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The International Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes

MARCH 2009$4.75

TrueWorship According to Jehoshaphat


Pg. 14

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

MuslimThreat Revelation Two Questions


Pg. 22

C O N T E N T S

COVER STORY

8 Voices in the Wilderness


By Stephan Beitze
In Isaiah 40, there is a voice that speaks comforting words to the people of Israel. Although they were in captivity, God promised restoration both then and in the future millennium of peace. Today this voice speaks to us to call us out of our bondage in the wilderness of sin.

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True Worhip According to Jehoshaphat


By Marcel Malgo
King Jehoshaphat's prayer is a model for true worship, teaching us how we should come before the Lord with humility, thanksgiving and praise. While Jehoshaphat based his prayer on the covenant of God with Abraham, we must base our prayers on the finished work of Calvary.

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Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .By Arno Froese HABAKKUK 3:18 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .By Arno Froese MUSLIM THREAT...REVELATION...TWO QUESTIONS

Midnight Call
MARCH 2009

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Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,


I will joy in the God of my salvation (Habakkuk 3:18).
B y A r n o F r o e s e

his prophet in a unique way allows us a glimpse of the awesomeness of God. This last chapter is a prayer: A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth: (verse 1). Quite naturally, we would ask, What does the word Shigionoth mean? The Tenakh in the margin says, meaning uncertain, perhaps songs of supplication. What we do know is that Habakkuk is praying: O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy (verse 2). The prophet prays to God to revive His works, which seem to have come to an end. Revival was urgent. He prays this, in spite of the horrible judgment, because he knows Gods mercy. God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise (verse 3). It is of interest that the word God appears in the singular in Hebrew: Eloah, instead of the plural Elo4
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him. This is not surprising, because he identifies geography: Teman, which is in the south of Judah or Paran, which is the desert of Arabia. We must come to the conclusion that it speaks of the Word, which became flesh and dwelt among us. But this prayer is not addressed on the earthly level, for it also shows the heavenly reality: And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet (verses 4-5). Moses reports of the Lord in a similar fashion in Deuteronomy 33:2: The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. Also, we read in Revelation 1:15: And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. Thus we see the prophet addressing the Lord, the Creator of all things, the great Majesty in heaven and on earth.

He most certainly is the Almighty. This is confirmed in verses 6-7: He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. We are reminded of the words of our Lord All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18). While verse 6 emphasizes the celestial power, verse 7 identifies the earthly aspect by naming geographical places on earth: Cushan, which is Ethiopia, and Midian, the son of Abraham, the father of the Midianites. Further we read: Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? Was thine anger against the rivers? Was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger (verses 8-12). Here we see revealed the Lord of Creation. He is the absolute authority above and beyond everything that is and everything that is not seen and perceivedthat is the invisible reality. But there is a specific purpose, which is revealed in verse 12 in the words, the heathen in anger. This doubtless speaks of the final judgment of the heathen nations. We have to keep in mind that Habakkuk is in prayer, united in spirit with the Lord, thus passes on to us things which we may not literally understand nor spiritually fully comprehend, but it is clear that the revelation of the Almighty Omnipotent God stand in contrast to the heathen nations. Here we are reminded again of what is written in Psalm 2:1-3: Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. We often make the mistake to identify the heathen nations of the world as those who do not think well of us, such as Cuba, North Korea or lately, Iran, who calls the United States the great Satan. Quite too often we are shortsighted when we read Holy Scripture, because from Gods perspectives, there are only three groups of people: the heathens, the Jews, and the Christians. The last are the ones who are believers in Jesus Christ, and they are present all over the world. There isnt a country void of believers in Jesus Christ. We in the USA may be more vocal in our Christianity, but that does not guarantee we have more real Christians. We may yet be surprised if we knew of the many Christians in the Muslim world. They are not vocal; actually they are very silent, but they are there. That is also true in China and Europe. We must never forget that Jesus says, I will build my church, and He continues to build His church

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The Prophetic Voice for the Endtimes PRINTED IN 12 LANGUAGES

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globally on all five continents. That Church is going to be completed very soon, we believe. Back to Psalm 2: The nations of the world are rebelling against the Lord and against His Anointed, and that is why Habakkuks prayer reveals the all powerful God in His indignation against the heathen. Now comes the contrast: Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah (verse 13). This speaks of the people of Israel. He came specifically for the Jews. Jesus strictly commanded: Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6). He came forth for the salvation of thy people. While in Israel, He accomplished His work when He cried out on Calvarys Cross, It is finished. It was the seed of the woman through which came the Messiah, as promised in Genesis 3:15: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. That is the wonderful message of Habakkuk, as revealed in his prophetic prayer. Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, [through] the heap of great waters (verses 14-15). The prophet does not reveal Him as the Son of God or the Suffering Servant, but as the one who executes judgment. Habakkuk confesses: When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops (verse 16). He saw the day of the Lord and trembled. Other prophets saw this day also, A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations (Joel 2:2). Zephaniah speaks of that day as well: That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness (Zephaniah 1:15). In verse 17 Habakkuks prophetic prayer reveals Israels condition for the next two millenniums: Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls. No more is said about the return of Israel and the restoration of the land, but just the emptiness thereof. But that is not the end, because the prophet saw more: He saw Gods salvation, and that gave strength to the praying prophet: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my
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strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments (verses 18-19). May this lesson be ours very personally. There is a rejoicing and a joy in Gods salvation. It is not sensational; it is the still small voice within our spirit that tells us the best is yet to come!

