Armageddon

Chapter One
Ari quickly slid his car into the last underground parking space near his office. The long,
slow drive had left him irritated and on edge. He pitched his empty cigarette packet into
the waste bin outside the newspaper kiosk and bought a replacement pack, along with the
Athenian Cross morning edition. The front page headlines leapt out at him....PANIC
SPREADS. As he lit yet another cigarette he read on ....Families, middle and working
class people, likely to be worst it. !oday it was o""icially anno#nced by !e $orld
Incorporated %anking System tat te monetary systems o" all co#ntries, incl#ding all
stock e&canges, ceased operations yesterday. Ari knew this meant the New ealand
stock e!change, normally the first to open in the world each day, because of its pro!imity
to the "nternational #ate $ine, had not opened. Australia and all other countries %ast of
&reece would have followed suit.
The news article continued. 'any are e&pected to gater o#tside all money instit#tions in
te ope o" reclaiming cas or gold be"ore all a(ailable money is e&a#sted. Ins#rance
companies also e&pect many policy olders at s#rrender departments in a "rantic e""ort to
cas in teir li"e policies. )owe(er, te go(ernment o" *reece as iss#ed a plea to all
people + P,EASE D- N-! PANIC. !is is a temporary crisis ca#sed in all co#ntries d#e
to contin#ing bad debts. !ese debts are transactions on paper only and so#ld not a""ect
te s#pply o" act#al cas and gold. %y te end o" tis week it is e&pected tat all trading
will ret#rn to normal.
Cars, squee'ed bumper to bumper, crawled along the four lane highway leading to the
city centre. %arly morning grey mist, filled with a stinging acrid stench, annoyed the eyes
and nostrils of everyone who must work in the city. They were the lucky ones. "n some
homes, fathers, unemployed for many months, despaired as they watched their wives
prepare for work. The small wages earned helped provide necessities for their families.
(o many survived below the so called poverty line. Husbands planted vegetables and fruit
trees on every patch of available soil. &arden beds had sprung up overnight alongside
railroad tracks. These narrow stretches of earth once overgrown with grass and weeds,
were beginning to yield crops.
#rivers honked and swore as cyclists wove their tenuous trails in and out of the traffic.
(ome bore hessian sacks on their backs, or across the handle)bars of their old reliable
bicycles. They carried vegetables, or much loved family treasures, to market for sale.
&rim faced people on foot, young and old alike, dodged one another, each knowing time
was running out. All were driven by the same emotion. *ear+ They must get there before
it was too late. (leepy eyed babies and children cried, as mothers or fathers pushed prams
and carried or hurried them along. These innocents were infected with that same fear,
something they had never seen on the usually happy faces of their parents. ,adios were
being flicked from station to station in hope of hearing better news of a last minute
solution to this sudden money scare.
Ari opened the door to his well appointed office suite and consulting rooms. He now
knew why all roads were unusually -ammed with traffic this morning. He made himself a
cup of strong black coffee and sat at his leather topped, intricately carved cedar table with
his thickly padded leather chair tilted back to give him some comfort. The ringing
telephone interrupted his thoughts.
.Hello,. growled Ari.
./ani here,. came the reply.
." think you had better get down here in the ne!t hour as things aren0t looking good . "
missed you at the club last night, otherwise " would have warned you earlier..
.(orry /ani. Helen and " were busy preparing for my old uni friends who arrive
tomorrow..
/ani continued, . " have been e!pecting a money crash similar to those of 1234 and 1225
and have learnt to read between the lines of our latest market reports. " have a large
amount of cash and gold on hand for my business associates and valued friends. No one
will know if " pay out these accounts, or security deposits first, before the banks officially
close today. 6ver the last few months " have been gradually closing our family accounts
to avoid arousing too much suspicion. 7e have various substantial amounts of gold and
cash hidden in steel bo!es buried throughout our family properties. " suggest you do the
same as " have heard, from high banking officials, that all amounts of gold, presently
registered at any institution, are to be compulsorily sold to the &overnment at their
price..
.(o it is true., remarked Ari to his long time friend.
.Thanks for the warning. "0ll be around in about 89 minutes..
Ari slammed the elegant telephone back into its gold cradle and switched on the
answering machine. He quickly scribbled a note and placed it in his receptionist0s tray. "t
read....:aria, please cancel all appointments for today ) urgent business at the bank.
;lease ring Helen at home and tell her not to attempt the drive into the city ) " will see her
tonight..
7ith banking papers and books safely locked in his brief case, Ari was soon being
whisked downstairs in the cage like elevator. As it descended he felt something of the
same fear that gripped the man on the street. All were now driven by the same urgency,
united by a common need ) the need to survive.
6utside, the crowds were gathering. Traffic was now at a standstill. :otorists parked on
pavements or in any other available space, adding to the frustration and anger of
pedestrians. Ari strode into this mass of people bumping them as he went. His heart beat
quickly, it0s rhythm far outpacing his footsteps. 6n the way , his thoughts were of his wife
and family. They were accustomed to a rather lu!urious life) style. Helen, his wife,
worked with him in their busy Counselling and ;sychology practice, trying to help people
reshape shattered lives. ;eople trudged in every day, seeking solutions and answers that
would help ease their pain and torment. (ome were able to break through these emotional
walls or barriers into wholeness and, through their own adversity, become more
empathetic with others . A few, like frightened children, stayed wrapped in their own
shrouds, never able to break free, spread their frail wings and fly on fresh strong currents
into a better time. Ari and Helen hoped their own children, Nicholas and %lena, would
grow strong and healthy in body, soul and spirit)the very essence of life itself.
Ari looked saw many people already gathered outside the bank. They spilled onto the
roadway. "n their urgency to get inside, those nearest the bank beat their fists on the doors
and windows. Ari took the back lane and was himself soon pounding on the door to the
manager0s private entrance.
./ani, let me in., he cried.
.Hurry, before the crowd spreads into the lane..
He heard the bolt slide back and a key turn in the stiff lock. /ani0s face showed lines of
worry and concern, not perhaps for the people outside but for his own safety. He quickly
slammed and bolted the door and led Ari inside, past the empty teller0s booths, into the
huge vault. 6n the table were canvas bags, their bulging contents secured firmly with
thick leather thongs. /ani motioned Ari to sit opposite him as he began to untie the heavy
bags. :uch later, notes and gold bars stacked in neat rows were locked inside a secret
safe in the floor under /ani0s desk. Ari0s completed withdrawal forms sat in the teller0s
drawer, no doubt the first of many hundreds to be processed today before all available
cash ran out.
."0ll bring the money to your office late tonight when the panic has died down a bit., said
/ani.
His voice faltered as his dull brown eyes watched staff push their way through the
waiting crowd to begin a day that all would remember. ;eople surged through the open
doors, each one -ostling others to be first in line. The security grills remained down until
all tellers were safely confined within their bo!es. %ach had been previously warned by
/ani to check all alarm buttons in case of an emergency. Trading had begun when Ari
eventually emerged cautiously from the laneway. He could not help thinking there was a
sinister reason for today0s events. 7as there some sort of conspiracy by powers unknown
to common people< Noticing the ,eal Truth Community Church opposite the bank, he
wondered what role, if any, they might play in the light of today0s news.
Chapter 2
Across the street, people were filing into the old, grey, stone and brick building. (ome
carried the morning paper tucked neatly under one arm. Their immaculate business suits
and initialled attache cases, a striking contrast to others dressed in grimy overalls
clutching lunch bags. Children, school bags slung over their shoulders, nudged and teased
each other as children do, even on days like today. To them it was e!citing, a real change
from their every day routine. They settled, along with many others, into the rows of seats
inside the ,eal Truth Community Church, which was open for several short services
throughout the day. Although ministers were always on hand to offer words of
encouragement and hope to many who listened to short practical sermons, the church had
not seen such vast numbers since the world war in the 12=90s. "n the years between, many
had become disinterested in attending church and had fallen away from real interest in
godly things.
>1?
The coffee shop was a favourite meeting place for mothers to sit and chat
while their lively children en-oyed the playgroup.
Homeless people came, shyly at first, until they knew they were also welcome. 6ften
their skin was dry and cracked, caused by living in railway stations at night, and the
streets during the day. They managed to keep themselves clean, in spite of their
homelessness, making use of local comfort stations. 6ften travellers saw them drinking
bottled water discarded by affluent tourists. The homeless needed soothing oil or
ointment for their skin, but at ,eal Truth Community Church they were given much
more.
The minister rose and a hush fell over the restless, murmuring congregation.
.7elcome to all gathered here on such a troublesome day. " want to comfort you all with
a knowledge of the truth. Truth that &od is with you in all your present difficulties. He
made the world
>@?
and everything in it and has power over all things. 7e cannot blame
&od for what is happening today. Aefore we have peace, the world will go through many
dramatic changes, mentioned in (cripture. (ome will be natural disasters like floods,
hurricanes, drought and famine. 6thers will be as a result of poverty crime and wars.......
He was cut off in mid sentence as someone called out, .Aut when will this be<. The
minister paused a moment before continuing.
.Although the e!act timing of these events is unknown
>8?
to us, there are many signs that
these changes are close, in fact some may have already begun. They are mentioned in
&od0s 7ord, the Aible, but these truths have been hidden from many people of the world
because they lack a knowledge of the Aible. " stand before you today to warn you to be
on your guard against all evil, for &od must uphold His holiness. "f you choose to go
your own way, &od lets you. All men and women need to acknowledge &od as the only
true and living &od, not like a god made from brass, gold or wood.
Today, people are often ready to accept any form of religion as leading to &od, but " warn
you to be wary of these false ideas, strange doctrines, rituals and traditions. #o not be led
astray by counterfeit religions.
>=?
The only way to &od is through Besus Christ, &od0s son,
sent into this world to save every person who believes in Him. "t was for this very reason
that Besus died on a cross. He took our sin upon Himself, in our place, so that we might
have eternal life
>5?
and overcome the power of sin and (atan here on earth by the power of
the Holy (pirit. This world as we know it, is indeed coming to an end..
>C?
There were continued mumblings in the crowd. Another inter-ector called out, .7ho said
so< ;eople have been saying that for thousands of years..
The minister, raising his voice continued, .As " already mentioned, &od tells us so in His
7ord, the Holy Aible. He said it and " believe it. &od cannot and does not lie. This
ending ) planned by &od ) is for the benefit of all &od0s children, because with this
ending comes a new beginning. /es my friends, Besus will return to this world again. He
will come in glory to take His people out of all trouble and disaster into a new heavenly
world
>4?
where there will be no more fear, pain or tears, only -oy, praise and thanksgiving
for ever and ever. 7e call this event the rapture, the time when Christ will return for His
own people, who are called &od0s childrenD people young and old, rich or poor, of all
colour and race, who have chosen to turn to Him from evil and allow Him to change their
lives..
(ilence filled every corner of the old church as each face watched the minister pace up
and down. The intenseness and power of his words revealed a heartfelt concern for those
who at last, sat quiet and still. &radually his face rela!ed and softened. ,esting his arm
upon the knot riddled, wooden pulpit, he continued in a pleading yet calm voice.
.:y friends, Besus could return at any time. " implore youD use your free will and choose
Besus now to avoid eternal punishment. %ven now, there are rumours of a coming leader
to rule this world.
>3?
He is evil and his power comes from (atan, the originator of all
wickedness. This vile person will deceive many and cause them to worship him. (ome
people have already become greedy for power and possessions as they begin to control
nations and the world economy. 7e must all be courageous, and firm in the hope that
Besus will save all who remain faithful to Him alone..
The minister moved towards the front of his narrow platform with hands outstretched
towards the congregation, palms upraised to heaven. His voice faltered as he spoke.
.Now my dear brethren, may &od go with you from this place. :ay His love and
strength guide and protect each and every one of you as you look to Him..
(ome remained seated whilst others, eager to be about their own schedule for today,
bustled down the aisles. A few scoffed or -oked with their friends, taking the minister0s
words lightly.
.All this gloom and doom,. one was heard to say to another.
.This won0t happen in my lifetime. Things are going well for me, in spite of the hiccup at
the banks today. " have my own home and with the kids off our hands, our holiday ne!t
month will be -ust what we need. Ay the time we get back from a cruise around ;atmos
and (amos, all this will have blown over like stormy grey clouds on a hot summers day..
Those still sitting on the hard, solid benches traded words back and forth with each other.
."t certainly seems like things predicted in &od0s 7ord have begun to happen. "f only "
could understand more and interpret what this means..
Another concerned woman responded, ."t frightens me to even think about what might
happen to my adult children. Have they any future in today0s world< They won0t even
listen when my husband tries to talk with them and encourage them to come to church
with us. 7e believe and accept all the :inister spoke of this morning, but they only laugh
and say we are being old fashioned. Their reasoning is that &od is a &od of love so they0ll
be alright..
$eaning against the telephone booth opposite the church, stood a handsome slim man.
His perfectly groomed, sleek, black hair and olive skin suggested he came from this part
of the world. A tailored suit, of best quality silk, completed a picture of cool charm. 6n
the first finger of his right hand he wore a thick, heavy, solid gold signet ring. %mbossed
on a surface of black ony! was a strange ancient type emblem, set with da''ling pink
diamonds that flashed and sparkled in the sunlight. "nscribed on the inside band was the
name, :acro. His eyes roved to and fro taking in the wide panorama of hurrying people
as they emerged from either the bank, or the church across the street. 6n his lips curled a
sneer of smug satisfaction....... He en-oyed watching these people bu''ing about like bees
in and out of flowers, gathering small amounts of nectar. 7eak useless drones he thought.
;owerless robotic things to be manipulated and led by others in control.
He turned as he heard an aeroplane low in the sky. Athens airport was only a few
kilometres from the city. Today was the beginning of the 6lympic &ames in Athens.E
Tourists were still arriving from many countries, in spite of this mornings headlines
concerning the economic situation.
E This chapter was written prior to the announcement that Athens would host the @99=
6lympic &ames. However, in choosing not to change the story, it is not being implied
that the events of this book are related to that year. >The authors?
The NovelNotes Feature
These are a helpful feature of this novel. Their use is optional. They may be used if you
want to understand more of the underlying Aiblical aspects of the story, or the historical
and factual material. However, you do not have to use these to follow the story line of the
novel. (ome chapters do not have NovelNotes.
Chapter 2 NovelNotes
1. ;eople now lack interest in &od. Also, we know from (cripture, that in these days,
perilous times will come and people will be selfish, out of control and ungodly. (ee the
book of (econd Timothy, Chapter 8, verses 1 to 4.
@. &od made all things on earth and in the heavens and has ultimate power over all
people. (ee the book of Colossians, Chapter 1, Ferses 1C)13.
8. 6nly &od the *ather in heaven knows e!actly when these things will happen. "f
humans say they know, do not believe them. (ee &ospel of :atthew, Chapter @=, verse
8C
=. There is only one true religion. :any counterfeiters go around saying that all religions
lead to the same &od. ,eligions that do not believe in Besus Christ do not have access to
the true &od. No one comes to the *ather &od e!cept through Besus Christ. (ee &ospel of
Bohn, Chapter 1=, verse C and Acts, Chapter =, verse 1@.
5. After physical death, people are promised they can live in heaven >eternal life? with
Besus Christ. (ee the most famous verse in the Aible ) &ospel of Bohn, Chapter 8, verse
1C. Also &ospel of Bohn, Chapter 8, verse 8C.
C. The world in its present form does not go on forever. (ee &ospel of :atthew, Chapter
@=, verses 1= and 85.
4. Aelievers in Besus Christ will be taken by Him to live in heaven forever. (ee The
,evelation of (t. Bohn, Chapter @1, verse =.
3. *or nearly @999 years it has been understood from the Aible, that &od would allow an
evil person to rule the world for a short period of time. He is known in (cripture as the
Antichrist. (ee the ,evelation of (t. Bohn, Chapter 11, verse 4. The Aible tells of his
eventual -udgement by Christ Himself.
Chapter 3
#avid "''ard settled into the soft seat. His long lean frame began to rela!. The aeroplane
rose smoothly into a clear blue sky above Tel Aviv. #avid watched the sunlight sparkling
on the waters of the :editerranean. He would miss this precious part of his world.
History was stamped on the very stones that had seen many wars, famines and droughts,
but also times of harvest and plenty. His thoughts soon changed as he anticipated his
reunion with old friends in Athens. #avid was sure his partner (ol could run the food
processing plant in his absence.
The plant was located near the (ea of &alilee, the source of a seemingly endless supply
of water so necessary to irrigate the fields and help in the running of the plant. A new
high protein food had been successfully produced by their company, &ranright. "t would
be released for sale when #avid returned in a few weeks time. The products, made from a
combination of locally grown grains and oils, would be marketed in a variety of easily
prepared staple foods.
#avid rela!ed as the soothing melody from his headphones washed over him. He began
to recall pleasant times spent with his boyhood friend ,euben, and later, their university
days with Ari. There were times when the trio felt they were incapable of taking in one
iota more of new information, almost as if they were on overload from this force feeding
day in, day out. Ari could always be relied upon to provide the trio with e!citement as he
told of his latest escapade.
As children, #avid and ,euben had scrambled bare footed over rocks, splashed in and
out of the crystal cool waters of &alilee, or -ust la'ed in the sun, hidden from view amidst
the fields of gently waving grain. Their day in the fields began around C A.:., after a
hurried breakfast of yoghurt and cheese produced on their land. #avid worked beside his
Bewish father (imon, born and bred in his beloved "srael, a land of fertility. "ts soil
nurtured and welcomed all plants, encouraging them to maturity and fruit bearing. 6live
groves, vineyards, nuts and palms flourished. Hills and forests added to the greening of
this lush, busy land. #avid could still picture ,euben working silently alongside him and
(imon.
#avid0s family had befriended ,euben when he arrived at the Gibbut' with two travel
weary women, one old, the other with an uprightness that had left the older woman many
seasons ago. Their faces bore the same mask of helpless inevitability. They came seeking
peace and refuge, after days of intense bloody battle between Arabs and Bews. Tanks had
rolled and squee'ed their way through the narrow streets of the 6ld City of Berusalem, as
people ran in panic, trying to find a safe shelter in little shops or narrow alleyways.
;eople born of the same nation now fought each other as intruders. &reed and fear filled
hearts that should, by common birthplace, be -oined in love and respect for the individual
differences that must occur in any race, if they are to survive as a nation. /es, the wars of
12=3
>1?
and 12C4 were grim years for this family. ,euben had told #avid of his
nightmares, where he saw tanks. He felt confusion over the loss of their home, passed
from one generation to the ne!t, now taken and destroyed, along with his father who died
fighting to save their inheritance. &randmother, mother and child were suddenly without
shelter or food and without hope for the future, innocent victims like so many when war
comes une!pectedly like a deadly plague. ,euben was the only reason the two women
had for living. He was their one hope for the future, by re)establishing and re)building
their family name.
#avid had sensed the pain in his young friend0s heart. "t showed from deep within dark
eyes dulled by confusion, terror and sudden change. *or days ,euben had sat in the
Gibbut' kitchen, close by his grandmother as she cleared tables and helped prepare the
ne!t meal in the huge communal hall. ,euben0s mother and #avid0s mother Ann, cared
for (arah, his sister, along with other babies or pre)school age children, whilst their
mothers worked. (ome taught in the school and others worked in the laundry or kitchen.
:any workers were needed to keep this self sufficient community running effectively.
Ann had met (imon, #avid0s father, here many years ago. As a young woman, she came
in search for the meaning of life, with a desire to live fully where all shared what they
had, and none ever went without. (he loved the beautiful countryside with its stark rocky
plains and deserts. They were such a contrast to the lush green valleys and terraced
hillsides bursting with plump -uicy grapes and fruits sweeter than any ever tasted. (he
had been homesick for her parents in Australia, but here in the Gibbut', she soon found
another much larger family. 7hen she first saw (imon he was pounding nails into the
hard timber frame. This would become a simple small home for one of the soon to be
married couples who had grown up in this Gibbut' at the edge of the (ea of &alilee.
Ann watched, as (imon0s strong, brown arms and muscled shoulders worked urgently.
His strong singing voice rose in the cool air, a lone voice piercing the early morning
quiet. 7hen he stopped to rest for his midday meal, his eyes met Ann0s across many rows
of hungry, thirsty people waiting to eat together. "n that first moment it was as if there
were no others nearby, as if they were destined to meet and gradually come to know, that
never again would either of their lives be the same. They smiled, and some nights later
sat silently with others in the hush and quiet that follows a busy day. A blood red moon
rose slowly out of cool rippling waters, as tiny twinkling lights of (yria winked out
across the great e!panse of water. The simple yet grand splendour of this picture lingered
many days, as Ann0s thoughts returned to relive this precious moment. This followed
many silent hours and yet hours when they both knew their romance had begun. They
often walked hand in hand beneath silver green olive trees laden with fruit about to fall or
be picked. How could they ever forget that special harvest.
The fields and valleys echoed with the sounds of reverent music as people gathered the
harvest, and later sat as one, to share their simple baskets of food and flasks of cool water.
%ven today, at harvest time, women still gather fallen grain, or sheaves, from the edges of
each field, -ust as widows centuries ago gleaned to find some precious grain for bread. 6f
such were the memories of (imon and Ann. "t was a time when all nature in its fullness,
gently led them closer toward each other until suddenly their (pringtime arrived and they
were wed.
#avid0s father (imon, encouraged him at an early age to wield a hammer and use other
tools, as he had. 7hen it was too wet for #avid and ,euben to play outdoors, they would
sit happily for hours carving animals or boats out of scrap timber or pieces of wood,
washed up on the sea0s edge. They both loved to roam the open spaces looking for
nature0s cast)offs to mould and shape into something special. As the boys grew older,
,euben0s wild energy changed to restlessness and he began to rebel. (imon knew the boy
still grieved and was angry because he had been left fatherless. He often took the boys
camping. They fished or walked as (imon told them of his boyhood days.
,aised a Bew, (imon attended the (ynagogue with his father and -oined in the many
festivals that were part of daily life. The discipline and instruction was difficult. $earning
to read and write Hebrew seemed almost impossible to a young boy. The $aw, as taught
by the ,abbi, was so hard to live by, but love and concern for their fellow Bew was
always taught. (imon told the boys he had noticed that many of the old ways were
changing. Today people were fast becoming selfish and hard)hearted.
,euben and #avid listened, as one must when elders reminisce, but in their hearts they
harboured a secret desire. They both longed to attend Hniversity in Athens when they
were of age. They had been taught so much about the &reeks, their culture, knowledge
and poetry, that they determined to go.
The NovelNotes Feature.
novel. (ome chapters do not have NovelNotes.
1. The 12=3 war between "srael and surrounding Arab nations began soon after
"srael was declared a separate autonomous nation on :ay 1=th 12=3. (even
months later, on Banuary 12=2, there was a cease)fire, with an armistice being
signed in Buly 12=2. (ome Arab countries however, considered themselves to be
in a permanent state of war with "srael.
@. The 12C4 war was one of the quickest in history, being over in -ust si! days.
"srael attacked %gypt, (yria, Bordan and "raq. "srael gained possession of the
&olan Heights, &a'a and most importantly, the 6ld City of Berusalem.
Chapter 4
As the plane continued its smooth flight, #avid continued his -ourney into pleasant
memories when life was waiting to be grasped.
At that time, #avid and ,euben had not long settled into their three bed dormitory when
Ari arrived to complete what was to become an inseparable trio. They were rarely apart,
e!cept to attend their individual tutorials.
#avid studied Agricultural (cience, ,euben Computer Technology and Ari, with his keen
social empathy, chose ;sychology. Ari had often spoken of his boyhood days. "n many
ways they were similar to those of #avid and ,euben, where days of salt sea air followed
balmy clear nights, with gentle bree'es cradling the tiny fishing boats anchored in the
sheltered bay. Ari had grown up in a fishing village on a tiny, little known "sland in the
Aegean (ea. The waters sparkled like sapphires in the sun as tiny fish darted about,
always escaping tiny children as they tried to scoop them into their sand buckets.
Ari0s father owned a fishing boat. :any hours were spent mending nets and pushing carts
laden with the early morning catch, to bustling water front fish stalls. At night, old men
and young boys gathered at sundown to sit on the pier, legs dangling, as they prepared
square blocks of bread smothered in fat and baited with hooks all around. The sea and
smell of fish was ingrained into their very souls it seemed. :others, with children dressed
in their best clothes and shiny shoes, strolled the cobblestone streets that led down to the
waters edge. The children tripped along with bubbling laughter, be)ribboned girls whirled
their frilly fresh washed dresses, hair curling around carefree shoulders. *amily greeted
family. 6utsiders on holiday were caught up in the atmosphere, as if these people,
satisfied with their labour of the week, met to celebrate. Contentment showed on the
smiling, weather worn faces of the men.
Horse drawn carriages galloped up the cobblestone hills, bells a)-ingling, bringing
tourists from the ferry to buy home made dresses or hand crafted souvenirs. As a child,
Ari had often walked up the hill via the old donkey trail strewn with huge grey boulders
to hide behind. He could sit atop one and look down over the little bay to watch people
sauntering to and fro. "t took many days before the visitors to his island began to en-oy
the slower, more observant way of life, where locals watched for signs of a change in the
wind, weather, or an early season. At harvest time he would stop along the track at his
friend0s house, a square, flat)roofed home, whitewashed each year. The home was
sparsely furnished with a table, a few wooden kitchen chairs and in another room, simple
beds. This home now stood empty during the colder months, only to come alive again as
the warmer weather returned. The now elderly grandmother came here with her
granddaughter, to spend their holiday in what was once a noisy family home. Today, the
fields were hired out to a local farmer. He could be seen on a warm summer0s day urging
his unlikely team of two donkeys and three mules round and round over the hard ground
as they threshed the wheat. He sang in his native tongue a song of thanksgiving for being
out in the fresh air and for a good crop from his labour, a simple song from a grateful
heart. He needed to watch for wind changes to ensure the dust and stubble was always
carried away from his face. (ometimes a stray viper would slither its way from under the
pile of wheat still to be threshed, causing the animals to panic and falter. His strong
roughened hands would take a firmer hold on his team as he guided them to safer ground.
#avid was to later remember this scene described to him by Ari, and compare all these
things with some of his ,abbi0s teachings when he was a boy in "srael.
The ,abbi had talked much about &od
>1?
blessing His people, the Bews, when they gave
thanks for all that His hand had provided. #avid had also been encouraged to watch for
signs of a different season and be wary of the dust and stubble of life. This could blow
into the face of a person une!pectedly. Another serpent of a much deadlier kind, called
(atan, often caused people to panic and falter. #avid could see that he, like the farmer0s
team, needed someone with firm hands to protect and guide him to safer ground.
The family e!pected Ari to follow in his father0s footsteps, but he, like #avid and
,euben, often dreamt of a far different life. His plans did not include marrying a local girl
chosen by his parents, or settling into a lifestyle like theirs. He had seen them struggle as
they tried to increase their income, with his mother sewing pretty dresses for the young
girls of richer families. Her fingers were now twisted and misshapen, her broad hips, now
stiff and painful, making her gait lopsided and slow. A labour of love, she used to -oke
with Ari when he was a boy. (he still grew cucumbers, garlic and tomatoesD the smell of
fresh steamy bread often filled her home.
Ari was now settled in Athens. His last letter had told of his new home in Fouliagmen, a
good bus ride from the bustling city. ,euben also lived nearby. The Hniversity trio had
not met for about 19 years, but their friendships had been kept alive with photographs and
long informative letters. The strong bond of kinship and fond memories of past years had
never been broken, so all were eagerly looking forward to their long awaited reunion. The
plane bumped gently onto the tarmac at busy Athens airport. Fery soon, #avid stood with
do'ens of other passengers waiting to reclaim his luggage. He snatched his case from the
moving conveyor piled with suit cases, some open with contents spilling out for all to
see. He turned to search the faces of the gathering crowd, looking for his two friends Ari
and ,euben. &lancing past armed guards who stood erect at the e!it points, he caught
sight of his friends hurrying across the busy car park. The years had been kind to them
and their boyish smiles still lurked on more mature faces. Their hair showed the
beginning of greying, adding to their maturity. #avid heard Ari0s voice across the noise of
cars, happy people, and ta!i drivers, as they haggled over fares with prospective
passengers.
."''ie, over here..
The three met and were at once locked in a threefold circle of e!uberant embrace, -ust
like the one that saw them go their separate ways when university days ended.
.Ari, ,euben, it0s so good to see you both again., said #avid, his words e!pressing the
depth of his emotions. They were soon driving through the busy streets towards Ari0s
seaside home.
.The city looks a picture with all the decorations and flags to celebrate the 6lympics.,
remarked #avid.
The five coloured circles, -oined together, represented the five colours most commonly
used in the flags of the world. They fluttered, giving an almost royal tone along the main
streets leading to the magnificent arena, where the opening and closing ceremonies would
be held with much pomp and grandeur.
.#id you hear about the money disaster<. said Ari.
." was at my friend0s bank very early yesterday morning before trading, so have cash and
gold safely hidden, -ust in case things don0t improve..
,euben interrupted, .Never trusted banks or money institutions. "0ve always kept cash,
gold and silver in my safe at home. " have another safe installed at my computer office, as
" try to deal on a cash only basis..
.How is business<,. asked #avid, who sensed ,euben still carried a chip on his shoulder
as indeed he had when they were boys.
.&oing well. " made a huge profit last financial year. (ales of new computer packages,
modems and bulletin boards, not to mention the "nternet, have tripled as people hooked
up to these on)line systems. There seems to be an ever increasing demand for all
information and services to be available in private homes as well as business houses.
(chools also provide children from the age of si! years with a classroom computer. :any
parents are finding they must install one at home. After you have settled in at Ari0s
perhaps you would like to see the latest equipment for yourself< %ven he has become
computer literate,. laughed ,euben. .He keeps all his patient records on computer disk..
.Not much choice ,euben. The new board of ;sychological ;ractices require this to give
full access to all patient information. " have heard this rule is being introduced into all
facilities, so a full dossier can gradually be built up on all people right throughout the
country..
.(ounds scary., retorted #avid from the back seat of Ari0s comfortable new blue Folvo.
.Thank goodness my business is run the old fashioned way. " was reading in an overseas
newspaper recently of the *lash Card, where all personal information is recorded. The
card also acts as an electronic purse. Aanks and credit card companies have been working
towards this for years. " don0t like the thought of a cashless society. Bust imagine the full
implications for someone who chose not to have this card..
.7ould these families still be able to use cash for food or necessary services like
hospitals or doctors<. asked Ari.
.%ven petrol, power, gas and water supplies to the family home could be in -eopardy.
%vidently, in Australia, an imaginary fence has been drawn in one part of the country and
people on one side must, as a trial, use these cards for everything. ;eople are becoming
restless and frightened as they feel vulnerable to the power and authorities in control of
this plan. %ven friends are divided, like echoes of another Aerlin wall+ .
.At least " seem safe in "srael.. replied #avid.
.At my plant ,euben, " also try to deal in cash, but often trade goods or services with my
customers if they have that need. Gibbut' life certainly influenced me in my present
business and everyday living. Compared to many other countries my life is much simpler.
At harvest time the worries of the world today seem so far removed from us. " know man
can be both good and evil, but because " live in "srael, &od is close to my heart as " watch
the seasons come and go. " believe good or evil is a choice we all must make, whether in
business, home life, politics or religion. "f we follow the right path " feel sure we will
prosper. #on0t you remember my mother telling us this ,euben< (he used to say we were
all born evil by nature and needed &od to change us before we could become good. "
remember her saying that one day there would come to power a world leader who would
be evil and empowered by (atan. :any people would be deceived by him into believing
he was good.
>@?
;erhaps the money crash, the possibility of a cashless society and unrest
throughout the world, are some factors that could herald his arrival..
,euben was wearying of #avid0s suddenly serious conversation. He shifted restlessly in
his seat.
." am thinking of selling my business while profits are up., he remarked, hoping to
change the conversation.
.;erhaps " need a holiday. " long to walk the narrow streets of the 6ld City of Berusalem.
(ometimes the cobblestones seem to cry out for my return to what once was my home. "
feel a deep yearning to return to the place of my birth and early years. " know also it is
the place where " must die..
.$ighten up you two. Today is a day to celebrate your visit #avid,. laughed Ari, as the
car pulled into the circular drive of his palatial residence. The steel security doors burst
open and two energetic children raced out to greet their father. The boy, swarthy like his
#ad, the girl a younger version of her beautiful, elegant, mother.
.7elcome #avid. The children have been pestering me all morning with never ending
questions about your adventures with ,euben and their father when you were younger..
$ater that evening, with appetites satisfied and adult bodies soothed with an aged red
wine kept for special occasions, the children began their questioning. Their eyes darted
from ,euben to #avid as they soaked up their words, telling how they met as boys and of
the times they fished, played and studied side by side. Ari sat silently observing his two
friends as they recounted their escapades, but noticed a hint of sadness in ,euben0s voice.
.Come now children. %nough for tonight. Time you were asleep..
.6h #ad,. pleaded his daughter, flashing him a coy smile as she flicked her long black
hair over her shoulder.
.%nough young lady, off you go..
After goodnight kisses and hugs, quiet descended upon the room as Helen refilled the
wine glasses.
.Tell me about your business venture #avid,. asked Ari.
.,emember " wrote you about the new high protein foods made from locally grown
products< 7ell, they are to be released in all food outlets when " return. The price of
basic foods has risen dramatically this month. The shortage is the result of drought in
some countries. This grain supply has been dropping, with many silos now empty,
although " believe Australia still has plenty. :y mother, as you remember, was born
there, and is planning a trip to visit some of our relatives who live in the wheat farming
district. (he will be able to collect on the spot information from the locals about the true
situation. "t will also give her an opportunity to catch up with (arah, my sister and her
family..
,euben became interested in the conversation.
.How do you think you will market these new products #avid<.
.:y plan is to provide a variety of food, in special purpose survival packs, containing a
combination of cereals that swell to double their si'e when liquids are added. "ncluded
are compressed cereal logs like biscuits, containing honey, oil and a new strain of bean
meal to provide nourishment. ;eople are starving throughout the world. " must use all "
have to help alleviate the suffering of as many as possible. Aeing single, like you ,euben,
allows me to pursue whatever cause " choose. " need little, yet am blessed with so much.
:y simple home is at the plant. " still find time to sit under the stars and watch as &alilee
becomes quiet after the sudden windstorms which funnel down through the hills to chop
up otherwise quiet seas..
,euben0s thoughts wandered to his Berusalem of dusty narrow streets where women
carried baskets high on their heads. 6ld men with stained teeth rode on donkeys, while
tourists rubbed shoulders with locals, some dressed in priest0s robes. 6ther men, heads
swathed in Gaffiyehs with chequered patterns, reminded ,euben they were of Arab stock.
This is my inheritance thought ,euben. He was surprised at the depth of anger and
resentment he felt inside a heart that was beginning to become as hard as flint towards
#avid.
Ari, sprawled in his soft chair, watched both #avid and ,euben as he sipped Cognac. He
read the body language of both his friends. #avid0s warm, open, enthusiastic and full of
hope, whilst ,euben0s matched the coldness showing on his face as he sat with legs
crossed and arms folded tightly across his chest. .$et0s call it a night., volunteered Ari,
hoping to break the tension he felt mounting.
.The bedroom ne!t to #avid0s is ready for you ,euben. " thought we could all set out
early to look over your computer equipment..
.6.G. by me. grunted ,euben.
novel.
1. To this day 6rthodo! Bews still believe that Besus Christ was not their :essiah.
&enerally, they do not believe in any of the New Testament and indeed, many of the
books of the 6ld Testament, preferring to follow -ust the first five books of the 6ld
Testament, which they call the Aooks of :oses, or the Torah. "f they were to read and
accept some of the ;rophets of the 6ld Testament such as "saiah, they would see in
Chapters like Chapter 58, that the circumstances of the death of Besus were e!actly as
described by "saiah, about 499 years before the birth of Christ.
@. The level of deception used by the Antichrist will be at a level never seen before in
this world. 7orld leaders and many clever and intelligent people will be fooled by
this man. The only way to have the truth is by reading and knowing the 7ord of &od,
the Aible.
I 1224 by Gen and Fal 7alker This book is copyright. 7e welcome your reading of it.
/ou may read it online, or you may download it for later reading and study. However, the contents
must not be altered in any way, or distributed for profit in any form, either in any form of electronic or
print media.
Chapter 5
Now settled in his upstairs bedroom, ,euben lay restlessly thinking of the 12=3 war in
"srael. As a young boy he never understood what his parents or relatives had done that
was so bad to cause them to be punished so harshly. As he grew older, some
understanding came of the hatred between Bews and Arabs. "t was as vicious, un-ust and
cruel as that between some races of different colour. 7e are the same colour and from the
same soil, yet ;alestine was partitioned into two independent states in November 12=4.
He learned that his family and other Arab families could not accept a Bewish state and
tried to take all of ;alestine. "srael was granted independence after the defeat of Arabic
nations. "t was proclaimed on :ay 1=th 12=3.
>1?
This resulted in many strong attacks over
the ne!t few years by the surrounding Arab nations.
#uring these years there was continuing hostility by the Arabs, with %gypt closing the
(ue' Canal to shipping. The ;ort of %ilat in the south was also affected, disrupting
vessels bearing oil. Ay now, ,euben remembered his father had been killed. He had then
gone with his mother and grandmother to live at the Gibbut'. This was where he first met
#avid and his family. Hp until he left for university ,euben only heard news of the city
from the Bewish point of view. He heard there was a period of mass migration of Bews to
"srael, many more than the few that had returned in the early nineteen hundreds.
;arliament , the Gnesset, had enacted the $aw of ,eturn which stated that every Bew had
the right to come to "srael as an immigrant. This of course resulted in housing, food and
employment shortages. %ventually new immigrants were assimilated and the standard of
living rose for many as they became self sufficient. (ome Arabs, he was told, shared this
progress with increased benefits to education, social welfare, health and home services.
They were able to participate in free elections and were represented in the Gnesset, which
had been formed in 12=2. However, -ust as progress was being made in trades and
industry, the Al *atah, a ;alestinian terrorist organi'ation, began sending trained terrorists
into "srael for sabotage. %ven the Gibbut' settlements in &alilee, like the one where he
lived, were bombarded by (yrians.
"n Bune 12C4, "srael attacked several Arab countries. Nassar of %gypt and Ging Hussein
of Bordan -oined forces with "raq and (yria to defend themselves. This war lasted only si!
days. #uring that time, the streets of Berusalem once again echoed with the sounds of
battle. Ay the time all parties agreed to a cease)fire, "srael had captured the &a'a (trip,
the &olan Heights and the entire 7est Aank area.
>@?

