should Israel aspire to the judicial system of Iran or the judicial system of England? Should Israel aspire to the rights of women in Saudi Arabia or the rights of women in Sweden? Should Israel aspire to the technological level of Yemen or the technological level of the United States? Should Israel aspire to a Third World standard of living or to a Western standard of living? Should Israel aspire to a welfare society or to a subsistence society? Does any progressive Arab intellectual propose any of this for his own society? Jewish relations with the Arabs must be fair but firm, with an unconditional demand for reciprocity. Firmness refers not only to military firmness, but also to a reciprocal moral standard. Because peace means so much to them, some Israelis have often overlooked corruption, incompetence, and racism in Arab countries, as well as in many self-governing bodies of Israels own Arab citizens. There should be a policy of zero tolerance for Arab corruption and racism, as well as any dismissive contempt for legitimate Jewish rights. The Impacts of the Jewish Energy Project Energy was determined to be a Jewish problem. The goal of the Jewish Energy Project (www.jewishenergyproject.org) was to become a vital part of a wide range of coalitions with environmental and security groups in order to destroy the power of petroleum as an international commodity by deploying alternative energy resources and conservation methods that already existed before 2008. This has occurred, undermining the financing of international Islamic terror and rendering impotent the petroleum-funded nuclear weapons programs of rogue states such as Iran. Facing the Future As a people, Jews are never content; they are always looking for new ways to do things, to correct things (tikkun olum). More than the people of the book, we Jews are the people of the eternal question. Why? and Why not? are our two guiding principles. Dissatisfaction, not equanimity, is the quintessential Jewish virtue. The purpose of Zionism was to enable Jews to explore their uniqueness without suffering constant physical threats. It was meant to be an instrument with which to confront the future with certainty and security, not to idolatrize the past or to use the past as an excuse for our own failings.
-The Futurist, March-April 2008, pg. 29

These few excerpts from the article, published in The Futurist, March 2008, reveal strong confidence and self-reliance. Although an excellent article, it left off the most significant aspect of Israel: And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken (Deuteronomy 26:18-19). Israels sophisticated technological and intellectual achievements will not guarantee its existence, but only the Eternal One, the God of Israel.
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CHINA

The Worlds Largest Web Market

China has surpassed the United States to become the worlds largest Internet market by number of users, a research firm said. The estimate by Beijing-based BDA was based on data from China Internet Network Information Center which indicated that the countrys Internet users totaled 210 million at end2007. Nielsen/NetRatings put the United States Web population at 216 million for the same period, BDA said. Based on these sources and the assumption that these markets have continued to grow in 2008 to date at the same rates that they grew in 2007, we can conclude that China has by now comfortably surpassed the United States as the worlds largest Internet population, analyst Bin Liu said in a statement. BDA added that it expected e-commerce to become the next boom sector in China, as businesses take advantage of the mass market of consumers already online. (Reporting by Sophie Taylor, Editing by Edmund Klamann)
-Reuters, 13 March 2008

E U

Europe Steps in to Propose Code of Conduct for Sovereign Wealth Funds

The worlds sovereign wealth funds will be asked to accept a voluntary code of conduct governing their investment activities under proposals poised for approval by the European Commission. Peter Mandelson, the European trade commissioner, said the code would set out basic standards of governance and transparency for the funds. The emphasis in their investments should be on commercial motivations, not national or strategic considerations. I think such a code is possible to draw up and would get acceptance from the wealth funds, he told the Financial Times. Sovereign wealth funds from Abu Dhabi, China, Saudi Arabia and Singapore have injected billions of dollars into some of the worlds biggest investment banks since November to strengthen balance sheets savaged by exposure to the stricken US mortgage market and global credit squeeze. EU officials said the Commissions proposals would contribute to international efforts to set a framework for improving the openness and accountability of the funds. The proposals mark the first attempt to address the funds activities at EU level. They aim to balance concerns over the alleged lack of transparency and political motivations of certain funds with a message about Europes openness to foreign investment. We should be positive, not paranoid, about the operations of sovereign wealth funds, Mr. Mandelson said. If the funds refuse to accept a voluntary code of conduct, pressure may grow for laws obliging them, at the least, to disclose their investments.
-Financial Times, 24 February 2008, pg. 1

