Dear Mr. Froese,I used to subscribe to dispensational views on eschatological timing. I was raised with it but now after 40 years in the Scriptures, I must say I had to “put that on the shelf.” I feel it is more faithful to Scripture and God’s historic dealings with Israel, the Church and mankind in general, to patiently hope and pray for Jesus to return as stated in Revelation 22:20…quickly, soon, without delay, but beyond that, I don’t know. I find nothing in Scripture to support credibly teaching unclear things we can’t know and can only presume. If I were sure in my heart that God had revealed this to me it might be different, but I have to leave it on the shelf…wait and find out.I appreciate your views on Israel, so greatly needed to be taught to the Church today. I believe it will be increasingly crucial as we approach the end of the age, whenever that is, and however it comes. I won’t be surprised if it becomes the greatest issue facing the Church. It won’t be baptism, spiritual gifts, forms of governance, or any of the historic things the Church has divided up over. I believe it will be Israel. But all of the details are secure in God’s hands as to what will happen, how and when. But, His love and faithfulness to Israel is certain right to the end of history. It is one of the most certain subjects throughout both testaments, and is one thing I feel confident that I see and understand (at least to some degree). It’s the most plainly and often stated prophecy in Scripture. One doesn’t need to wrestle with allegory and great mystery on that, so I wonder why so much of the Church buys into replacement theology. Merely strange? Or powerful satanic deception! I suspect the latter. -G. Brown, GA
Dear Mr. Froese,Thank you for the prophecy book you sent; it has gone on hopefully to produce fruit after changing hands. It opened a window of understanding on the nature of the trinity of God, being three unique beings, yet one in love, purpose and plan. So many fail to know and appreciate this mystery of God the Creator, the Sustainer and the Savior.The only time I read about the Creator in His three unique persons was in Henry Morris’ The Bible and Modern Science. He had a chapter that mentioned this very thing. “In the likeness of God He created” was the topic, describing a God of wondrous unity, oneness, and power, fantastically glorious.To the young Jewish men thinking we worship three strange gods, they need to know that the Lord their God is One. But, oh, what that means from the fruit of the Old Testament! He has been the same God even to us. Your description of the European Common Market union of nations rang a bell to me; it sounds like the oneness God has. Unique, yet diverse as He is one in the nature of action in His agenda, government and plans. I can’t express it well, but maybe you see it too. Anyway, I hope people will learn what it means to be one in Christ, for Him to be one with the Father, and all of this due to His nature, power, and plan. “Hear O Israel: the Lord your God is One,” which says more than meets the eye. It’s like Him: powerfully glorious and mind-boggling. -B. Willig, IN
Dear Mr. Froese,I enjoyed the article, “Why Are Christians So Often Divided?” From my own humble viewpoint, I have often sensed the spirit of “contention” when Christians get together from different churches and try to expound on who is more right. Since the spirit of contention is of the devil, he must delight in these contentions.The article mentions one who “the highest heavens” could not contain (1 Kings 8:27). I have always been curious as to what the apostle Paul was talking about when he discussed the three heavens (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).On a more tragic and very unfortunate note, I volunteer my services at a local funeral home. In the last six years I have seen a growing number of suicides, and many were young Christians, some as young as twelve. We are a very declining society. -W. Bennett, WA
Dear Mr. Froese,Love your magazine and books! I am in a small Bible study group and we have been doing The Sure Foundation of the Church. We’ve had some great discussions over the questions; put to us in the book! We are now on chapter 21 and the fourfold law of the Gentiles. One of the laws listed is “…and from fornication (Acts 21:25).” Could this be twofold in meaning? Could this not only have a sexual implication but also mean “the forsaking of God for idols”? Revelation 14:8, “…because she (Babylon) made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Was this word “fornication” the actual word used in the original text? We are such a materialistic world that I was thinking this may be applied this way too. -J. Hylton, OR
Dear Mr. Froese,I know from a previous letter from you that part of your response to this letter will be 1 Corinthians 15:50, “…flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God…” But since only flesh and blood “people who, after the great and terrible tribulation of the end times, prove themselves to be believers and children of God” will be physically able to have natural flesh and blood children, then it seems ok not to tear Matthew 25:34 from my KJV Bible. Therefore, 1 Corinthians 15:50 must mean that flesh and blood can and must inherit the earthly part. By the way, Matthew 25:46 says that the believers entering the earthly part of the kingdom of God in their flesh and blood bodies already have “life eternal.” Revelation 20:5 could read, “…this [concludes] the first resurrection.” The second is only for unbelievers (Great White Throne). No other resurrection is needed. Roman 5:12 indicates that sin and death are interlocked and inseparable; therefore, if “death and hell [will be] cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14), then sin must be destroyed as well. The living flesh and blood Gentiles will then join the living flesh and blood Jews in natural, flesh and blood, sinless, eternal bodies on the earthly part of the kingdom of God (Jeremiah 31:31-40).Perhaps eternal, flesh and blood natural but sinless people will have sinless, natural, flesh and blood babies who will grow to be like Jesus in age (1 John 3:2). They too will have sinless, eternal, natural, flesh and blood babies, etc., and, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end…” (Isaiah 9:7). Perhaps natural, sinless, flesh and blood people eternally living in the earthly part of the kingdom of God is the reason for the water and fruit, and the healing leaves of Revelation 22:1-2.-D. Nienaber, MN
Dear Arno,I appreciate your emphasis of God’s ongoing faithfulness to His ancient covenant people, Israel as a separate entity from the Church. It is one of the most frequent subjects of Scripture, which also promises blessing or cursing for nations and individuals based on their treatment of Israel. It’s not only clear in Scripture, but also from history as well. I also appreciate when your writers aren’t overly dogmatic concerning the far less certain subject of the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. I hope for it, but can’t support it with Scripture. But, if God allows us to all go through the world’s tribulation, I expect it will help to mature and perfect the saints and make their “light” shine all the brighter. Whatever happens, as J. S. Bach entitled a composition, “What God Has Done Is Rightly Done.” Thanks for your ministry to Israel and the Body of Christ, as our respective destinies approach convergence in the Messiah.-G. Brown, GA
Dear Arno Froese,I have just recently read your book The Great Mystery of the Rapture (#1038), and I have for years accepted the rapture theory as you present it. I just finished watching a video by David C. Pack which puts forth a completely different story. He says that there is no secret rapture and that all Christians must return to Israel in order to be saved supernaturally by God. If you go to worldtocome.org and view the video “Is a Secret Rapture Biblical?” you will get the full impact of what he says. Also, please view the video “The Great Tribulation—And God’s Promised Protection.” I am really confused and worried now because I don’t want to lose my salvation. I don’t know who to believe concerning this. I am sure other people are concerned about this also. Please view the videos and give me your opinion. This view was backed up by the Bible. But, I have never heard it put this way before.-E. Hamilton, CA
Dear Mr. Froese,My friend suggested reading a book called Babylon Code by Paul McGuire and Troy Anderson. I just don’t have a good feeling about this from reading the review. I don’t think God has written “codes” in the Bible, and I think Revelation is very clear on what will happen. Am I off-base on this? I would love your opinion.-D. Littlefield, MD