Recession
The recession is now a globally established fact. Based on the numerous sources that come to our desk, it is quite evident that no one really knows how long it will last and how damaging it will be for the entire world. We mentioned this in our January 2009 issue as a word of explanation for the reduction of pages in Midnight Call. Due to the response of our readers, we are thankful to our Lord and happy to announce that the April 2009 issue will see a significant increase of pages in our magazine. It is our sincere hope and fervent prayer that we will be allowed to return to our 52-page magazine beginning with the May issue. Your continuous prayer for the outreach of Midnight Call Ministries is greatly appreciated. Greetings with Hebrews 6:10: For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. MC

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M FE A B R R C U H A RY 200 29 009

BY STEPHAN BEITZE

Sin inevitably brings people into captivity in the wilderness. It is a voice in the wilderness This is why Isaiah 40 speaks of a voice.

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hapter 40 begins the third part of the book of Isaiah. Its central themes are the fulfillment of Gods promises for Israel, the return of the land, and the restoration of the people. This cannot be separated from the expected Messiah, of course. Chapters 1 to 35 show Israels sins and contain Gods call to repentance through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah. The second part, a historical interlude, embraces chapters 36 to 39. In the third part, warnings and commands to repent are given, but the central theme is the restoration of Israel. There are clear pointers to the first restoration of Judah after the Babylonian captivity, but the main theme is the complete restoration of Israel in the millennium of peace. Isaiah writes as though he were already in the future, in the time of the Babylonian captivity of Judah, of which he warned so often in the first part. The judgment was already pronounced: the southern kingdom of Judah was led into captivity on account of her disobedience. But she would be led back again in the very same way. In Isaiah 40 it is striking how often a voice is spoken of (verses 1-3, 5-6, 9, 21, 25-28). They are voices in the wilderness. Israel would have to live far from home for 70 years. The grief she experienced was not just due to the fact of her captivity. It is very sad to know that we ourselves are to blame for our plight. If we are honest, we would probably have to admit that much of the sorrow in our lives has been our own fault. How much sorrow would have been spared others and us if we had our own characters better under control! What brings people inevitably into captivity in the wilderness is sin. The Bible shows clearly that every person has sinned and is therefore automatically under the rule of the devil. The consequence of this is threefold death: spiritual, physical and eternal. But in the midst of this wilderness a voice is heard:

Jesus Christ: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Jesus was even called the Word (compare John 1:1-14). He was the voice of God that came to this earth to bring people the message of love. Out of love He gave Himself, so that we could be comforted forever. Is it not wonderful for us to know that God has not forgotten us? Is it not the best news we can have, that God does not forsake us in our self-induced misery? In the person of Jesus Christ, God comes toward us. He sacrificed His life to save us. This is the greatest proof of love that we can imagine! God wants to have fellowship with us. Can we really imagine what it means that the holy, Almighty God wants to have fellowship with us? Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem (verse 2). These words give us the picture of a man who is wooing a woman. In the wilderness of this world, you will hear many voices that promise you all sorts of things. But there is only one true voice of love. The heart that is longing for true love will recognize this voice. In Song of Solomon the bride clearly recognizes the voice of her Beloved. When you hear the loving voice of God, therefore, you will rise from your sleep and open the door of your life to Him. Then you will experience the love of God.

The voice of forgiveness


Cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned (verse 2). The voice of the love of God is connected with the voice of forgiveness. The love of God is infinitely great. But there is a problem that must first be solved before man can have peace with God. The problem is sin. Its shadow darkens every sun. God is seeking the regret of man. The latter must prove that he is sorry: He must repent. But this is not enough. Even when we repent of our sins, we must still be judged, for God cannot have fellowship with sin. And this took place on Calvarys cross. There the Lord Jesus was made to be sin for us and was judged. He died for our sins. Only in this way can
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The voice of love


Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God (verse 1). It is a voice from heaven that wants to bring comfort. It is a voice of love, which proves that Israel, in spite of her sin, has not been forgotten of God. This kind voice is personified for us in

VOICES IN THE WILDERNESS

Are there mountains of pride that need to be made low? Are there rough aspects of our characters that need to be made smooth? Are there still sins in your life that have not been confessed? Are there unresolved conflicts that are still in the way? Whatever it may be, if you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit now, then put the matter in order without delay!
the sinner be justified. Now God sees the repentant sinner through His beloved and judged Son. Through Him the world was reconciled with Him. Now the way to God is free for everyone who accepts in faith the sacrifice of Jesus. Perhaps the voice of your conscience is whispering now, You lack the light of the glory of God. Are there dark valleys in our lives that need to be exposed to the light of God? Are there maybe mountains of pride that need to be made low? Are there rough aspects of our characters that need to be made smooth? Are there still sins in your life that have not been confessed? Are there unresolved conflicts that are still in the way? Or does the quiet time you lack prevent the glorious presence of God from developing completely? Whatever it may be, if you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit now, then put the matter in order without delay! God wants to lead us in high places in deeper fellowship with Him. Do you not want to prepare the way so that this is possible?