Interestingly, Arab Abu Dhabi, Communist China, and Muslim Saudi Arabia are coming to the aid of the U.S. But this attempt is temporary, because internationally binding laws will have to be established. It is evident that they are coming from the European Union, the global law-maker. This development again reminds us of Revelation 18:3: For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

It seems quite obvious that China has just begun to grow. With more than 4 times the population of the United States, the growth potential is mind-boggling. The worlds only major communist power structure is clearly challenging the United States. It is evident from financial perspectives that the communists are becoming richer while the capitalists (U.S.A.) are in the process of being less fortunate. China now has it in its power to cripple the United States financially and that has no relationship to military equipment, but can be achieved by the stroke of a pen.

EUROPE

The Rise of Ultra-Orthodox Jews

The majority of British and American Jews will be Ultra Orthodox by 2050, predicts a recent study by University of Manchester historian Yaakov Wise. In Europe, Ultra Orthodox Jewry is expanding more rapidly than at any time since before World War II; currently, nearly 75% of British Jewish births are Ultra Orthodox. In America, the Ultra Orthodox Jewish population doubles every 20 years, making the Jewish community more conservative both religiously and politically. If current trends continue, there is going to be a profound cultural and political change among British and American Jews, says Wise. The Ultra Orthodox population is also growing in Israel, where it is expected to double by 2020, comprising 17% of the total population.
Source: University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom. Web site: 222.manchester.ac.uk.

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WORLD ISLAM

Survey Challenges Western Perception of Muslims

A huge survey of the worlds Muslims challenges Western notions that equate Islam with radicalism and violence.
The survey, conducted by the Gallup polling agency over six years and three continents, seeks to dispel the belief held by some in the West that Islam itself is the driving force of radicalism. It shows that the overwhelming majority of Muslims condemned the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001 and other subsequent terrorist attacks, the authors of the study said in Washington. Samuel Harris said in the Washington Times in 2004: It is time we admitted that we are not at war with terrorism. We are at war with Islam, Dalia Mogadeh, co-author of the book, Who Speaks for Islam which grew out of the study, told a news conference here. About 93 percent of the worlds 1.3 billion Muslims are moderates and only seven percent are politically radical, according to the poll, based on more than 50,000 interviews. In majority Muslim countries, overwhelming majorities said religion was a very important part of their lives 99 percent in Indonesia, 98 percent in Egypt, 95 percent in Pakistan. [Regarding 9/11] radical Muslims gave political, not religious, reasons for condoning the attacks, the poll showed. The survey shows radicals to be neither more religious than their moderate counterparts, nor products of abject poverty or refugee camps. Gallup launched the study following 9/11, after which US President George W. Bush asked in a speech, which is quoted in the book, Why do they hate us? They hatea democratically elected government, Bush offered as a reason. They hate our freedoms our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other. But the poll, which gives ordinary Muslims a voice in the global debate that they have been

About 93 percent of the worlds 1.3 billion Muslims are moderates and only seven percent are politically radical, according to the poll, based on more than 50,000 interviews worldwide.
drawn into by 9/11, showed that most Muslims including radicals admire the West for its democracy, freedoms and technological process. What they do not want is to have Western ways forced on them, it said. Muslims want self-determination, but not an American-imposed and defined democracy. They dont want secularism or theocracy. What the majority wants is democracy with religious values, said Esposito.
-Copyright 2008 Agence France Presse -YAHOO!News, 27 February 2008