Dear Mr. Froese,I have received your magazine for many years, but I’m totally in agreement with the letter writer in the May 2016 issue concerning “Rightly Dividing.” I feel strongly that your answer needs another response. There are clearly different dispensations in the Bible, when God dispensed different information for different people groups. The two main dispensations are Prophecy for Israel and Mystery for the Body of Christ.The revelation of the mystery was given to Paul alone for the Body of Christ in this dispensation. (KJV Romans 16:25, “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.”) There are eleven other references to “the mystery” in Paul’s writings.John the Baptist, Jesus and the twelve preached the gospel of the kingdom to none but Jew only (repent and be baptized; the kingdom of heaven is at hand). Matthew quotes the “Gospel of the Kingdom” three times, and Mark twice.Paul was saved by grace alone and was given a new dispensation and a new gospel (the gospel of the grace of God) for both Jew and Gentile alike. Peter, John and James wrote to the little flock of Jewish believers, who were saved under the kingdom program/gospel and who were waiting for the seven year time of Jacob’s trouble, followed by the return of Christ and the kingdom. They wrote to “ye men of Israel,” “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,” and “to the strangers scattered...” Their epistles are instructions that the remnant will need during the tribulation.The gospel of the kingdom required the Jews to repent and be baptized (a ritual cleansing to prepare them for priesthood in the millennium kingdom).The gospel of the grace of God is salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ’s finished work on the cross. No works of any kind are required, including water baptism.Those are clearly two different gospels, which must be “Rightly Divided.”-M. Vickerman, FL
Dear Mr. Froese,I love your magazine. Thank you for recently starting my gift subscription to my brother in prison. So far he enjoys it too.Since you’re still getting letters about the Sabbath, I thought I would chime in too. You are right to quote Colossians 2:16. I believe also Hebrews 4 has a lot to say about the “7th day” rest; for us (the Church), it is much more than just a day of the week. We must enter into that rest and cease from our own works.I remember asking my pastor once about all the different translations of the Bible in English. He said non-believers aren’t staying away because they can’t decide what translation is best, or what food is ok to eat, or what day to rest—but if Satan can get us to argue among ourselves about such things, that may keep them away.We need to remember that the non-believing world is watching us, and we should be focusing on living in the Spirit to produce fruit. “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest…”-K. Tebo, NY
Dear Mr. Froese,Quite recently, I was stunned at the implications of Ezekiel 29:11… Even having read the Bible through several times verse by verse, the real significance of a 40 year utter devastation of Egypt, along with the destruction of the Tower of Syene, had never registered with me.I was taken aback on hearing that Israeli scientists/engineers have already spoken, publicly, that: should they ever need to go to war with Egypt, the way to defeat them catastrophically would be to demolish the Aswan Dam, thereby flooding the inhabited Nile Valley (all the way to the Mediterranean delta) with trillions and trillions of debris-laden, radioactive water… radioactive, because Israeli scientists believe that they would have to employ several small nuclear explosives, since ordinary ordnance could not “take down” the 2000+ft-thick concrete dam walls.Talking with several of my Christian friends, I heard many disclaimers: that the prophecy had been fulfilled in Ezekiel’s time; the “40 yrs.” is not to be taken literally: it merely indicates a long time; the reference to the Tower of Syene probably refers to some structure in the Jewish settlement that was there… and so on. All of which do not at all seem to hold water upon further thought. I’m so surprised, by the way, how many believers feel perfectly free to take literally dates/periods in one section of Scripture (viz., the 40 years of the Israelites’ desert wanderings) and discard literalness for other texts!My take, by the way, among other points is: the Tower of Syene did not exist at the time of Ezekiel’s prophecy… A group of us would be most grateful to “hear” your take on this astounding verse.-P. Hanson, CA
Dear Editor,As I read your publication through, I was grieved by the wording used and not used in the article, “Refugees at Our Door.” First, man can hear the good news, but he cannot open his own heart. Second, the simple truth is one who desires to experience God’s salvation can do so by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is what disturbs in this article. By no means am I criticizing anyone for seeing the need of others and sharing the gospel with them. What disturbs me is, “open their hearts”; man cannot open his heart.“To experience salvation personally, stand up.”“Give his life to this King.”“I will pray with him.”“Each one prayed in his heart.”People across the globe have been given the impression, false, that if they stand, come forward, raise a hand, pray a prayer, they are saved and the Holy Spirit comes into their life.From Genesis, God has required of His creation only one thing; that is, to believe Him. Adam didn’t. Abraham did, and the fact that he believed God was counted to him for righteousness. It’s extremely important to know that God called and chose Abraham; Abraham only responded to God.The world is confused because the churches are confused. Church is about church; what it believes, its programs, its activities, and not Jesus Christ, even though He is mentioned.-L. Gillingham, WY
Dear Mr. Froese,I very much enjoyed the article, “Is the Millennium Really in the Future?” by Eberhard Hanisch. Since many of us learn visually, I was wondering if you could suggest a particular end times timeline with Scripture references, that would show your understanding of our biblical future. There are many on the internet, but I don’t trust my limited understanding to choose one that is trustworthy. A picture is worth a thousand words. I devour Midnight Call every month. Thanks so much for your ministry.-T. Franke, OR
Dear Sir,I just read an article, “The Right Rules of Conduct” by Norbert Lieth. Near the end of the article, he says the redemption of Jesus was accomplished for all men. Nobody is excluded or specially elected. This is my belief. I have been a Southern Baptist for 70 years. All of a sudden in the last two years, they have tried to jam down our throats predestination and election, which I disagree on. What are your thoughts on this subject?-D. Cunningham, GA
Dear Mr. Froese,You stated that 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” But it is not to us necessarily!Even the laziest Bible student recognizes that the dietary laws (not suggestions for better health!) in Leviticus, didn’t apply to Noah and his family (Genesis 9:1-3) after the Flood, and they do not apply to us, the Church. Most Christians intuitively know that while God is indeed the same as always (Hebrew 13:8), His dealings have not always been the same. And Abraham knew no Law but was called “A Friend of God.” Etc.The Old and New Testaments are common divisions we Christians cite. But to the serious Bible student, there is a treasure trove of blessings to find if we “rightly divide” (2 Timothy 2:15) the Scriptures! The Apostle Paul states in Ephesians 3:8, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”One cannot search out the riches of Christ in the four Gospels or the Old Testament, without recognizing Paul’s unique Gospel, given to him personally by the risen Lord.-D. Wesson, CA
Letter to the Editor:My ex-wife married me in the Catholic Church, but soon had enough of some Catholics asking Mary’s help rather than prayers directly to Jesus only. She added that God shows no partiality, therefore Mary is in her grave until resurrection time like the rest of us humans. What about Elijah and Moses, who were apparently present with Jesus at the Transfiguration? And not that advance blessing for Mother Mary? What of Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe, and so on?Likewise, there is disagreement regarding Holy Communion in our Catholic Mass. When God said, “Let there be light,” I trust we agree that it happened! When Jesus at the Last Supper said, as He distributed the bread and wine, “This is my body…this is my blood…take and eat and drink, all of you,” what happened? And in other Holy Scripture, “Unless you do, you will not have life in you.” Pretty clear and heavy, wouldn’t you agree? So when our priest at Mass asks the Holy Spirit to repeat that change for the ongoing spiritual food of each current generation, what happens?Your thoughts on these divisive issues are appreciated, while we await His full revelation.-L. Conrad, WI