The voice of preparation


The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it (verses 3-5). The remnant of Israel could only remove the obstacles in the way of their return to the land, and therewith also the coming of the Messiah, by repenting. Later John the Baptist fulfilled these words literally when he prepared the way for the Messiah (John 1:23). The concept of preparing the way had its origins in a habit of previous kings. Before they came to a place, they sent heralds before them, who made sure that all the people knew of the imminent arrival and prepared a suitable reception. The way was to be kept free and in good condition. How is it in our lives? After we have experienced the Lord in His love and forgiveness, He wants to lead us into a deeper relationship with Himself. He not only wants to dwell in us, but also to fill us with His glorious presence: The glory of the Lord shall be revealed (verse 5). For this to become possible, we need to prepare the way. The valleys must be exalted and the hills made low. The crooked must be made straight and the rough places plain or smooth. The stumbling stones must be removed. Only then will the light of the glory of God completely fill our lives.
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The voice of abiding strength


The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever (verses 6-8). The people had been born and raised in all the glory and security of the city of Jerusalem. Suddenly the enemy came, like a harvester that mowed down everything in its way. Suddenly everything changed. Many people starved, and those in exile had to endure seventy years of captivity. Was there any hope of change? Yes, there was hope! God had allowed the captivity, but also promised their return. His Word would be completely fulfilled. If we look at ourselves, the consequences of our false decisions or the instability of our health, we often feel like perishable grass. But there is security. Isaiah 40:8 does not end with the withered grass and the faded flower, but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

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Sin inevitably brings people into captivity in the wilderness.

The voice of the coming punishment


The next voice is like that of a trumpet call from the top of a mountain. It is the voice that proclaims the coming of the Lord: 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! Behold, the Lord God will come (verses 9-10). If we are following Gods path, the call must be on our lips that sounds at midnight, The Lord is coming (compare Matthew 25:6). Is there a more wonderful or urgent message? The coming of the Lord to take His own home is imminent. The proclamation of the coming of the Lord is closely connected with punishment and reward: The Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him (verse 10). For those who resist the Lord or do not receive Him, this means the judgment of the ruling arm. This prophecy has a twofold fulfillment. First the Babylonian empire was conquered by the Persians, and shortly afterward, Judah was set free from captivity. This was the first fulfillment. The second has yet to take place. The terrible judgments of the Great Tribulation will come (compare Revelation 6ff), and then the Lord will appear in great power and glory to fight against the enemies of His people Israel. At Armageddon He will conquer them all. All those who do not believe in Jesus at this time will have to die. One thousand years later there will be another final judgment: every person who did not receive Jesus as Savior during his or her lifetime will have to appear before the Great White Throne. There everyone will be judged according to his or her
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Gods Word will stand forever! Besides many other promises, He has also promised that in Christ we are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). If we trust in Him and His Word, everything we do will have eternal value. Then we shall also, like Israel, experience the promise in Joel 2:25, And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. The Lord can make everything new and make a new beginning with us, however spoiled our lives may be. We also have here a warning concerning the passing nature of our lives. A life without Christ is like grass that has perished and been mowed down. Whoever founds his life on the Lord and His Word, however, is like a man who builds his house on a rock (compare Matthew 7:24-25). What foundation is your house built on?

VOICES IN THE WILDERNESS

People should not only hear it, however, but also see it in our lives. We must live as though the Lord Jesus would return today. When an earthly prince gets married, the whole world hears about it. How much more should everyone see by our walk that we are expecting the marriage of the Lamb! Is the Bride, are we, ready?
works. Nobody will be able to stand, and everyone will have to go to perdition, eternally far from God (Romans 2:5-6 and Revelation 20:11ff.) There is another reward, however: His reward is with him (verse 10). Israel was to be led back to her land at that time. Above all the prophet sees the restoration of Israel in the millennium of peace: He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young (verse 11). Christians will also have to appear before the Lord one day. Then it will not be a decision between salvation or condemnation, however. Rewards and crowns will be distributed: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelation 22:12). While we wait for this moment, we are being carried by strong armsnot the arms of judgment, but the safe and comforting arms of the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23 and John 10:11). All people must hear that Jesus is coming back soon. This message must not be silenced. It must be loud, without any fear or timidity. People should not only hear it, however, but also see it in our lives. We must live as though the Lord Jesus would return today. When an earthly prince gets married, the whole world hears about it. How much more should everyone see by our walk that we are ex12
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pecting the marriage of the Lamb! Is the Bride, are we, ready?