This survey puts some water on the fire of the much-repeated Muslim threat to the world, particularly from within the Christian camp. There are several reasons why we have never jumped on the bandwagon of Muslim-bashing or called attention to the potential danger of the Islamic world. One is that it is not prophesied in Holy Scripture. It seems that these visible manifestations of evil have come as a rather handy excuse for Christianity to have an identifiable enemy, and with that theory, Satan laughs all the way to hell. Although many individual Muslims issue grand declarations of their power, they in fact are rel-

atively powerless. In general, the Muslim world cant even sufficiently feed its own people. Their technological developments trail far behind the European world, and their inadequate intellectual infrastructure is exposed by their lack of producing any man or woman of international stature. Intellect, in combination with finances, is the fuel of the engine that drives this world. The greatest reason, however, is that Antichrist is the epitome of anti-Christianity; to be more precise, Churchianity. That is, the religious infrastructure that claims to believe in the Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, but acts only in selfpreservation. Therefore, the most dangerous development today is actually taking place in the midst of Churchianity, the richest and most powerful religion on planet Earth. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:1 about the last days and enumerates 18 characteristics of end-time believers, summarizing with verse 5: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. That is the greatest danger ever.
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EU

The Creation of the Fifth Freedomof Knowledge

As part of the EUs ongoing quest to make itself more competitive, the blocs leaders have suggested creating a fifth freedom of knowledge to be added to the four original principles of free movement of persons, capital, services and goods in the European Union.
Member states and the EU must remove barriers to the free movement of knowledge by creating a fifth freedom, the heads of states and governments concluded on Friday (14 March) in a statement following their traditional spring summit. As part of the initiative, the bloc has pledged to boost cross-border mobility of researchers, students, scientists and university teachers, as well as labour markets and work conditions for European researchers and further reforms in high education. The EU is already providing funding and possibilities for student exchange programmes but some countries are falling behind on investment in education, research and development. According to the latest figures, the EU invested 1.84 percent of GDP in research in 2006 the same as in 2004 and 2005 despite having an overall 3 percent target of GDP to meet by 2010. The statistics show a varied picture across Europe Sweden (3.82%) and Finland (3.45%) have already reached the goal, and they are followed by Germany, Austria and Denmark with 2 percent R&D expenditure. Western European countries also register the highest number of scientists and engineers within their domestic labour force, with Belgium (7.9%) at the top of the table, followed by Ireland (6.8%) and Finland (6.7%). For Europe, the figure stood at 4.8 percent in 2006.

Free movement of knowledge is to be the EUs fifth freedom.

At the other end of the scale, some new member states in central and eastern Europe are seriously lagging behind in boosting knowledge-based economies, with Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania investing the least in R&D, below 0.5 percent.
-EUobserver.com, 15 March 2008

The fifth pillar of freedom is an essential part of welding the various European nations

into a more solid unity. Although there will be vast differences between the various countries in their achievement, it becomes clear that the growth of European power will continue to dominate as it has for the last 2,000 years. Here we must emphasize that the Bible speaks of only four global power structures (4 kingdoms). Rome (Europe) is the last one; therefore, the success is all but guaranteed.

USA

Episcopalian Bishop Apologies for Seeking To Convert Hindus

Service celebrates 2 beliefs a report in the January 20, 2008 Los Angeles Times said: Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, issued a statement of apology to the Hindu religious community for centuries-old acts of religious discrimination by Christians, including attempts to convert them.
A story on page one of the February 4 Christian News noted that the Roman Catholic Church is no longer seeking to convert Jews. Most major denominations today do not insist that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven for all people. They contend that Muslims, Jews, Hindus and other non-Christians worship the same God Christians worship. This universalism is a major reason why the mission work of the major denominations no longer involves much preaching of the Gospel to lost sinners. The emphasis is now on social welfare work, building hospitals, teaching English, better agricultural techniques, etc.
-CN 11 February 2008, pg. 1

This is to be expected. A Christless Christianity can easily cooperate with a Christless religion of any type. Thus we see another stepping stone in the process toward an ecumenical, global religion.

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L ET T ERS T O T H E EDITO R
Address letters for publication to: Letters to the Editor, Midnight Call, P.O. Box 280008, Columbia, SC 29228. Include full name, address, and daytime phone number. Without name and address, letters will be discarded unread. All material is subject to editing. Midnight Call assumes all publishing rights on letters sent to the Editor.

Replacement Theology... Prosperity Gospel... Antichrist...