Dear Brother Arno Froese:Thanks for your letters along with the Midnight Call magazine; since I was a child back in Brazil, I read the Midnight Call’s literature and it is solid food; may the Lord bless you and your team.Several years ago, the mail carrier told my mom the magazine’s name intrigued him quite a bit, which soon led him to go to church. He ended up giving his life to Christ. The Lord’s Word is powerful in so many ways, and His people are being gathered all over the world.I was wondering if you might help to clarify something in the Bible, please: it is verse 15 in 1 Timothy chapter 2, where it says the woman will be saved in childbearing…I am scratching my head about it and do not know what to make of it. I cannot help but think about women that have no children.-A. Trajano, WV
Folks:The Four Blood Moons: Right or wrong, God does say He will show wonders in the heavens. Plural, meaning more than one heaven.God’s sign/signal has been shown to us all after the flood. That sign/signal is the rainbow. God says, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13).As for me, the heaven above proclaims God’s creation. Remember, the Star of David proclaimed Jesus’ birth: a sign/signal to proclaim God’s love for mankind.Matthew 2:9, “…The Star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.” Did everyone on earth see the Star? Maybe not but to me, it was a sign/signal proclaiming God’s gift to mankind.We can debate all day long, but I’m reminded constantly of one of my favorite Bible verses in the Bible, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it: for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).-R. Tanciar, NC
Dear Mr. Arno Froese,I have been a Christian since I was in my early 20s. I was raised in the Methodist church. After I got married, we attended a Methodist church, then a Baptist church and an Assembly of God church. In the Assembly of God church, we were taught healing, gifts of the Spirit, miracles, etc. My question is mainly about healing and miracles. In your opinion, do they really happen today as they did in the book of Acts? I have a friend who just died of cancer. She was prayed for many times, and went to a healing service and was prayed for with laying on of hands. Nothing happened and she died. I have back problems and have asked God many times for healing. It hasn’t happened. I believe the Bible is the Word of God, but don’t understand when things like this happen. Thank you.-D. Haler, GA
Dear Mr. Froese,My pastor is beginning to teach from a Preterist viewpoint. When I searched for info on this, I was greatly bothered by this belief or system of Scripture interpretation. It just does not ring true. Where did this come from, and is this a legitimate way of Scripture interpretation?-E. Frey, LA
Dear Mr. Froese,My Bible says in Luke 23:39 that one of the malefactors asked Jesus to save them. Verse 40 says that the other one rebuked him. In verse 41, he said that this man had done nothing amiss. In verse 42, he said, “Lord…” How did he know that Jesus was Lord? He asked Jesus to “remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” How did he know that Jesus was going to have a kingdom?The only way he knew these things was that he somehow previously heard about Jesus, probably from John the Baptist. He could have been baptized and fell away later. He didn’t have the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).In Acts 19:4-6, those baptized by John the Baptist were re-baptized in the name of Jesus, to receive the Holy Ghost.Deathbed sinners do not have Jesus beside them to forgive their sins. They need to come to Jesus earlier in their life.-B. Landman, OH
Dear Mr. Froese,I just read your book, The Great Mystery of the Rapture, and like it very much. Yet I have difficulties with your statement that we should be comforted with this hope that Jesus could come back at any moment. I believe so too, that the Rapture could take place at any moment. Unfortunately, this comfort is not the case with me. I just can’t be comforted. Frankly, I feel as if I am an alien in this world. I am so tired of life and have such a deep and inner yearning to be present with the Lord, so much so that it becomes somewhat painful. I just want to get away from here. Every day I hope for the Rapture to occur, and every day passes by and the Lord has not come. As a result, I am progressively sad, tired, and despondent. There seems to be nothing to be joyful about. Do you have an answer for me?-N. Schanz, Berlin, GERMANY
Dear Mr. Froese,I want to first thank you and your staff for the encouragement and edification my wife and I have received for many years from this ministry. I know that you are aware of the many problems that plague most of today’s churches. I understand that the real Church is a saved believer, and in its basic definition has nothing to do with a building, denomination, traditions, etc. And having church is simply where two or more gather in the name of the Lord. I know the Bible exhorts us to not give up the assembly of one another or simply quit having church.In my business, I often have opportunities to talk to my customers, and have been surprised how many of them are born again believers, but don’t go to church for a number of different reasons. Yet they do desire fellowship.Fellowship can be done in so many ways. I right now am fellowshipping with you. Many believers today are going to all types of media for fellowship, some good, some bad. The organized church for many years provided a social need that many believers get in other ways now, with the instant communication used in our world today.As sad as I am to see the organized church failing, I am encouraged that God provides ways to continue to have church and fellowship. I believe you once said that all Christian organizations could be shut down, and Christ would still build His Church. I am starting to believe shutting down most churches would be helpful in the implementation of the Gospel. Is not the greatest apostasy going to be tied to the end time organized church through the false prophet? Are we not as believers to always remember our first love (Christ), and not push earthly agendas such as worldly peace, patriotism, saving the planet, etc.? And yet every denomination and church seems to have one. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for the truth you have spoken over the years.-B. Basinger, AR
Dear Mr. Froese,I have been a reader of the Midnight Call magazine for several years, and greatly enjoy and benefit very much from all the good articles and excellent authors writing them.I am somewhat confused by the recent article by Mr. Hanisch concerning “Why Does Everyone Understand the Bible Differently?” Many conclusions were drawn concerning the early church, deity of Christ, canon of Scriptures and ecclesiology, which were good. However, quoting Mr. Hanisch, “We are experiencing today a newly revived conservative Reformative theology, but although the Reformers went back to the Bible, where biblical prophecy is concerned… Thus, eschatology is for the end times the most controversial them of all.”I am a firm believer in the Pre-Tribulation deliverance of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); the severe, 7 year tribulation judgment of God (Rev. 5—19); the 1,000 year reign of Christ and His Bride (Rev. 20); and the great white throne judgment of lost souls.My questions:1. Has the professing body of Christ essentially left out (wrongly) the blessed hope of the Church (Titus 2:11-13; 1 John 3:2-3)?2. Has the Reformed Church been the movement contributing to this unfortunate state the professing Church is in?-R. Valnes, OR
Dear Brother Froese,I am writing this in as short a way as possible. I desperately need answers on how I can live as God’s teachings tell me. I believe it is completely wrong to accept their lifestyle, and isn’t it also wrong to associate with them?My son married a strict Mormon woman who believes everything they teach, even though I have openly witnessed regarding the truth to them. I am 81 years old, seriously ill and right now thrown into living very close with them.I love the Lord with all my heart and want to live a righteous lifestyle. They want me to celebrate Christmas with them, have family dinners and do things together, and I do not know what to do; it’s causing me bad stress. Please advise me if I should stay away and move, etc.-A. Bramel, OH
Dear Friends,My Father in heaven is a date-setter, and so am I. This is why I use a calendar. Through Jesus my hope is eternal life and not eternal death.In 1948, Israel became a nation. Jesus said this 1948 generation would not pass till all things are fulfilled.1967 – During the Six Day War, Israel took Jerusalem from Jordan: the first time since A.D. 70. 1967 + a fifty year Jubilee (see Leviticus 25) = 2017. Jesus’ arrival and the resurrection are moved up twelve months.The last date is 1982, a calendar adjustment of thirty-three years. Daniel says that a new calendar is to begin at Jesus’ death, not His birth. A new beginning for the world through Jesus. 1982 + 33 years = 2015, and carries over through October 2016. Jesus’ arrival time is now. Watch God’s Feast Days (Leviticus 23). -C. Wise, NC