The voice of remembrance


When a Christian is in difficulty, it often happens that he wants to make progress in his own strength, or seeks help in other people or things. Even if we do not want to admit it, despite all the knowledge we have of God, we often doubt. This was also the case with the Jews in exile. They thought God had forgotten them and forsaken them. God had to say to them, Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? (verse 27). In verses 12-26 the prophet Isaiah reminds them of the omnipotence of God, His wisdom, magnitude, sovereignty and creative power. This is compared with the vanity of trusting in idols or anything made by human hands. Therefore the question is asked of man, Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundation of the earth (verse 21). Lift up your eyes on high, and beholdthe greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power (verse 26). When we behold the power of God in creation, and if we have experienced His working in our lives already, it is completely senseless to think God does not have everything under control, or has forgotten us. If you know who and how God is, how can you think that He has forgotten you or that He is indifferent to your situation? Do not look at your circumstances but at the Almighty God who is above

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But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
in the Lord will continually receive new strength to go on. This could be the hope of the people in exile. This is the comfort of those who wait upon the Lord. We find the same concept in the New Testament. The Lord Jesus Himself said, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earthlo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:18 & 20). We can take verses 28-31 of Isaiah 40 as an example of our hope. The picture of an eagle, which ascends majestically into the sky and disappears into the clouds, reminds us of the Rapture. The apostle Paul writes, 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). Soon we shall go to be with the Lord. Soon we shall be with Him in glory. This is our hope and confidence. Although we have trials and suffering and death here, we may look up. Soon we shall be with Jesus! Wherefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18). We do well to hear the voice of God every day anew through the studying of the Bible. Let us say, like Samuel, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth (1 Samuel 3:9). If you are hearing the voice of God for the first time today, do not close your heart. Jesus is at the door. He wants to have fellowship with you. He says, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me MR1008/313 (Revelation 3:20). MC
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the circumstances. He has power over all the world, the whole cosmos. Look at Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

The voice of hope


Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (verses 28-31). How precious, encouraging and full of hope are these verses! Israel had not yet returned to her land. The prophet saw the people in the wilderness still, far from home. In spite of this, the presence and strength of the Lord was to accompany Israel every moment. The Lord strengthens all those who put their hope in Him. The strong and the healthy can faint and become weary, but those who put all their trust

There are some things that are very important for prayer. Let us consider these from the example of the Jewish king, Jehoshaphat.

BY MARCEL MALGO

t is a time of unrest in Judea. King Jehoshaphat is threatened by many enemies. He is very frightened, so he begins to pray: And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? And rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? And in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in
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this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help (2 Chronicles 20:3-9). True worship begins with the Lord Jehoshaphat does not begin his prayer with his request, in spite of its urgency. He begins with the greatness and omnipotence of God. He mentions this before he says anything else, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? And rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? And in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? (verse 6). This man is afraid. Many enemies threaten him. His request is earnest. And yet he does not blurt this out right away. He first refers to his great God. This is a blessed and promising start to a prayer for liberation and redemption. Perhaps we should also begin our prayers more often with the Lord, with praise and thanks, Thank You, Lord, that You are so great! I praise You! I thank You that you have done so much and I will honor You! The well-known Lords Prayer

Jehoshaphat still does not mention his request. He remembers. He remembers what God has already done for His people, His previous blessings. This is Biblical prayer.
also begins in this way, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). Jehoshaphat began with God, with His greatness, His omnipotence, His kingdom, with Him alone, with Him first, referring to Him. Of course, we sometimes pray an urgent prayer, maybe when we are in trouble. We may always call upon the Lord. You may tell Him everything. But where prayer in our quiet time is concerned, we should begin with God Himself. We do not want in the first place to be heard, but to hear God, and we make His prayers our own. What is Gods prayer concerning us? My son, give me thine heart (Proverbs 23:26). True worship thanks the Lord Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? (2 Chronicles 20:7). This is something that must not be lacking in any prayer. We often forget this in our negligence. Jehoshaphat still does not mention his request. He remembers. He remembers what God has already done for His people, His previous blessings. This is Biblical prayer. This permitted looking back is mentioned in Psalm 103. There is also a looking back that is not permitted, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). Our Lord Jesus is saying that dwelling on our past, remembering past sins that have long since been forgiven, or nostalgic
Michelangelo's Asa-JehoshaphatJoram. The man on the left is generally considered to be Jehoshaphat.

thoughts do not help us make progress. We should not do this. But in Psalm 103 a permitted looking back is spoken of. David speaks of forgiveness of sins, healing from diseases, deliverance from trouble, the fatherly compassion of the Lord and much more besides. Even before he has listed all these things, he says, Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits; who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagles (Psalm 103:1-5). The grateful look back is a must in the life of a Christian. This is surely what Paul meant when he wrote, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (Philippians 4:6). Not only praying with supplication, but also with thanksgiving. True worship refers to the covenant of Jesus Jehoshaphat does not just remind himself of what God has already done for Israel. He also explains why he is so convinced that he can come before God with his prayers. He brings a legitimation before the Lord which, in his opinion, authorizes him to appear before God boldly: Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this
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TRUE WORSHIP ACCORDING TO JEHOSHAPHAT