7hilst he was at university, ,euben received letters from his mother, telling him this was
the first time since 49 A.#. "srael had gained possession of the 6ld City of Berusalem. At
that time, the ,oman legions under Titus had destroyed Berusalem, killing many Bews and
causing the remainder to be scattered throughout the land. About 299 of these held out for
three years on the top of :asada.
,euben recalled reading in the Athenian Cross of so)called Arab terrorist attacks at
"srael0s northern borders. He also remembered another 6lympics, at :unich in 124@
where "sraeli athletes were murdered. Could this happen in Athens this 6lympics he
wondered< (ecurity at Athens airport seemed tight the other day, but there was certainly
many "sraeli0s and Arabs gathered together, apparently at peace with each other, to contest
the games. ;reviously they had fought each other over land, oil, the right to use the (ue'
Canal, and some Holy places. ,euben also recalled the /om Gippur 7ar in 6ctober of
1248.
>8?
%gypt and (yria were the two main aggressors. 6ut of that short war, an
agreement was made to begin peace talks. "n spite of peace treaties, both then and in the
early 12290s, the violence from both sides continued today. Aurnt out tanks still sat
rusting at The &olan Heights, amidst much travelled roads past &alilee and his old
Gibbut', a reminder to all of the battles fought in this land. ,euben felt sure both Arab
and Bew would continue to argue, fight and suffer. Throughout all the world, there
continued to be many people living in nations dominated by religious hierarchies,
governments, or foreign powers. :ost nations lacked true freedom. $ike "srael, they
suffered violence, or so called ethnic cleansing, and political repression thwarting
democracy, causing misery and daily horrors to those who survived these evil onslaughts.
(tatistics, events, and sounds of the past filled ,euben0s head as he remembered things he
had buried long ago in the dark recesses of his mind.
:ore recently, the events of that day in 1225. "n November 1225, Ging Hussein of Bordan
met in "srael with %gyptian ;resident Hosni :ubarak, ;resident Clinton of H(A, and
dignitaries of many other countries. This time they gathered for the funeral of "srael0s
;rime :inister of peace, /it'hak ,abin. He had been shot at a peace rally in Tel Aviv
attended by more than 199 999. ;eople came from "srael, Bordan and :orocco and other
countries throughout the world.
6nly two months earlier, "srael and the ;.$.6. had agreed to e!tend self rule across the
7est Aank of the (tate of "srael. ,abin and Arafat signed the accord in 7ashington,
allowing 1.@ million ;alestinians to run their own affairs after @3 years of occupation.
"sraeli troops had begun their withdrawal from Benin, the first ma-or town to be evacuated
under the self)rule agreement. *oreign minister (himon ;eres, who was appointed acting
;rime :inister, pledged the peace process would continue.
,abin had previously faced threats from Bewish right wing e!tremists, but a lone gunman
struck -ust minutes after ,abin had told those at the rally of the enemies of peace trying
to stop the peace process with the ;.$.6. 7hilst ;.$.6. leader /assa Arafat, once "srael0s
mortal enemy mourned, ;alestinian and :uslim guerrillas in $ebanon fired into the sky
in celebration.
:inutes before the gunman killed the ;rime :inister, he stood before the peace rally
hugging his *oreign :inister, :r ;ere', his long time rival.
./ou see,. :r ,abin said, .Things change, not only in the world but also in the middle
east ) for us..
.7e are hugging for peace,. :r. ;ere' said. The last song heard by :r ,abin before he
died was the peace song (hir Ha (halom. After singing it he put the words in his pocket.
The assassins bullet went through the words of the song into his body.
,euben recalled times past when initially, Arabs were blamed wrongly for bombings in
Australia and the H.(.A., -ust as those who thought wrongly that ,abin was assassinated
by an Arab.
A thought, tiny as a mustard seed, began to germinate in ,euben0s furrowed mind as he
tossed to and fro in the early hours of another steamy, airless dawn. A passionate desire
began to form, blotting out the pictures of the night that had flashed across his eyes as if
they had happened only yesterday. ." must sell my computer business,. he thought.
.The proceeds could help my Arab people regain more of their lost territory. " know many
areas are being returned, including the 7est Aank and Bericho,. he reasoned, .Aut these
will never be enough. 7e will not be satisfied, until all Bews kneel with us in our sacred
:osque, to worship as we do..
Bust how he might help was not yet clear, but he knew a plan would unfold as he waited
for the right opportunities to be sei'ed.
novel.
1. This is the declaration of independence written about in NovelNotes Chapter 8,
when a provisional "sraeli &overnment was formed.
@. This is the si! day war mentioned in NovelNotes in Chapter 8. "srael destroyed =5@
planes in the first 8 hours. The Bewish possession of the 6ld City of Berusalem was
the first time they had been in possession since 49 A.#.
8. The /om Gippur 7ar began whilst the "sraeli Cabinet were meeting. "srael0s
enemies must have chosen this day to begin the war, thinking that "srael0s celebration
of an annual Bewish holiday and day of fasting and repentance would mean that they
could easily win. "t was not to be.
Chapter 6
The clatter of dishes, along with the children0s fresh teasing voices, told #avid he had
overslept. #escending the stairs he caught sight of ,euben, Ari and Helen on the patio
en-oying the sea views. They sat on white painted seats, in a shady corner, sipping coffee
and nibbling on traditional &reek cake served each morning. A bowl of fresh fruit sat
untouched. Across the road people already lay on low bench lounges, hiding behind
sunglasses that allowed them to secretly stare at others strolling up and down the sand.
.&ood morning sleepyhead+ The e!citement of yesterday must have caught up with you.
A cup of Helen0s coffee is -ust what you need..
.Thanks Ari. "t took me quite a while to settle last night. /ou seemed restless too ,euben.
" thought " heard you call out+.
.;robably dreaming,. grunted ,euben. ;uffy lines under heavy eyes confirmed #avid0s
thoughts regarding his friends bad night. After helping Helen tidy the breakfast table, the
three men were soon driving along the ever busy city road towards ,euben0s computer
warehouse. The still sea, with its quiet calm, soon faded from sight. ;ulling up at the
barrier, ne!t to the security bo!, ,euben nodded to the uniformed guard, who poked an
official looking paper through the open window of the car.
."t0s 6.G. (tephen, these are my friends. #avid is on holiday from "srael and Ari decided
we would use his car today. &ood to see you keeping a close check on all cars entering
the premises.. Ari and #avid raised their eyebrows as they glanced at each other in mild
curiosity.
.:ust be something special here ,euben+.
./ou can0t be too careful. 7e had a break)in last month. Nothing was stolen or damaged,
but it appears some of our newest equipment had been used. Although it is not on the
market yet, a great deal of interest has been shown by a firm called :acrotech.. ,ow
upon row of state of the art equipment filled the large concrete building. ,ed lights
flickered on and off as outside users checked Aulletin Aoards and left messages.
Telephones rang and busy operators answered queries, or solved problems for novice
users. ;rinters clicked as they whirred out endless sheets of processed data, filling the
large trays to overflowing, spilling onto the floor. Bunior staff scurried to and fro
delivering these spewed out epitomes of obscure information containing hidden
messages. At the far end of the building were several rooms with heavy iron doors similar
to those on the vault at /ani0s bank.
As he pulled hard on the lever to open the first door, Ari sensed ,euben0s air of secrecy
and caution.
.This is part of the new equipment being looked at by governments around the world.
(ome of the local enquiries have been made by men who were on course with me when
we were at uni..
.(ure outdates the ones "0ve seen or used, ,euben. Nicholas told me about some senior
boys at his school getting really addicted to some special effects computer programs.
They call a friend on the internet and play virtual reality games, even though they are
many miles apart..
.6h, that0s been around for years. /ou need goggles, data gloves and special suit to put
you right in the onscreen picture, -ust as if you are really with the other person at an
agreed meeting place. *rom then on, the individual0s hand, head or body is actually in
that situation. Gids and teenagers love these programs. They don0t need cars, planes or
other toys to keep them occupied..
.(ounds spooky to me ,euben,. replied Ari.
."t makes me wonder if our young people are becoming trapped into creating an alternate
universe. They become creators and forget that &od is the Creator of all things..
(o often in his practice, Ari dealt with people whose minds had been damaged by vain
imaginings until they eventually lost sight of truth and reality. 6ften they had begun their
downward spiral into mental illness by things thought to be harmless in themselves. They
used their imagination to create a picture in their minds and believed that eventually the
picture would become a reality. They visuali'ed
>1?
themselves possessing great power, or
being cured of some disease such as cancer, as they saw in their mind0s eye their cancer
growing smaller. (ome pictured themselves being very wealthy. This had really worked
for some of his patients. %astern religions had been using this technique for many years,
but this virtual reality could be even more damaging, making things that are not, appear
as if they are. ,euben0s words interrupted Ari0s thoughts.
.This is called cyberspace. 7ith data suits and your own thoughts anything is possible..
.7hat you0re really saying is that science, technology and imagination equal a
transcendent reality..
." guess so Ari, but you are getting a bit clinical for me..
." have never seen anything like this before,. marvelled #avid.
.:y limited e!perience is of local TF advertisements where you see things like a teapot
changing into a monster, or a horse becoming a car..
,euben laughed at his friends ignorance. .That0s called morphing. That0s mild compared
to what is to come, especially if my plans come to fruition. $et0s move on to the library.
*or many, the on)line world is a valuable tool used for study, work and play. (ome time
ago, :icrosoft integrated their products with the "nternet. %veryone benefited, from
beginners to software developers like myself..
.Computers and their programs make me nervous,. ventured #avid.
6pening another solid door, the trio walked into a huge room. "t0s walls were lined with
manuals and computer packages. "n the centre of the room sat a busy young girl. Her long
painted fingernails walt'ed smoothly over the keyboard.
(he sat engrossed in her work cross)checking figures, headings and data. Aehind her, in
grey steel cabinets, stood rows of digital #.F.#. disks, all carefully categori'ed. #avid
and Ari began browsing through them. %ach selected a disk to feed into a computer.
.Need any help<. she asked, looking over her fine gold)rimmed glasses.
.;robably,. laughed Ari. .#avid and " are -ust about computer illiterate..
;lacing her glasses on top of her head she pushed back her chair. Alack high heeled shoes
emphasi'ed her long, brown, bare legs as she bent to place the disks in the two
computers. Ari0s screen revealed banking facilities, whilst #avid0s listed religions and
cults throughout the world. Aoth sat quietly searching the te!t in their quest for further
information. ,euben walked across the room to his secretary, .Any mail that needs my
attention<.
(he handed him a note which read, .;eter, the manager of :acrotech, rang. Could you
please return his call to ,ome on "(# 9982)C)222)CCC
.Are you two ready to move on<., called ,euben, drawing their attention away from the
computers.
They followed him to the door of the final room which had an alarm fitted. ,euben
punched in a series of numbers and opened the thick steel door. As they entered the
darkness #avid felt an eerie coldness. ,euben flicked on the light flooding the room with
unnatural brightness that made their eyes narrow. "n front of them stood ,euben0s newest
product. This piece of equipment looked similar to a television set. A multimedia
keyboard was inset -ust below the control panel. (mall circles on this panel, when
pressed, ad-usted colour and magnification of the media presented. Aeside the screen, and
connected to the back of the set, rested a small telephone with two tiny buttons which
flashed either red or green. 6n top of the set sat what looked like the bust of a man ) a
modernistic art form of an electronic bo!, controlling the entire equipment and operating
it continually.
,euben intended to market this technology for interactive purposes, on the basis of its
usefulness in society. He had imagined business and governments using the equipment to
build data banks for all authorities seeking and collecting information from private
homes. *or e!ample, because child abuse had become endemic, officials would be able to
tap into data banks that would list known offenders. He also saw it being used to supply
important information relating to diseases or epidemics. The only way to disconnect this
set was to turn off the power supply, a difficult task as there was no switch. All wiring
would be directed to the back of each monitor through thick cables housed in reinforced
walls.
.That0s my baby,. enthused ,euben.
."t comes with a keyboard featuring an inbuilt microphone and stereo amplified speakers.
7ith voice activated software, visual phone and video equipment, distance users can
come in and interact online. (ooner or later everyone will have one of these. They will be
as common as telephones have been for years. ,eplacement parts for old sets will not be
produced, forcing people to purchase this new equipment..
,euben reset the alarm as #avid and Ari said goodbye to #ianna, his secretary.
.#on0t forget your message ,euben,. she called as the three left.
After a leisurely lunch in a tiny tavern, they were headed home. The streets were quieter
this afternoon as a result of yesterday0s closure of all banks and financial institutions. Ari
noticed as he drove, that people seemed to be shopping mainly in food outlets, leaving
larger clothing stores emptier than usual.
."f this money crisis continues " can see many of the smaller, privately owned shops
closing down. ;eople with a limited supply of cash will save it for the barest necessities..
.:mm,. replied #avid, not really listening. He was unsettled and ill at ease after seeing
the equipment at ,euben0s computer outlet. "t was as if something sinister and far beyond
human control was about to emerge. He had never before e!perienced such misgivings.
#avid reali'ed his simple lifestyle caused some fear towards newly developing
technology, but it was more than that. ;erhaps a technological war, more sinister than any
of the current bomb attacks throughout the world, was about to e!plode. A war, not of
artillery, rockets, chemicals or infantryD rather, a subtle war of control by a hidden enemy.
:odern day humanism, where deception distorted minds, could lead people unknowingly
down a road to nowhere.
>@?