Dear Mr. Froese:I am very upset about your answer to the drinking wine question. You used Luke 7:34 and Matthew 11:19 to say that Jesus drank wine. People are using this to qualify their drinking.In the verse before, Luke 7:33, Jesus states, “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.” According to your interpretation, John had a devil; not so.In verse 34 Jesus said, “The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!”Where do you find that Jesus was “gluttonous” or a “winebibber”?Jesus was quoting what others said. He didn’t say He was gluttonous or a drinker.I always valued the Midnight Call, but I think you are wrong for “narrow is the way… and few there be that find it.” -M. Mumbower, TN
Dear Gentlemen,I am writing to find out if there is anything in the Bible about doctors. I do not know that much about the Bible. I do know that Jesus healed people; in fact, one woman went to Jesus and touched his robe and she was healed. I have also heard from a salesperson that was selling aloe, that aloe is mentioned in the Bible. I am praying that you might be able to answer my question about doctors. My question is this: my wife said that she thinks there is something in the Bible that says doctors cannot heal. Thirty years ago, I dated a young lady who also said that she didn’t go to doctors. She had good health. In fact, she told me that there were people who could cure you by touching you. I told her that these television programs show special things for their ratings. I want to know if you can trust doctors to heal me. I have cancer, plus I recently found out that I have glaucoma.I do know for a fact, that the Church of Scientology and Christian Scientists do not go to doctors. I heard or read that a couple who were Christian Scientists, did not take their child to the doctor and the child died. The state was going to prosecute them. Then the state had to back off because it was against their religion to go to doctors. -R. Rager, MD
Dear Sir,My question concerns the thief on the cross and the lesson Christ wanted to convey to us about confession and forgiveness. Does the event show that forgiveness is offered to us even at the very last moments of our lives? If like the thief on the cross next to Christ (who seems to have given no thought in his life to God, his own sinfulness or his eternity in heaven or hell), one is suddenly aware (by the fear of his impending death) of the salvation that is possible from Christ, and if we on our deathbed confess our sins and ask forgiveness, will we like the thief be forgiven? I would appreciate your thoughts as I have been trying to understand what teaching that God may want to give us in this part of Christ’s victory on the cross, and do not want to mistake flawed reasoning for the truth. Thank you for your reply, and may God bless your ministry in its efforts to share the gospel with the world.-D. Hebert, ON, Canada
Dear Sir,I am studying the Bible on tithes, and would like to know if it is necessary for Christians to give tithes. Also, do you think that the believers, including Gentiles, during the apostles’ day gave tithes?-M. Carlos, Brasilia, BRAZIL
Dear Editor,Your article and letter regarding cremation as “pagan” has caused me much concern. I am a born again Christian and have been most of my life. My husband and I agreed on cremation and made the arrangements years ago. He died 10 years ago.I felt no qualms about this decision and had discussed it with my pastor.I think of the saints burned on stakes, devoured by beasts, and people lost at sea. Does it concern God what happens to the shell we occupied here on earth? We know our spirits have a new body with Him in heaven.It seems cleaner than our bodies rotting and becoming worm-infested in the ground.Ashes are dust—it all goes into the earth again in time.There are so many who just cannot pay the cost of a funeral.I have always had the greatest respect for your teachings, and still do, but I take issue with you on this. I do not see that the Bible teaches this.-G. Beyer, OR
Dear Mr. Froese,Your naming of the four great powers of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome are, to my understanding, correct, not only from the Book of Revelation but also from the Book of Daniel. But, it seems to me that there are two parts of Rome. One is ancient “Pagan” Rome from 168 B.C. until its breakup by the various tribes around it more than 600 years later. The other succeeds it and is called “Papal” Rome, which eliminated three of these tribes; thus, in effect in 538 A.D., gave the Pope not only the power of the church but also the power to control civil governments. With this dual power, it became a persecuting power and historians credit the church, working through civil governments, with persecuting and killing thousands who disagreed with its doctrines and its policies. Nearly a thousand years later as Protestantism began, the protest for which it is named and later, when the head of the Papal Church was jailed, some of that persecution came to an end.The lesson of the 1260 year period of the “woman in the wilderness” (exactly the length of time of the supremacy of the papal power) is that it is not up to governments to enforce Christian behavior. One becomes a saint by choosing to serve Him who gave His life for us. The Scripture says, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15).It is the One who gave His life for our redemption who said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Papal Rome claims to have the authority to change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. It has repeated that claim time and again, and says that the change is a “sign” of its authority to do so. But Sunday is still a pagan holiday. It has no validity as a Sabbath either in Scripture or in history.-F. Owens, ID
Dear Brother Arno,I want to say how much I have enjoyed and been blessed by the many books and CDs that I have received since becoming a life member. Brother Arno’s remarks in the CDs of the Month are so profoundly Scriptural and perceptive. In one CD, I was particularly struck by his comment about what he called the “fanatical nationalism” permeating the church, especially in the U.S. I have come to understand this so much better because of the teaching presented in Midnight Call. I agree that many Christians in our nation are deceived in believing that America is a Christian nation and that it was founded as a Christian nation. I just, in fact, read a book (American Gospel) by a secular author (which I rarely do, but I have time for since I’m retired), Mr. Jon Meacham, who was the managing editor of Newsweek. Mr. Meacham, who I’ve seen on news programs many times on MSNBC, is a very well-spoken and seemingly kind gentleman, who I would say is a nominal Christian. He is an accomplished historian and the book espoused many of the same ideas which I have read in Midnight Call. He traces the Freemason and Deist roots of the American founders, and it really seems that not one of them was a real Christian—not so far as I can determine.Amazing to me was the final quote and sort of capstone thought to the book from Thomas Jefferson, “I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” I read that and just thought it sounds like President Jefferson was talking more about the altar of Freemasonry or Humanism than the True God, our Father. Jefferson’s mind itself unfortunately was under much tyranny, since this is not the statement of one born again of the dear Holy Spirit by faith in our glorious Lord Jesus. Also, eternal hostility and judgment belong only to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.-M. McLaughlin, OH
Dear Mr. Froese,I am writing to ask a few questions, about which I have heard others asking the same. As a Christian, should anyone take a drink of alcohol, wine or beer? Some think a glass of wine is fine. They say the Lord even drank wine, but I do know that the Lord didn’t drink the mess that’s in the stores today. I hear that Baptists, Catholics and others drink alcohol and wine to suit their surroundings. I feel that if they are Christians, they wouldn’t want a strong drink of any kind. As sinners, I know none of us, not one is perfect. Lord knows, I would like to be; that’s my desire.--S. Thomas, NC
Dear Sir,Has there been an evaluation of the source of those trumpet noises from the sky recently heard around the world?-J. Monaco, FL
Dear Sir,Recently, in the past few months, a request was given to the city of Kennesaw to allow a Muslim mosque. It was voted down until they threatened to bring a lawsuit against the city. Because of that the city reversed its decision to allow a Muslim mosque in Kennesaw. Even though they can now have a mosque, they are still going to sue the city. The city does not want a mosque in Kennesaw, GA. Since this event, I have noticed a Department of Homeland Security police car and have been told that the FBI is also in Kennesaw looking around. The mosque is not even open yet and people are already showing their disapproval. An example of this is a person has been barbecuing pork right in front of the location of the mosque. When it opens, I fear that it may cause major problems. If you could, please investigate this and report on it to make others aware. I would appreciate it. -N. Watson, GA
Are we justified by Jesus' death or by His blood?