We believers of the new covenant, like Jehoshaphat, have a covenant of which we can remind Him. When we pray, our prayers must always be based on the work of Calvary. There Jesus won the victory. There He overpowered Satan.
land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? (verse 7). Jehoshaphat refers to the covenant of God with Abraham (compare Genesis 12:1-3). He has a firm argument. It is as though he wants to say, Lord, You have to hear me now. I am not simply coming to You in my own right. I am coming on the basis of an everlasting covenant between You and Abraham, Your friend. And I am included in this covenant. We believers of the new covenant, like Jehoshaphat, have a covenant of which we can remind Him. When we pray, our prayers must always be based on the work of Calvary. There Jesus won the victory. There He overpowered Satan. There He created the possibility for us to come to the throne of grace whenever we want to. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). We should take this much more to heart. This does not mean that we always have to quote the words in the name of Jesus. No, it must be in our hearts. We stand before the Almighty God on the basis of Calvary, in the name of Jesus, because we have been bought and our debt has been paid. We can, like Jehoshaphat, say, Lord, I have not come before You as I am, but on the grounds of Your Son. I have been bought with the blood of Jesus. The Father sees the blood, the atoning blood of Jesus. On the grounds of this I may enter the heavenly throne room. Therefore, I have the right to come before Him twenty-four hours a day. The curtain is torn. I can come to the Father because Jesus
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paved the way. Father, I stand before You in the name of Jesus. True worship is based on the promises of God Before Jehoshaphat brought his own requests before God, he reminded Him of Solomons prayer at the dedication of the temple: If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillars; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever

There are so many wonderful promises in the Bible. We may claim these for ourselves personally in faith. We may even remind the Lord of His promises and expect great things of Him. If we do this in humility, the Lord will bless it.
sore or whatsoever sickness there be: Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) (2 Chronicles 6:28-30). Jehoshaphat takes this prayer as a kind of promise in which he believes and on which he relies: And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, if, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help (2 Chronicles 20:8-9). There are so many wonderful promises in the Bible. We may claim these for ourselves personally in faith. We may even remind the Lord of His promises and expect great things of Him. If we do this in humility, the Lord will bless it. But do not make a law out of it. Prayer should not be static. It should come from the depths of our heart. The Lord wants the best for us, whether He answers our prayer in the way we desire or differently. We may trust Him infinitely. MC MR1008/318

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ur theme for this years prophecy conference is more appropriate than ever. It accurately describes the times in which we live. For thousands of years, the world was divided into various tribes, languages, cultures, traditions, and religions. The center of recorded history was divided between Europe, Africa and Asia. With the advance of seaworthy vessels, America and Australia were discovered, conquered, and settled by Europeans. But the strong division between the nations did not cease. To establish their respective borders, nation fought with nation until two world wars made an end of global warfare. With the advance of transportation and communication, the world is becoming one global family. That is an irrevocable fact. Each nation is dependent on others; independent sovereignty of a nation is a thing of the past. Today, with the financial and economic chaos, initiated by the United States, the whole world has been thrown into turmoil. Voices are being heard for global unity, global laws, and global regulationsall aimed at solidifying the world politically, economically, and religiously. How all these things are progressing precisely and accurately according to Bible prophecy is the reason for the Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference, 4-6 October 2009, at the Landmark Resort Hotel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

This years confirmed speakers include Norbert Lieth of Switzerland, Wilfred Hahn of Canada, Dave Hunt from Oregon, Mike Gendron from Texas, and myself. In view of the accelerating speed in the direction of globalism, we may expect this to be one of the most exciting prophecy conferences. While October lies in the distant future, it is not too early to register now. Do pray with us for the Lords confirmation of this undertaking.

LANDMARK RESORT HOTEL


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

REGISTRATION/RESERVATION
We encourage you to take advantage of our pre-registration offer at only $49 per person. This rate will only be valid until 31 July

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MIDNIGHT CALL

4-6 October 2009


Landmark Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

2009, after which the regular registration fee of $59 will take effect. Of course, as always, the registration fee is 100% refundable should you be hindered from attending the conference.

Although the hotel offers over 400 rooms for your selection, they are available only on a first-come-first-serve basis. Therefore, we recommend that you make your reservations early.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Mail to: 2009 ACPC P.O. Box 280008,Columbia, SC 29228

MC 03/09

HOTEL RESERVATION
Mail to: Atlantic Coast Prophecy Conference, Landmark Resort Hotel, 1501 South Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Reservations: (800) 845-0658 or Fax (843) 445-7274
Please mention group code #MCM to receive the special reduced room rate.

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GERMANY U.S.A.

IFRS Rules Adopted


More than 100 countries use, or are adopting International Financial Reporting Standards, including all 27 European Union members as well as China, Japan, Canada, and India. US GAAP, the accounting lingua franca until the sudden rise of IFRS, is the last significant standard to be switched. Under the SECs plans, US groups are likely to adopt IFRS in 2014 providing certain conditions are met, a deSEC Chairman cision that will be taken Christopher Cox in 2011. Some companies may be allowed to adopt IFRS sooner. A single set of globally understood accounting rules is expected to help cut companies cost of capital and better enable cross-border investment. In countries without strong accounting traditions, the rules are expected to raise the quality of reporting, helping inward investment. In switching to IFRS, the SEC would in effect hand over authority for accounting rules to the International Accounting Standards Board, which is based in London. Concerns have been raised about the fact that the IASB is a private sector body that sets international law.
-Financial Times, 28 August 2008, pg. 13