,euben sat with eyes closed and let the warm late afternoon sun bathe his body. He could
not understand why #avid and Ari failed to share his e!citement. His new technology
seemed to alarm them. Had he been too confident as he vainly promoted the virtues of a
coming new age< Computers of the type he had invented would link people throughout
the world far easier and better than the "nternet had done in recent years. His system
would have incredible multiple usages. Aetter facilities would be created to provide a
smoother running society, giving governmental, financial and personal information, such
as the location of people at any time.
.According to today0s news there is no change in the monetary situation,. persisted Ari.
.The big global players, corporations and banks, seem to be dictating to all and sundry by
virtue of their international agreements. Countries seem to be in danger of being ruled
and governed by international forces outside their control. :oney certainly has power to
control or dictate policy..
#avid, wondering what the situation was in "srael, replied, .Airports, seaports and
industries have the potential to come under foreign ownership, as is the most precious
commodity of all in ones native country ) land. *oreign countries are reaping the
financial benefits as billions of dollars fill their coffers, while people endure hardship in
their own country. They have become servants in their own lands..
.To some e!tent you would be protected from all these concerns wouldn0t you #avid<.
queried Ari.
.7e have different struggles, Ari. There are many social problems caused by homeless
teenagers. They roam the streets in their aimless search to satisfy their physical and
emotional appetites. ;eople have become fearful because of lawlessness and are urging
government to introduce tighter controls..
.#avid, do you really think tighter controls will solve the problems of homeless and
unemployed youth< " think they need to be brought together and given a cause to work
for. They need discipline and organi'ation to bring them out of their lethargic state. A
strong leader could harness their anger and use it for a far greater purpose than they
themselves ever imagined..
,euben had disturbed #avid with these remarks. They came from deep inside a once
angry youth, now grown into what could well be a man still tormented by his thirst for
revenge. He has the simmering qualities of a dictator thought #avid.
.,euben, you have seen the effects of these social problems right here in Athens,.
retorted Ari.
.Alcohol and drug abuse is an escape for many. " doubt that an arranged program would
make any difference. The wealthy don0t want an increase in their ta!es to support those
they perceive to be a lost minority. *ear seems to dominate rich and poor alike. The rich
fear losing control of their assets and lifestyle, while fear of the future and fear of
commitment to any cause other than their own survival, rules the poor..
.Those in the si!teen to twenty five year age group need to know they are important
members of our community. (ocieties values, a change to our present education system,
or perhaps a return to religion could help these young adults out of their hopelessness,.
responded #avid.
.That is e!actly what " meant before,. inter-ected ,euben.
.:y ideas also include education, discipline and religion, whether it be traditional
religion or a modern version appropriate for our time..
.,euben, most people are religious.
>8?
*rom the tribesman in his spirit world, to the
highest priests and ministers of today0s churches, all have a deep spiritual desire. (ome
religions have grown out of others by re-ecting what people perceive as bad, causing
much confusion when new ways are introduced. 6ur old ,abbi used to look forward to
the Coming :essiah, the :essiah 7ho would do away with all misery and suffering,
bringing hope and freedom..
,euben was becoming impatient with #avid and his voice rose, .All " see now is a so)
called Christian church that shows insufficient concern for the future of its fellow man.
Their Aible seems to me to be -ust tales or myths, with no relevance today. "0ve heard of
many congregations being divided by doctrine, beliefs, or ritual, sometimes resulting in
the closure of their churches.
>=?
Now is the time for a new movement or religion to suit
their demands. "t0s time we relied on human wisdom, knowledge, and power to fi! this
world..
.:mmm, maybe ,euben,. but Ari0s tone revealed the doubt in his mind. ;icking up the
automatic control, he stabbed the button and the large gates opened. The men stretched
their bodies as they stepped out of the car. 7earied by talk that tangled their minds, each
tried to understand the other. How could men once -oined by a common bond have
changed so drastically in their view of life< #avid felt an ache begin in his throat, the
tightness e!tending downwards to the pit of his stomach. He felt an overwhelming
sadness for ,euben as he remembered him as a young boy ) a boy whom he had loved
and accepted as his brother.
.Aefore you head home, come and have a drink with us. " see the children have washed
your car for you..
.Bust a quick one then. " must get home early as "0ve work to do tonight.
novel.
1. Fisuali'ation is often used in the world as a means of curing parts of the body or
making one feel better. "t is trying to do with our minds what we should allow &od to
control. 7hen a person is initiating the visuali'ation to create or change something it
can be against &od0s will. "t is alright if &od initiates the vision, because He is
providing it for a purpose. &od, knowing it0s dangers, actually forbids it in (cripture.
(ee Beremiah Chapter 1=, verse 1=, Beremiah Chapter @8, verse 1C, %'ekiel Chapter
18, verses 1 to 3.
@. Humanism is a re-ection of &od and religion in favour of doing things our own
way without &od. "t is one if the reasons why the world is in a mess, because people
try to rely on themselves when they should trust &od. After all, &od made us and we
can all trust the :aker.
8. ,eligion is man0s search for &od. Christianity is &od0s search for man, where &od
has supplied His story and 7ord in His book, the Aible. &od tells us in His 7ord He
has planted in us a desire and an ability to seek Him. (omeone once said that we all
have a &od shaped vacuum inside us ) which needs to be filled one way or another. "f
we do not fill it with &od, we will fill it with something perhaps dangerous, of less
value and of no eternal significance.
=. :any people think the Aible is -ust myth. They do not reali'e it0s incredible
historical significance and value at all points of history. The Aible speaks of events
that are recorded in secular history. "t0s predictive record is 199J. There are only
about 13 of the 483 ma-or prophecies in the Aible that have not yet come true ) only
because it is not yet time for those to occur. "t is also true that some churches are
divided on some issues. Aut, it is &od0s church and He will prevail, despite the
struggles of His people. &od0s eternal truths will stand, despite all the weaknesses,
hypocrisy and sin within His people. Budge &od and what He can do by what He says
in the Aible, not by the struggles of His people here on earth. No matter what man
does to help or hinder, &od will prevail for ever against every effort of every enemy.
print media.
Chapter 7
,euben opened his refrigerator and inspected the contents. 7ith a plate of olives,
cucumber and tomatoes in one hand, and a loaf of crusty bread in the other, he headed for
his study. The answering machine0s red light flashed like a beacon, reminding him there
was unfinished business to attend to.
He took the crumpled note from his pocket before checking the messages. The voice on
the tape delivered a precise message. He noticed the return number was the same as that
given him by his secretary #ianna. 7ith his appetite satisfied, he dialled the number.
.Hello, ;eter here.. came the reply.
.,euben returning your call. (orry " couldn0t get back to you earlier. " was busy showing
some friends over my warehouse. They were overawed by the same equipment you saw
last week..
.Hope they aren0t planning to buy you out,. laughed ;eter. .No hope of that. They both
have other interests..
.&ood+ " have met with the head and filled him in on your latest technology. He asked me
to be his only contact with you and instructed me to make you an offer of H.(.K19
million for total rights to all plans and equipment. He will remain anonymous and
stressed you must sign a relinquishment agreement..
." will need @= hours to consider the offer ;eter. " don0t understand all the secrecy, but
however.......
. ,euben leant back with hands clasped behind his head. His mind whirled as a sudden
surge of e!citement set his thoughts in motion. 7hat could he do with ten million
dollars< The world was at his fingertips. He was at a turning point in his life. He would
be free from all that tied him to &reece. His roots were planted more deeply in the soil of
"srael than he had reali'ed. His Arab friends still struggled and fought to regain the land
taken from them. 7omen and children were forced from their homes, their possessions
destroyed, leaving them, as of old, a wandering people. /es, he thought, " will accept the
offer, although " am curious about the new owner. 7hy the secrecy< 7hat will he use the
equipment for<
$ater the following night, ;eter dialled ,ome.
." have arranged the deal. The equipment and rights are ours. ,euben, the fool, signed the
contract late tonight. All is ready for your ne!t move..
An evil chuckle crackled down the line.
.7e have a lot to organi'e. (end two agents into each country to set up facilities for
manufacturing the equipment.. The selling price of this item must be kept to a minimum.
%very person in the developed world must own this product. This is essential,. he added
with emphasis.
." have instructed other agents to take over all multi)national communication groups.
This will be done in one foul swoop. Bust as " engineered the money crash, " intend to
control other resources. #eception is important. 7e must have total control..
He paused.
.No spare parts will be available for any other systems, forcing people to use ours.
%ventually we will decree this. /ou will set up our ma-or plant here in ,ome..
.As you say...,. ;eter replied, -ust as the phone went dead.
#avid, Ari and Helen sat mulling over events of the last two weeks. After the 6lympic
&ames, crowds had worked themselves up to fever pitch by dancing in the streets.
Competitors and spectators e!changed flags, T)shirts and the like. The athletic aliveness
of people on these days, belied what was to come in the near future. The poor and the
homeless continued to sift through the litter and rubbish of Athens, always hoping for
some treasure. The successful competitors continued to wear their gold, silver or bron'e
medals proudly for all to see. ;eople lined the streets to cheer the winners as the
motorcade drove past. Allegations of drug taking by some, but never proven, were now
forgotten. Today, they were all heroes. The 6lympic flame had been e!tinguished, but
already athletes were planning and training for the ne!t 6lympics.
.Athens should settle down now the games are over. This has been a busy time for you
Ari, with my visit, and ,euben also spending time here..
Ari responded with his news, .Ay the way, ,euben rang last night to tell us he has sold
the business and all rights to his new product. He is booked to fly to "srael ne!t week on
your flight. (omeone must have made him a really good offer. " would have thought, with
the present money crisis, the sale of a large business would have been impossible..
Bust then, Nicholas, Ari0s son bounded down the stairs two at a time.
.Hey #ad, will you help me with my homework< "t0s due tomorrow and " hate religious
studies. " can0t see what use it is today anyway..
.Not my best sub-ect son. ;erhaps :um and #avid could help too..
Ari glanced at the questions on the sheet headed, 0&ood and %vil0. He handed it back to
Nicholas who sat at the table chewing the end of his well nibbled ball point.
./ou read out the questions and we0ll toss you a few answers to think about..
Nicholas began with the first question.
/$at is religion0/
.That0s easily answered. $ook it up in your dictionary..
Nicholas logged onto his computer dictionary and the answer soon appeared on the
screen. System o" "ait and worsip. )#man recognition o" s#per#man control. Personal
*od entitled to obedience.
He transferred the answer to his word processor.
.The second question is, /Does religion make #s good0/
./ou had better get some if it does,. laughed Helen, his mother.
.7hat do you think #avid<.
." remember my #ad telling me all people can be both good and evil, depending on the
degree to which they follow &od. " don0t think that religion in itself makes us good. 6ur
old ,abbi used to tell us only &od and his angels are good.. .There is both good and evil
in the world son,. Ari added.
./es, but if man chooses to go his own way then &od lets him. :an really can0t blame
&od for everything..
#avid glanced across the room to Ari. His once worldly fun loving, college friend had
become a serious thinking responsible father, helping his only son choose the right path.
.%nough #ad, " get the picture. 7e0ll be here all night at this rate. $isten to question
three.
0"f there is both good and evil in the world, who or what causes evil<0
Nicholas thought out loud, ."f &od is good, and the opposite to &od is (atan, then (atan
must cause evil..
.(ounds a good answer,. inter-ected #avid. .&od and angels are good, but (atan and his
fallen angels are evil..
The ne!t question, 1Is man born e(il01
Nicholas wriggled in his seat and began to swing his legs as if ready to dart off at any
moment.
.How can a new born baby be born evil. They are so cuddly. All they do is sleep, eat and
cry, -ust like %lena did..
./es Nicholas,. continued #avid.
." used to wonder about that too. :y ,abbi0s answer was that it was all Adam0s fault
because he disobeyed &od in the garden of %den. That0s when evil came into the world.
7e have all inherited that evil from Adam
.>1?
Aut &od sent Besus to make it possible for us
to change..
." don0t want to be changed+ "0m happy the way " am. "0m sick of these silly questions.
The last one is, 1$at is eternal li"e01
>@?

.That0s easy. 7e had those words in our %nglish class the other day. "t means never
ending life..
.(pot on.. grinned Ari.
." can0t imagine life never ending. " think the question means more, don0t you #avid<.
.As a young boy, " was taught that only the good have eternal life and all the rest suffer
eternal punishment..
.&ross,. groaned Nicholas. .:um and #ad always forgive me for what " do wrong..
.That0s it,. responded #avid e!citedly. 7hen you say sorry to &od, you confess what you
have done wrong, and you0re forgiven. The guilt is gone..
.Cool, sounds easy.. ."t is,. #avid agreed.
."f you have been forgiven for all your sin, then you are born again, as Christians say )
and do have eternal life..
.7ow ) supernatural.
>8?
Aut what has all this got to do with my homework about good and
evil<.
.%verything. &od, being only good, has actually already defeated (atan and makes it
possible for us to be good..
.Aut there is still evil in the world..
.,ight again+ &od still permits (atan to use evil, but only so we will seek &od to get the
help we need to cope with the evil..
*rom across the room, Ari clapped slowly and rhythmically.
.And so ends today0s sermon. A pity you0re leaving ne!t week #avid. "0ve never seen such
interest in boring homework. 6ff you go for a swim now Nicholas..
Nicholas sprang out of his seat, arms and legs a)tangle in his rush to get away.
./ou are a dark horse #avid. " didn0t know you were a Christian. How did your parents
react when you told them..
.#ad is still a :oses
>=?
man and is not too keen, although :um, was quite e!cited. (he
has always believed in her heart, but has never spoken against #ad0s Bewish beliefs, or his
upbringing. His parents did what they thought was right. Budaism was their inheritance.
#ad always encouraged me to make my own choices. 7e share precious times discussing
religion. #ad believes &od created all things. An e!ample he used has always stuck in my
memory. He said scientists discovered the cluster of stars called ;liades always stayed
together as they moved through the heavens, whilst the cluster called 6rion actually are
moving apart. #ad said this information is in the oldest book in the Aible, the book of
Bob. Bob knew this because &od told him what to write. &od knew the movements of
these stars because He made them.
>5?

.His religion, your religion, what does it matter< As long as each person has the right to
practice their own beliefs, the world would be a better place..
.Not sure about that Ari. :any people are being brainwashed by clever religious fanatics.
There may be some elements of truth in some religions, but Christianity is based on Besus
Christ.. .Aut he was -ust another prophet, wasn0t he<.
.No, the fact is that He is the (on of &od.
>C?
Not every one can see that,. replied #avid.
Helen had finished reading %lena her bedtime story and caught the end of #avid0s reply.
.There are so many religions in the world today. The push towards the 6ne 7orld Church
is really trying to lump all religions together, and you can0t really do that can you #avid<.
.No, it0s like mi!ing oil and water. They can0t mi! because they have fundamental
differences..
/ou know #avid, deep down "0m an old fashioned &reek., commented Ari. ." en-oy
family life and believe in marriage. (ociety needs a strong moral code with men
generally the main providers and head of the family unit. " want the freedom to choose
which church my family attends. #oesn0t matter much at the moment. 7e don0t belong to
any particular church. " had thought of going to that new church near the bank, called The
,eal Truth Community Church. How about we all go on (unday<.
.A good way to end my holiday., responded #avid.
novel.
1. "f Adam and %ve had not sinned against &od in the garden of %den, they would
have lived forever. However, because they sinned, all other people born since then
have been born with the sin nature in their heart, inherited from Adam. This is clearly
evident in children. 7e do not have to teach them to be naughty ) it is born into them,
but we do have to teach them to be good.
@. %ternal life does not mean we continue in this body in the way we live at the
moment. At the time of death, the body goes to the grave, but at the resurrection,
those who had believed in Besus Christ before their death, are resurrected into new
bodies that live forever.
8. The term supernatural means outside of normal natural logic. :ostly, supernatural
things cannot be e!plained by science. The Aible is a book with many supernatural
events, such as the waters of the #ead (ea parting for :oses to go across on dry land.
"n our times, supernatural means are also used for evil purposes by witches. :any
films are now being made with supernatural elements, to e!tend the deception that
&od0s enemies want to bring about.
=. :oses was the leader of the Hebrew people for about =9 years >from about 1599
A.C.? and almost led them into the ;romised land. Boshua replaced him as leader.
5. ;liades is known as a bound cluster, which means that the relative position of the
stars do not change. 6rion on the other hand is a loose cluster and the stars in the
cluster are moving further and further apart. (cientists have only discovered this in
the last 89 years. However, it is a wonderful support, not only for creation by &od,
but also as evidence that &od wrote the (criptures. The book of Bob was written
around 1249 A. C.
C. The fact that Besus is the (on of &od is the distinguishing feature of Christianity. "t
is this characteristic of Besus Christ that gives Christianity its truth and eternal
significance.
I1224 by Gen and Fal 7alker This book is copyright. 7e welcome your reading of it.
print media.
Chapter 8
#avid, Ari, Helen and the children hurried into the ,eal Truth Community Church. They
quickly squee'ed into the only large space remaining in the back row. The :inister,
Anthony Fanidis, sat behind the young singer, his foot tapping out the catchy rhythm of a
new chorus. The congregation clapped and moved to the music as the band played, 0He is
alive and we are free.0 Their movements and enthusiasm certainly e!hibited an air of
freedom. "t wasn0t long before Nicholas and %lena were also moving to the music. %arlier
they had both grumbled because going to church meant missing their usual (unday
morning swim. As the music ended people settled into their seats. The minister rose to
speak. His infectious smile and welcoming words had a quietening effect on the children.
.Today " want to continue this month0s theme .....0Christ0s return.0
>1?
" am well aware the
money crash is on everyone0s mind, but today " am asking you to try and put that aside as
we deal with other things, which finally, are much more important. As " cautioned last
week, " ask you to be beware of false doctrines and so)called prophets, who tell it
differently from the Aible. Besus0 first coming
>@?
is written of in the Aible where His
second coming is also predicted......... it will certainly take place. (o far, hundreds of
Aible prophecies have occurred as predicted.>8? The remaining events will also happen in
&od0s time. .
He paused, as if assessing people0s reactions to his words.
.;eople today are ready to accept any form of religion as leading to &od.
>=?
This is quite
misleading. Aeware those religions that offer food, clothes and even housing in their own
name. (ome are really cults to trap unsuspecting recruits and control their lives. Although
mankind needs practical things, the real need is to know &od. "t is good when those who
understand the spiritual need also supply life0s necessities. "n &od0s word, we are told
when we do this for anyone, it is as if we are doing it for &od Himself..
The earnestness in his voice revealed his concern as he continued.
.Today, many governments sell off their precious assets in an attempt to gain money for
social welfare programs, but poverty and strife still continue. New laws are being made,
supposedly to give more freedom, but in reality people are less free and are being
enslaved as moral standards decline. (ociety is moving from -ust being selfish, to being
totally self)centred, with little regard for the life or well being of others. :odern
technology has forced many out of once secure employment into a -obless state of
aimlessness and apathy.
Against &od0s perfect will, children are being born into one parent families without both
parents to teach and guide them. (ome grow up not knowing what is right and acceptable.
Fiolence, substance abuse, and family dysfunction are the only reality in their lives. 6ur
youth is being deceived into -oining organi'ations that offer help, but they are actually
being indoctrinated into new age beliefs, leading them further astray. This delights (atan,
who won0t be satisfied until he convinces people they can do as they please. He would
have them believe that man creates his own god. (atan delights in confusion and
disharmony. He en-oys seeing laws passed allowing pornography and legali'ed drugs. He
seems to be succeeding. :ankind has forgotten that his own will, a gift from &od, can be
used to resist (atan.
. The congregation sat motionless. Ari had not anticipated a sermon like this. He thought
he would hear the same Aible stories he heard many years ago in (unday school.
Thoughts raced through his mind. 7hat0s to become of my children< #o they have any
future< 7hat can Helen and " do to avoid these traumas in our own family<
The minister returned to his pulpit and after glancing at his notes, continued to speak.
./es my friends, only Besus can change our present way of living. Hntil He returns, these
things will continue. There are no more unfulfilled predictions to occur before what
Christians call the rapture.
>5?
7hen He returns, those who love and believe in Him will be
taken to live with Him. Those taken from earth to heaven will miss the horrific times
predicted in the Aible, a time when &od will begin to -udge the world and its inhabitants.
7e must be ready and waiting for His return. #o not lose your chance to be taken out of
these terrible times to come. After the rapture, many will face certain death. (atan will
continue to manipulate and control people, causing untold suffering and misery. This
period of time, which will last seven years, is called the &reat Tribulation..
>C?

;eople began to fidget and the quiet calmness felt earlier was gone.
./ou may ask ) how do we escape these coming trials< "t is so simple. "t was for this very
reason that &od sent Besus, His only (on, into the world. He came that we might be saved
from sin and death.
> 7riter0s note. " cannot remember the source of this graphic. "f anyone knows, please
email me so " can acknowledge the source. ?
He will save us now and has promised to take us out of this world at that time. 7e must
repent of the sin of not accepting Him as our personal (aviour. Then we will be saved.
Besus dying on the cross made the difference. He died in our place and was punished for
our sin, thus giving eternal life to those who believe..
The choir stood and the band began playing softly, heralding the end of today0s sermon.
.$et us all stand to sing our last hymn. As we sing " would like you all to consider the
words spoken today. Gnow the love of &od for each one of you, as He reaches out and
prompts you to accept Besus as your (aviour.>4? Those few steps to the altar will be the
biggest and most important steps you will ever take. "t doesn0t matter what sins you have
committed. /ou may be a thief, alcoholic, drug user, adulterer or murderer ) -ust come as
you are. &od0s word says, seek the $ord while He may be found..
As Ari began singing the hymn, remembered from his childhood, his heart quickened
within him. He remembered the words. /!enderly, tenderly, 2es#s is calling ....../
(omething kept him rivetted to where he stood as some went forward, whilst others red
faced and embarrassed looked at the ground. As the musicians and singers resumed their
seats the minister came to where the people waited. He moved from one to another asking
each the same two questions.
.#o you acknowledge that you are a sinner and are prepared to turn away from your sin<
#o you believe that Besus is the (on of &od and that He died so that your sins might be
forgiven<.
Ari left the church relieved to be outside again. The sermon had been a bit too
challenging for him. He was a man0s man and could manage quite well on his own, or so
he thought.
6n their way home, Ari began on a serious note.
.#avid, will &od -udge us all equally on what we do in our life and how we behave<.
#avid thought for a moment and replied, ." believe we will either be taken out of the
coming troubles, as the minister said, or we will go through the suffering of the
tribulation. Besus is coming to -udge this world..
>3?