Dear Arno,I’m doing a study on end time issues for a friend of mine who’s a Christian; I’m a Messianic Jew. We both have many conclusions in common, such as Christ will be King and there will be a resurrection, but we don’t agree on several other subjects. One is the Rapture. I can find many verses in both Testaments to support my opinions on that. I do believe that there will be two judgments, but can’t find any Scripture to support my opinion on that. Is there perhaps an article or Letter to the Editor that will support or condemn my views on that? -K. Hall, FL
Dear Sir,I am a subscriber and have learned a lot by your insight and study in the Word of God.Regarding your answer to the letter, “23 Minutes in Hell,” May issue: I don’t understand First Peter 1:8, because Jesus clearly said in John 14:21, that to anyone who loves Him, He will show, reveal, manifest himself to him/her. He will let Himself be clearly seen to them. -C. Hendrick, NY
Dear Sir,I purchased a booklet from Midnight Call titled The Bible Is True by Gertrud Wasserzug-Traeder. On page 19 she talked about the replacement for Judas with Paul. I know that Judas was replaced by Matthias: see Acts 1:26, “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” To be with the Lord, you must also be a Berean and search the Scriptures. -F. Speed, TX
Dear Arno Froese,I am a retired pastor in the Wesleyan Church. I have subscribed to your magazine for several years, having appreciated highly your insight on Scripture.Recently, a friend gave me some information which was taken from the internet (article enclosed). This person is very impressed with this literature. I would be very grateful to you or a staff member, if you are willing to read it and give me your honest opinion:Judah Ben Samuel was a legendary and prolific German rabbi of the 12th century who made some astonishing and specific predictions about the future of Jerusalem and Israel that came true.Ludwig Schneider of Israel Today magazine has translated some of his work into English over the last few years, including “The Book of the Pious—Sefer Hasidim” and the “Book of Calculations—Sefer Gematriyot.”Judah Ben Samuel published the results of his biblical calculations (Gematria) and astrological observations, and summarized as follows: “When the Ottomans (Turks)—who were already a power to be reckoned with on the Bosporus in the time of Judah Ben Samuel—conquer Jerusalem they will rule over Jerusalem for eight jubilees.”Ben Samuel was often called “Light of Israel.” Even bishops came to him for advice. If anyone asked him where his wisdom came from he would answer, “The prophet Elijah, who will precede the Messiah, appeared to me and revealed many things to me and emphasized that the precondition for answered pray is that it is fueled by enthusiasm and joy for the greatness and holiness of God.”Judah Ben Samuel also prophesied that during the 10th Jubilee Jerusalem would be under the control of the Jews and the Messianic “end times” would begin. If he’s right, the 10th Jubilee began in 1967 and will be concluded in 2017. -D. Harris, PA
Dear Mr. Froese,Please read John 14:21! And please don’t call me a deceiver. I have seen Jesus. He kept His Word in that He manifested Himself to me. May you be inundated with testimonies of seeing our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! May He visit you also. -M. Denend, WA
Dear Mr. Froese,Have you ever read Alexander Hislop’s “The Two Babylons”? Christmas is clearly a part of that ancient Babylonian Mystery religion, and true Christians shouldn’t have anything to do with such things. Although we don’t know the “exact” date of Christ’s birth, it is clear it wasn’t during winter. We have the Catholic Church to thank for such things. Yes, I do think these things matter if you know about them.I don’t mean that our salvation depends on debatable things. No doubt, there are some who love Jesus, but just aren’t well read and don’t know. But if we do know, we shouldn’t give an impression of these things meaning anything to us. As a teenager, I started disliking the whole gift giving obligatory thing.I also don’t care for the “Letters to the Editor” very much because of the disagreements, but on the other hand, you learn things about people. -J. Colgrove, MT
Dear Mr. Froese,Two thousand years is too long to wait to get the story of the birth of Jesus corrected.Would you like to help correct it? If so, go to creationmoments.com and search for INN. This is a more realistic and accurate story of Jesus’ birth.You published a long list of books and pamphlets for sale, but you don’t have any on the birth of Jesus. I suggest you read the above story on the internet, then edit it as you desire and print it in your magazine or publish it separately.Jesus wasn’t born in a stable. Mary didn’t give birth late at night. There wasn’t any inn in Bethlehem. The wise men didn’t arrive two weeks later. -G. Mellish, NC
Dear Sir,When Jesus was on the cross and the thief asked for forgiveness, the Lord said he would be with Him today in Paradise.Thessalonians talks about the Rapture and says the dead in Christ will rise first, then we will follow.To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Who are the dead in Christ? -R. Trejo, CA
Dear Editor,I have a question about who exactly is included in the Church/ Bride/Body of Christ. Does it include all who believed Christ, or only those after some point in time such as Pentecost? Is the believing thief on the cross part of the Church? Does the Bible say when the Church began, or is Pentecost just a traditional notion? -B. Knapp, OH
Dear Director Froese,Thank you for your response to my inquiry. You mentioned in your response that the requirement to be baptized is not found in the Bible.I reopened my King James Bible, and this is what I found:In Matthew 3:15, Christ tells John the Baptist to proceed with His (Christ’s) baptism, “to fulfill all righteousness….” Then in Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells His apostles, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”This seems very clear to me that Christ tells us that baptism is a must. -S. Bennett, WA
Dear Mr. Froese,I wanted to share a few thoughts with you. I drive an 18 wheeler and do much reading while away from home. Midnight Call is a favorite from cover to cover. The various articles or columns seem to follow the same general theme or mindset, and that’s okay. Then in April, “All Things New” followed a different path. Going back in history, Dr. Bigalke spoke of John Wesley as an example of the spiritual lesson he wanted to teach. In doing so, Dr. Bigalke ministered to people like me in ways unlike other writers do. In my case, depression has been an issue for many years, and like John Wesley, I often question my own salvation. So, the connection to Mr. Wesley was personal. Still, aside from that, the idea of using a person or event from the past as a foundation for the article was great. That story stayed with me while driving as something solid to dwell on. With thousands of examples that could be used, I hope you consider doing more of that in the future; just something to consider. The Lord’s richest blessings to all of you forever. -M. Evans, FL
Dear Editor,In 27 AD, the first day of Unleavened Bread fell on a Saturday. “For that sabbath day was a high day” (John 19:31). The day preceding was Passover on a Friday. “Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany (on Saturday)…On the next day (Sunday) much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna…” (John 12:1, 12-13). This thus proves that Passover fell on Friday that year.Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover (John 19:31-37), so Jesus was crucified at noon on Thursday. The next day (Passover), the one after preparation day, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and asked for a guard to secure the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66). The women also went home “and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56).The preparation of the spices was done on Passover because these actions were not allowed on the Sabbath. Thus, Jesus was in the tomb three days and three nights—Thursday, Friday and Saturday—to fulfill Jesus’ own statement that he would be in the tomb three days and three nights (Matthew 12:40). There is no supposed missing day in Holy Week, when Jesus rested, as many churches incorrectly state.After 2,000 years, why not get it correct? -G. Mellish, NC