Replacement Theology Dear Editor, Shalom to you and your staff. My wife and I are new subscribers to your publication Midnight Call. After reading through the February issue and skimming Arno Froeses book, 119 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Prophecy, I was rather impressed with your love for Israel and her people. In the February issue, in the article Gods Purpose for the Church by Dr. Bigalke Jr., I was disappointed to see replacement theology at work and subsequent misuse of Scripture as he argues his two covenant theology. The Church excludes believers of the Old Testament and those who trust in Christ for salvation after the Church has been raptured. This is impossible. There is only one salvation Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus the Christ). Galatians 3:6-9 points out that Abraham was given the gospel (of the coming Messiah) in advance. In connection with you, all the Goyim (Gentiles) will be blessed. Paul says in Romans 11:17: But if some of the (natural) branches were broken off and you a wild olive were grafted in among them and have become equal sharers in the rich root of the olive tree. Im using the word believer as my foundation. I am not speaking of any earthly nation, even Israel (as a political entity). There has always been one body (the bride of Christ) of believers from the beginning (Adam) redeemed by the shed blood of Yeshua the only begotten son (John 3:16) to the end of the age. Revelation 1:8, I am the Alpha and the Omega, says Yeshua, God of heavens army, the One who is who was and who is to
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LE T TE R S TO T H E EDIT OR

I take this opportunity to write to you, after years of silence. I moved from my home into a very small island where I am working its a very religious island which, like the Laodicean Church, says they are rich materialism has taken over. The prophetic Word is not being preached nor taught from the pulpits. All you hear is prosperity, and the rest they water down to suit membership. But I want to stand solid on Gods Word.
-GLADSTONE OLLIVIERRE, BRITISH VIRGIN ISALNDS
come. The people of Israel, the Jews, are the original olive branch, the chosen nation, by His divine grace and mercy; they have first received the covenant which includes the coming promise of salvation, first betrothed at Mount Sinai with the giving of Torah. The promise of redemption made to the people of Israel was also available to Gentiles even then, and you are not to detest an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land. The third generation of children born to them may enter the assembly (ekklesia) of Adonai (God) (Deuteronomy 23:8). There were specific commandments given by God through Moses allowing foreigners to live among the people of Israel. Even a shadow of Pauls mission to the Gentiles is found in the book of Jonah, who took the message of repentance to the people of Nineveh who were Gentiles. Now, there were certain nations who were so heathen that God would not allow His people to join themselves to them. Pagan
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customs and idol worship were the main reasons given in Scripture. None of this precluded Gentile individuals and families from joining being grafted in to the assembly of Israel. We, as believers, are grafted in as Paul confirms the words of Torah in Romans. Even in Acts 15, the Jerusalem council establishes a halacha for new Gentile believers, those who were not raised with Torah (Acts 15:19-21). It established four ordinances or requirements for new believers to be allowed to congregate within the assembly of Messianic believers, further stating that the Torah of Moshe (Moses) will be read every Shabbat (Sabbath). I must emphasize that the Torah never provided salvation for anyone since the time of Adam. The purpose of the Torah lies in these three things: It shows us how God loves us, how to love God and how to love each other. Yeshua, the Holy One, God incarnate, was a Torah observant orthodox Jew who preached Torah to the people, and His message

was repentance. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). All believers past and present are Israel, Jew and Gentile alike, heirs to one covenant first given more than 4,000 years ago fully revealed through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Do we then nullify the Torah through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Torah. In Romans 7:12, Paul (an orthodox Pharisee Jew) goes on to say that the Torah is holyrighteous and good. God did not become flesh as Yeshua (Jesus) to establish a new covenant or even a new church. This theology implies that God made a mistake with Israel. Malachi 3:6-7 says that because I, Adonai (God), do not change return to me and I will return to you. In Isaiah chapter 56 we see that the foreigner (Gentile) who joins himself (again the theme of being grafted in) is entitled to the same promises and blessings as any believing Jew. And the foreigners who join