.How<. questioned Ari.
.There will be natural calamities, caused by &od, like earthquakes with a ferocity never
seen before..
." can imagine those things happening, but " find it hard to believe that people will be
physically taken up into the sky,. -oined in Helen.
.*antastic, :um,. replied Nicholas, bouncing up and down in his seat.
.7hat a blast off+ Can0t wait till that happens..
#avid smiled at the boy0s childlike faith, even though he was a young teenager.
The car tyres scrunched on the pebble driveway. Autumn leaves had begun to fall,
painting a picture of golden brown on a canvas of fresh green grass. .Although " found
some of the sermon difficult, "0m glad we went to church, #avid. (omehow " felt closer to
Helen and the children. "t was a special time. #uring the week we are all so busy with our
own activities that "0m sure we miss many precious moments together..
A warmth of love and appreciation flushed over Helen. (he was surprised and proud at
her husband0s openness. His words made her feel secure, words that anchored her firmly
and deeply in his love. As they walked indoors #avid and the children began to rake up
leaves and pile them into the compost bin. Ari slid his arm around Helen0s slim waist and
drew her to him. Their eyes searched each others as their lips briefly met. They both
knew that tonight, when the house was still, they would be alone to en-oy each other.
novel.
1. Besus Christ is coming again+ This is the clear teaching of the Aible. 7hen He
comes He will come as 6ne with full authority over all people and all things in
the world. This coming will have many implications for all peoples of the world,
both living and dead.
@. The first coming of Besus Christ to this earth occurred @999 years ago. The
purpose of this first coming was for Him to teach of &od0s ways and then die on
the cross as payment for our sins ) to be resurrected to show that death had been
defeated and then go back to heaven to prepare a place for all believers.
8. #id you know that the coming of Christ was predicted by the ;rophet "saiah
>"saiah Chapter 4, verse 1=? about 489 A.C. The prophecy of %'ekiel was so
accurate that even the 89 pieces of silver were specified >echariah chapter 11,
verses 1@ and 18? There are 483 significant or ma-or prophecies in (cripture. All
but 13 of these have been fulfilled precisely. The time for the remaining 13 is fast
approaching.
=. Newspapers and television are full of false comments about, 0all forms of
religions leading to the same &od.0 Honest study of (cripture reveals this to be
false. Consider Bohn Chapter 1=, verse C, which says that Besus is the only way to
&od the *ather. Therefore, other religions that do not acknowledge Besus as the
(on of &od cannot lead to the true &od.
5. The rapture will be one of the world0s most ama'ing events. At a certain point
in history, all Christian believers will vanish from the earth and be taken to
heaven to be with &od. "t is a clear promise of (cripture. (ee 1 Thessalonians
Chapter =, verses 1C and 14.
C. The &reat Tribulation will be a period of @5@9 days or 4 Bewish years of 8C9
days each. "t follows soon after the rapture of believers from the earth. "t will be
the period of greatest upheaval and trouble the world will ever see. Those who do
not believe will have to suffer through it. :ost will die. (ee :atthew Chapter @=,
verse @1.
4. "t is &od0s desire that all people believe in Him and go to heaven to be with
Him. To do so, means to accept Besus Christ as your (aviour by repenting of your
sin, based on your belief in what He says in (cripture. (ee Bohn, Chapter 8, verse
1C. 3. All people will be -udged by &od, both the living and the dead and be
-udged according to what their beliefs and deeds were whilst on earth. (ee
,evelation Chapter @9, verses 11 to 15.
must not be altered in any way, or distributed for profit in any form, either in any form of
electronic or print media.
Chapter 9
As #avid and ,euben settled into their seats aboard the Aoeing -et bound for Tel Aviv,
they pulled out today0s newspapers. ,euben went straight to the financial pages.
%mbla'oned across the page were several headlines.
A$$ AANG #%;6("T( C6NT"NH% T6 A% *,6%N. (T6CG %LCHAN&% (T"$$
C$6(%#.
He read on. /Anyone in #rgent need o" basic necessities is re3#ested to contact teir
nearest social wel"are o""ice./ ,euben thought he had been smart sending his parcel of
money direct to an associate before leaving &reece. At least he would have plenty of cash
when he arrived in Tel Aviv.
.Have you seen this latest report #avid<.
.Not yet,. replied #avid, flicking over his pages of the Athenian Cross. He began to read
the article.
/People needing "ood, cloting or selter are #rged to contact go(ernment agencies "or
assistance. A limited s#pply o" goods and money is a(ailable. Eac person #sing tis
ser(ice will be iss#ed wit a Flas Card. In te "#t#re, personal details and "inger prints
will be incorporated in te card on a microcip. !is card will enable te older to
obtain "ood. So#ld tis cas crisis contin#e, no s#pplies will be a(ailable #nless all
details on te card are correct./
.(ounds ominous, ,euben. " wonder if this will affect production and sales at my plant.
(ol and " planned to release our new food product when " returned. ;erhaps " should
contact the manager of our local food bank to negotiate a fair sales price.. ./ou never
know #avid. /ou could become rich at last. " heard recently that most of today0s plant
seeds are hybrids, forcing growers like yourself to return to government controlled seed
merchants each year..
.That0s true for some, but " always set aside a percentage of my crop each year, to allow
for a good planting the following season. #ad taught me to do this, as his father before
him had. %ach year " hope and pray for a good harvest. "f there were to be a drought "
would be compelled to buy the ne!t seasons seed from a government seed merchant at an
e!orbitant price. " always pray for rain at the right time rather than to become rich..
.There0s nothing wrong with money #avid, especially when you can buy your way to
lu!ury, a better life, and freedom..
.#epends on what you think freedom is,. mused #avid.
." see freedom as being able to use my money as " choose, and help others at the same
time..
After a very uneventful flight their plane touched down at Tel Aviv airport. #avid and
,euben had remained silent for most of the flight. After reading his newspaper ,euben
had shut #avid out by putting headphones on and closing his eyes. #avid was aware of
the ever broadening chasm that separated them. They collected their luggage and after the
usual check by customs officers, e!changed polite farewells.
#avid was met by (ol, who embraced him and helped carry the luggage to his open -eep,
an old reliable army vehicle. As they drove off, #avid caught sight of ,euben getting into
a chauffeur driven stretch limousine. "n the back seat sat a man dressed in flowing robes.
7hen the car passed (ol0s he saw ,euben engrossed in conversation with this man. The
man0s only reply seemed to be a nod.
.7asn0t that ,euben<. remarked (ol.
.He is mi!ing in high circles now. That was Abdullah "shamel, a political leader, banker
and ;alestinian sympathi'er. He controls many industries under false names and is known
to have agents buying many businesses around the world. He seems to have an unlimited
supply of money..
.,euben told me he was to meet a business partner at the airport but didn0t give me any
details. He has -ust sold his computer business, along with related rights to all new
developments, for H(K19 million, and was considering investing this money somewhere
in "srael. " think he plans to live here permanently now. ;erhaps Abdullah "shamel has
plans for ,euben0s money too+ .
.:oney is becoming a scarce commodity here #avid. 7hen " was in Berusalem last
week, people were lined up at banks withdrawing money as fast as they could. :any are
running out of cash..
.The same happened in Athens, (ol. Hard times seem to be ahead for everyone. How did
you manage at the plant< Are the new products ready for sale<.
." was -ust waiting for you to go over the final details #avid. 6ur production has gone
well and the warehouse is full. 7e had a phone call from the prospective manager of the
food bank soon to be set up in Berusalem. He is desperate for our supplies. 7ho would
have thought our people would ever need a *ood Aank<.
.;roduction has certainly changed over the past couple of decades (ol. /ears ago many
countries e!ported most of their produce as grain. Today grain foods are their biggest
e!ports. &enetic engineering, assisted by computer technology, has increased crop yields.
"n "srael, even our wheat and barley yielded their highest crops ever+.
.There0s not much point in higher crop yields if people haven0t the money to buy the food
products #avid. The new flash card is supposed to be issued this week, so perhaps that
will help..
.Not so sure (ol. "t sounds too organi'ed. 7hatever happened to old fashioned charity<.
.$ife -ust isn0t like that anymore #avid. There have been many food robberies this week
as supplies run short..
The -eep bounced to a stop outside #avid0s house, situated alongside the plant. The steady
rattle and clunk told him cartons of food were being fed into holding bays. Above the
clatter he heard laughter and music, sounds that throbbed with energy. :en and women,
working in teams, were dressed in white overalls and shoes, with small white hats
covering their heads. #avid and (ol waved as they walked through the busy plant. ,uth
glanced up from her keyboard.
.7elcome back #avid. " hope you en-oyed the reunion with your old Hni pals..
."t was great to see them again. ,euben returned to "srael with me and is to live here
permanently. Ari, Helen and their children are well and have a lovely home outside
Athens. " see the plant survived without me..
.6nly -ust,. smiled ,uth.
(he admired #avid. He had qualities that attracted her. 7ords e!pressing how she felt
about #avid meandered through her mind. ,eliable..... honest ......sympathetic ....and hard
working. "n her heart she felt much more.
.7hat do you think we should do about the food bank offer #avid<. questioned (ol.
.That seems to be the most pressing item. 7hat we decide now could be crucial to the
welfare of our people locally and on a wider scale. " think it would be best if we both met
with the food bank manager. ;erhaps ,uth can set up an appointment for tomorrow..
As the two left the plant ,uth dialled the yet unlisted food bank number.
.&ranright calling. 7ould :r. 7eisman be free tomorrow morning to meet with :r.
"''ard and :r. Bacobs<.
.Hold the line please while " check,. came the reply. :usic from a local radio station
wafted through the telephone as ,uth waited.
.He will be available at 19 A.:. and is looking forward to meeting them,. drawled the
disinterested secretary.
;rior to keeping their 19 A.:. appointment #avid and (ol discussed a possible structure
for an agreement with the food bank. $ater, sitting in the comfortable waiting room, they
were surprised by the decor. "t seemed out of place. (culptures and other e!pensive
artworks decorated the room, giving the impression of opulence.
The door to the office opened to reveal a short man with fat sausage like fingers. His
round red face suggested he en-oyed much food and wine. 6n his elaborate desk sat a
large silver tray holding crystal decanters of wine and brandy. Three balloon shaped
crystal glasses stood in readiness. As the man laboured his way back to his desk he began
to speak.
.&ood morning #avid, (ol. 7hat will you have to drink<.
.Nothing for me thanks,. replied (ol.
.Bust a small wine for me please #aniel..
The full blooded red wine trickled smoothly into the two glasses embossed with grape
vines. #aniel 7eisman raised the glass to his lips, savouring both its contents and the
prospect of another profitable business agreement.
.Now to business. " have been instructed to buy all the products you can supply. " think
you will find the price very generous. The only condition to the contract, is that we alone
purchase your entire stock. As we must control the entire distribution of all food products,
you will be unable to sell to anyone else. This is for the benefit and welfare of all people.
7hen our plans are introduced, no one will be in need.. He paused for breath.
.The new *lash Card system must be introduced to control supplies of all food..
#avid shifted uneasily in his seat.
.Are you saying we will be unable to sell to our local people< :any of them are
employed by &ranright and have worked at our plant for some years..
.That needs to be the case #avid..
#avid felt as if a cloud passed over him. He suddenly felt cold and wanted to be out of
this place. The head)like sculptures stared at him from across the room, reminding him of
something seen at ,euben0s computer plant in &reece. (hivering, he rose, and out of
politeness offered his hand to #aniel.
."0ll let you know of our decision after we have discussed some important issues..
.#on0t take too long. This is your golden opportunity.. (ol followed #avid out of the
office with #aniel shuffling closely behind. His short squat frame filled the doorway as
he saw them off the premises.
.7hat did you think of that<. asked #avid.
."n a word, sinister+.
.That0s what " thought too. His plan could well be a way of controlling more than -ust the
food supply. 7ithout cash or card it is possible people will not be able to survive..
." think it would be disastrous if we signed all our products over to his government food
bank. As far as " am concerned it is not an option. " think we should say no #avid+.
#aniel slammed the phone down. His eyes narrowed and his face puffed redder than
usual.
."nsolent peasant+.. 7ho does he think he is< 7e will stamp out little pawns like him+ 7e
will get his plant regardless+ (natching up the phone, again he pressed the programmed
number for :acro.
.#aniel here. Those fools from &ranright refused my offer..
The viciousness of :acro0s reply sent a shudder through #aniel0s perspiring body.
." will destroy both them and their precious business,. came the vindictive reply.
.;eter settled the deal with the computer firm and " e!pected you to get this business too+
"mmediately arrange a series of unfortunate accidents at the grain plant. "t will close
down ) -ust as " have closed down the financial world..
After (ol left the plant, #avid checked all security lights before taking his usual pre)
dinner stroll. 7ith hands thrust deep into his pockets, he walked to the edge of the (ea of
&alilee. He sat with head bent in humility and began to pray aloud.
.#ear *ather, thank you for this day and the way you guided us. 7e need /ou to show us
/our will each day, particularly concerning the plant. " pray that /our Holy (pirit will
continue to go before us in all things..
The $ord0s prayer came into #avid0s mind. He repeated the words with a fervour and
passion kindled by the power of his &od0s mighty love
.>1?
The spoken words brought calm
and peace amidst the reality of the day.
novel.
1. ;rayer is a supernatural undertaking used by all true believers to talk to their
living &od ) for any purpose at all. "n response, &od undertakes to meet whatever
requests are according to His will. The $ord0s prayer is found in :atthew Chapter
C, verses 2 to 18.
Chapter 10
A stack of unopened mail lay on #avid0s desk. After checking through it he selected two
overseas letters, one from Australia, the other from &reece. His mother Ann had been
staying with his sister (arah and her family on their Australian property in far North
Mueensland. The hot summer had given way to warm days coloured with bright blue
skies. The grain crops were the best for many years giving very high yields. Aeef prices
were up as the demand for safe meat increased. Another outbreak of mad cow disease had
left many overseas countries low on good beef cattle. Animals had been slaughtered,
depleting breeding stock. %!ports of grain and beef had skyrocketed, giving (arah and
her husband ,od the finances needed for a holiday in "srael. *ortunately for them, they
had purchased their tickets and travellers cheques before the banks closed.
#avid checked the date for their proposed return and was pleased it was the day after
tomorrow, the 89th of (eptember. The perfect time for a visit, he thought.
Autumn with its many colours and crisp days would be such a contrast to the dry, rasping
summer in Australia. #avid found it hard to imagine the tiny outback church on their
property. Ann told of special times where black came together with white to worship
under an open)sided, tin roofed barn. The simplicity and child like faith of these
indigenous employees was a lesson to Ann. They simply believed what they read in the
(criptures. Their beautiful wide smiles and bright shining eyes glowed with love for their
&od. The white man0s &od did not -ust belong to them, but He belonged to all who would
accept Him. #avid could almost see them at worship as his mother had described. $ike
the white man, they knew they had been adopted into &od0s family, when they decided to
follow Besus. (arah and her husband started this little church when they first bought the
property over twenty years ago. $ater, their two children romped and played with the
station hand0s children, unaware of any colour difference. Ann wrote that she was looking
forward to showing her son)in)law the land of "srael when she returned.
#avid carefully opened the letter from &reece. He was concerned when he read Ari0s
news. As money was very scarce there, the *lash Card was now in operation.
>1?
All food
stores had recently introduced this system. ,euben0s multi)communication system was
now on the market. Ari wrote he was alarmed at its usage. A monitor operated at all
public venues and in all shops. Cameras recorded shopping locations and everyone0s
movements. 6ften a face would appear on the screen urging people to -oin a powerful
lobby group. "n the letter Ari said, .This man speaks with great conviction and is very
persuasive. %vidently he is part "talian and was once linked to their Armed *orces. "
heard he has spent time in "srael and some see him as a future world leader who has the
ability and wisdom to rule.
>@?
He goes by the name of :acro. ;olitically he is known as
Ale!ander Budastus..
#avid felt a sudden rush of blood to his temples as he read the name. Could this be the
owner of :acrotech, the new owner of ,euben0s latest computer technology< :acro had
begun to brainwash people with his political propaganda and seemed to be in control of
all communication systems around the globe. As he sat in the peacefulness of his office,
#avid wondered what :acro0s ne!t target would be. His thoughts returned to the decision
he and (ol had made regarding the sale of &ranright. He felt that somehow the potential
buyer was connected to :acro, the group Ari feared. $eaving the rest of the mail, he
phoned his father (imon to make sure all preparations were completed for Ann0s return
with (arah and ,od.
.Hello #ad. Bust checking arrangements for dinner this (aturday night. "0ll pick up :um,
(arah and ,od. " know you have a welcome home meal planned. "s there anything else
you need<. .No thanks son. "t will be so good to have us all together after such a long
time.. .7e should arrive around 4 ;.:. if the plane touches down on time.. ."0ll see you
then #avid, goodbye for now..
(ol was already working when #avid arrived the ne!t morning. The giant vats of oil,
honey and various grains, were filled in readiness for processing. $arge cardboard cartons
lay stacked in flat piles. ,olls of plastic stood ready, waiting to receive the compressed
health bars as they slid along stainless steel tracks leading to the heat sealers.
.$ooks like the lull before the storm (ol. How about a coffee<.
.&ood idea. Bust give me a few minutes to check the speed of the conveyor.. (oon,
employees began arriving and *riday was off to a busy start. (ol and #avid en-oyed this
part of the day. 7ith the factory running smoothly, they had time to check figures for
orders, deliveries and stock levels. However, (ol seemed preoccupied today.
.Anything wrong (ol<. questioned #avid.
.Not sure really. 7hen " arrived this morning " noticed a van parked on the perimeter of
the grounds. "t was hard to spot amongst the trees, but " caught a glimpse of it when the
sun reflected off an aerial on its roof. As " began to walk over to investigate, the van
drove off. " checked where it had been parked, but found nothing unusual..
."t does sound strange, as " can0t think why anyone would be in that area. Tonight, after
dark, "0ll do a check of the grounds -ust in case something is going on..
."0ll check on (aturday night then, as you have your family arriving..
.Thanks (ol. Come over to #ad0s after you0ve finished your rounds. " know :um and
#ad want you to meet ,od, (arah0s husband..
Ay the end of the day do'ens of full cartons stood in a large steel holding shed at the rear
of the factory, ready for despatch. As the staff left, each threw their not so white uniforms
into large laundry bags and collected fresh supplies for ne!t week. Tonight, in many of
their homes, they would begin to celebrate the Bewish (abbath, a day of rest in which all
would pause from everyday labour. The spirit of their (abbath was -oy, as they
remembered how &od delivered them from %gyptian bondage about 8599 years ago ) a
pivotal point in their Bewish faith. "t was a holy day for &od0s holy people, when
bittersweet music filled their sanctuary and their homes.
(ol, being single, was welcomed into a family home each *riday evening to take part in
their worship and its symbolism. The following day he would stand alongside other men
as ancient (criptures were read aloud in Hebrew. The e!quisite tone of the cantors voice
filled the (ynagogue with heavenly music, stirring the hearts of the silent worshippers.
#avid picked up the large torch and set out to check the grounds. The silence was broken
by a gentle sighing bree'e, as it moved amidst the tops of the trees. The ground was softly
carpeted with leaves not yet dead and brittle. (hafts of light from the moon hanging
suspended in the cool, grey night, pierced dense clumps of evergreens. %erie shadows
gave the impression of hidden danger. A muffled sound alerted #avid.
;eering into the distance he thought he saw movement behind a low lying stand of trees.
(ilently he crept closer, hearing only the rhythmic thud of blood pumping through his
veins. He heard whispered words but was too far off to understand what the two men
were saying. As he watched, they gently loaded shovels and wire into the van. Through
the side door, #avid saw the outline of other equipment. Their heads and faces, swathed
in dark material, were hidden from view, leaving only small slits for their eyes. He
decided to challenge them. As he approached, they leapt into the van. 7ith a noisy
revving of its motor the van bumped across the uneven ground to the road. #avid walked
to the cleared patch of earth where they had been, but other than some loose soil, nothing
seemed amiss. The sturdy wire fencing was intact and the gate remained padlocked. After
continuing his walk around the plant #avid was satisfied nothing had been damaged.
(imon0s arms welcomed Ann as she stepped into their home. As they embraced, she
radiated warmth, health and vitality. His heart still seemed to skip a beat whenever he
held her, -ust as it had many years ago. ,od and (arah followed, but this moment was for
their parents. (arah0s laugh prompted (imon to turn and hug his daughter and son)in)law.
.7elcome home my precious family+ How these eyes longed to see you again..
."t is so good to be here at last #ad, even though it was hard to leave our two girls for the
first time. They have grown into beautiful young women and are quite capable of
overseeing our property for the ne!t month..
#avid returned from the kitchen with glasses of fresh -uice, cheese, olives and dates.
They continued to chatter e!citedly, each wanting to fill in the last years as if they were
yesterday.
.7hat time is (ol arriving, #avid< #ad has often written to us in Australia telling what a
blessing he is to you at the plant..
.;robably around 3N89, after he has checked the plant..
.Have you a problem at the plant #avid<.
.Not sure ,od. $ast night " saw two men drive off in a hurry. There was no evidence of a
break in, but we will keep our eyes open the ne!t few days. Could be prospectors or land
surveyors. " know someone is keen to buy up land in this area..
(ol parked his -eep in the driveway of #avid0s home. "t was a cloudless night so he
slipped the wrist strap of his torch onto his belt and began his rounds. His thoughts
returned to the past twenty four hours when he -oined others to celebrate the (abbath. The
words of ,abbi %inson reminded him that one of the ;rophets had written that there was
hope for "srael. Another had written, /As long as tere is a s#n and a moon, *od will not
re4ect )is people./ (ol knew &od and believed all things written in the Torah.
>8?
He
struggled with the thought that the Bews were accused of killing Besus, the man whom
Christian0s say was the Bewish :essiah. The ,abbi still awaited the :essiah, yet #avid,
his partner, believed that this Besus, 7ho was crucified, was indeed &od0s own (on, the
:essiah.
(ol walked towards the security fence, enclosing the storage shed. He thought he smelt
something burning. ,ounding the corner he caught sight of the van both he and #avid
had spotted previously. "t was parked some distance from the shed, sheltered by the trees.
(ol saw a smouldering line creep its way across the clearing and through the fence,
disappearing into a narrow pipe. The fuse snaked its way until it reached the dynamite.
7ith a deafening e!plosion the shed blew into do'ens of -agged pieces. Huge chunks of
concrete became airborne and pieces travelled like bullets through the wire fence. 6ne
struck (ol in the head, stunning him for a moment. (crambling to his feet, he ran dodging
and weaving towards the parked car. As the dust and debris settled he saw two armed
men crouched beside the van, another two inside. The fire, fed by burning cartons of
food, filled the air with a sickly sweet smell of burnt grain and honey.
7ith furious anger (ol rushed towards one of the armed men. 7ith a courageous rugby
tackle he brought him to the ground. As they struggled, (ol tore the gun from the man0s
hand. The loaded gun e!ploded against the side of his enemy killing him instantly. Alood
soaked (ol0s chest as he pushed the limp body from him. (ol began to stand and saw
black boots with black pants neatly tucked into their tops. He tried to dodge the vicious
kick to his ribs, but it connected with a sickening thud. He groaned and rolled into a ball
in a vain effort to ward off the sickening kicks. He floated somewhere between
consciousness and another place. He knew this was the end. His thoughts mingled with
his agony..... to# sall not kill...... lo(e yo#r enemies.....
*or a split second his eyes met those of his tormentor, pleading for mercy. The assault
ceased and (ol whispered, .*orgive me *ather, " have broken your commandments and
/our law. " forgive my tormentors..
There was a sudden report and a bullet entered (ol0s heart. His blood now mingled freely
with the blood of his enemy. The two men lay side by side in death, neither victorious.
Aoth had shown courage and faithfulness to their respective leaders, even unto the end.
#avid and his family heard the e!plosion from (imon0s home. As (imon, #avid and ,od
sped towards what was left of the burning shed, they saw a van disappear in a northern
direction. #avid saw the dark silhouettes of two lifeless bodies. Tears streamed down his
face as he sat gently cradling the head of his dear friend. 7hile #avid had been
celebrating with his family, (ol had died alone outside the plant. (imon knelt beside
#avid and together, their heart rendering wails echoed through the night. ,od stood back
from where father and son sang their Hebrew lament. He felt like an intruder coming
upon someone in private prayer. He walked to where the other man lay, closed his
unseeing eyes and folded limp arms across the bloody, black shirt. This man had no one
to mourn him as he lay in death0s cold place.
The sound of approaching sirens ended (imon and #avid0s mournful lament. #avid lifted
(ol in his strong arms and carried him tenderly to his home. $ater, after removing (ol0s
stained clothes, he lovingly bathed the bruised face and body. His last act of love was to
anoint him with perfumed oil and clothe the body in new cotton pants and shirt brought
back from his recent holiday in &reece. 7hen light came, #avid would arrange (ol0s
burial. His friend had no known family to close the final chapter of his life.
novel.
1. The *lash Card is the ultimate technological plastic card that will ever be
available, having a capability for massive storage of personal, financial and
surveillance information. This technology has been developing rapidly over the
last decade.
@. This man, who eventually reveals himself as the Antichrist, is the person the
Aible says will actually have power over the world for the 4 year period of the
&reat Tribulation. He will have great ability in politics, religion, commerce and
the military, and because of his intellectual and persuasive abilities, will prove to
be a genius that fools the people and leaders of the world. (ee #aniel Chapter 3,
verse @8, Chapter 11, verse 8C, ,evelation Chapter 14, verse 11, #aniel Chapter
11, verse =8, @ Thessalonians Chapter @, verse = and ,evelation Chapter 18, verse
3. The New 7orld 6rder, now spoken of freely by the world0s politicians, is
promoting one world government and one world religion.
8. The Torah is the $aw of :oses received by him from &od. "t is normally in
scroll form and takes in -ust the first 5 books of the 6ld Testament of the Aible.
Chapter 11
The warm sun filtered through the lace curtains fluttering gently in the cool autumn
bree'e of late (eptember. *ine wisps of cigarette smoke curled upwards as the si! men
engaged in rowdy conversation. Two chairs still remained empty, even though the clock
showed this meeting should have already begun. All had arrived this morning in Cyprus,
an island about @@5 kilometres long and 199 kilometres wide at its broadest part. "t lay
nestled in the eastern :editerranean some 199 kilometres west of the (yrian coast and
about the same distance from the coast of Turkey. Traces of late stone age settlement
were still visible on the island. %gyptians, Turks, ,omans and &reeks had all fought at
one time or another, to gain control of Cyprus. (ummer had been hot and dry this year
and the men were en-oying the cooler weather. Bosh had en-oyed sailing from (yria,
across the deep sky blue waters of the :editerranean, on the private yacht funded by his
government. The yacht lay quietly at anchor in *amagusta Aay, not far from their secret
meeting place. #espite its chequered history, Cyprus was a pleasant spot for this meeting.
The grounds of the villa were patrolled by security officers with big snarling dogs
keeping watch over their territory. The other five men had flown in from ,ome, Athens,
Tel Aviv, $ondon and 7ashington.
A black A:7 sports car pulled up silently at the main entrance. (teel bars protected the
windows of the white stone villa, adding a harshness to its blue painted frames. Andrus,
the uniformed guard in charge of all security, clicked his highly polished black boots
together and saluted. The driver hurried around the front of the car to open the door for
his lone passenger. As the man emerged, he smoothed his sleek black hair. (unlight
danced on the ring he wore on his right hand. The guard dropped his arm to his side in
military fashion and followed closely behind another man who had been waiting
impatiently in the vestibule. As the guard opened the door, a hush fell over the conference
room.
The si! silent men stood to acknowledge their leader. He sat in the empty chair at the
head of the oblong table and shuffled through his papers. A gold name plate indicated his
place, but :acro needed no such identification. He was a ruthless leader who e!pected
total allegiance to his New 7orld 6rder.
>1?
7arwick #ementi, the other man, sat at
:acro0s right hand. The guard closed the door and stationed himself outside. His body
rela!ed as he stood at ease, his automatic rifle resting against his right boot. He overheard
:acro as he began to speak.
.$et us review the latest developments in my plans for world control..
He then turned to #aniel.
.#aniel, " was not pleased to receive the report on your failed bid to acquire &ranright.
6rgani'e more unfortunate accidents at the plant to disrupt production, forcing them to
sell or shut down. :y worldwide monopoly of communications and media is complete.
/ou have all seen the surveillance technology in place at shopping comple!es. :ost
homes have installed our new TF computers, as other sets can no longer be repaired or
purchased. " can now begin random broadcasts around the clock. /ou did well ;eter when
you clinched the computer deal. 6ne of my associates, Abdullah "shamel, is convincing
that idiot to invest his money in missiles and guns to help the Arab people regain their
lands.
The new *lash Card is the only way people can obtain food at the moment. They will not
be able to grow their own food easily because only hybrid seeds are available from us,
via our seed outlets. " now control all food banks around the world. As you are aware, all
banks and money institutions have remained closed for several days. :any people are
now desperate, as their available cash has been depleted. The time is perfect for my
N.7.6. Aank to underwrite loans to all other banks around the world. ;eople will then
see me as a sympathetic money merchant intent on relieving their destitution. 7ith the
monetary system operating again, the scene will then be set for me to close it down again
in a few years time. 7e will of course continue to manipulate the money markets of the
world, especially the stock e!changes. *rom behind the scenes, we will organi'e the
ma-or stock e!changes to fluctuate wildly, particularly New /ork, which uses the #ow
inde!. 7hen the world0s investors are used to such fluctuations, we will bring about such
a cataclysmic fall in stock values that we will be able to buy up stocks at very low cost.
This way we will control more and more of the world0s corporations. %ach rise and fall of
stock values so far engineered, has led to much more control over the economy of the
world. Aecause we control such a high percentage of world assets, we are now ready to
take full financial control. $ast week " met with ten of the world0s most powerful leaders
and we vowed allegiance to this New 7orld 6rder formed many years ago. 7e are also
about to announce the confirmation of a seven year peace plan between "srael and all
other ad-acent Arab countries..
>@?

