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From the book: The Challenge of the Christian Theology and more...
of Ewald Frank
Preface
With this publication, I would
simply like to address all people of good will. The use of
impressive words has been avoided as much as possible. True
convincing power does not lie in human expressions but in
the power of God’s creative Word. At the beginning of
creation God spoke, and His Word had creative power.
Humanity needs that word now, creating something in us and
separating the light from the darkness. Although things seem
to be running smoothly in the religious realm, if one takes
a good look, it becomes obvious that spiritual darkness is
covering the nations. When God, by His all powerful Word can
speak into our lives, »Let there be light!« there will be
light. He always does things in the same way. Only after the
light had come into existence, was it separated from
darkness. Then He continued with His work of creation. It is
the same with the spiritual creation. The Lord Himself
speaks, and His light shines in the darkness to illuminate
each one of us (John 1). The time has come for God’s mighty
Word to be heard, and the truth to be separated from
deception, for the Lord is now bringing His plan of
salvation to completion.
This brochure is especially addressed to all theological
faculties; it is there where the great responsibility lies
for those who are trained to be the spiritual leaders of
humanity. Initially all people trust scholars. In no
uncertain terms do I wish to bring forth Bible teachings,
not to discredit the teachings or traditions of religions
which others hold dear. But if there is discrepancy between
those teachings and the Word of God, one must conclude, God
is right and not a religious institution. I write with
respect, considering the dignity of man, which cannot be
touched. I also respect what others believe. Of course,
God’s majesty is far above human dignity and His Word must
have pre-eminence over men’s words.
Born in 1933, I have a treasure of experiences from which I
can draw. Since my calling to the ministry on April 2nd,
1962, I have taught Bible seminars, preached in over 130
countries, and led evangelistic crusades. In some countries
I had the opportunity to speak to entire nations via TV,
holding large meetings attended by thousands. For ten years,
each Sunday morning, I have broadcast 20-minute radio
speeches via the famous Radio Luxembourg here in Europe. In
all my travels into other nations I’ve had the opportunity
to meet renowned personalities of religious, political, and
economic position. Through my extensive travelling, I have
also become knowledgeable about world religions.
I have availed myself to study church history, learning the
views of various religions and denominations. I am
convinced, people have the right to believe as they desire.
Faith is a personal matter, and no one should force his or
her faith on someone else.
My task is to show the right way as made known to us in the
Book of Books. To find this way and to walk in it is a
personal decision. I do not belong to a particular
denomination, I am not obligated to please others and can
boldly proclaim the teachings of the Bible. Each one has a
duty to compare this exposition with the original Word of
God and prove whether it is right and if so, be persuaded.
No force is executed in the Kingdom of God, especially in
teaching. Divine enlightenment will be with those who open
themselves before God.
The following account will be accepted by some, rejected by
others. Those who step into public view must live with this.
I only desire to be true and accomplish my commission with
sincerity. The rest I leave to God, Who can work and perform
all things in each person.
It is noteworthy that with God there is only one right
answer, and one possibility. Man’s answers hold many
possibilities, but which of them would be right? I have
decided to let God answer, and I beg you, don’t hold this
against me.
Introduction
There is increasing tension in the world, as we are nearing
the turn of the century. People are asking what the next
millennium will bring. The expectations for the immediate
future are of course very different. The majority of the
experts show optimism; they are confident that it will be
possible to solve the threatening problems humanity is
facing, and that everything will continue as it has until
now. Others seem to be in the end-time mood, being in
distress because of social injustice, unemployment, the
drastic rise in crime, drug abuse, illnesses which were not
known before, natural catastrophes of every kind over which
we have no influence, disturbances and daily news about wars
and turmoil. The ongoing changes are unstoppable, including
the climate and the environment. Many say, »We do not
understand this world any more!«, others confess fearfully
to see the scriptural »Menetekel«, the handwriting on the
wall, which obviously announces something. It takes people
who find grace in the sight of God like Daniel, to read and
understand this handwriting correctly, the message of
warning showing the way of escape. It must be the message of
the hour, based on the predictions of God’s Word for our
time.
Faith once inherited has been lost since the age of
illumination, as the many atrocities performed in the name
of Christianity became known. Faith in science has become
matchless. Creation they cannot refute, but have taken their
stand against the Creator, denying Him because they don’t
have eyes to see Him (Rom. 1: 18-23). In the natural every
work praises the master and speaks of him. How can one
separate the Creator from the majestic work of creation? In
our generation many theologians have spread unbelief.
Instead of placing their criticism on the institution called
»the church« they, in spiritual blindness, direct it towards
God and His Word. Being accepted by the public, they’ve made
reputations for themselves. Simultaneously they have
succeeded in causing many to doubt God’s Word, mocking the
Lord of Glory and putting him to shame. Through achievements
and multiple inventions, man became proud. Especially since
the space age he has made himself the center of the
universe. Young people are especially susceptible to doubt,
which is being spread like never before. Finding
disappointment in the established church, they turn away
from the faith. Asking for reasons in life and seeking
satisfaction and solutions for their problems, they turn to
many things including drugs and Eastern religions.
»Global economy«, »world community«, »multicultural
society«, these are all slogans for today. The separating
lines between religion and ideologies are swept away and the
common things are emphasised in order to move with the
trends of the time. The human spirit of reconciliation is at
work everywhere, but, sad to say, no one wants to be
reconciled with God or His Word, on the contrary: they are
separated from it, and seek to be reconciled with the
confessions of other religions. At the same time the desire
for truth, still in the conscience, is being put aside and
the longing is being filled with religious or worldly
substitutes. Everybody believes as he likes. In 1994 the
United Nations, headquartered in New York, established a
religious commission, which must play a part in the
realisation of the New World Order. Among other things,
their intent includes worldwide, uniformed worship. »New
Age« is in! |
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