Dear Editor,In the February issue of the Midnight Call, you ask, “Are creation and science compatible?” And then go to some length to prove the Bible by science. Conversely, if you let the Bible prove science, it is much simpler. We know that the earth was in flood at the time of creation. Genesis 1:9, “And God said, let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.”Then after Noah’s flood, Genesis 9:11, “And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.”God does not tell us how many times before He had destroyed the earth by flood. But in 2 Peter 3:5-7, we read: “That by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”So creation and science are perfectly compatible, and we can take the Bible literally.Evolution, in spite of being so widely accepted, is an unproven and unprovable theory. -V. Birdsell, IL
Dear Brother Arno,Surely you would vote for a Christian over a non-Christian; surely?I am referring to your book, The Sure Foundation of the Church, page 347, subtitle “Neo- Dominionists.” -C. Gunter, AR
Dear Mr. Froese,I would like to submit the follow prophecy for your consideration:Israel will stand alone if she continues oppressing her neighbors!The leader of Israel leads his people astray, promising that his policies will lead to peace, when there will be no peace.You have greatly misled this people, saying to your people, you shall have peace, when violence is near at hand.Distress, panic, and destruction shall come, and the people of Israel shall seek peace, but there shall be no peace.Hear this, you ruler of Israel: You abhor and reject justice and pervert all equity. You have built up the nation of Israel by shedding innocent blood, boasting that no evil can come upon you.Your talk is filled with lies and plans for violence. Every finger on your hands is covered with blood. You falsely accuse your neighbors and tell lies about them. You don’t know how to live in peace or to be fair with your neighbors.The Lord has shown the leaders of Israel what will take place in the future. Change your policies of war and oppression! -K. Keene, MN
Dear Arno,I greatly appreciate the Midnight Call and your humble and straightforward pulpit ministry. I am trying to write out of loving concern.To make my point a little more clear, the following are reasons why the body itself cannot be sin.I give at least four reasons for this: 1. Jesus lived in a body just like ours, but He was sinless, as many Bible passages demonstrate. 2. Sin and the sinful nature is not a physical problem, but a spiritual problem. 3. Arno Froese’s interpretation of 1 John 3:9 is absurd and very close to the heresy of Gnosticism, the very heresy the Apostle John was writing against: the idea that sin is physical, and that the spirit can be pure and sinless even though the body is committing sin all the time. 4. The Apostle Paul called the body “the temple of the Holy Spirit”—if what Arno Froese has written is true, the Apostle was wasting his time telling believers to keep their bodies undefiled. -R. Grout
Dear Mr. Froese,Why didn’t the God of Heaven tell David and his son Solomon that “Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest?” (Isaiah 66:1). “Ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16).Isaiah seems to be written before David and Solomon’s time.If Isaiah knew this, why didn’t David and Solomon? Why the earthly temple? The more my wife and I read and study our Bible, the more questions we have.It is good to have answers to questions. God bless you. -J. Spencer, OH
Dear Editor,I have been a Christian since the late 1970s, and have never heard any preacher talk about a subject that troubles many Christian friends and myself. We wonder what will happen to our pets when the Rapture takes place, and even when they die!Our pets are living creatures, not other “possessions” like jewelry, cars, homes, or other lifeless objects! Would a loving Bridegroom (Christ) take us away and leave our pets to starve to death?Psalm 36:6 says, “He preserveth man and beast.” First Corinthians 2:9 says, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor can the heart of man imagine what God has prepared for those who love him!” Now, if God has prepared things that we cannot imagine, surely he would prepare something that we can imagine: our pets being with us for all eternity! Why is this important subject never taught or preached? It is not very comforting to me to think that my pets will starve to death with no one to take care of them. -J. Demmy, PA
Dear Sir:I was given a book called 23 Minutes in Hell. I know that hell exists and those who don’t believe in our Savior Jesus Christ will eventually end up there. This book tells of an experience of a gentleman that actually went there for 23 minutes so God could show him what it would be like for eternity. I am finding it difficult to believe this even though this author sounds truthful and in the Word. Is this somewhat similar to those that claim to see “Jesus”? -J. DeHylton, OR
Dear Brother,I have a question: in the beginning chapter of the Book of Luke, we read that Zechariah was working in the temple when he allegedly had a “divine” visit from the angel Gabriel. This visit was to advise that Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were going to have a son, even though they were “advanced” in child bearing years. And we have come to know that this son would be known as “John the Baptist.” We learn that this John the Baptist did, in fact, baptize Jesus the Christ to “fulfill all righteousness.”Allowing his baptism, Jesus did “command” at least three times, when he stated, “Except ye be baptized, ye can in no wise enter the kingdom of heaven.” This “command” begs the question, what is the fate of all those who were not baptized while in earthly life? Now to complete my question, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, asked a strange question (1 Corinthians 15:29): “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all?” Does this mean that there was baptism for the dead at one time? And secondly, does any church today baptize for the dead? -S. Bennett, WA
Dear Sir,I am a subscriber and love Midnigth Call magazine, and appreciate feedback. Your answer regarding ‘Satan in Heaven’… “There is no direct information…about Satan’s whereabouts.” Please enjoy God’s answer to that question: Ezekiel 28:12-19. -G. Craig, NC
Dear Editor Froese:Please provide your interpretation of verses 18 and 19 of Chapter 22 of Revelation. If a born again believer adds to or takes away from the Holy Bible, will his or her name be removed from the book of life (KJV)? For example, if a person merges or blends the Holy Scriptures with the Quran.I look forward to your magazine response, as much has been recently said about eternal security. -C. Koontz, NC
Dear Arno,Your logic on not allowing physician-assisted suicide, is faulty. If we are “never to interfere in God’s ways,” we should not assist accident victims, eradicate pain, take an aspirin for a headache, practice birth control, agree to a flu shot or allow doctors to practice medicine. Of birth, our parents engaged in a conscious act which God allowed; of life, the end is either prolonged by medical means or cut short by injury or illness. Is this God’s will, or man’s intervention? Death occurs when the mind and body give up, but God is still the begetter and finisher of life as He designed it. Who are you to sit in judgment or determine when this end should or should not occur; when modern medicine insists on “playing God” by prolonging life to the nth degree? The New Hippocratic Oath should read: “Since I as a physician do my best to halt death in its tracks and this is not considered ‘Playing God,’ how can I then forbid a terminally ill patient a lethal drug which they request to end their suffering?”Do not play God with human conscience when God has given free will to decide. When hope and medical resources are gone, do not forbid the mercy to die and the drugs which bring it to pass. -M. Wagner, WA