:acro paused for a moment.
.Have you three parliamentarians anything to report concerning developments in your
countries< " know most current events in the :iddle %ast Bosh, but what about America
and %urope<.
Backson tabled his concise report on the situation in America. :acro glanced at the main
headings and quickly took in many items. :ore top industries had been acquired by his
agents, or forced into bankruptcy as a result of the world money crisis. Americans were
also suffering as -obs and food became scarce. :any carried guns to protect their homes
and families from desperate people. :acro grinned as he read of many people turning
against the church ) regardless of denomination. Not many churches seemed able to ease
the plight of their people.
." see things are developing well Backson..
Ashly pushed a sheet of paper towards :acro.
.:ine confirms most of what you read in Backson0s. 7e compared notes before the
meeting. The results are the same throughout %ngland ) poverty, unrest, strife and
discontent..
.&ood. :y world)wide political supporters have paved the way for my rise to power. The
time is approaching when " will be able to enforce my 6ne 7orld ,eligion
>8?
by the
establishment of the Hniversal Church. " am the only one able to bring about unity. :y
multi)cultural, ,oman)&reek background, coupled with my knowledge and wisdom,
make me the only person in the world able to fulfil this role. :y oratory skills will have
the world eating out of my hand. Hitler did it+ " will do far better+ Aecause people are
familiar with my face, they are becoming conditioned to accepting me as the world0s new
leader. :y latest armed space vehicles are circling the earth with the crews ordered to
watch and report all land, sea and air activities. No country or island will escape my
scrutiny..
7arwick had remained silent throughout the meeting nodding assent to all that was
spoken. He worked in con-unction with :acro by promoting him and his ideology at all
times in all facets of life. They were often seen together at public and political gatherings
wherever their political ambition could be furthered. He was a Bew and knew the :osaic
$aw. He wore a ring similar to :acro0s, e!cept for the sparkling -ewels. The number CCC
was engraved on 7arwick0s ring beside his name.
>=?
:acro turned to 7arwick, .7hat
have you to add<.
.As soon as the ;eace Treaty is confirmed, construction work on the new Bewish Temple
in Berusalem will begin.
>5?
As component parts are already in storage, we estimate it will
take -ust over three years to complete. Hpon completion, the Bews will be allowed to
reintroduce their sacrificial worship. " have been leading many into our Hniversal Church
by various healings and miracles. As you know, all my power comes from (atan.
>C?
To
many, " am their leader and prophet. $ittle do they realise .......
. :acro was surprised at this revelation. He thought he knew all 7arwick0s movements.
Normally he directed and advised him on every course of action. Today however, :acro
felt somewhat usurped, but also supported by this ;rophet. 7anting to flatter and regain
control, :acro commented, .6f course " will appoint you as High ;riest of the Hniversal
Church and also confirm your role as its ;rophet..
"t was 7arwick0s turn to smile.
." already have the power and influence " need to lead adherents of the church..
The others in the room were silent throughout this e!change. They observed the tension
between :acro and 7arwick, hidden amidst the cooperation necessary if they were to
continue their rule over those gathered.
:acro rose, bringing the meeting to an abrupt end. As he opened the door, Andrus, the
security guard again clicked his heels to attention. He had overheard most of the
conversation, but dare not show any sign of his concern. The men left the conference
room and went their separate ways as if nothing really important had happened. Andrus
stood, somewhat stunned. He wondered what his friend Ari, living in Athens, would think
of all he had overheard. 7hatever the outcome, Andrus knew Cyprus had -ust hosted one
of the most important meetings ever held on earth.
novel.
1. The New 7orld 6rder is not simply some fiction or conspiracy theory. "t has a
history that is traceable back to at least 1218. The following is a series of e!tracts
from an article called A History of the New 7orld 6rder, written by #. $. Cuddy,
;h.#. for ;ersonal Hpdate, the monthly maga'ine of Goinonia House >Australia?
$td. These e!tracts are from :arch and April 1224 editions. 7hat follows is only
about 19J of what was written. "t leaves no doubt that this movement is realN
E "n 1218, ;resident 7ilson said,. (ince " entered politics, " have chiefly had
men0s views confided to me privately. (ome ...men....are afraid of somebody.... of
something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organised, so subtle,
so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not
speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.0
E H.& 7ells in 12@3. .The political world of the 6pen Conspiracy must weaken,
efface, incorporate and supersede e!isting governments..
E *.(. :arvin in 128@ describing the $eague of Nations as the first attempt at a
New 7orld 6rder.
E H.&. 7ells again, in 1282 proposes a .collectivist one)world state. of .new
world order.....
E ;resident Truman endorsed world government in 12=5.
E The Hnited Nations Charter became effective in 12=5. (enator &len Taylor
favoured the creation of a world republic.....
E "n 12=3 , the preliminary draft of a 7orld Constitution was published.
E The 7orld Constitution and ;arliament Association was founded in 1252.
E "n 124@ ;resident Ni!on talks to the Chinese ;remier Chou %n)$ai about
building a new world order.
E ,oy :. Ash, #irector of the 6ffice of :anagement and Audget, in 124@
declared that, ....within two decades the institutional framework for a world
economic community will be in place... >and? aspects of individual sovereignty
will be given over to a supernational authority..
E "n 1229 ;resident Aush said, ....the collective strength of the world community
e!pressed by the H.N. ...is an historic movement towards a new world order.
E "n 122@ former Citicorp Chairman 7alter 7riston published, . A truly global
economy will require... compromises of national sovereignty ...There is no
escaping the system..
E Henry Gissinger wrote in 1228, .7hat Congress will have before it is not a
conventional trade agreement, but the architecture of a new international
system ...the first step to a new world order..
E "n 1225 The (tate of the 7orld *orum took place, sponsored by the &orbachev
*oundation. Notables who were there, :argaret Thatcher, Ted Turner, :aurice
(trong, &eorge Aush and :ikhail &orbachev, centred on the oneness of mankind
and the coming global government.
Need any more be said<
@. ;eace in the middle east has been on the world0s agenda since "srael won their
sovereignty in 12=3. :any peace plans and summits have been held since that
time, always attracting the world0s leading politicians. None of these has ever
brought real peace, nor will they, for &od is missing from the equation. &od, 7ho
knows all things, has already defined who will make the treaty that brings
apparent peace between "srael and the Arab countries. "t is in the 6ld Testament
book of #aniel, Chapter 2, verse @4. "n this verse, &od says through #aniel the
writer, that the Antichrist will confirm a covenant >peace treaty? for seven years.
The treaties presently being made may well be the precursor of the one that will
be confirmed.
8. There are many movements toward one religion in the world, the ecumenical
movement being one of them. ;eople and groups who believe this trend to be
correct, are in danger of being deceived by the suggestions that all religions are
the same.
=. The man with the number of CCC appears in (cripture as the *alse ;rophet who
will perform great signs to deceive the peoples of the world.
5. The last Bewish Temple was destroyed by Titus in A.# 49. The Bews have not
had a temple in which to worship since that time. There are continuing
unconfirmed reports that all the lavish fittings for the temple to be built, are
already in e!istence or being made. The new temple will be built during the &reat
Tribulation.
C. To many, (atan is a myth and does not e!ist. This is in fact his biggest
deception. (atan originally was &od0s number one offsider. However, he rebelled
and was thrown out of heaven. He e!ists in spirit form and has been allowed
temporary control by &od over the world and its peoples. However, his defeat and
destruction are already ordained.
Chapter 12
#ay was -ust dawning in the City of Berusalem. "t was early 6ctober. The noisy police
station was crowded with agitated people talking over each other in their hysteria and
panic. :any had called to report the sudden disappearance of family and friends
around midnight. ;olice officers could not cope with all their questions. They were
short staffed this morning. (ome colleagues had not arrived for work at their rostered
times. ;hones rang constantly, adding to the noise. The interview rooms were full of
people wanting help. 6ne officer sat at a computer completing his report concerning
an e!plosion and what looked like a murder or suicide at a food plant. An old Bew,
called (imon, who lived near the plant, had been questioned in the early hours of this
morning. He seemed confused, and kept repeating, ." must find my family..
"t seemed they too had disappeared. The investigating officer was about to leave the
station to check the charred factory remains for evidence of bodies, when this crowd
had suddenly arrived at the police station. As he went down the well worn steps that
led to the cells below, he heard snatches of conversation.
." went back to bed ) my husband had -ust vanished leaving his glasses and book
beside the bed..
." tucked my children into bed and when " checked this morning they were gone..
.:ine too. A real mystery, as my daughter is physically and mentally disabled..
Another was heard to say, ." was about to kiss my girlfriend goodnight, but when "
opened my eyes she had vanished..
7hen the officer unlocked the cell door he motioned (imon to follow him back
upstairs. The old man looked tired and haggard. He walked with stooped shoulders,
his hand clutching the rail in an attempt to steady himself. As they passed the
interview rooms they heard mothers sobbing, fearing the worst for their children. :en
and women continued to share their individual stories of missing persons.
"n Athens, Ari and Helen had -ust finished breakfast before calling the children.
.Nicholas, %lena, hurry up or we0ll be late for the early service..
Nicholas dawdled down the stairs with a scowl on his face.
.#o " have to go #ad< " reckon at 15 " should be able to decide for myself if " go to
church or not+.
.#on0t let0s argue about that again ) you0re going+.
Helen came back downstairs, a frown creasing her brow.
.7here0s %lena, Nicholas<.
.How should " know. " haven0t seen her since last night..
." heard you teasing her earlier in the night,. growled Ari. ."t0s time you stopped your
stupid pranks to frighten her..
." didn0t touch her. (he screams before " go near her+.
.That doesn0t e!plain where she is does it<.
;icking up the telephone, Helen dialled their neighbours0 number.
.Helen here. Have you seen %lena this morning<.
.No, Catherine0s gone too. (ounds like they0re together somewhere..
After arranging with (ophie and her husband to keep a lookout for the girls, Helen
settled a little.
./ou take Nicholas with you. "0ll phone some of %lena and Catherine0s friends. They
won0t want to do this again+.
Nicholas grinned as he sat in the car beside his #ad. (erves her right he thought. (he
always wants to know everything " am up to.
Ari was surprised to see the usually busy car park almost empty. Although it was late
he couldn0t hear any singing. He opened the door and wondered why the ;astor and
organist were not in their usual places. A few people turned as he and Nicholas
entered. They quietly sat ne!t to a man Ari had met at church a few weeks ago.
.7here is everyone<. whispered Ari.
.#on0t know+ (omeone phoned the :inister0s home but there was no answer. A
relation in Australia phoned me this morning. (omething strange happened there
about 3.A.:. their time. ;eople were in church, when suddenly some of them
disappeared in the middle of a song..
.;eople can0t -ust vanish like that,. scoffed Ari. .7ell, how do you e!plain the
stationary cars, buses and other public transport with passengers and no drivers< "
passed quite a few on my way to church.. .(o did ", but " was too engrossed in my
own thoughts concerning my missing daughter..
The congregation gradually wandered out into the street, not knowing whether to stay
or return home. The sound of sirens, car horns and gathering crowds disturbed those
who slept late. Nicholas, glad to escape another sermon, turned on the car radio and
began flicking from one station to another. He was sick of media reports regarding
missing people.
They heard world airline disasters being reported. /A "ligt "rom Rome to Israel as
come down in te sea 4#st east o" !el A(i(. !e passenger list as 4#st been released.
A prominent politician, Abd#lla Isamel, is among tose reported missing. A gro#p
o" passengers on anoter "ligt to Rome said tey saw a small plane s#ddenly ca#gt
#p, as i" by a s#dden c#rrent o" air. !ey saw te pilot and all on board s#cked
#pwards, o#t o" te plane, as i" propelled by a wirlwind./
Ari and Nicholas arrived home to find Helen and (ophie still upset. Numerous phone
calls failed to locate their daughters. Ari told the women of the confusion in Athens
and the une!plained air disasters, but these were unimportant to them in their alarmed
state. After -ust a few hours the mystery was fast becoming a frightening e!perience
for onlookers, and a nightmare for many families.
There are no NovelNotes for this chapter.
/ou may read it online, or you may download it for later reading and study. However,
the contents must not be altered in any way, or distributed for profit in any form,
either in any form of electronic or print media.
Chapter 13
As the car sped towards #avid0s plant, (imon sat beside the police officer, oblivious to
anything around him. He rocked back and forth, tormented by the sudden disappearance
of his family. $ast night his -oy and happiness ended traumatically with (ol0s cruel death.
He remembered -oining #avid in a lament, as tears overflowed out of grief. (imon0s last
clear picture was of #avid carrying (ol0s limp body to the house to prepare it for burial.
He also remembered saying goodnight to his daughter (arah and her husband ,od, before
seeking comfort in the arms of his beloved Ann. 7hen he awoke she was not beside him
and the house was strangely quiet. He recalled going from room to room, calling their
names. That was when this police officer had arrived with questions about the e!plosion
and the body found near the plant. The police officer0s terse voice interrupted (imon0s
rocking.
./ou said there was another body at your son0s house didn0t you<.
./es. " keep telling you, #avid carried (ol to the house last night to prepare him for
burial..
.7here is #avid now and what happened to the body<.
." don0t know. 7hy won0t you believe me< :y wife, daughter, and son)in)law have also
disappeared+.
The anguish in (imon0s voice convinced the police officer this man believed he was
telling the truth. Had the events of the last hours been too much for his mind to handle<
7as there in fact two bodies< The police officer followed (imon into #avid0s house.
%verything was clean and tidy and a sweet aroma filled the place. (imon walked up and
down obsessively touching things as he went. The officer was quick to notice that being
here disturbed (imon, so after thoroughly checking the house, led him outside.
.Nothing seems amiss here. " think "0ll check the plant now..
The fire department had finished sifting through blackened remains of the steel storage
shed when the police car arrived. (imon sat in the car staring out with vacant eyes.
.*ind anything in the ruins<. asked the police officer.
."t appears some type of fuse was lit outside the security fence. "t travelled through an
underground pipe buried outside the wall of the shed where the e!plosion occurred..
.There was no other human remains then<. asked the police officer.
.No sir, without any doubt this shed was unoccupied at the time of the fire. " heard a body
was found not far from the shed,. commented the fireman.
.That0s right. 7e have identified the man who died from a gunshot wound. 7e have other
unsolved murders on our books and think they are connected in some way, because there
have been similar fires or accidents at other factories. "t looks like someone will go to any
length to close or destroy these places..
.7ho0s the man in the car<.
.(imon, the part owner0s father. He seems confused and in shock. He keeps telling me
#avid, his son, and the rest of his family have disappeared, along with the body of a man
called (ol. (ol was supposed to be #avid0s partner. (imon said (ol was murdered last
night. 7e had many missing person calls this morning, but none regarding anyone called
(ol. "0d better take (imon home before heading back to the police station. Thanks for
your help..
The police officer arrived back at the station where people were still gathering outside. A
man sat on the dirty pavement, his bare feet in the gutter. His wide eyes stared straight
ahead. He had watched his wife and children being 'apped into the heavens. The shock of
seeing this had rendered him speechless. 6thers had been waiting all day for news of
missing loved ones. "n spite of the increasing crowd, there was a strange hush as people
struggled to control their feelings of fear, confusion and anger.
(imon opened the door to his empty home. "n desperation he picked up the phone.
.,abbi %inson, (imon here. " must see you urgently. " think " am going mad..
.7hat0s wrong (imon<.
." don0t want to talk about it now. 7ill you come<.
.6f course " will my friend..
7hile (imon waited for the ,abbi, he decided to phone Australia in the vain hope that
,od and (arah0s daughters had news that would throw some light on their parents sudden
disappearance. After a long wait he was connected to the Mueensland number.
.Hello, this is (imon "''ard calling from "srael. " want to talk to my granddaughters..
The line crackled making it difficult for %mma, the housekeeper, to hear the man0s words.
.#id you say (imon "''ard< " can hardly hear you,. came the reply.
./es. Can " speak to one of my granddaughters please<.
."0m sorry :r "''ard. They0re not here. "n fact, your granddaughters and most of our
workers have not been seen all day. None said goodbye or left messages. How are ,od
and (arah<.
.That0s why "0m ringing. They have vanished without a word. ;lease call me if you hear
from them or the girls..
(imon0s hands trembled as he replaced the phone. There must be an answer he thought, as
,abbi %inson entered the quiet house. The ,abbi saw (imon seated at the table, head
resting on his arms.
.7hat seems to be troubling you (imon<.
(imon told his story again. The ,abbi listened, nodding solemnly as the tale came to an
end.
./our story is similar to many "0ve heard today. At a Christian church near our
(ynagogue, someone found notes from the sermon preached that day. They seemed to be
a Aiblical message telling of an event called the ,apture. This ,apture was supposed to
take all believers up to heaven in the twinkling of an eye. Those left on earth, it said,
would suffer..
." am suffering right now,. cried (imon. .The loss of my family is too much to bear. "
long to be with them wherever they are. ,abbi, could it be that all these missing people
were translated like our prophet %noch,
>1?
mentioned in the Torah< 7hy would &od leave
me to suffer like this<.
The ,abbi shifted nervously, embarrassed by (imon0s questions. Thoughts gathered in his
mind about his scant knowledge of these Christian issues. 6f course, in his mind, he had
already denied them because of his belief only in the :osaic $aw. Bewish tradition says
the :essiah is still to come. Could Besus be the :essiah, as Christians believe< His mind
now considered that if Besus was the :essiah, what would happen to those who met at
the (ynagogue to pray and read the :osaic $aw< "f these sermon notes spoke the truth,
and Besus, persecuted so long ago by both Bews and ,omans really was the :essiah, what
hope was there for those left on earth<
(imon0s question about %noch also posed an important question for the ,abbi. %noch
disappeared when he was taken directly to heaven by &od, without having to pass
through physical death. Could it be that this is what happened to those who have -ust
disappeared< The ,abbi spoke after a long silence.
.(imon, " also share your troubled thoughts. Could we have missed an important event in
&od0s plan<
>@?
The message in the sermon notes, found at the church, said all believers
would be taken off earth at a particular time..
.This has to be the answer ,abbi. Bust as %noch went to heaven before he saw death, so
must my family have gone. This could also e!plain the mysterious disappearance of (ol0s
body. " am comforted a little if this is true. " remember you reading one day from the
book of "saiah. "t said we should seek the $ord whilst He may be found. Help me to
understand this. "s it too late for me to find the $ord and see my loved ones again<.
As ,abbi %inson considered (imon0s questions, his eyes ga'ed at the pleasant view from
the window. He was alarmed at the e!tent of (imon0s fear and desperation. Had he been
wrong in what he taught in the synagogue each week<
Turning again to (imon he said, .(urely %noch is with &od, but " do not believe our
promised :essiah was this Besus. The sermon found at the church does not convince me
that Besus was &od0s son. " reach out to you in love and compassion, as a brother and
fellow Bew, but " don0t know what to advise. " don0t know how to help you..
After the ,abbi left, (imon, feeling re-ected, closed his eyes and prayed that &od would
comfort him in his helplessness. Then, quite deliberately, he went back to #avid0s house
and searched the book titles in his bookcase. He picked up a very large book called
07illmington0s &uide to the Aible0. (earching its contents his pulse quickened as he
noticed some important e!planations on page number 3@5. "t saidN
5. !e Rapt#re o" te C#rc.
>8?

A. !e meaning o" te word /rapt#re/. !e term is deri(ed "rom te ,atin word rapere
wic means /to transport "rom one place to anoter./ !#s te ne&t great sced#led e(ent
predicted by te %ible will take place wen te ,ord 2es#s comes in te air to catc #p
is own.
F#rter down te page Simon noticed some more e&planations,
%. !e participants in te rapt#re. For wom will 2es#s come0 Crist will come again "or
is c#rc, wic is composed o" all sa(ed people "rom Pentecost
678
#p to te rapt#re
itsel".
(imon read on and saw that the participants included Besus himself, an Archangel, the
bodies of dead believers, and the translated bodies of living believers. (o " was right, he
thought. "t 7A( -ust like %noch+ 7ith a sickening feeling in his stomach he read many
other pages. (imon reali'ed he had been left behind because of his unbelief. He had not
accepted Besus Christ as &od0s own (on like his family had. There was no doubt about it.
The rapture, predicted in the Aible, had actually happened.
The living members of his family had been translated and (ol0s dead body had also been
taken into the safety of heaven. $ater, as he lay trying to sleep, he wondered why the
,abbi never knew these things. (imon had many troubled thoughts. He remembered Ann
talking to him about the rapture, but had never accepted her beliefs.
The late night news reported Christian bookshops being ransacked for books on
prophecy. ,eports said the contents of these books said the rapture had been planned by
&od. The disappearance of many people confirmed this. (imon decided he must study
more concerning this in the morning.
>5?