Every Fifth Church in Danger


While Muslims are building new mosques, Christians are tearing down churches. Demographical development requires more mosques and less churches.
Careful estimates show These 50,000 church that 10 20% will have to buildings are mostly close their doors by the year ancient constructions, 2030. They are either no longer serving as an identity needed or are located in the center for any particular wrong area, says Thomas Erne, town, village, or city. Director of the Evangelical InstiEven those who are not tute for Church Real Estate. believers and do not What is the reason? The two consider themselves Believers pray in the newly built large church denominations Christians press hard to Merkez mosque in Duisburg OctoRoman Catholic and Lutheran keep the church building ber 26, 2008. The Merkez mosque is the biggest mosque in Germany. hold a 50 million membership list in its place. The fact and operate approximately that, in some cases, 50,000 local church buildings. The upkeep of the church buildings are turned into mausoleums and 27,000 evangelical churches (Lutheran) requires 1 bil- restaurants shows how Churchianity has moved lion euros annually. This represents about 12.3% of the from its center as a Christian infrastructure to a total budget. Membership has decreased by one-third; cultural center, with no real attachment to the consequently, fewer members will also require fewer Church as put forth in the Bible. We are reminded church buildings. Numerically speaking, its plain, but here of the words of our Lord in Revelation 3:1, when a church closing happens, its a shock for vil- addressed to the church in Sardis, I know thy lages, towns, and cities. A church is part of the local works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and identity, even outside religion, says Mr. Erne. Churches art dead. are literally memory banks. Whenever a church is lost, Nevertheless, such negative developments people immediately sense that something has gone have no direct relationship to the living Church of wrong. The moral and cultural dependency on a God, which does not consist or depend upon church building has been demonstrated in the eastern buildings, but is made up of believers, born again part of Germany, where churchgoing Christians are a of His Spirit. That is the real Church, the Body of minority. When it comes to a decision to remove a Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, and those church, it is often the non-churched minority that does members will one day quite unexpectedly be rapeverything in its power to keep the church in town. In tured into the presence of the Lord. The message most instances when a church had to be closed, the for us to heed is Therefore, my beloved decision made favored the church building to be either brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always used for a mausoleum-type cemetery or a public abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the restaurant. -Neuss Grevenbroicher Zeitung, 25 October 2008 Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). 3411

This article reinforces that effective coexistence and cooperation among the nations can only be implemented by new international lawsin this case, international financial reporting standards. This is just one more step toward the real global world prophesied 3413 about in Holy Scripture.

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BRITAIN

Britain Closer to Euro than Ever


The global credit crunch has sparked a debate about joining the euro among people who matter in Britain, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said.
Speaking on a French RTL radio and LCI television show, Mr. Barroso argued that the entry to the eurozone of some EU member states who had previously strongly opposed the move is now closer than ever before. Im not going to break the confidentiality of certain conversations, but some British politicians have already told me, If we had the euro, we would have been better off, he said. I dont mean to say that it will be tomorrow and I know that the majority in Britain are still opposed, but there is a period of consideration under way and the people who matter in Britain are currently thinking about it, the former Portuguese prime minister added.

President Barroso (r) says UK officials are warming up to the euro (Photo: European Community)

Apart from the countries that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007, the UK is one of three western European member statesalong with Sweden and Denmarkthat have abstained from joining the common currency. But according to the head of the EUs executive, the financial crisis has now changed the argument. The pound has suffered from problems in both the financial sector and the real economy, with 2 million jobs in the UK expected to go by the end of 2008. A similar debate to that in Britain is a step further in Denmark, with government officials actively explaining to the public the countrys cost in not being part of the eurozone, Mr. Barroso suggested. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that he would try to achieve a broad public consensus on holding a referendum on the euro, which analysts expect in March or April of 2009.

Meanwhile, Iceland is considering switching to the euro even without a green light from EU institutions and despite their warnings against such a unilateral move. For its part, the European Commission has warned Reykjavik it cannot adopt the euro without joining the 27-strong Union. The eurozone currently consists of 15 member states, with Slovakia set to join on 1 January 2009.
-euobserver.com, 1 December 2008

The near financial collapse of the United States and the shockwaves to the rest of the world will force the nations to unify when it comes to financial issues. Britain indeed has paid dearly for insisting on its own currency, and Sweden and Denmark did not fair much better. Increasing distrust toward the US monetary system will be even more apparent in the not too distant future. Just as war is a mechanism to rebuild, financial wars will follow in the same footsteps: All must become one. For Britain, this means less reliance on the USA and more leaning on the EU. In the end, we must assume the euro will become Britains currency. 3410