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

themselves to Adonai, and to be His workers, all who keep Shabbat and do not profane it and hold fast to My covenant, I will bring them to my holy mountain All scriptural quotes taken from the Complete Jewish Bible. I invite you to read the book, Restoration, Returning the Torah of God to the Disciples of Jesus, by D. Thomas Lancaster, published by First Fruits of Zion. Barookh Adonai hamorakh Iolam vaed (Bless the Lord who is blessed forever and ever).
-Mr. & Mrs. John Lamb, Lake Elsinore, CA

Answer: Based on my reading of Dr. Bigalkes article, he definitely does not endorse Replacement Theology. Dr. Bigalke highlights dispensationalism, based on Holy Scripture. Today, we are living in the dispensation of grace, which began at Pentecost and will continue until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; that is, when the Church, the body of Christ, has been completed and raptured into the presence of the Lord. God, indeed, has made a New Covenant: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah (Jeremiah 31:31). And Hebrews 8:13 confirms: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. Also, the saints of the Old Testament are not the same as those who believe after the Rapture, particularly during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 7:9). Of course, all are saved because of the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world.

Note how Jesus makes the distinction between the saints of the Old Testament and the New Testament, Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he (Matthew 11:11). When compared to the glory of the Bride of the Lamb, John the Baptist is least. Why? Because he belongs to a different group of believers. The true Church, the Body of Christ, is made up of Jews and Gentiles, but while on earth, they still keep their identity. Galatians 3:28 reads;There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. That is our spiritual identity, not our physical one, because we keep our earthly identity as Jew, Gentile, male and female. Another group of believers can be seen in Revelation 6:9-11. This group loses their physical life in order to follow Jesus. Why? Because they refused to believe in Him during the dispensation of grace. Israel, Gods chosen people, are still in darkness today, but in accordance with Romans 11:28, for [our] sakes. Salvation will come to them visibly and physically on the Mount of Olives, when He returns. This will happen after the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Romans 11:25-26). In the book of Acts, James confirms the prophet Amos when he says, Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his nameAfter this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David,

which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up (Acts 15:14, 16). Very clearly, this is the end of one and the beginning of another dispensation. Once the Gentiles have been taken out, God will turn to Israel. But I must repeat and confirm your statement that all believers will be saved based on the shed blood of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

Prosperity Gospel Dear Pastor, Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our soon coming King. I take this opportunity to write to you, after years of silence. I moved from my home into a very small island where I am working its a very religious island which, like the Laodicean Church, says they are rich materialism has taken over. The prophetic Word is not being preached nor taught from the pulpits. All you hear is prosperity, and the rest they water down to suit membership. But I want to stand solid on Gods Word. Before I came to this island, I was well versed in the prophetic Scripture from you and other ministries. I dont know if the others are still around. I cant even get any books on prophecy. I dont know why pastors are not preaching the Second Coming. This causes me to be very worried. My soul thirsts and longs to hear messages on the end times, especially with all the rumbling and tumbling thats going on in the world. Where is Gods message? Please send me your cataM AY 2 0 0 8 45

LE T TE R S TO TH E EDIT OR

log on all your books so I can purchase them. Thank you and may God continue to bless you in Jesus name.
-Gladstone Ollivierre, British Virgin Isalnds

Answer: The fact that the majority of churches do not preach the prophetic Word, which is part of the Gospel, is simply due to the negative content. It is much easier to emphasize the positive in the Gospel. Why not highlight love, joy, and peace, but dont mention long suffering. Emphasize gentleness and goodness, but put a question mark behind faith. Meekness is already questionable it stands in opposition to self-esteem and for temperance, leave it up to the individual: that is the basis of the prosperity gospel. But if we overlook the word of judgment, the prophetic Word, which is part of the Gospel, according to Ephesians 2:20, then we become guilty of proclaiming an altered Gospel. In view of prophecy, Peter warns, Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless (2 Peter 3:14).