novel.
1. The Aible tells that %noch went to heaven in a very unique way. The book of
&enesis, Chapter 5, verses @8 and @= tell us that &od translated %noch directly to
heaven. This was the first such instance in the Aible of anyone being taken
directly to heaven. "t also happened to one other person in the 6ld Testament.
That person was %li-ah. His story is told in the book of @ Gings, chapter @, verses
1 to 11.
@. &od0s plan for this earth and all its peoples, unfolds throughout the whole of the
Aible. "t is &od0s hope that all people will get to know Him through Besus Christ,
so they can share in the benefits of living on earth in fullness of life, and later in
heaven. However, &od has laid down strict conditions. The teachings of Besus are
very clear. "n Bohn, Chapter 8 Besus says, ..... unless one is born again, he cannot
see the Gingdom of &od..
8. The rapture was described previously in NovelNotes. &od often foreshadows
what He is going to do, and perhaps the e!amples of %noch and %li-ah were to
demonstrate that people can be taken off the earth by an all powerful &od, and
taken to heaven to serve &od0s purposes.
=. ;entecost is the term given to the beginning of the church 59 days after the
resurrection of Besus. 6n that day, the Holy (pirit was given to the Church.
5. (imon is typical of many who will study the Aible at this time in quiet
desperation. 6f course he should have done it prior to the rapture.
/ou may read it online, or you may download it for later reading and study.
However, the contents must not be altered in any way, or distributed for profit in
any form, either in any form of electronic or print media.
Chapter 14
(imon watched the new moon disappear as the sun0s rays pushed their long fingers
between fluffy white clouds, bringing to life that which slept. He felt &od0s hand of
compassion upon him and once again, tears fell. Already his empty arms missed the
completeness they had found when they encircled Ann in his embrace. Although alone,
and full of sorrow, he managed to pray. His words acknowledged the power of &od.
(imon knew his life and death was surely in &od0s hands. He went to #avid0s house,
trying to escape the emptiness he felt in his own home. As he entered he smelt the spicy
aroma of anointing oil. "t lingered in every room, soothing and rela!ing (imon.
He chose another book from #avid0s bookcase. "t was very old with blotchy acid marks
on the dusty, yellow pages. He noticed #avid0s comments written neatly at the bottom of
some pages. &ently and tenderly he ran his fingers over the words as if remembering
#avid0s voice. ;recious memories flooded back when he remembered times spent
discussing the books of the $aw which were part of #avid0s Aible. (imon0s eyes devoured
the words in the book, as if scooped up by hands, eager to feed the hunger inside himself
as he searched for the truth. His thoughts raced. #avid and " are both Abraham0s seed and
heirs of the promise to Abraham. 7ill we ever see each other again<
He read in #avid0s old book that the purpose of the Bewish $aw was to bring people to
Besus Christ.
>1?
The book said, since the first coming of Christ, we are no longer under the
Bewish $aw. (imon struggled to understand the meaning of this, so he read on. The
Bewish $aw was meant to show man his sinfulness and inadequacy against &od0s
perfection and character. "t was sufficient to guide &od0s people until Besus birth and
teaching on earth.
(imon turned the page and noticed #avid0s comments which read, /!e ,aw cannot sa(e.
No sel" e""ort will elp me gain eternal li"e. I am sa(ed only by *od/s grace, i" I belie(e in
)im and repent./
(imon was beginning to understand that his re-ection of Christ as the :essiah kept him
anchored to Bewish traditions and beliefs. #avid seemed to have removed the barrier of
the $aw and discovered the truth. He had given himself wholly, in faith, to his belief in
Besus Christ and not re-ected Him as the :essiah, &od0s own (on. (imon put aside his
own beliefs and continued to read. Bust as the High ;riest in the (ynagogue was
appointed to offer continual, temporary gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for Besus to
offer His own life, -ust once, as a sacrifice for all.
>@?
(imon slowly closed the old book as
he considered -ust how blind he had been. At last " understand #avid0s words to me. 6ut
of my suffering and loss has come understanding and hope. Bust as " saw the new moon
last night, " know " too can have a new beginning.
He knelt beside the window and asked &od to forgive him of his past unbelief. (imon
acknowledged Besus as his (aviour and long awaited :essiah, the (on of &od. The suns
rays shone through the glass warming him with its soothing glow. He walked home
hoping he could deal with anything that might happen in the future.
Near his house, he was startled by the loudness of a voice coming from his multimedia
television. "ts intrusive noise blurted out the latest news bulletin.
/It is ad(ised banks and stock e&canges will re+open tomorrow. A pre(io#sly #nknown
gro#p called N$- %anking a(e agreed to loan all banks te necessary "#nds to enable
tem to operate as be"ore. !is news is recei(ed wit great elation tro#go#t te world./
(imon received this news with apprehension. He was suspicious of any unknown
monetary institution, even if it appeared to offer relief from the present money crisis.
;eople had begun to use the new micro)chip embedded *lash Cards, instead of cash.
They purchased food or goods, and conducted all banking transactions without cash.
Although the new multi)purpose television system came with technology enabling people
to use the *lash Card system, (imon had no desire to do so. He wondered if the personal
information and the number printed on the micro chip would reveal private information
to dubious characters.
The face often seen on store monitors and other media appeared on the screen. (imon
disliked the way this man, Ale!ander Budastus had become a political hero overnight. He
was now, it seemed, connected with N76 Aanking.
This man is gaining to much power too quickly. His smooth confident voice could win
almost anyone over thought (imon.
/As )ead o" te Con"ederation o" E#ropean Nations, I bring yo# more good news. I a(e
been instr#mental in a(ing te e&isting peace treaty between Israel and all Arab
Nations con"irmed "or a period o" 9 years. I a(e bro#gt peace to te 'iddle East.6:8
All people in te world can now look "orward to peace and prosperity./
As Ale!ander continued, (imon became interested in his ne!t announcement. /A"ter more
tan 5;<< years, te 2ewis !emple in 2er#salem will be reb#ilt.
678
!is was an additional
o#tcome o" te peace treaty being con"irmed "or te se(en year period. =nlimited "inance
and manpower will be made a(ailable to complete te !emple in abo#t tree years,
making it possible "or 2ewis worsip and te sacri"icial system to be reintrod#ced.
'acrotec will employ to#sands on te pro4ect, relie(ing te #nemployment sit#ation./
Ale!ander0s face faded from the monitor, as the satellite cable from Arussels ended.
(imon wondered why he felt so disturbed, when Ale!ander was beginning to appear as
the saviour
>5?
of the world<
(imon decided to drive over to &ranright. The foreman had kept in touch with him since
#avid0s disappearance, assuring (imon production would continue if that was his wish.
As (imon approached the plant, he heard the familiar rattle and clunk of busyness.
Although some people were missing from their usual places, production continued to run
smoothly. (everal workers greeted him. 6thers were outside sorting through the burnt out
remains of the holding shed. The morning tea bell sounded and people began to gather in
the lunch room. (imon -oined them and heard many discussing today0s news reports with
great e!citement.
." never thought " would live to see another Temple built. #id you (imon< ;erhaps some
of my family will be able to get work now..
.To think that animal sacrifices are to take place again+
>C?
" must fatten my animals and set
aside the best of them for sacrifice.. he -oked.
An older man was over-oyed at the prospect of money being available once again.
." will be able to retire now as money has been released. :y younger brother is returning
to "srael soon from "taly. " am looking for a home for him and his family. There are quite
a few fully furnished vacant homes close to Tel Aviv. ;eople seem to have abandoned
them, leaving food in the cupboards and washing tangled on the clothes lines. Their pets
roam the streets in search of food..
(imon knew he should tell these people what he read in #avid0s books. (ome worshipped
at the (ynagogue he attended. 7here would he start< 7ould they accept his words
concerning these things< Bust as he was about to speak the bell sounded, signalling a
return to work. Chairs grated and mugs clinked into the dish washer. *or the moment the
opportunity was lost.
He walked to the office where #avid and (ol once worked. He sat in #avid0s chair and
gently wept, not only out of his own personal grief, but also for these faithful workers.
All had presumed he would run &ranright now that #avid and (ol were gone. He knew
from their conversations, some were beginning to reali'e there must be some truth in this
rapture people were talking about. "f only they will accept my words, -ust as they accept
my leadership of &ranright he thought. " need someone to help me run the business.
;erhaps someone who was close to #avid.
He remembered #avid0s happiness when he told the family of his recent trip to Athens
and of his reunion with Ari. (imon decided to write offering Ari a partnership in
&ranright. He hoped the offer would at least bring him to "srael before a final decision
was made.
novel.
1. "t is e!plained in (cripture that the Bewish $aw ) i.e. the $aw given to :oses by
&od, was a tutor to lead New Testament believers towards Christ and to let people
see how they had sinned against &od0s law. This means that living under Christ
and what He taught, was a fulfilment of the :osaic $aw and never was a
detraction from it. (ee the book of &alatians, Chapter 8, verses @8 to @5. 7hat a
marvellous thought for Bewish people who try to live by the $aw+
@. Bewish people under the $aw used to have a High ;riest to offer sacrifices once
every year, for their sins to be forgiven. &od had always planned Besus would die
on the cross as a sacrifice -ust once, and that this one sacrifice would be sufficient
for all people for all time, past, present and future. (ee the book of Hebrews
Chapter 19, verse 19.
8. The peace being talked about here by Ale!ander Budastus is a man)made peace
which cannot last. However, the peoples of the world are so desperate for peace,
they will believe anyone. As e!plained earlier, &od knew that this so called peace
would come about at this time, and by this man.
=. "t is the prediction of (cripture that this man will enable the Bewish temple to
be rebuilt. The Bewish people will treat this man as their long awaited :essiah,
and are totally deceived by his success in the world.
5. (imon0s thought about this man being the saviour of the world is not surprising.
After all, he is doing the things the world would e!pect a saviour to do, which
makes the deception perfect. Can you begin to see the importance of the Holy
Aible, which tells us all these things in advance< There is absolutely no reason
why we should be deceived.
C. This relates to point @ above. The Bewish sacrificial system, instituted by &od
when He gave :oses the ten commandments, was to get them into the way of
repentance and forgiveness. There were times when this worked very well, but
there were other times when &od had to punish the Bewish people to bring them
back on track. The sacrifices were an elaborate system of a range of sacrifices,
using different animals for different aspects of Hebrew life at the time. Aeginning
in Chapter @9 of the book of %!odus is an e!planation of the Bewish $aw and
sacrificial system.
Chapter 15
Ari, Helen, and Nicholas, continued to feel their sickening grief. They now accepted that
%lena, along with her girlfriend, were -ust two of the number who disappeared without
trace. Nicholas tried to hide his grief, and as a result, e!ploded into sudden angry
outbursts. Ari tried to comfort his son, but Nicholas was of that age when he kept his
innermost thoughts and feelings to himself. He felt guilty when he remembered how
mercilessly he had teased his sister. 7hy was " so mean to her he agonised. " miss her so
much.
Ari and Helen were beginning to accept all missing people were in heaven. The rapture
occurred -ust as Anthony the minister had forewarned, and %lena had been a part of it..
Ari and Helen0s counselling appointments increased each day, as distressed people came
for help. (ome were tormented by memories of things said in haste to loved ones, or
worse, left unsaid. Their work had become a chore and their beautiful home, with its sea
views, did little to still their restlessness. (imon0s letter surprised them. Ari was shocked
to read of (ol0s violent death and #avid0s disappearance. (imon0s words supported
everything Anthony had preached. (imon apparently discovered this truth in some of
#avid0s books and believed what the writers said.
/Ari,/ the letter continued.
/*ranrigt is too m#c "or me to r#n on my own. $o#ld yo# consider coming to Israel
wit a (iew to becoming my partner0/
Ari and Helen were surprised by his bold request.
.7hat makes (imon think we could help< 7e are professionals, not production
managers,. responded Helen doubtfully.
.Aeats me+.
Helen knew by Ari0s curious tone that an idea was already forming in his mind. Nicholas
remained quiet and aloof as his parents discussed the contents of (imon0s letter. His mind
was in turmoil. Ne!t thing you know they0ll be dragging me to some out of the way town
where there is no action. :y friends are here+ Can0t imagine any e!citement near the (ea
of &alilee where this (imon lives+
His father0s voice interrupted his thoughts.
.;erhaps we could lease our house and use this trip as a holiday..
Nicholas bellowed, .#oesn0t anyone ever think to ask what " want< %lena might come
back. 7hat will she do if we0re not here< " hate you+.
Tears of frustration crept down his flushed face. Ari held his son close, as at last, sobs
racked the boy0s body. *ather and son wept as they unashamedly hugged each other.
Helen quietly left the room with tears glistening on her long dark lashes. (he knew
Nicholas had taken the first step along the hard road to accepting the loss of his sister.
;erhaps a time in "srael would help mend their grieving hearts.
7ith trembling hands (imon tore open the air letter from &reece. He quickly read the
polite asides searching for the answer he hoped for. The letter read,
/In spite o" o#r present sit#ation we a(e decided to (isit Israel "or an e&tended oliday.
Alto#g )elen and I are not s#re wat te "#t#re olds, I will be glad to elp o#t at te
plant. $e a(e leased o#r ome and practice to a "ellow psycologist. %ot )elen and I
need a break "rom increasing demands on o#r time. Atens as become a place o"
#nspeakable lawlessness and (iolence. Cildren are being sed#ced by !> and m#ltimedia
programs, "orming wrong attit#des wit "ew moral (al#es. 'any parents a(e lost te
ability to g#ide and teac correct (al#es, or set bo#ndaries. Nicolas is not too appy
wit o#r plans. Nat#rally, te s#dden disappearance o" is sister as ca#sed #s all m#c
distress./
(imon couldn0t help comparing Athens to life in "srael. 7hen will this strife and
deception end< 7hat comfort or hope can parents find in this present world< They need
the wisdom of (olomon to raise their children. (imon hoped Ari and his family would
settle into #avid0s home without too much trouble. 7ith the return of thousands of Bews
to "srael each week, Ari and his family were lucky to book a flight so quickly.
:any Bews had, in the light of the evidence of the rapture, decided to believe in Besus
Christ and all the New Testament said concerning these times
.>1?
(ome of the workers at
&ranright -oined them as a result of (imon0s encouragement. "t was now being reported
that a very large group of Bewish men
>@?
were travelling the whole world preaching the
&ospel of Christ. Apparently they were descendants from the twelve tribes of "srael.
,abbi %inson appeared to now be a member of this group, or at least knew many of the
people in it. All pride in his own works, and knowledge, had crumbled when he accepted
the truth. Also, a few days ago, two Bewish evangelists
>8?
suddenly appeared preaching on
the streets of Berusalem, especially around the western wall area, where the Bewish temple
once stood over 1299 years ago.
7hat did Ari and his family believe< (imon had heard much about the new Hniversal
Church
>=?
and its fast growing numbers. "ts leader, known as ;rophet 7arwick
>5?
, was
rumoured to have claimed ama'ing miracles took place during services. :any flocked to
all churches affiliated with the Hniversal church. They brought with them people plagued
by illness and troubles of every kind. These churches promoted the goodness of
Ale!ander Budastus, often seen at one of their churches. Ale!ander promised to provide
financial help and military protection to adherents of this church.
(imon had lots of questions in his mind. How can politics and religion go hand in hand<
7here does the power to perform these incredible miracles come from< 7ere the
followers of this church worshipping the one and only true &od, or some imposter who
promised the world. 7as their prophet following Besus, or was everything about him
false<
(imon put these questions aside and returned to Ari0s letter. He wrote,
/I a(e a "riend, Andr#s, wo works as a sec#rity g#ard on Cypr#s. )is last letter
contained some rater bi?arre news o" a secret meeting eld tere recently. )e o(ereard
plans relating to s#r(eillance e3#ipment, a new monetary system and te controlling o"
most m#ltinational corporations. $at alarmed Andr#s was teir planning "or wat tey
called a New $orld -rder, res#lting in a -ne $orld *o(ernment and -ne $orld
Religion.6@8 )a(e yo# any signs o" tis in Israel0/
The letter closed with Ari0s personal thoughts on these matters.
(imon placed the letter on the coffee table, hoping the Hniversal Church was not the
beginning of a 6ne 7orld ,eligion. "f so, (imon feared for any who refused to become
part of it, or its teachings. "t was all too scary to contemplate+
novel.
1. To believe in Besus Christ is a decision of the will and is based on what the whole
of (cripture says about Him, what He has done, and what we need to believe. The
New Testament in particular, is full of the requirements for believing in Besus
Christ.
@. The Aible tells us about this large number of Bewish men >1== 999?, 1@ 999
coming from each of the 1@ Bewish tribes. They are servants of &od and are
protected by Him. This group of Bewish men operate as evangelists around the
world, to tell &od0s message to those who are not aware of coming events.
8. These are &od0s two special evangelists who will act as witnesses for Him over
a period of three and a half years. They will be given special powers that are
supernatural in nature, enabling them to do ama'ing things.
=. The Hniversal Church is the name given in the novel to the worldwide church
who believe they follow &od, but in fact do not. They have been deceived in their
efforts to worship the true &od.
5. 7arwick is the name given to one of the ma-or players in the world scene at
this time of history. He is the *alse ;rophet of the church which is evil in nature
and which deceives many people. He is an associate of the Antichrist.
C. New 7orld 6rder, 6ne 7orld &overnment and 6ne 7orld ,eligion have
already been discussed in NovelNotes number 1 in Chapter 11.
Chapter 16
After the death of Abdullah "shamel in the plane that crashed en route to "srael, ,euben
tracked down the leader of :acrotech. He knew this man, named Ale!ander Budastus,
distributed surface to air guided missiles. These portable missiles used electronic
navigation techniques to find their target. They were now available, together with other
more sophisticated arms. ,euben was glad he had invested most of his money from the
sale of his computer business into these weapons, in an effort to help his people. Newly
developed space vehicles, equipped with the latest tracking devices and warfare
pro-ectiles, were financed with some of this money. At last, thought ,euben, my Arab
people are being heard and helped. He was pleased his media equipment for surveillance
was also being used worldwide.
Ale!ander Budastus has much to offer he mused. He is a strong, natural born, leader.
,euben was roused from his vain imaginings by the ringing phone connected to his
monitor.
.;eter here. " guess you saw Ale!ander Budastus on today0s media newscast. A good
report wouldn0t you say< This new card is like cash in their pockets.. .$ess cash, but not
cashless. (ounds good,. replied ,euben.
." don0t go along with the peace treaty. "0m still not back in my family home in
Berusalem..
.Aelieve me ,euben, there is more to this than meets the eye. Ale!ander is a hard
calculating man. His plans reach far beyond the present situation. He has great power in
,ome, and some Bews believe Ale!ander Budastus is the :essiah. Now that their Temple
is finished, they will reinstitute the Bewish sacrificial system..
.7on0t their religion be a threat to the new Hniversal Church<.
.Their two super evangelists, and all the other thousands around the world can preach all
they like. The miracles occurring in the Hniversal Church equal anything seen anywhere.
Talisman0s, portraying Ale!ander0s head, are being given to members of the new
Hniversal church. ;eople believe they will be protected from sickness and misfortune if
they wear one. Articles, once belonging to Ale!ander have been blessed by the ;rophet of
the Hniversal Church. ;eople have been healed instantly of cancer, blindness and other
illnesses when they touched these things. The talisman and articles have great
supernatural power to heal..
,euben wanted to end this conversation. He hadn0t seen any of these miracles and felt left
out of Ale!ander0s rise to power. ,euben felt ;eter had dismissed him without any firm
plans for him in this organi'ation.
Ari, Helen, and Nicholas settled into #avid0s home near the plant. (imon and Nicholas
became friends at their first meeting. They spent time walking the same paths (imon once
walked with #avid and ,euben. "n many ways Nicholas reminded (imon of ,euben. He
showed some of the same aloof gruffness. (imon hoped that after a few weeks, Nicholas0
brusqueness would change a little, -ust as ,euben0s did when he was a boy. (imon missed
,euben. #avid had once told (imon how ,euben had grown into a far different man.
Nicholas flopped onto his bed and stared at the withering leaves on a grapevine outside
the window. He didn0t quite understand what was happening to him. He thought this
feeling came as a result of leaving his home and sister behind. He couldn0t be bothered
with TF or his favourite C#0s. His daily walk with (imon had become the bright spot in
each day. (imon was a good substitute grandfather. Nicholas opened a book (imon had
given him. "t reminded him of #avid0s visit and the time when #avid, %lena and their
parents helped him finish his assignment. "nside the book he read,
/Da(id I??ard + always a 2ew + o" late, an enligtened 2ew./
The book was a recent publication entitled, /!e In(asion '#st Come./ Not a bad title
thought Nicholas as he began to read about a battle, which according to the Aible was
supposed to happen some time in the future.
Ari was pleased with his tour of &ranright. "n spite of the fire, the books showed good
sales figures for last month. As he walked with (imon to the burnt out ruins, they made
plans to employ more drivers to meet delivery demands.
.#avid must have worked hard to establish this plant, (imon. " hope we are able to flood
the market with the new products..
.That is my wish too, or else #avid0s work will have been in vain. " think we should also
employ e!tra staff for our packaging department. (ome of the men have wives who want
to work here..
.Helen is also keen to find something to occupy her time. "f she agrees, we could start a
day care centre where workers can leave their children. "t would be good for her, she
misses %lena so much. 7ith Nicholas settled into his new school, Helen needs something
more than household routine..
A few weeks later (imon -oined the family for dinner. As they talked by a gently glowing
fire, (imon could not help noticing Helen0s enthusiasm as she told Ari of her work with
the children. He was glad to see some -oy returning to her life.
Ari and his family had been going to one of the newly formed Christian home groups
>1?

with (imon. Ari spent many hours in long debates with men in the group, but had not
shared their ideas with Helen or Nicholas for fear of embarrassment. Tonight, as they all
sat around the fire, the time seemed right. Ari winked at (imon and began.
.There is something " am busting to tell you. " have kept quiet all day but can0t any
longer. This morning " asked (imon what " must do to become a Christian.
>@?
He
e!plained this to me again and " accepted Besus as my (aviour. " don0t know what lies
ahead, but believe Besus Christ alone can save us. The events of the last months and my
study of (cripture, leave me in no doubt that we are in for a tough time. *rom now on "
want to live according to what the Aible says, -ust like we should have prior to the
rapture. Had we done so, we would now be in heaven with all the others..
Helen looked lovingly at Ari.
." want to be with you in all your decisions. *or some time " have been praying for
understanding and want to follow Besus too..
Nicholas couldn0t believe his ears. His eyes widened as he saw his #ad quickly wipe tears
of -oy from his face, as well as his mother0s.
./ou two look like a couple of sloppy teenagers. "0m going to bed+. He banged the door
behind him, not really understanding why he was so cross. $ater, as he went over these
events, he reali'ed it was because he felt left out of their special moment.
(imon walked out into the chilly pre)winter night air and Ari couldn0t help noticing a
new)found spring in the old man0s steps. $ater that night Ari helped Helen make her
commitment to the $ord Besus Christ. He felt sure there would be many days when they
would be tested as they followed His teachings.
. These are a helpful feature of this novel. Their use is optional. They may be used if you
novel.
1. 7e anticipate that at this time, new groups will form rapidly to study and find out
from Aibles and other books -ust what is going to happen ne!t. *rom these studies
many people will decide to follow Christ, even though they have missed the
rapture. The rapture of course only included people who believed in Besus Christ
at the time of the rapture. "t does not pay not to be a believer+ Aelievers will be in
heaven and safe from the terrors that will occur.
@. (imon0s e!planation may have been something like this. &etting to know &od
and becoming a Christian is quite a simple process if that is a step that you really
want to take. These are the steps you must take, once you decide you want to be a
Christian.
Before you read what follows in these chapter 16
Novelnotes, we suggest you click here to read the short
article entitled Please Consider the law Gods law! "it
will #ake what follows even #ore understanda$le%
Preparation.
"f you want to follow Besus Christ, you will need to look through the following and
see that you accept and believe all of the following.
1. That you are a sinner separated from &od and that you want to be restored into
relationship with Him. 1"or all a(e sinned and "all sort o" te glory o" *od,1
>&alatians 8N@8?
@. That &od0s gift for you is eternal life. 1For te wages o" sin is deat, b#t te gi"t o"
*od is eternal li"e in Crist 2es#s o#r ,ord.1 >,om CN@8?
8. That to know &od and receive &od0s best you must be born again. 12es#s answered
and said to im, 1'ost ass#redly, I say to yo#, #nless one is born again, e cannot
see te kingdom o" *od.......1'ost ass#redly, I say to yo#, #nless one is born o" water
and te Spirit, e cannot enter te kingdom o" *od.1 1!at wic is born o" te "les
is "les, and tat wic is born o" te Spirit is spirit.1 >Bohn 8N8)C?
=. That the intent of &od0s love for you was to save you from eternal death. 1For *od
so lo(ed te world tat )e ga(e )is only begotten Son, tat woe(er belie(es in )im
so#ld not peris b#t a(e e(erlasting li"e.1 >Bohn 8N1C?
5. That &od anticipated your need. 1%#t *od demonstrates )is own lo(e toward #s,
in tat wile we were still sinners, Crist died "or #s.1 >,om 5N3 ?
C. That Besus is the only way to &od. 12es#s said to im, 1I am te way, te tr#t, and
te li"e. No one comes to te Fater e&cept tro#g 'e.1 >Bohn 1=NC?
4. That you will be -ustified >put right? before &od, by virtue of the death of Besus on
the cross. 1%#t i" we walk in te ligt as )e is in te ligt, we a(e "ellowsip wit
one anoter, and te blood o" 2es#s Crist )is Son cleanses #s "rom all sin.1 >1 Bohn
1N4?
"f you can really believe and accept all these things, then you can make your
commitment. "f you do not understand all these things, then have them e!plained until
you do. :aking a commitment. There are two aspects of any commitment to Christ.
1. Believing.
Acknowledging your belief in Besus and what He has done for you. "f you believe,
then speak out an acknowledgment of that belief before &od. (cripture saysN 1tat i"
yo# con"ess wit yo#r mo#t te ,ord 2es#s and belie(e in yo#r eart tat *od as
raised )im "rom te dead, yo# will be sa(ed.1 For wit te eart one belie(es #nto
rigteo#sness, and wit te mo#t con"ession is made #nto sal(ation.1
>,om 19N2)19? 1For *od so lo(ed te world tat )e ga(e )is only begotten Son, tat
woe(er belie(es in )im so#ld not peris b#t a(e e(erlasting li"e.1 >Bohn 8N1C?
2. Repenting of yor !in )including a confession of it.
The ma-or sin for confession is not having previously acknowledged Besus Christ as
your (aviour. However, if you are weighed down by particular sins, those wrong
things you have done and said, then quietly confess those too. Telling &od about them
removes the sin and guilt from you. "f you need to go to someone else to confess your
harming of them in word or deed, then do that also. Geep the following verses in
mind as your guarantee of forgiveness and assurance of eternal life.
1I" we con"ess o#r sins, )e is "ait"#l and 4#st to "orgi(e #s o#r sins and to cleanse #s
"rom all #nrigteo#sness.1 >1 Bohn 1N2? 1!r#ly, tese times o" ignorance *od
o(erlooked, b#t now commands all men e(erywere to repent,1 beca#se )e as
appointed a day on wic )e will 4#dge te world in rigteo#sness by te 'an wom
)e as ordained. )e as gi(en ass#rance o" tis to all by raising )im "rom te dead.1
>Acts 14N89)81 NGBF?
" prayer yo #ol$ !e.
1)ea(enly Fater, I want to be a real Cristian. I reali?e tat my sin as separated
me "rom Ao#. Please "orgi(e me. I belie(e tat 2es#s died "or me on te cross. I accept
tis by "ait in wat te %ible says. I want to be a cild o" Ao#rs. Please come into my
li"e and do tat "or me. I will "ollow Ao# and obey Ao# "ore(er. Amen.1
6f course it is of no use speaking out these words if you do not really mean them.
&od can see our hearts and if we are being hypocritical, then they will be empty
words to Him.
(imon would then have reminded Ari of the results of his commitment.
1. /ou now have new life through the (pirit of &od.
1%#t i" te Spirit o" )im wo raised 2es#s "rom te dead dwells in yo#, )e wo raised
Crist "rom te dead will also gi(e li"e to yo#r mortal bodies tro#g )is Spirit wo
dwells in yo#.1 >,om 3N11?
1 I" yo# ten, being e(il, know ow to gi(e good gi"ts to yo#r cildren, ow m#c
more will yo#r ea(enly Fater gi(e te )oly Spirit to tose wo ask )im.1 >$uke
11N11)18?
@. /ou know that your sins are forgiven.
8. /ou have made peace with &od.
=. /ou are a part of &od0s family here on earth.
5. /ou have the free gift of eternal life.
C. /ou have &od as your heavenly *ather.
4. /ou will come to know &od0s purposes for your life.
3. /ou will know that whatever happens, your eternal future is safe and secure.
%hat to $o no&'
The following would have applied to Ari, or any reader of this book if they so choose.
Try to -oin a group of Christians who study the Aible and follow Besus Christ.
Aaptism in water is a symbolic representation of the end of the old life and the
beginning of the new. Not everyone may fully believe, in or fully understand water
baptism, but in the Aible it is a normal and e!pected part of the Christian life. Besus
commanded it for all of us. Notice the following verses.
1/And now wy are yo# waiting0 Arise and be baptised, and was away yo#r sins,
calling on te name o" te ,ord./1 >Acts @@N1C?
.Then ;eter said to them, 1Repent, and let e(ery one o" yo# be baptised in te name
o" 2es#s Crist "or te remission o" sinsB and yo# sall recei(e te gi"t o" te )oly
Spirit.1 >Acts @N83?
"(()R*)+, %-". /O0 -"12 3O+2.
"t is important to immediately affirm what you have done. 6ne way to do this is to
read out aloud all the (criptures you have used to become a Christian. That means to
use all the (criptures on these pages. "t would be a good idea to do this often. Notice
the incredible statements that have been made in the Aible about what you have -ust
done.
*or e!ampleN Bohn 1N 1@)18. 1... to all wo recei(ed im, to tose wo belie(ed in is
name, e ga(e te rigt to become cildren o" *od cildren born o" *od.1 /ou are
now a child of &od.
%phesians @N3)2. 1For it is by grace yo# a(e been sa(ed, tro#g "ait +and tis not
"rom yo#rsel(es, it is te gi"t o" *od +not by works, so tat no+one can boast..1
@ Corinthians 5N14. 1!ere"ore, i" anyone is in Crist, e is a new creationB te old
as gone, te new as come.1
Bohn 19N19. 1I a(e come tat tey may a(e li"e, and a(e it to te "#ll.1
6ne of the most important results of making this decision is that you have received
the Holy (pirit of &od 7ho is now residing with you. This means you have been
restored and that the Holy (pirit can now teach you about Besus, the *ather and
Himself. 7hat you now read in the Aible will become easier to understand, although
you should not e!pect too much too soon. $earning about these things is a gradual
process.
+24. 5.2P5
"f this were all happening to you and not Ari, then the following things would need to
be considered. 7hen you have taken all these steps, you are a child of the only true
and living &od. /ou have been born into a family of believers around the world. /ou
have a new birth into your new life. /ou now have the first stages of the fullness of
life that Besus offers. This new life from &od will benefit your body, soul and spirit.
:any new things can now happen in your life. *rom now on you and &od have a
partnership into which you both contribute. The two main things to remember and do,
are to trust &od in all the circumstances of your life and be obedient to His word as it
is revealed in the Aible.
"t is suggested that you begin to build into your life all of the following things.
1. $earn to depend on Besus and his (pirit. (ee Bohn 1=N@C. Continue to pray to be
continually filled with the Holy (pirit. ,emember what is said in $uke 11N11)18. (ee
also %phesians 5N13.
@. Take time each day, preferably in the morning, to read your Aible and pray. Treat
&od as a *ather who wants to hear all your desires and concerns.
8. *ind a good church as near as you can to your home. Ae prepared to travel a bit if
you need to, in order to find a good one. Ae attracted by the loving actions of people,
not -ust by what they say. Boin a small group in your church to help you learn to grow
as a Christian. %very new believer needs lots of fellowship and teaching.
=. &o to a Christian bookshop and get some study guides and prayer helps. There are
many of these available to help new believers.
5. ,eali'e that you have made the biggest decision of your life and there is now
before you a lifetime of e!citing possibilities in &od. There are so many things to
learn about &od0s ways of living.
C. "f you finish up making a commitment like Ari, you might like to drop a line to the
authors to tell them you have made this step.
7rite to &ood News Australia, ;6 Ao! C=@ &len 7averley, Fictoria, Australia, 8159.
6r email at kgwOalphalink.com.au
4. ,emember all you have read here is only the beginning stages of the Christian
faith. #on0t -ust settle where you are at and not go on with &od. &od has a plan for
every person on earth who is prepared to trust in Him and His ways. &od bless you.
(tay close to Him.
5O*2 "(.2R.-O0,-.5
Also consider these remarks that have come out of a book >%scape into $ife? written
by one of the authors in 1221.
#aniel, the #aniel who survived the lion0s den, once said to his Ging that 0There is a
&od in heaven.0 This statement by him is the hope of all mankind. "f there was not a
&od in heaven, then mankind would be doomed. &od sent Besus to confirm there is a
&od in heaven and to tell the world what to do in order to get to heaven when death
finally comes. He also sent Besus to tell us how to live here on earth. The values Besus
e!pressed are almost totally opposed to those man lives by now. :ankind will often
give lip service to these values, but is generally unable to perform them. However, by
the death and resurrection of Besus, all men and women, if they decide to commit
their lives to Christ, can begin to know fullness of life on earth, and gain eternal life.
There is no circumstance of life which cannot be influenced for you by Besus, if you
can place your faith in Him. 7e all want a better life on earth right here and now.
Besus is the way to it.
#o not be influenced by the world and those in it who accuse believers of being
square, boring Aible bashers. Besus has said that those who stand firm in their belief
are those who will inherit eternal life in the Gingdom of &od.
Also, do not be influenced by what looks >in part? to be a poor showing of &od0s
church in the world today. The church has many weaknesses, but &od does not. "t is
&od0s church and He will prevail, despite the struggles of His people. :ore important
than all the weaknesses, all the hypocrisy and sin within His people, are the eternal
truths that stand. Budge &od and what He can do by what He says in the Aible, not by
the struggles of His people on earth. No matter what man does to help or hinder, &od
will prevail for ever. Besus came so that you and " might be saved from eternal death
and go to live with Him forever.
The message of Besus is the most revolutionary the world has ever seen. "t may upset
some who think they know better, but others will welcome it. %ither way, " hope you
will take advantage of all that He offers and . . . ESCAPE INTO LIFE.
Chapter 17
The procession, led by singers dressed in long, flowing, purple robes encircled with white
sashes, moved slowly down the crowded main street of Berusalem. The band followed
with drums, tambourines, symbols, horns and trumpets drowning out the gentler sounds
of bells and flute. There was an air of e!citement as people followed behind. Children ran
and skipped, dogs barked and scampered around their legs. Construction of the Bewish
temple
>1?
was complete. This site had remained empty for over 1299 years.
Today, all were invited to come and view the temple0s splendour. "t was built of solid
timbers grown in "srael. :uch of the wood was overlaid with gold. The magnificent
pillars in front of the temple were intricately carved with fruit and wreaths. "nside, the
temple was adorned with heavy curtains and lit with golden lamps. The altar, tables,
bowls and other articles were made of burnished bron'e or silver. Carved cherubim
graced the panelled walls with wings spread as if to protect everything in this place.
;recious stones were inset into the walls of another room engraved with palm trees and
chains. The temple, its surrounds and internal furnishings were all reminiscent of the
glorious days of (olomon.
The crowd ga'ed in awe at the palatial grandeur and opulence of the e!travagant interior.
They became hushed as trumpets sounded heralding a new time for Bewish people. The
High ;riest, dressed in black, entered and stood before the altar with hands outstretched.
His prayer began, .$ord &od of "srael, there is no &od in heaven or on earth like /ou.
Heaven cannot contain /ouD how much less this new temple we have built. Hear us from
Heaven and forgive the sin of /our people. 7hen /our people struggle, hear their cries.
6h $ord &od, do not turn from us, for /ou are good and /our mercy endures forever..
The High ;riest motioned to one of the dignitaries in the front row. Ale!ander Budastus
stood and thunderous applause filled the air. This was an indication of the warmth
towards the man who made the building of this temple possible. The high priest noticed
that although Ale!ander Budastus proudly and vainly received their adulation, there was
also a narrowing of his eyes, suggesting other feelings. The high priest shivered, and
wondered why he had misgivings about Ale!ander. 7hen the accolade ceased, the high
priest knelt, with his head bowed to the ground. The sounds of harps, flutes and bells
filled the temple in a sweet finale to its dedication.
The sacrificial system was then reintroduced. As the high priest ga'ed slowly around the
temple, he noticed a sea of emotional Bewish faces. They could barely believe this was
happening after more than nineteen centuries without a true place of worship. Cattle,
goats and sheep were slaughtered. This was the Bewish way of obtaining forgiveness for
sin.
>@?
(ome onlookers were distressed and likened these rituals to heathen worship. They
did not understand the difference between heathen views of sacrifice and &od0s way with
the Bews in the 6ld Testament. 7hereas heathens believe their gods needed man0s
sacrifice to appease their anger, 6ld Testament (cripture required man to sacrifice
animals in order to gain forgiveness. Thus, any separation because of sin could be
overcome.
6ne onlooker in the congregation turned to his friend and asked, .7hat do these
sacrifices mean today<.
.To put it simply, the Christians who were raptured believed the $ord Besus0 sacrifice
when He died on the cross, typified the temple sacrifices. 7hen Besus died they believed
no further sacrifice was necessary. Aecause the Bews do not accept Besus as their :essiah,
His sacrifice means nothing to them. That e!plains why you see the animal sacrifices still
being carried out.
*or two weeks the feasting and celebrations continued. #uring the entire period, there
was continual reference to the part played by Ale!ander Budastus in allowing the building
of the temple and in bringing peace to "srael. (ome Bews thought he was the :essiah they
had been waiting for since the time of :oses. *inally, on the last day, the Bewish people
gathered in the temple to pray, pleased that at last, another milestone in their many years
of Bewish history had been reached.
(ince the rapture, many who had become Christians continued to preach and teach of
Besus Christ. The large group of "sraelites preaching about Besus Christ, were convincing
thousands more to also believe in Him as their (aviour. These thousands of &od0s special
preacher0s knew they belonged to &od and would be protected from all evil.
The two special evangelists, Bihela and %chon, continued to preach, ignoring undercover
efforts to silence them. ,umours abounded concerning these men who were being hunted
from town to town as they preached. "t was reported that whilst preaching in a busy
shopping centre, a small group of men with long knives approached them. 6ne of the
evangelists, Bihela, turned to face the angry mob. *ire appeared to come out of his mouth
like a flamethrower, killing the would be attackers.
>8?
The remainder of the shoppers,
although they backed away, listened even more intently to the rest of the evangelist0s
message. $ater, in a park nearby, Bihela stood preaching to a gathering crowd. :otor
bikes were suddenly seen speeding towards him and %chon, his partner. There was a
sudden downpour and a bright 'ig'ag of white lightening struck the riders. They were
immediately electrified.
7isps of smoke rose from their smouldering bikes. Bihela and %chon stood their ground
and were unscathed. 6nce again they were supernaturally protected by the power given to
them from &od.
novel.
1. This was an incredible time for many Bews. *or more than 1299 years they had
waited for this moment. 6nce again they would have their precious temple in
which they could worship &od ) or so they thought.
@. To the non)Bewish mind and to those who do not understand the killing of
animals as a sacrifice, this must seem strange indeed. 7hat we have to remember,
is &od Himself taught the Bews this was how sin would be forgiven. &od was of
course on a path of teaching the eventual sacrifice of Besus Christ, as a once and
for all payment for the sins of all mankind.
8. 7e should not be surprised at the power of these two evangelists. "n the Aible,
they are called &od0s witnesses and are given unlimited power to serve &od0s
purposes on earth for 1@C9 days. (uch supernatural power is quite common in
(cripture. The e!ample of :oses using &od0s power to persuade ;haraoh to let
the "sraelites go from %gypt, is a foreshadowing of what the two witnesses are
able to do. Although there is much con-ecture as to who they are, the two
witnesses are not e!plicitly named in (cripture. *or the purposes of the novel, we
have assumed a name for each.
Chapter 18
The cold, still, early morning light was suddenly ripped apart as the sky became full of
fighter -ets. They flew like dense flocks of migratory birds intent on reaching their
planned destination. Coming from the north, they headed over (yria towards the (ea of
&alilee. News broadcasts reported ,ussian naval vessels in the :editerranean (ea en
route to Haifa. There were unconfirmed sightings of missile vessels and warships heading
toward "srael from %gypt in the south. "t was rumoured that "srael would be under attack
from countries on the outer perimeter of those surrounding her land.
>1?
"t looked as if these
nations wanted to control the middle east and challenge the authority and power of
Ale!ander Budastus, alias :acro.
"n a town -ust outside Tel Aviv, 7arwick dialled a secret number. The line to Cyprus was
clear.
.:acro,. came the curt reply. .7arwick here. Tanks, followed by marching soldiers are
moving towards "srael and aircraft equipped with missiles are destroying cities and
military installations..
.:y agreement with "srael made them part of my domain,. said :acro. .:any Bews,
recently returned to "srael, hoped they could live in safety. Their land is rich in minerals,
so " will defend "srael against all powers. " will return immediately to ensure "srael is not
overpowered..
7arwick slammed the phone down as missiles whistled overhead. The earth shook as
bombs e!ploded, flinging people into the air like rag dolls. Houses and high rise
buildings e!ploded, sending shattered glass and bricks in all directions. The debris fell,
maiming and killing thousands as they tried to escape the onslaught. Traffic came to a
standstill as huge bomb craters made roads impassable. (ome cars teetered on the edge of
deep black abysses, spewing water and gas from ruptured pipes. :issiles hit ma-or
industrial sites igniting gas and fuels, filling the air with clouds of to!ic, black, smoke.
(choolchildren were struck down where they played. Tanks rumbled once again through
the towns and cities of "srael. Clothing, brass ornaments, minora0s and -ewellery, were
flattened as unstoppable giant metal treads rolled over everything.
:others snatched screaming children to their breasts, and fell as bullets hit their mark.
(irens wailed as ambulance and fire trucks searched for ways around the piles of ruin, in
the hope of finding some alive. The underground tunnel near the #ome of the ,ock
:osque was filling with Arabs, Bews and tourists. They all desperately sought shelter, for
the moment ignoring all religious differences. "sraeli soldiers attempted to intercept and
destroy incoming land, sea, and air missiles. The sky erupted with bla'ing flashes of
golden yellow as stinger missiles hit their targets. :issiles, tanks and foot soldiers moved
rapidly through "srael. "n spite of this, much of Berusalem itself, and the Bewish Temple
remained standing.
(imon and Ari were busy at the plant when the first missile rocketed to earth a few
metres from the entrance gate. ,adio broadcasts from Berusalem had ceased abruptly,
while frantic newscasters reported fighting in the streets. There was little time to move
stock from the plant and ensure the children in the creche were safe. %very available
truck and car was quickly loaded to capacity. (imon and Ari waited in the front truck as
workers crammed into other vehicles. (imon hoped he could lead them to the safety of
caves -ust a few kilometres north.
.$ets go+. yelled (imon, signalling to others behind. Ari dodged the gaping holes as
missiles whi''ed past their strange convoy. Helen manoeuvred the bus full of crying
children, while Nicholas shouted warnings to help navigate through this war 'one.
.7e0ll reach the caves in -ust a few minutes,. shouted (imon.
."f only we can hold out until then+ "s Helen still following us<.
.(he0s doing find Ari. 7atch out,. screamed (imon as a bomb e!ploded in midair,
spreading fragments over the road ahead.
.Bust as well that one didn0t land, or we would have been history. (omeone0s looking after
us,. cried Ari.
.Turn left into that ne!t opening, between those two boulders. The caves are behind
there,. shouted (imon.
The long line of trucks and cars edged their way over the rock strewn narrow track. Ari
e!haled loudly, releasing the tension inside him. (imon -umped down and hurried to
unload food supplies and lamps grabbed quickly when they fled &ranright.
.7e0ll be much safer here. This dead end track, surrounded by clean dry caves, will be
home for the time being. 7e will need volunteers to return to some of our homes tonight
under cover of darkness. "n the meantime, organi'e groups to store food, first aid
equipment and lamps in the largest cave. Have others make lists of basic items necessary
for our survival..
.How long do you think we will be here<. asked Ari.
.6ur future is uncertain,. puffed (imon, as he carried a huge bag of flour into the cave.
.7hat about water and basic hygiene<. worried Ari. .7e will need to bring water
containers, picks and shovels back tonight. There is a spring nearby. 7ater from there
flows along channels into cisterns cut into the hard e!terior of the caves. 7e will mend
some of the broken cisterns..
>@?