EU

Brussels Writes Global Law


Mark Schapiroan American investigative journalist of some twenty years standing and the editorial director of the Center for Investigative Journalismbelieves that we can date the eclipse of the United States by the European Union quite precisely indeed25 June 2004.
On that day, some 200 million Europeans went to the polls to elect their representatives to the European Parliament, consolidating the unions ascendancy. Europes parliament leap-frogged the US Congress in

size of population repreulation and consumer protecsented, with an additional tion not from Washington, but two member states, Romania Brussels. and Bulgaria, boosting the The book looks particularly numbers still further to alat the effect on American most half a billion people in firms of EU legislation such as Both US companies and the 2007. Even more critically, in REACH, Registration, EvaluaBush Administration lead an 'unprecedented' lobbying 2005, the GDP of the EU tion, Authorization and campaign to hold back the overtook that of the States. Restriction of Chemical subtide of EU regulation (Photo: wikipedia) The EU is now the single stancesthe worlds strictest largest trading partner with every continent ex- chemicals regulatory framework, and RoHS cept Australia, he writes in his recent book, Ex- the Removal of Hazardous Substances direcposed, which considers the massive global tive, as well as moves in the realms of economic power shift that has occurred as a re- genetically modified organisms, endocrine dissult of these changes. He looks at how compa- ruptors in plastics and Europes embrace of the nies and state government in the US, China and precautionary principle. the rest of the world increasingly take their legWith wealth comes trade, and from trade islative leadwhether willingly or dragged kick- comes the power to write the rules of com3414 ing and screamingon issues such as merce, he announces. -euobserver.com., 21 July 2008 environmental standards, health and safety reg-

MARCH 2009

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LET TER S TO THE ED ITOR


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

Muslim Threat... Revelation... Two Questions


Muslim Threat Dear Editor: Regarding your answer to letterwriter Mrs. Alden Benson concerning the exaggeration of Muslim danger (January 2009), you give the impression that you apparently dont realize the extent of the Muslim threat. You state, If the Muslims had the power to harm the Western world they would have done so long ago. But a study of history proves theres only one reason they havent been even more harmful; superior Western military power. This edge in weaponry is the only thing barring further Muslim expansion. Just as Islam was stopped at central France and the border of Austria during the late Middle Ages by superior armies, so are they stopped today. As for Israel, she possesses nuclear weaponry that, if
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she were attacked, could destroy every Muslim capital. This keeps the Muslims in check as far as Israel is concerned. Following the teachings of Muhammad, the Muslims attack militarily when they anticipate victory, or lie in wait and bide their time with sham treaties and peaceful talks based on twisted history and false propaganda until an opportune time. Militant Islam is the greatest threat to Western Civilization and the greatest threat weve ever faced. We must not become complacent or ignore this potential catastrophe. The future of our children and grandchildren depends upon our ability to produce armies and weaponry that give the Muslims absolutely no hope of final victory. May God continue to bless your ministry.
-Irving E. Friedman, Irvine, CA

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Answer: From political perspectives, you have an issue, but from Christian biblical perspectives, you have none. The Bible makes no mention of an anti-Allah or anti-Mohammad to appear. It speaks clearly of the Antichrist. Therefore, the greatest danger and the most horrendous tragedy is for Christians to believe in the false Christ; to be deceived by a false gospel, inspired by a false spirit. Churchianity is the undisputed global leader of religion, politics, economy, and finance. You are vastly underestimating the dominion of churchianity over planet Earth, under the umbrella of the Vatican. The European world (generally called Western) dominates the worlds five continents, and it is churchianity with the rest of the world who will fulfill Revelation 13:8: All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him [Antichrist]. Most frightening is the fact that the overwhelming majority are already following in the footsteps of this new Jesus, the one defined in 2 Corinthians 11. That is one reason Satan highlights presumed enemies such as Islam. The present situation we find ourselves in spiritually is probably the most dangerous ever and qualifies for taking heed of our Lords warning in Matthew 24:24: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Incidentally, if the future of our children and grandchildren depends on our military capacity, then I pity those poor little ones. Do you not realize that the only freedom we have is due to Gods grace? If God would permit Satan to do as he

pleases, we would literally experience hell on earth. Let us thank our Lord for His unspeakable grace, in that He hinders Satan from executing his wrath upon planet Earth. That, however, is yet to come: Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he has but a short time.

Revelation Dear Mr. Froese, At nearly 90 years of age, I have always been puzzled by two Scriptures in Revelation. The first one is Revelation 22:15: For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. I thought they would be receiving their punishment as in Revelation 21:8: But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Another one is Revelation 21:24: And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. Who are these kings, and where do they reside? Also, why are there gates watched over by angels or other beings? I realize there are many questions that can never be answered until we meet our Master and Savior, but I thought you might have an idea.
-Nathan Bridwell, Jasonville, IN

Answer: 1. You should read beginning with verse 10 to understand that this is the final end. There is no more salvation, no more graceonly total separation. Those who are saved are in, and those who are not are out. Dont attempt to visualize an earthly physical city, because this speaks of heavenly physical realities. We know, for example, that the holy Jerusalem is pictured as a cube: 2,500 kilometers square and height. Quite obviously, this is out of this world. 2. Nations are people, those who are saved. Kings represent the highest power on earth. They embody the glory and honor of this world. But in the presence of the Lamb, they are nothing. Note also Revelation 5:10; the believers have become kings as well. The spiritual honor and glory we have received will be brought into the heavenly Jerusalem. This is further confirmed in Revelation 21:26: And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. The spiritual honor and glory the Lord created through His faithful servants will be given back, because it all belongs to the Lamb. This is testified of in Revelation 5:12: Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. 3. It is an error to imagine that the city needs to be surrounded by angels for protection. That would limit heaven and put a shadow on the glory and honor of the Lord. Revelation 21:25 says, And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. This indescribable place represents unlimited freedom. It is the result of the new creatures in Christ, totally and
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LE T TE RS TO TH E E DITOR

absolutely perfected in the presence of the Lord from eternity to eternity. Dont permit literal, physical pictures to veil the glory that is revealed here. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