name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom, let him who has understanding, count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred three score and six. Does anyone have a title that, when the title is identified by letters and numbers, it adds up to 666? The answer is yes, we have the identity. Enclosed is the title of this person, vicarious filii dei in Latin, when translated in English is in place of God: V I C A R I U S 5 1 100 0 0 1 5 0 F I L I I D E I 0 1 50 1 1 500 0 1 = 666 If you know who has this title, then you know who the Antichrist is. God bless.
-James J. Hill, Ocala, FL

fice of the false prophet. However, I need to emphasize that it speaks of the entire world. Therefore, you cannot isolate any Christian denomination. In other words, it is in error to assume that the Catholic Church is an anti-Christian church because, in the end, virtually all churches belong to the Antichrist system. There are many antiCatholics, but if they are not converted, they are part of the camp under the authority of the first and second beast. Also, keep in mind that, not only churchianity, but all other religions will be added to it. Dont forget that Revelation 13:8 will be fulfilled, all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (Antichrist). In summary, neither the Vatican nor the Pope is the Antichrist when viewed from spiritual perspectives, but all religions, by whatever name, are part of the antiChristian system.

Antichrist Dear Sirs: In your book, 119 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Prophecy, on page 83 you stated: The Bible does not identify the Antichrist, nor does it tell us that we should search for his identity. Maybe not, but why would God warn us in the Book of Revelation, chapter 13, verses 16-18, ...that no man might buy or sell save he that had the mark, or the
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MIDNIGHT CALL

Answer: The number/letter system has been circulated for many decades. Unfortunately, the system is not biblical and depends largely on coincidental fitting of numbers with letters. I do not believe it has any direct relationship to Holy Scripture. What the Bible says, however, is plain: there are two beasts, one coming out of the sea, that is, from among the people; the other comes out of the earth, which means he will be physically identifiable.When you read the first 11 verses of Revelation 13, you will notice that the first beast is the one who receives everything, who has nothing in his own right, while the second beast, the false prophet, has everything. It is my understanding that the infrastructure of the Vatican would qualify as the of-

Spirit, Soul and Body Dear Mr. Froese, I love your magazine. Im sure someone has already pointed out that in the February 2008 issue (Editors Note), you meant to put Psalms 6:2 and not Psalms 2:6 in paragraph 6. Anyway, that is not the main reason I am writing. I was wondering if you could answer a question I have about the body after death. I am not talking about the body that will be rotting in the grave. Doesnt the unbeliever have a physical body that can feel pain? At the same time, will his unconverted soul and spirit have

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

mental anguish forever because he or she rejected the truth and it is too late? I thought that whether we go to heaven or hell, we are 3-part people. I appreciate your thoughts on this. Thank you for reading my letter.
-S. Garneau, Schenectady, NY

Answer: Thank you for your alertness in pointing out our error relating to Psalm 6:2 instead of Psalm 2:6. Indeed, we are a trinity, or 3-part people as you write. While here on earth, we dwell in our corruptible tabernacle. The Apostle Paul prayed, I pray God our whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). At the moment of the Rapture, the believer receives a new body (1 Corinthians 15:53). That new body will not be in the likeness of corruptible flesh, but will be glorified. Jesus Christ is the first begotten of the dead. That means He shall die no more. He was translated into a glorified body. Matters such as doors and walls ceased to exist as a hindering element. To the disciples, He said, Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have (Luke 24:39).Then the Lord asked for food, and we read in verses 42-43:And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. The Bible says we shall be like Him. Unbelievers too shall be resurrected as a real 3-part people. Everyone, individually, will have to stand

before the Great White Throne. Note that they are standing before God, not Jesus, because salvation will no longer be available. In Revelation 20:10 we read of the devil, being cast into the lake of fire, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. For those who deliberately refused the gift of salvation while on earth, verse 15 makes this declaration: And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Physician Heal Thyself Dear Letter to the Editor, In Luke 4:23 I read, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself. What does he mean? Psalms 87:4-6, I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. What does this mean?
-Joseph Thompson,York, PA

the proclamation of Him being the long awaited Messiah. That could not be, because they knew Him, His father, mother, brothers and sisters, thus they challenged Him, physician heal thyself. In other words, demonstrate your Messiahship. Psalm 87 highlights the preeminence of Zion, that is, Jerusalem. The heathen nations will recognize that salvation comes from Zion. Israels neighbors will testify that Zion bringeth forth children of righteousness. The German Menge translates verse 6: The Lord enumerates when he documents the nations, His dwelling place is there. Gods ultimate aim is to dwell with His people, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with man and he will dwell with them (Revelation 21:3). Isaiah speaks of the salvation that was, that is and that is to come: O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! (Isaiah 40:9). The new birth for Israel, her neighbors and the rest of the world originates in Zion.