.7ill we have enough food (imon<. .7e have plenty of flour, barley, oats, millet and
wheat. The women brought tins of soya milk powder for babies and children. Tonight we
will round up a few head of sheep and cattle to supply meat and dairy foods. 7e will use
camp fires and ovens to cook simple meals and bake bread. Have the children collect
branches and twigs, or anything that will burn..
.Have you a gun (imon<. questioned Ari.
." never needed one. " don0t think " will start now..
." don0t mean for protection. " meant for shooting birds or game,. replied Ari.
."0ll ask the men,. responded (imon wearily.
These people trusted him, but he was beginning to feel the enormity of this responsibility.
He knew that without the cooperation of Ari, and the workers from &ranright, they would
not survive. After a simple meal of pancakes, washed down with fresh spring water,
(imon, Ari and the volunteers headed back to collect bedding and other necessities.
The land around was desolate. ;iles of stone and wood, once homes, scarred the ground.
(imon and Ari drove to #avid0s house for warm bedding and clothing before continuing
to &ranright. (imon was devastated when he saw the house had taken a direct hit. "t was
now reduced to rubble. The sight of this destruction caused him to cry out in anguish. He
felt as if a knife had pierced his heart. As he wept, he felt the futility of his earlier plan for
Ari and the family. Ari put a comforting hand on the old man0s shoulder. Together they
sorted through the ruins for any useful items. The plant had also been hit. (trips of tin
flapped like streamers in gaping holes where once the roof sat. The conveyor was a
mangle of metal pieces. (torage bins lay on their sides with grain spilling everywhere.
The main store room, with its heavy reinforced door, was undamaged. "t stood like a
black fortress, outlined against a grey sky.
.$et0s load the dehydrated food bars into containers,. encouraged Ari.
He was confident that these and other products would help them survive. The women and
children were relieved to see all the men returning safely. "t had been a slow but
successful trip. 7ith animals securely corralled and children snuggled warmly on beds of
hay or blow up mattresses, the adults sat around the dying camp fire embers. They sipped
mugs of black tea sweetened with honey.
." feel a bit like the shepherds of old must have felt, . smiled Ari.
."t0s like we have taken a step back in time..
:acro arrived in "srael unscathed. As he entered the opening to a ma'e of underground
tunnels, he greeted 7arwick and some of their world wide agents. :acro was happy with
the present situation. (outhern ,ussia had doublecrossed %gypt and now occupied their
land.
." will defend "srael against all armed forces. They will not threaten my plans or control
the mineral and oil resources of this land..
The brain washed agents emerged from the underground tunnel chanting, .:acro, :acro,
:acro..
6thers took up their cry as they walked the bomb ravaged streets. :acro sneered with
pride.
novel.
1. "t has been known for centuries that this war would occur. "n 539 A.C. the prophet
%'ekiel wrote about it. He said that the countries in southern ,ussia and Turkey would
-oin forces with some from what used to be called ;ersia and several northern African
countries. (ee the book of %'ekiel, Chapter 83, verses 1 to C.
@. Aecause "srael0s rainfall occurs mainly in the northern winter, large water storages have
to be maintained. These are called cisterns and are designed to hold large amounts of
water. They are more common in central and southern "srael where the climate is much
warmer. There is a very large one underneath a garden where the &arden Tomb is located
in Berusalem. :any can also be seen on the slopes of :asada, where around A.#.49 a
remnant of "sraeli0s who fled Berusalem, held out against the ,omans for 8 years. The
water supply from cisterns was vital to their survival.
/ou may read it online, or you may download it for later reading and study. However, the
contents must not be altered in any way, or distributed for profit in any form, either in any
form of electronic or print media.
Chapter 19
The officers scanned the aerial map showing large scale destruction throughout "srael and
%gypt. &eneral Gosinski hated everything about %gypt. "ts sand, crumbling pyramids,
houses and people, were such a contrast to his homeland in southern ,ussia. His armies
had fought well to gain control of %gypt. News from his ,ussian spies in "srael, told of
recent plans made by the powerful leader Ale!ander Budastus, often called :acro.
Gosinski looked at the distant yellow mountains, his thoughts on the new weapon
emitting ultrasonic waves to generate sound holograms in mid air. Their powerful, low
frequency sound waves temporarily disorientated all nearby, causing vomiting. This
invisible warfare was as debilitating as poisonous gases used in previous wars. Terror
filled all and people fell like flies, temporarily stunned. Gosinski was determined that
Ale!ander would not control "srael and e!alt himself above all other powers. His riches
and power will soon be taken from him, thought Gosinski confidenty.
Gosinski0s troops and their allies moved back into "srael, with sea and air strikes
continuing as they advanced. *oot soldiers were spread over the entire ribbon of "srael0s
mountains. They wore dirty blood stained uniforms and fired at any moving target. The
men were hungry and weary, a mysterious plague beginning to seriously affect their
fighting ability. *ear and panic swept through all armies attacking "srael. The ,ussian
troops were tired of the sadistic slaughter of women and children. Their return from
%gypt was not as a conquering army ) rather as one caught up in Gosinski0s dream. He
always followed his men into battle, rather than lead them, and was hated because of this
cowardice. Not long after his army reached "srael, many deserted and hid in the hills. 6ne
morning, Gosinski was found dead, dressed in immaculate military regalia. He lay
alongside ordinary soldiers killed in battle. His uniform stood out against their tattered
garments. 7ar had shown no mercy toward the tender faced youth or the battle hardened
veteran. Together their blood was poured out in useless sacrifice. Gosinski0s face wore a
death mask showing surprise. The neat cut above his shirt collar was the only sign that he
had been murdered, his own deserting troops taking credit for his death.
An eerie quiet filled the streets of Berusalem. (uddenly, the earth began to quake and
grumble. %ven soldiers on :t. &eri'im and along the mountain ridges, felt the tremors
begin. Huge splits opened in the ground, swallowing soldiers forever. Hailstones
bombarded unprotected heads and faces of soldiers trying to escape the widening
crevices. The heavens opened with a clap of thunder, sending torrents of rain pouring
down, creating huge mud slides, burying all in their path. "n the confusion, the ,ussian
soldiers and their allies began to kill or wound soldiers from their own armies, instead of
"srael their enemy. This strange confusion continued, almost totally destroying the
invading forces.
>1?