Two Questions My Brother in Christ, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To come to the point, I have been asked two questions that I dont know how to answer; that is, according to the Bible. Question 1: If God is all knowing and there is nothing hid from His eyes, why did He have to visit Sodom and Gomorrah to see what was going on (Genesis 18:20-21)? Question 2: In the Ten Commandments, it says we are to obey our parents so that our days on this earth will be long. But Jesus disobeyed them when he was 12 years old. Also, He disrespected them when he never referred to Mary as His mother, once Woman at the cross, and Woman when He turned water into wine. He did refer to God as His Father when he was in the garden. I would like to know how I could answer these questions without giving my opinion. Please answer.
-Charles McCulley, Alcoa, TN

Answer: The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah required destructive judgment. This was a necessary confirmation to the visible and invisible world. But with His appearing on Earth, God prophetically demonstrated the way of escape, namely through faith. Thus, the Lord appeared first unto Abraham on his way to Sodom and Gomorrah. The cities would have been spared if ten righteous people were found. Of course, God knew about Sodom and Gomorrah and their very grievous sin, but He also knew about Abraham; thus He took personal note of this event: I will go down now. Such was also the case when the people of Babel rebelled. They imagined they would build a glorious and peaceful society on their own terms. Genesis 11:7 says: Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. Before the flood, we read in Genesis 6:5: And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Note the words imagination and continually. About the people of Babel we read, Nothing will be restrained from them which they had imagined to do. When we read the words, And God looked upon the earth, we realize that He is seeking righteousness, someone who trusts and believes Him. Only one was foundNoahhe walked with God. When Jesus came to Israel, He was subject to His parents until the age of 30. There was no disobedience at age 12, but His parents were not aware of what was written in Scripture. It is of interest that Jesus never called Mary His mother. Why not? Because He

was not earthbound. Jesus was perfect, sinless. Mary, too, needed salvation. Jesus did not come to improve mankind or repair the evil, but to make things new from the inside out. When a person believes in Jesus Christ, according to Scripture, he is born again and becomes a new creature in Christ. Such a person is translated into a heavenly citizen, although still in temporary earthly residence in his perishable tabernacle (flesh and blood). For that reason, Jesus refused to accept the flesh and blood relationship with His very own family. When people told Him about His brothers and sisters, He answered: For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother (Matthew 12:50). Only the new creation counts; the old will be done away with.

Healing Dear Mr. Froese, I like your studies on prophecy and your stand for Israel. However, when it comes to your take on healing and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you are in the ditch! In fact, your teaching that any healings taking place are from the devil is pure and simple blasphemy, and you in danger of losing the blessing of God. I am referring to your answer to a person in the November 2008 issue. The Bible does not teach the devil went about healing the sick; it does say that about Jesus. In Exodus 15:26 the Hebrew reveals God as Jehovah Rapha, The Lord who heals thee.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR


God has never changed; Hebrews 13:8 says, Jesus Christ, [is] the same yesterday, today, and forever. Take a moment and turn to Matthew 8:16-17: healing is a part of the atonement. When Jesus was beaten with 39 lashes in Pilates judgment hall, it was Jesus being made deadly sick for our healing. Isaiah 53:4-5 are the verses Matthew had in mind when he said, this is what Isaiah prophesied. Now for you to say that no faith healer has ever produced a healing or verifiable healing is saying Christ lost His power and is not the God of healing and miracles that the Bible claims He is. Acts 9:34 is a good example of Jesuss will for the church. Jesus said in John 20:21: As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. One more reference: James 5:13-15. This is a set of verses that promote faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. When we act on the Word of God we get results, because God watches over His Word. Sorry about your God, but my God is still mighty. He is still answering prayer, and His revealed will is to save and heal through Christ. That is physical healing as well as spiritual. I myself have known of many people being healed in the local church through prayer.
-Robert Wolfe, The Dalles, OR

Answer: The issue at hand is fake healing. That means a healing did not really take place. Most of the major healing ministries have been carefully investigated, and none of them ever produced a medical, scientific healing. Because of the great deception, we

are duty bound to warn against this false gospel, which draws people away from the center, namely Christ and Him crucified. The fact that the Lord can and does heal is not in question at all. He is God, but as is evident from Holy Scripture, He is not required nor duty bound to heal anyone. The great Apostle Paul asked three times for healing and was refused. Second Timothy 4:20 says: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. You use strong language, spiced with falsehood: your teaching that any healings taking place are of the devil. That is something I have never said nor written, nor even thought of. What spirit made you write such an accusation? Incidentally, a physical healing will be demonstrated by Satan himself, as is documented in Revelation 13:3: And his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. MC

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