Dear Editor:My letter is in regard to a question in the January 2015 issue of Midnight Call magazine asking, “Will there be unbelievers in the Millennium?”It is correct in stating that the Body of Christ will not be ruled by a “rod of iron” in the Kingdom. The Body of Christ, which is the raptured and true church of believers, will rule and reign with Jesus Christ as His Bride during the 1,000 year Kingdom Age (Millennium period). The Age of Grace ends at the Rapture.First, there will be members of the Gentile nations which are saved by the testimony of 144,000 Jewish witnesses, who will go throughout the world preaching the coming Kingdom Age during the Tribulation period. When Jesus Christ returns to earth, a remnant of each Gentile nation will be judged at the “Sheep vs. Goat Judgment” (Matthew 25:31-34). The “Sheep” nations (believers) that are saved will be ushered into the Lord’s earthly Kingdom for 1,000 years.Second, there will be a one-third Jewish remnant that has been protected by God during the final 3 ½ years of the Tribulation period. Every one of these Jewish believers will accept the Gospel of the Kingdom (Zechariah 13:8-9). The saved Gentile nations, the Jewish believing remnant and their future offspring will have mortal bodies (Adamic), subject to sin. Therefore, they are those who will be ruled by the rod of iron. The mortal citizens living during the Kingdom Age will be responsible for keeping the Law and will be subject to the rod of iron. Therefore, there will be believers in the Millennium period. -G. Avery, WA
Dear Brother,I got your Midnight Call and I just had to write and thank you. I’m so thankful to you for your good reading. I’ve always found that I’d like to be a Jew, but the Bible tells me that strangers can join the Jews when we get to heaven; no nationality there. I’ve always loved to read all about Jerusalem and want to be there soon. I’m 95 but God is so good to me. -M. Patton, FL
Dear Arno,I would like to ask you two questions: 1. When a person dies, where is his or her soul going? 2. Does the soul stay with the body that is buried in the tomb?God bless you all. -P. Lay, CA
Dear Mr. Froese,I was just rereading parts of the J.R. Church book, Daniel Reveals the Bloodline of the Antichrist. I was attracted to his comments on Daniel 7:4. After reading that passage in different Bible translations, I agree Daniel was talking about the U.S. being torn from Great Britain and given a man’s heart. My question is relative to Daniel 7:12, “As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season (3 months) and a time (1 year).” My feeling is this will come after the Rapture of the body of Christ. I’d like to read your opinion on this verse. -D. Smith, CA
Dear Editor,When I had the chance to read your January 2015 edition of the Midnight Call, I was curious to see what was in it.I was enjoying your magazine when on page 29 I found “Mormon Church…Joseph Smith Had about 40 Wives.” Why would you feel the need to try and discredit the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Joseph Smith? Then on page 44, “Is Mormonism Christian?” So, tell me, is a Mormon a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ, or a follower of Satan? I know Jesus Christ loves every one, and I know He would never feel the need to hurt someone else. Reading the rest of your magazine, I did not find anything about any other church. Why? I have always believed that Satan works hardest against the truth.Satan has enough help without the followers of Jesus Christ bashing each other.My challenge to you is to find one thing the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have said against you and your church. What happens to me if you are right? What happens to you if I am right? -S. Meyer, UT
Dear Sir, We read in the Bible of battles and wars between God’s angels and Satan’s. In these conflicts, there must be casualties, injuries and death on both or either side of the battle. Can angles (be they of God or the devil) be hurt or injured and die in these battles? Or are these battles unlike what we would think them to be? How can or why would spirit beings battle like humans, if there would be no loss of one’s army? How could one expect or declare victory? Thank you for your consideration. -D. Hebert, ON
Dear Mr. Froese: I consider myself a Christian—a long-time practicing Episcopalian—and am a Harvard-trained New Testament scholar, but my convictions are far removed from those of you and your magazine.I have recently completed a book examining four types of evidence for the survival of the individual soul after death: scientific instruments and techniques, reputable psychics and mediums, near-death experiences, and out-of-body experiences. The evidence is “beyond a reasonable doubt” that all of us, good and bad alike, have souls that are immortal. (My research also supports Pope Francis’ recent declaration that the souls of animals live on after death!). Christianity made a huge mistake in its early days by rejecting reincarnation: the evidence is also overwhelming that we live many (human) lives on earth; that we make pre-birth decisions about those lives (with the help of spirits wiser than ourselves); that we encounter many of the same souls in those lifetimes; and that the law of karma—the law of cause and effect—is always operative in these journeys. Our lives, both here and on the other side, are all about spiritual growth, and the overarching “law” of the universe is love. Those who cross over, as they themselves report via electronic voice phenomena, near-death experiences, and mediums, do not necessarily meet God or Jesus per se, but they consistently encounter a “place” of unspeakable love, joy and peace, no matter what their theological beliefs may be. I believe that your theology is dangerous, and my prayer is that the danger is somehow mitigated through other publications, church communities, personal testimonies, and social justice movements. -V. Abrahamsen, VT
Dear Midnight Call,In your answer to the Letter to Editor “Millennium Sinners,” you said, “It stands to reason there must be a remnant, not of believers, but of unbelievers who enter the millennium.” I strongly disagree. In Matthew 25:31-46, the writer says that when the Son of Man comes, He will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep on His right hand will inherit the kingdom, and the goats on His left hand will be cursed to eternal fire. Also, Revelation 13 tells us that all will be forced to receive the mark of the beast. It is inconceivable that anyone who bears the mark of the beast will enter the millennium.It is my belief that the people who enter the millennium will be those who accepted Christ as Savior during the tribulation and managed to stay alive until Christ’s appearing on the last day. -T. Galuszka, MI
Dear Brother, I have an issue with playing cards or any game for money (gambling). I am with a group of ladies who play cards and various games, and everyone puts up a few dollars ($2 per game).I’ve seen gambling much of my life as my dad was a professional gambler. As much as I enjoy gambling (but they say it is not gambling), I choose not to put up any money even if it is only $2. I have been ridiculed and been told that I’m way off. I make it a point not to condemn anyone who puts up money, but stand firm on my conviction. To me, gambling is gambling, like you can’t be half-pregnant, and though they allow me to play some laugh at me.I do not play bingo for money, but do provide gifts for members of a senior group who win the gifts—some say that it is still the same.As seniors, some of us go regularly to casinos.Please tell me what the Bible has to say about this. Thank you. -L. Durand, FL
Dear Brother Arno,The Midnight Call is a unique and both interesting and controversial publication.I especially enjoy the Letters to the Editor, Wilfred Hahn’s perspectives, and the World Focus sections.The debates on eternal security of the believer, whether “conditional” or “unconditional,” will likely continue until the end of time.I have always viewed God’s relationship with humans as a covenant relationship with both signatures required to validate it.To me, the word “If” is the pivotal little word in the Bible and is often conveniently ignored because it fouls up our established technology. I am not going to begin quoting verses since space would not permit it. As a minister and Bible student for 40+ years, I see Scriptures to support either view when taken alone.One paragraph in the answer to the “Blotted Out” letter, November issue, did cause me to write this letter. It was this one:“The danger of the teaching that what God has created can be lost, alludes to the fact that God did not make a perfect work.”What about Satan? Ezekiel 28:13-16 must be speaking about more than the King of Tyre since he would not meet all of the description given. “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created.”What about creation? The world itself, and also Adam and Eve. Genesis 1:31, “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good.” He lost it to the extent that Jesus Himself called Satan “the god of this world.” Was there a fatal flaw in God’s work? And then, of course, there is John 17:12. -A. Miller, OH