Answer: You will have to read the entire chapter to get a better picture of the statement,physician heal thyself. Obviously, that phrase was common during that time, referring to people who attempted to help others, but could not help themselves. In verse 15, the statement is made that Jesus was glorified of all.Then in verses 1821, He claims fulfillment of Isaiah 61,

Rapture Dear Brother, You and Dave Hunt are my helpers to understanding Scripture. I received an article by John Ogwyn that seems right, but it never mentions the Rapture. Here is part of the letter I received: Most evangelicals who write or speak on the subject of prophecy assume that the key endtime event for Christians is the secret
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LE T TE R S TO TH E EDIT OR

rapture. What exactly is the rapture? What does the Bible teach concerning it and is it the only hope for endtime Christians? The term rapture is used nowhere in the Bible. It is a term that has been invented by men and applied by them to what they term the first phase of the Second Coming. The Bible itself, however, nowhere says that Christs coming will occur in phases. A nineteenth century British preacher, John Nelson Darby, was the one who developed the rapture teaching and began to promote it in the 1830s. He was the founder of the Plymouth Brethren Church and developed a scheme of scriptural interpretation called dispensationalism. I think Jesus is coming soon in view of world events. May God bless and use you mightily.
-James Crich, Saskatoon, SK

The location of the meeting place is described as being in the air. He is not coming to earth. But then later, He does, And his feet shall stand in that day on the mount of Olives which is before Jerusalem on the east (Zechariah 14:4). Then will be fulfilled what is written, And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10). You can not put these two comings together as one. In view of our expectation for the coming of the Lord, we have this wonderful Scripture: Wherefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Answer: Long before John Nelson Darby, Philip Nicole (1556-1608) and many others wrote about the glorious expectation of the coming of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. They expressed this hope clearly in the hymns they composed way back in the 1500s. How did they know about the Rapture? From the Bible.For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Accountability Age Dear Editor: I am writing about the future event in prophecy called the Rapture. The concept of the Rapture is not found in Old Testament prophecy and was first announced by Jesus Christ in John 14:2-3. Moreover, the Apostle Paul mentioned that event in both 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-58. Revelation 3:10-11 corroborates a pre-tribulation Rapture. My understanding from extensive reading of Bible prophecy is that born-again Christians will be caught up, so to speak, in the twinkling of an eye, in a moment, to be with the Lord. In a recent discussion, two family members of mine expressed the view that children under the so-called age of accountability will also be with those saints caught up in the Rapture. I do not recall reading that particular point anywhere in the Bible nor in any

other of the numerous books and articles I have read on Bible prophecy. I suppose that one could draw an inference that such is or can be true if God does not hold children accountable for their sins (in regard to salvation) until a certain age. It appears to be a commonly-held belief in the Christian community that all babies who die go to heaven as well as children who have yet to reach the age of accountability, which, of course, varies from one person to another. Please let me know if there is any factual reason to believe that children under the age of accountability will be caught up in the Rapture or whether they have to live on into the tribulation.
-Richard Gilgis, Downers Grove, IL

Answer: The age of accountability is not clearly defined in Holy Scripture. Therefore, speculation is not the answer. We know that Scripture speaks to people who can hear, read, and understand what is being proclaimed. Those that cannot comprehend because of age or mental incapacity, obviously, belong to another category. The Bible does not give us any details except maybe the Lords statement, Blessed are the poor in spirit (Mathew 5:3). One thing we do know is that every person is born a sinner even a little baby is selfcentered to the utmost when given a chance. Because the Holy Scripture does not give us precise information regarding infants and their accountability, I think it best to leave it as it is. Where the Bible is silent, we should be likewise. MC

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