Organized Churches

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


Arno's Answer:


The first church in Jerusalem “had all things [in] common…and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45). They practiced true communism. However, after spending their resources, they became dependent on gifts from foreign countries. Thus we see, God does not dictate any form of fellowship or worship. Geography, culture, and government are all to be considered in our respected places.

Churches, by whatever name, are a semi-government organization, subsidized by being tax exempt. But their function should strictly be religion. Of course, certain social involvement cannot be detoured.

You rightly write, “worldly peace, patriotism, saving the planet” are indeed not within the jurisdiction of the Church.

The true Church distinguishes itself from any system, organization, or government infrastructure. We are the true globalists; our co-citizens are residing all over planet Earth. Each of us has a different duty and obligation toward our fellow man and government. We are a real identity, the spiritual Temple made up of lively stones, which continues to be built until its completion, when we are raptured into the presence of the Lord.

Midnight Call - 04/2016

Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.

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