Dear Arno,I couldn’t help but notice that the letter sent in by C. Bennett, CA (Midnight Call, October 2014 issue) mentioned a stumbling block that I had experienced in the past. The writer expressed a lack of understanding of the sinless Jesus having been born of a sinful mother.The answer is in the blood. In animal husbandry, we find that the blood line is from the sire or father. The blood of the offspring is passed down from the father and at no time does the unborn animal’s blood ever co-mingle with the mother’s blood. The mother’s blood supplies nourishment to the baby through the umbilical cord, but the baby does not use her blood as its own. So it is with mankind. The father sets the blood type and carries the bloodline. In the case of Jesus, His blood comes from His Father (and ours) in heaven. Having an origin not of this evil, satanic and sinful world, His blood is sinless.It may be that this will clear up some haze in your letter writer’s understanding of Mary as the mother of Jesus. -W. Best, ID
Dear Arno,I “found” Midnight Call when I was attending additional studies at the University of North Texas around 1985 and have been with you ever since.I do thank my God and Savior that I was already born again when I picked up my first issue of Midnight Call magazine, because after reading your belief statement, the Holy Spirit told me that Midnight Call’s ministry is for real!Your writings have been of great help to me in my walk with Messiah Christ. I just began Dear God, Thank You for Not Answering My Prayer and found that chapter one’s explanation of a person’s spirit, soul and body is truly the most thorough and best insight I have ever read. This writing has helped me understand what God did in my mind, heart and spirit that day I called out to Him in confusion and anguish. I wanted to KNOW Him. He answered that prayer! But, until today, I had not grasped the concept of soul vs. spirit. This insight will be of great value as God allows me to minister Christ to others.So, I am just saying, thank you so much for writing this book. And, you are so very correct: we who love Jesus must study His Word. It is alive! It speaks! It corrects! It comforts! The Bible is our only and true guide.Again, thank you for speaking the truth in love through authorship of this book about prayer.-C. Snokhous, TX
What is your opinion on Jewish Voice Ministries and President Jonathan Bernis?
"...some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” What does this refer to?
I thought Nebuchadnezzar did not tell his dream deliberately because he wanted a true answer. Where do you get the idea that he forgot the dream?
Who will go into the Millenium, belivers or unbelievers?
Could the idea of 6,000 year history and then the millennium be based on Israel’s calendar?
Dear Midnight Call:My family members have been Masons for many years and they are Christians.I am a past Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. The Eastern Star (5 points) tells us about the lives and legacies of Adah, Jephthah’s daughter, Ruth (who assisted Naomi), Esther (Queen), Martha (whose sister was Mary and brother Lazarus) and Electra (who lived in St. John the evangelist’s day). Our mission is to aid in our communities and state, and further Christian work. We sponsor a nursing home and assisted living and do other charity work.The Grand Lodge is not a church, but a group of men who also do community missions.The Shrine Club sponsors and supports hospitals for children who need assistance.The Knights Templar sponsors medical work for children in need of eye care.Other groups support mission work in other areas of need.One of the main requirements to join is to believe in God and not be afraid to confess.I’m sending this yearly statement to you as it tells about the “Long Life” of Masonry as it began in the building of “Solomon’s Temple at the Beginning of Time.” These are true statements and needs to be honored with dignity.-E. Steptoe, SD
Could the Kurds in Northern Iraq have come from the Northern division of Israel after their 722 B.C. captivity and dispersion?
When and how we will know when the last Gentile is added to the Church?
Do you believe that once you give your life to Christ, repent and are converted and baptized, that you cannot lose your home in heaven?
Dear Editor,For about twenty years, I have agreed with most of your teaching. However, I must disagree with some of Norbert Lieth’s comments on speaking in tongues in his article, July 2014 issue, “Does the Holy Spirit Give New Revelations Today?”As an apostolic, Pentecostal believer, I received the Holy Ghost with speaking in unknown tongues, and was baptized in Jesus’ name at the age of fourteen. I am now 90 years old and still speak in tongues. I do not claim any special gifts of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts on through the New Testament, teaches that speaking in tongues is the first real sign that one has been born again and received the Holy Ghost, which is to all up to the end of the Church age. No one can ever tell me I have not experienced the real meaning of being born again in the Holy Ghost. I pray that Mr. Lieth can also receive this experience.-M. Daniels, MS
Dear Brother Froese,I write to discuss something that has been a problem to me. It is the situation with the Masons. While I realize that they are a cult and are not cognizant of Jesus in their rituals and whatever they do, there still for me must be a gentle spot in my heart.I grew up in a little town in Southern Idaho, and went to a Presbyterian Church there, that had combined with a failed Baptist Church. It was a believing bunch of people and they were, as I remember them, very close to Jesus. In the midst of this, there were many men who were members of the local Masons. My Dad was one of them, yet, I have never known a man who was more dedicated to our God and practiced daily his walk with Jesus. Now, as I understand things better, I do think that these men, including my Dad, were deceived. But they all, I feel sure, believed that they were serving God by also being active in the Masons. My dad died at age 103, and had not been active in the Masons for perhaps the last 20 years or so of his life.In view of the great Constitution of the United States that we have been given, I wonder about the men that, even though they were Masons, gave us that Constitution. Were some of them or perhaps most of them really men who worshiped God in a real way, and knew Jesus? I think that God will make that determination, or has made it, but I hesitate to condemn them, considering the result that we have had in the best and most free government to date in the world. I base this lack of condemnation on the life of my Dad, because he did live for the Lord, and all his children (four) are living for the same Lord today, and are a reflection of his life. Thanks for listening to my thoughts.-P. Lowry, ID
Dear Arno Froese,I’m not quite sure why these questions came to mind, but am now curious/confused. In Genesis after creation in chapter 3:1-5, I assumed that Satan was always in heaven before God’s throne to worship Him, yet the serpent within the garden was subtle, and said unto the woman in the garden, “Yes, has God said you shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Which it seems by many that Satan spoke through the serpent using the serpent’s voice and questioned the Word of God. Satan’s use of Eve was a means to get Adam to complete the fall, because of Satan being in the garden. Was this before he and his angels were kicked out of heaven, or did this garden situation happen after Satan was kicked out of heaven and was around while all was being created?Also, another question: Mary was born in sin of a man and a woman, as we all are, but she was favored by God and was made pregnant by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. Was Jesus tainted by her sin nature? Or did the Holy Spirit remove Mary’s sin nature and make her sinless and pure as Jesus was to be—and did she stay that way?-C. Bennett, CA