Those who survived or deserted, eventually came into the cities carrying disease. The
soldiers were all rounded up by :acro0s forces and shot. However, typhoid and gastric
infections had already broken out, killing many and making life intolerable for the
survivors.
:acro and 7arwick emerged from the their underground tunnel where they had remained
throughout the fighting. A rasping chuckle escaped :acro0s lips.
.The war is over, and southern Bordan escaped any destruction. Now the armies have
been defeated we have full control again. 6ur headquarters will be in the precincts of the
new temple..
7arwick disliked :acro0s arrogance, but decided to placate him.
.7e will conscript people to bury the dead and collect any discarded weapons. The Bews,
by their very own laws, will not want bodies lying around for long. They will do the -ob
for us. :oreover, the so)called Hebrew evangelist0s, especially Bihela and %chon must be
killed. 7e will spread lies concerning their supposed involvement in the war. No one will
usurp our authority and rule..
*or many weeks Bews dragged the bodies of men and horses to row upon row of mass
burial pits. *lies, dogs, vermin and birds gorged themselves on the stinking flesh. :any
fields and furrows were littered with bodies and the debris of war. *resh food was scarce.
*ood merchants grew rich by charging e!orbitant prices for grains, olives and dried fruits.
"t seemed there was no mercy or -ustice in the land. ;eople were surprised when the
invading forces were defeated. As a result, many turned to &od, believing this victory
was indeed a miracle. They were &od0s people and desired restoration, not only for the
land, but themselves. Although :acro had taken credit for the victory, some people were
sure he had no part in it.
(imon and his band of followers survived the war. Their number grew as others wandered
into their camp carrying few possessions. Although parts of "srael lay in ruins, (imon and
his men continued their trips to &ranright to increase their stockpile of food. The cattle,
although distressed during the earthquake, remained secure in the corrals. (imon heard of
the spread of disease and prayed their community would be protected. Ari and a group of
men formed a burial party, quickly disposing of the bodies found in the surrounding area.
#iscarded weapons were collected and dismantled. 7ood from the gun butts was stored
for fuel, to help dried cow dung burn more easily. The metal was used to make more
barbeques and implements. Cooking had become a ma-or operation.
Helen continued to help care for the children. (he made balls with scraps of old material.
(imon taught the boys how to make tiny boats to float in puddles of muddy water.
Nicholas, resigned to his fate, en-oyed working alongside the men. As he helped each
day, his anger and resentment lessened. At night he sat around the camp fire with others,
listening to his transistor radio, remembering a much different life in Athens. His life of
convenience and comfort had been e!changed for one of challenge and hardship. He
wondered why he felt more peaceful, when all around was ruin and destruction.
>@?
"t was
as if Nicholas was seeing life and his parents through different eyes.
novel.
1. %'ekiel in Chapter 83, verses 14 to @8 tell us it was &od Himself 7ho fought
against these invading forces. He caused the earthquake, and the confusion among
the troops, so that they killed many of their own men. &od also promised and
delivered the -udgement of pestilence, hail, fire and brimstone which came upon
them.
@. The peace Nicholas noticed in his parents is not at all surprising. As his parents
now belonged to Besus Christ, they e!hibited His peace. "t was Besus 7ho said in
the book of Bohn, Chapter 1=, verse @4, .;eace " leave with you, :y peace " give
to youD not as the world gives do " give to you. $et not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.. The peace that comes from Christ can never be shattered.
Chapter 20
:acro0s agent saw a large procession of people on his monitor. Thousands of people had
-oined together worldwide, in a march proclaiming Besus as their (aviour and true &od.
These people were from both the Hniversal church and the thousands of Christian house
churches formed since the rapture. :any laughed and sang as they triumphantly marched
through the streets of Berusalem. ,iots broke out as mobs supporting :acro, threw stones
and -eered at the marchers. (ome were trampled by the surging crowd, releasing their
fury on anyone who dared oppose :acro0s leadership. As some of the marchers fell,
blood streaming from fatal head wounds, the column moved on.
>1?
(ince following the
teachings of Besus Christ, they had led others to acknowledge Him as their (aviour. *or
this they had given their lives. "sraeli0s, ;alestinians, and foreigners watched the marchers
reach a large bus terminal -ust north of the #amascus gate of the 6ld City. :etres from
the bus terminal was a small hill called &olgotha, reputed to be the site where Besus
Christ was crucified more than 12C9 years ago.
>@?
The crowd walked about 199 metres
west into the area known as the &arden Tomb
>8?
Tourists visiting the garden tomb were
ama'ed at the courage of these placard bearing Christians. 6verhead cameras recorded
the scene, as :acro0s image appeared on a huge screen set high on &olgotha0s hill. His
voice boomed out across the terminal drowning out the busy street noise.
." am supreme. There will be an end to all gatherings and demonstrations other than those
to give homage to me. /ou will give honour and glory to me alone..
The crowd dispersed lest their faces be captured on one of the many street cameras. The
marchers were soon swallowed up amidst the onlookers. (ome went through the
#amascus gate into the 6ld City of Berusalem,
>=?
into the tiny arcades and streets to
preach to anyone that would listen. They knew &od had saved them for this very purpose.
Although he had not openly declared his intentions, :acro was successful in his
campaign to discredit Christians living in both "srael and around the world. All Christians
suffered ridicule and violence, often at the hands of their neighbours. Homes, businesses
and Christian schools were destroyed. ;ropaganda continued through all media outlets.
*alse information concerning the war and the Christian religion soon spread. ;eople
could no longer choose what they watched or heard on their multimedia sets. :acro and
his men continued using surveillance equipment to spy on Christians suspected of
meeting secretly. He persuaded ,euben to introduce a virus on the "nternet to wipe out all
Christian programs and messages. (o far, antivirus software was unable to detect or stop
this new strain of virus. "t was more effective than any other and destroyed all file
documents e!cept those programmed by :acro. The power and e!tent of his deception
pleased him. 7arwick, his High ;riest, continued to deceive thousands of people by
performing ama'ing miracles.
:acro paced the floor of his Cyprus villa, waiting for the e!pected phone call. He
resented the way the Hniversal Church tried to control his daily movements. At first he
en-oyed their praise and adoration when he and 7arwick performed miracles. :acro
could not deny the fact that this world wide church, embracing all nations and languages,
had been useful in his rise to power, but he hated their interference. He had always
planned to destroy the Hniversal Church network. The ringing phone brought an evil
smile to his face.
.:acro,. he replied. He rarely used the name Ale!ander Budastus now.
."s it finished<.
.Thoroughly e!ecuted. 6ur agents throughout the world struck une!pectedly, destroying
holy books, killing their priests and burning all buildings and cathedrals belonging to the
Hniversal Church.
>5?
"n some places our agents massacred the entire congregation. The
only things saved, were the talismans and statues bearing your image..
.Now " will become the god of all people. %veryone will worship me. 7arwick will
continue his work with me in Berusalem to perform miracles in my name. He will order
everyone to have a mark on their hands or foreheads.
>C?
This will allow people to receive
or sell food and obtain all other goods and services. There will be no other organi'ed
religion or trading methods but mine..
.7hat about the Bews who have been worshipping in their new temple<. asked the agent.
.They too will worship me and my image. "t will be assumed " am their long awaited
messiah, because " have given them peace, security and freedom. Their sacrificial system
will cease once " have forced them to worship me..
.7hat if they ob-ect and refuse to worship you<.
." will bring back the guillotine, which is already waiting to be used..
The agent shivered at the thought of this barbaric method of e!ecution used long ago
during the *rench ,evolution. :acro0s voice -olted him back to the present.
." am almost ready to return to Berusalem. Then " will take my place as god of this
world..
The day had arrived+ :acro rose to address representatives from %urope and other
countries. All available seats in the temple were occupied an hour earlier. $ocal identities
stood shoulder to shoulder, eager to hear :acro0s latest news. As :acro stood in the
centre of the platform, his long, scarlet, satin robe billowed behind him. Around his neck
he bra'enly wore a long gold chain bearing a dangling black ony! pendant set with pink
diamonds. "t bore the same ancient emblem as his signet ring. His followers, obsessed by
his magnificence, stood as one to cheer their leader. They all agreed he was the best man
to rule the world. Today was his first public appearance since claiming this role. He
raised his hand acknowledging the applause. The noisy ovation ceased as a young man
walked solemnly up the platform steps carrying a golden crown on a plush scarlet
cushion. :acro now sat regally on a huge, carved, solid oak chair overlaid in gold. The
young man, dressed in a flowing blue gown, placed the crown on :acro0s head. 6nce
again the crowd hailed him as their leader and king. :acro rose and the temple became
silent.
." greet you as king over all things and over all people. /ou need no other king or god
e!cept me.
>4 ?
(acrifices and offerings at this temple, to the Bewish &od, will cease
immediately+
>3 ?
%veryone must worship me. Not to do so will result in death+.
7ith a sweep of his left hand, two more young men dressed in blue robes, entered the
platform from a side door. A fanfare rolled from the temple musician0s trumpets. The
three attendants grasped the edges of a rich tapestry embroidered in gold with :acro0s
emblem. (lowly the heavy covering fell to the ground, unveiling a larger than life si'e
image of :acro. His followers began to chant, .:acro, :acro,. as they fell to their knees
before his image. 6thers, alarmed at the mounting hysteria, turned to leave but were
hemmed in by prostrate bodies. &uards blocked all the e!it doors making escape
impossible. $ight from the golden lamps filtered through the eyes, nostrils and mouth of
the image, striking fear into the hearts of the Bews who usually worshipped here. They
felt sick at this sacrilege.
:acro silenced the crowd and continued, .7arwick will ensure all people receive an
invisible mark on their right hand or forehead. This will show they belong to me and are
part of my kingdom. No other allegiance will be accepted. New electronic scanners have
been installed in all shops and welfare bodies. 7ithout this mark, customers will not
receive any goods or services. The mark is a name, represented by the number, CCC. All
who refuse this mark will either die of starvation, or be killed because of disobedience to
my commands..
*ear silenced the crowd as :acro ended his sinister speech. He swept down the aisle
quickly and purposefully, with 7arwick trailing behind like a bridesmaid at a wedding.
As soon as the guards opened the doors many fled in terror. Bews fell to their knees and
began to weep and pray to their &od with broken hearts. They reali'ed, too late, that
:acro was an agent of destruction set up in opposition to their own true &od. :acro was
not the promised :essiah after all. "srael and most of the world had been deceived and
encircled with this man0s lies.
:acro and 7arwick settled comfortably into their headquarters near the temple. :acro
was pleased with today0s proceedings, knowing that 7arwick had already organi'ed the
marking to begin tomorrow. (pecial depots had been set up throughout the world to
complete this within one week. "nstructions had been given that all who refused the mark
were to be imprisoned. Agents were instructed to hunt down all Christians and e!ecute
them immediately, without trial.
,ain dri''led from grey skies as people reluctantly made their way to the marking depots.
Huge machines clicked and hummed as laser beams quickly and painlessly imprinted the
mark on swabbed hands. Their *lash Card identification number was also lasered on at
the same time. Mueues like these were becoming part of daily life ) some for inoculation
to help prevent the spread of disease, a real threat since the war, and others to obtain fresh
food. 6f recent times, not many evangelists had been seen around the world. "n
Berusalem, there was an unconfirmed report that thousands of them were seen on the
:ount of 6lives, with a cloud descending upon them. However, they were not seen
again.
"t was rumoured Christians were meeting secretly in "srael at various homes and caves.
The streets were deserted at night e!cept when guards or agents dragged families from
dimly lit homes, herding them into waiting trucks. Homes were then looted before being
torched, often with occupants still inside. %very household watched their neighbour and
reported any unusual behaviour or change of habits to the authorities. *riends became
aloof and alienated, for each lived in fear of their lives. Citi'ens who would not conform
to :acro0s rule or receive the mark, were rounded up and marched through the streets of
Berusalem in chains. :erciless spectators mocked and threw rubbish at these captives on
their humiliating walk to the place of public e!ecution. The last word heard by young and
old, man or woman as they fell before the bloodthirsty crowd raging like wild beasts was,
.Traitor, Traitor..
Bewish men were continually hunted down by :acro0s knife bearing youth patrol. These
fanatics took it upon themselves to become both -udge and e!ecutioner, whether their
victims bore the mark or not. They tormented and butchered many, leaving the disfigured
bodies to rot in the street, a macabre reminder that real peace had flown. :acro0s men
carefully monitored the issue of all licenses, prohibiting many from owning weapons of
any kind. ,andom searches were commonplace and any found guilty of possessing arms
were shot instantly. These murderers went unpunished and often received e!tra food or
money for each person killed.
The prison guillotines ran hot with the blood of Christians and those found without the
mark. &rave diggers, clad in overalls and vinyl boots, emptied their bloodied loads into
mass graves. At the end of the day rivers of blood soaked the earth, as the drivers hosed
down oo'ing tip trucks in readiness for the night shift0s abominable slaughter.
novel.
1. Throughout the ages, there have been Christian martyrs. Today, there are Christians
dying daily for their pronouncement of their belief in Besus Christ. There will be people
who become Christians after the rapture who will be sub-ect to the power of the
Antichrist and many Christians will die by his hand. The book of ,evelation, Chapter 18,
verse 15 tells of these things.
@. "n Berusalem, there are two sites which compete for recognition as being the site of
Christ0s crucifi!ion. The hill called &olgotha, some @99 metres north east of the
#amascus &ate of the 6ld City, is easily the most credible.
8. The location of the tomb of Christ also has two competing locations. The &arden
Tomb, -ust metres from &olgotha, >the place where the crucifi!ion took place? is the more
credible. (cripture tells us no other person had previously been laid to rest in this tomb
cut out of the rock. The book of Bohn0s &ospel, chapter 12, verses =1 and =@ give these
details. A deep groove at the entrance shows where a huge stone, once sealed the now
empty tomb. Tourist0s now see the words above the e!it which read, .He is not here, He is
risen.. These words come from (cripture in the book of the $uke0s &ospel, Chapter @=,
verse C.
=. The 6ld City of Berusalem is enclosed in the larger, more modern City of Berusalem.
The 6ld City is divided into four parts, the divisions giving a section each to :oslem,
Arminian, Bew and Christian. The old city has been wholly or partly destroyed many
times during its long history, but has always been rebuilt. "t is the most sought after piece
of real estate in the whole world.
5. "n the Aible, the Hniversal Church is known as Aabylon the &reat and the :other of
Harlots. "n essence, it is that part of the church in this present world that does not really
worship the true &od, even though it purports to do so. &od allows the Antichrist to wipe
it off the earth. (ee the book of ,evelation, Chapter 14, verse 1C.
C. The number CCC is often referred to as the devil0s number. Not quite true, but close. "t
is the number of the man called the *alse ;rophet >7arwick in this story? who, with the
Antichrist, orders that all people must be marked ) either on the forehead or on the right
hand, with the :ark of the Aeast. >The *alse ;rophet is also referred to as the second
Aeast? There is great speculation as to how this will be done. "t may be a mark made with
a laser. However, it is reported by #avid Aay, of &race Aaptist Church, Attleboro,
:assachusetts, H(A, that the development of a Aio):icrochip is almost complete. "f this
is what the :ark of the Aeast will be, it will be inserted under the skin of the right hand
or in the forehead. "t will have the capability of both receiving and sending information.
Consequently, people will be able to be tracked and their financial and personal
transactions be recorded. The battery for this chip will be kept charged by the hottest part
of the body, which scientists have discovered is the forehead and the right hand ) he e!act
places where (cripture says the mark will be placed. (ee the book of ,evelation, Chapter
18, verse 1C. ,emember, this was written by the Apostle Bohn 1299 years ago as a
prediction of what will happen. As with all other (cripture, the Holy (pirit of &od told
Bohn what to write.
4. The word Antichrist, means instead of Christ. 7hilst some in the world have been
waiting for the second coming of the real Christ, the Antichrist has been permitted by
&od to deceive many. This is why we must know our Aible, so we will not be deceived.
The Antichrist is here announcing that he is the one who will now rule the world, a
deception which many will believe. 3. This announcement will stun the Bews. They will
then reali'e they have been deceived by the Antichrist. (ome will begin to look to the real
Christ.
Chapter 21
The severity of :acro0s iron rule affected everyone living in and around Berusalem.
Neither had the rest of the world been spared. Cafes and restaurants were forced to close
as food supplies became scarce. The few remaining coffee shops near the temple, were
quiet most days. These shop owners were glad when :acro and his entourage made a
scheduled public appearance, bringing e!tra customers. $ater, people hurried home,
wrapped tightly in shabby coats, after collecting whatever food was available. They were
afraid to stop and chat lest a guard, or one of :acro0s domineering followers, report them
for some minor misdemeanour. ,andom checks were made in an effort to detect
unmarked citi'ens. &uards carried tiny electronic scanners and any person without the
identifying mark was -ostled into waiting prison vans. "t reminded many Bews of Hitler0s
ruthless regime during the Holocaust. This had been remembered through the Holocaust
:useum in Berusalem and by the oral tradition of the Bews.
"t was on such a cold, bitter morning ) unusual for (pring in Berusalem ) that :acro,
7arwick and some of :acro0s temple priests walked to the temple mount. "n spite of
:acro0s harsh rule, many cheering throngs adored him. Bews and Christians who had so
far escaped detection, stood among the crowd listening to :acro.
.All Bewish books have been removed from the temple and destroyed. Aibles have also
been removed from libraries, schools and bookshops. These are now banned books. %ven
if those who received the mark are caught with any religious books, they will be
e!ecuted..
A thin Bewish man, in a drab gaberdine overcoat, shivered as :acro0s tirade ended. As
some cheered :acro, the Bewish man moved slowly to the edge of the crowd. (wiftly and
silently he withdrew a shiny dagger from the belt under his coat. 7ith a flick of his wrist
the weapon flew past the bystanders and hit its mark. 7ith a startled look of unbelief
:acro fell to the ground, mortally wounded.
>1?
(pectators screamed and ran as their self
made hero toppled before them. "n the confusion, :acro0s guards were unable to catch
the fleeing man who disappeared into the terrified crowd. 7arwick rose from his seat
beside :acro, a faint smile curling his lips as he watched people fleeing the scene in
panic.
.,emain calm+ 7e will catch the murderer and he will be dealt with. " will issue a
statement later in the day..
The three shocked, blue robed temple priests gently lifted :acro. They carried him to his
private chamber in the temple and placed him on the canopied bed. 7arwick followed
closely behind but failed to show the same emotion as the priests. He dismissed them and
quickly called :acro0s personal doctor, (ophed Falentino into the room. Together they
removed the scarlet robe and white undergarments stained with blood. The doctor
checked :acro0s vital signs and shone a torch into the vacant staring eyes. He filled a
syringe with clear liquid and squirted a tiny stream into the air before plunging the needle
into :acro0s heart. 7arwick noticed the doctor0s face rela! as he closed :acro0s eyes.
.This is all " can do. :y work in finished for today. Call the temple priests in and give
them your instructions..
#octor Falentino left as 7arwick ushered the young priests into the room. They fell at the
foot of the royal bed, and in their grief, began to moan and chant.
.%nough,. hissed 7arwick.
.;repare our leader in his finest clothes. He must look perfect as he lies at the altar for all
to see..
He turned abruptly and left the chamber, an!ious to have reporters release times and
details for the planned viewing. 7ithin the hour, the media released the dramatic
announcement on the "nternet and all other news outlets.
/Ale&ander 2#dast#s was mortally wo#nded wen e was it in te cest wit a dagger
trown by an #nknown assassin. 'acro/s body will lie in state in te temple, "or tree
days
6C8
be"ore b#rial./
:acro0s worshippers filed solemnly into the temple. :en wore black armbands over crisp
white shirts. 7omen, with covered heads, hid their tears behind dark lace veils. 6utside,
the hired wailing women rested from their ear)piercing shrieks as they beat tambourines
against their breasts. The ornamental ivory carved pillars stood out against the wood of
the canopied bed as the mourners knelt briefly beside it. (ome whispered, .Alas for him..
%very face was bathed in salty tears. At dusk each day, when all the mourners had gone,
#r. Falentino was seen being ushered into the main hall. %ach night he administered an
in-ection into :acro0s stiff arm. 6n the third day he slipped quietly away as the guards
began to admit thousands waiting to view their leader. The early morning light cast
strange shadows from the recently unveiled golden image. The stark pallor of :acro0s
face added to the eerie atmosphere in the temple.
Throughout the day, as mourners came and went, 7arwick watched secretly from his
vantage point behind the one way viewing panel. $ater that day, he knelt before an
upturned wooden cross and began to chant in an unrecogni'able tongue. He emerged
from his secret room, well prepared for the deceptions that would be seen by many.
(moke suddenly billowed from the ceiling. ;eople screamed as tongues of fire
>8?
came out
of the mouth of the golden image. As its eyes began to move, people cowered in terror.
They heard the image speak these words.
.7atch and see. :acro will rise again. " have power over death..
>=?
The people shook and wished they could escape the unbelievable horror of this moment.
All faces were fi!ed on :acro0s form as it lay upon the bed. 7arwick searched the
people0s faces until his eyes met those of the doctor standing with a guard. #r Falentino
checked the time on his watch and whispered into a tiny microphone hidden inside his
-acket.
.6ne minute to go, approach the body..
7arwick walked ceremoniously down the long aisle towards :acro. At the end of the
stately bed he stretched out his hand. (lowly :acro0s eyes fluttered open. He lay still for
a moment, trying to remember his last conscious minutes. :acro0s hand touched the spot
where he had been wounded. "t was completely healed, leaving no tenderness where the
knife had entered his flesh. 7arwick turned in a slow circle, pausing as he faced each side
of the temple. He then shouted, . " give you your god and king risen from the dead..
He stretched out his hand to :acro, encouraging him with his words, .Arise, take your
rightful place on the throne. /our people worship you and your image..
:acro slowly sat up. As 7arwick0s hand touched his, he felt blood returning to warm
every part of his body. :acro rose effortlessly to his feet. The onlookers screams of fear,
turned to shouts of e!citement. Their hero stood triumphantly over death, it seemed.
>5?
They fell to their knees and began chanting, .*orever lives :acro our god..
Again #r. Falentino spoke to 7arwick through his concealed microphone.
.The poor fools really believe he has risen from the dead. The drug worked perfectly. "
will visit :acro tonight as planned..
:acro walked slowly down the long aisle. Adoring worshippers fell at his feet, reaching
to touch the hem of his purple robe. 7arwick brushed them aside as if they were flies
hovering over a meal.
.:aster, you are our benefactor. 7ithout you we could not survive. :ay you rule
forever,. they bleated.
:acro and another man had -ust finished a meal of chicken and yogurt, washed down
with red wine, when the doctor arrived. After a thorough check of :acro0s heart and
blood pressure, #r Falentino pronounced him fit after his three day, drug induced coma.
The serum from the in-ections had quickly dispersed safely through :acro0s system,
leaving no ill effects.
The thin man, his work satisfactorily completed, picked up his drab coat and the envelope
bulging with money, given to him earlier by :acro. He left quickly, not noticing the
armed guard hiding in a dark archway outside the temple. The man fell, clutching the
money, as the silent bullet entered his brain. The guard stepped from his hiding place and
took the money from the dead man0s grasping hand. "t would buy the guard more food on
the black market.
:acro gave the doctor a glass of wine as he congratulated him for his part in the
counterfeit resurrection. #r. Falentino drank greedily and within minutes lay dead at
:acro0s feet, a victim of his own lethal medicine.
>C?

novel.
1. Truth is often stranger than fiction. This part of the story told by Bohn in the book of
,evelation, Chapter 18 is an ama'ing revelation of the power of the Antichrist, permitted
by &od for a short time. To the world, the Antichrist is apparently mortally wounded.
This man, who it seemed was going to save the world, was now gone, or so it seemed.
@. Although the Aible does not say, it probably will be a period of three days, in order to
mimic the three days of Christ in the tomb before His resurrection.
8. The Antichrist is temporarily given power to do such things. (ee ,evelation, Chapter
18, verse 18. "n the 6ld Testament %li-ah, through &od, did a similar thing.
=. This is supernatural deception of the first order. The idol, the image of the Antichrist,
actually speaks. (ee ,evelation, Chapter 18, verse 15.
5. The deception is complete when the Antichrist is seen to rise from the dead. "t will
convince many he is the right one to follow and many more will now follow him.
C. As with most who dabble in and with evil forces in this world, these two who took part
in a great deception and evil act, paid for it with their lives. The most well known
e!ample was Budas who betrayed Besus. (ee the book of Acts, Chapter 1, verses 1C)12.
Chapter 22
(ince :acro0s miraculous resurrection, people gathered daily at the Temple to worship
him. They brought gifts of grain, -ewels, money and perfume, to lay at the feet at his
image. :acro promised to give them everything they needed ) if they obeyed his dictates.
He encouraged them to indulge in perverse, violent acts against any who refused to
follow him. Their lustful appetites were insatiable and wickedness continued
unchallenged because people had no conscience, not knowing the difference between
right and wrong.
Throughout the world, those without the mark were continually reported. (ome were
dragged into the streets and beaten by fren'ied mobs loyal to :acro. 6thers, more
fortunate, escaped and fled the cities, seeking refuge in isolated places. "n spite of
persecution and death, many from all nations continued to furtively seek out Christian
groups. They knew :acro for the monstrous beast he was and chose to worship the real
&od. #espite persecution or martyrdom, Christians knew they would be released one day
from their suffering to enter the Gingdom of heaven.
(imon, Ari and some of their group sat in the huge cave around a large glowing fire,
while others kept watch at the entrance. Tonight they met to discuss the future of their
growing community. %very shelter was overcrowded with people seeking refuge. *ood
e!peditions were becoming more dangerous. A few nights ago, some of the men had been
captured after curfew in one of the cities not too far away. All knew their fate.
(imon, still the spokesman and leader, felt responsible for all the people. His face was
drained of colour and he broke down under this heavy burden and wept. The death of
these faithful men had robbed him of his energy. He knew they must all endure the
terrible days ahead. (ome Bews had been employed by 7arwick to spread false
predictions throughout "srael. Their love for &od had grown cold. (imon began to speak
with a trembling voice. .7e need to decide whether to stay here or try to find a safer,
much larger place to hide. ;erhaps we should attempt to reach ;etra, in Bordan, where we
would be more protected by the natural terrain of the area..
>1?
A sigh escaped the lips of some of the mothers as they interrupted, .That0s about @59
kilometres south. "t would be too dangerous a -ourney..
." am concerned too. 7e all need to make up our own minds on this matter. (ome may
choose to remain here. "f so, a portion of the rations, some animals and vehicles will be
left behind for them..
Ari -oined in the wrangling in an effort to calm the women.
." think we should try for ;etra. There will be shelter for us in the mountainous country.
The caves and tombs will make an e!cellent stronghold. " have heard most people living
in and around that area refuse to worship :acro. :any Bews have already fled there to
safety..
(imon was glad Ari was able to still the fear in some of the women.
.$et us all consider these two options tonight,. urged (imon.
.Tomorrow evening, those willing to risk the -ourney should have everything packed
ready to leave. "t will be a difficult -ourney and perhaps not all of us will reach our
destination. 7e must get out of "srael as soon as possible and avoid places like Bericho
and Berusalem. The safest route would be down through Bordan, travelling by night and
using the Gings Highway
>@?
as much as possible.
Aefore you make your decisions " must tell you what " read in a book by Harold
7illmington. He wrote that Besus, when He returns to receive the remaining Hebrew
people, will come to the southern part of Bordan, of which ;etra is the capital. *or some
reason the land of %dom will not be allowed to fall into the hands of the Antichrist.
>8?

:any years ago a Aible scholar hid thousands of copies of the New Testament in and
around the rocks and caves, to provide terrified survivors the welcome opportunity to
read &od0s word..
(imon continued speaking to the attentive group.
."n fact, in 124=, this same writer visited ;etra. He left a large Aible, signed by his
students, with an accompanying letter and placed it in one of the many remote caves.
;etra, once called the ,ainbow City because of its brilliant high rock walls, is
inaccessible e!cept through a narrow gorge in the mountains. Ancient buildings, cut from
the solid rock mountains remain today, and a spring bubbles freely over the rose red
rocks. "n view of the belief that Besus Christ will go to ;etra, this could be the best option.
>=?
Ari and " have decided to go there..
The following morning, even when people had decided whether to stay or go, they were
unsettled. They were afraid for the safety of the children and the more feeble of their
number. 6thers felt sad because their close knit community was being broken up. :ore
recent arrivals had only -ust begun to settle. Now they were on the move again.
*ood, cattle, first aid equipment, two cars and a truck were set apart for the @9 men,
women and children who had decided to stay behind. They had made this place, near the
(ea of &alilee, a comfortable hideout. They knew the chances of being caught and killed
were not much different to those travelling to ;etra.
Ay nightfall, fully loaded cars and trucks stood ready. The cattle restlessly tossed their
heads and flicked wispy tails against the sides of the truck. (imon called everyone
together. He needed to encourage those staying behind. His prayer reflected his thoughts
concerning their desperate situation.
.#ear Heavenly *ather, let the hands and the hearts of these people be strong. Although
they will be cut off from us we will be with them in spirit. :ay they still re-oice in the
&od of their salvation. He is our strength in times of trouble. 7hatever happens, we
know that nothing can separate us from &od0s love. 6ur confidence and hope is that one
day we will meet again, even if only in heaven. Aless you all my friends and helpmates..
(imon wept as (tephen, the appointed leader over those remaining, stepped forward to
pray for their friends.
.Thank you $ord for (imon and Ari who have taught us your ways, when there is a world
wide famine of the word of &od. " pray that you will protect them as they travel to their
ne!t place of refuge. &o before them and make their way safe..
He ended his prayer and began to sing. "t was a beautiful benediction handed down by
&od to :oses. /!e ,-RD bless yo# and keep yo#B !e ,-RD make )is "ace sine #pon
yo#, And be gracio#s to yo#B !e ,-RD li"t #p )is co#ntenance #pon yo#, And gi(e yo#
peace./
%veryone -oined hands and sang this, their last song together, as if their hearts would
break. (lowly and cautiously the laden cars and trucks edged their way into the night.
Aecause of what (imon had read from 7illmington0s book, he knew this was not -ust an
escape from :acro, the Antichrist. This was also their own personal escape from the
effects of the Armageddon war to begin very soon. The -ourney was less than 899
kilometres. They hoped to make it in about C hours, but reali'ed it may take a few days.
Not only would they have to travel longer distances over back roads, but there could be
many une!pected dangers. As their plan was to avoid ma-or cities as much as possible,
they turned south to avoid the city of Afula, south of Na'areth, and headed for the town
of Aet (he0an near the Hussein Aridge. This would take them across the Bordan river into
Bordan. The bridge was less than =9 kilometres from their present location. About
midnight, -ust after they had crossed from "srael into Bordan, (imon0s mobile phone
beeped and crackled out (tephen0s desperate message.
.(imon+ :acro0s troops have discovered our camp. (everal missile carrying four wheel
drive vehicles are at the entrance..
(imon heard a whoosh and screams, followed by the thud of e!ploding shells. He prayed
those trapped in the area that was once their refuge, might escape. As (imon listened, all
he heard was the continuing thud of e!ploding shells.
Aombs continued to e!plode, sealing the entrances to many of the caves, leaving terrified
women and children entombed forever. A machine gun rat)a)tat)tat)ed its deadly bullets
into the tethered cows. A puddle of blood)red milk seeped into the ground where the
animals lay dead. The soldiers used grenade launchers to destroy any remaining camp
vehicles. They quickly accomplished their mission, spraying anything left with automatic
rifle fire. Clouds of dust and smoke rose from a battlefield strewn with the broken bodies
of brave men. (oldiers looking for survivors, rolled the bodies over with heavy hob)
nailed boots, but no one had survived the massacre. A damaged mobile phone lay on the
ground beside (tephen ) its words broke the sudden silence.
.Can anyone hear me< (tephen, are you still there<.
A soldier stomped his boot on the hard plastic, snuffing out (imon0s frantic voice.
(imon and his passengers knew the end had come quickly for those at the camp. As they
continued their slow, sad, -ourney towards ;etra, he remembered the first line of their last
song together. The old priestly blessing tugged poignantly at his heart strings.
1!e ,ord bless yo# and keep yo# ......
(imon consoled himself that (tephen and the others killed, were now with the $ord.
Although (imon trusted his $ord implicitly, it seemed to him that time was running out
for all left on earth, not only those in "srael.
novel.
1. The normal population of ;etra is less than 199 people. :any others come into ;etra
daily from the surrounding areas, to sell their wares to tourists. ;etra is somewhat of a
rock fortress and entry can only be gained through a narrow opening e!tending over a
couple of kilometres. ;eople live there in magnificent buildings engraved into the rocks.
There is a capacity for many others to live in the rock caves.
@. The Gings Highway runs North and (outh in present day Bordan.
8. (imon0s assertion here is directly from (cripture. "n the book of #aniel, Chapter 11,
verse =1, it says that the Antichrist will not be able to take over %dom and :oab, which
are present day Bordan.
=. 7hen Besus Christ returns to earth >His (econd Coming? He will go to Ao'rah and
;etra, to take the Bewish residents with Him to Berusalem for the Aattle of Armageddon.
(ee "saiah, Chapter C8, verse 1 and echariah, Chapter 1=, verse 5.
Chapter 23
The commander snapped to attention in :acro0s private chamber. He was there to report
on last night0s successful raid. :acro sniggered as he listened to the details.
.None escaped. 7e left some sealed inside what are now their tombs..
.$et their &od get them out of that,. mocked :acro. He was quick to notice the
commander0s sudden sharp breath.
.7hat is it man< (peak up+.
The commander shifted nervously and continued.
.7e found evidence to suggest that some escaped prior to our arrival.. .Curse them+.
spat :acro. .7here have they gone<.
.7e followed some tracks southeast a short way, but lost them after rain began falling..
.#ouble patrols in the area. "n the meantime, " want the two special evangelists found. "
believe they go by the names of Bihela and %chon. These men have not come forward to
receive the mark. They continue to preach and perform miracles..
The commander knew :acro was tormented by their continuing freedom.
.They openly defy me, drawing people to their &od. 7arwick and " have copied their
miracles, yet people still cling to them. They even dared to kill some of my guards, with
fire that appeared to come from their mouths. They have brought plagues upon whole
regiments of my army. Another regiment died of thirst whilst searching for Christians
near :asada. These evangelists used their power to stop the rain and dry up all water in
the region. They have performed their last miracle,. shouted :acro, slamming his fist
down on the table.
The commander hurried to mop up the spilled red wine as it flooded the open map on
:acro0s table.
."ssue a reward to anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Bihela and
%chon. " want them arrested and killed..
The commander, one of many puppets in :acro0s army, strode swiftly to the door, glad to
escape :acro0s wild outbursts.
,euben had worked diligently as a spy for the Arab underground movement loyal to
:acro. Although he continued in his terrier like persecution of Christians and Bews,
manipulation of the world wide "nternet system, using virtual reality equipment, was his
forte. He smiled as he remembered the hysteria caused when :acro0s life si'e replica was
unveiled in the temple. ,euben0s body bore the mark, not because he particularly
supported the man or his goal to become ruler, dictator and god, rather out of his burning
desire to see the Arab people returned to their land. He knew :acro was mad, but hoped
his insane schemes would help the Arab cause. :any had moved into Bewish homes,
farms and factories, left unoccupied as they fled :acro0s rule.
,euben was living in the ruins of &ranright, vacant since #avid0s hasty departure. ;lans
were under way to reopen the food plant. :acro decided ,euben was the one best suited
to run the business. Hnbeknown to ,euben, :acro did this to keep him out of more
important matters. :acro wanted his food monopoly to continue, forcing more and more
people to rely on his food banks introduced throughout the world. ,euben knew :acro
was succeeding in his plan to wipe out large countries through starvation
.>1?
(everal viruses had been introduced, infecting or destroying cattle, game and grains.
Hungry people scavenged rubbish dumps, eating contaminated food. There was an
alarming increase in contaminated products being sold from remaining food outlets.
:any succumbed to food poisoning after eating processed meats and cheese infected
with salmonella and other bacteria. *oods like biscuits or cereals were tampered with in
some regions, adding to increasing food shortages. (ome survived, whilst others suffered
e!cruciating death.
Health officials and bacteriologists could not agree on the origin, or carriers, of many
viral diseases. "t was thought rats, fo!es or mosquitos were the culprits. "n Australia, it
was suggested bats or rabbits were responsible. The fact remained, :acro was in control
of all food products. Neither silver nor gold was of any value or comfort. :acro also
owned the covered fish ponds, installed some years ago in the Negev desert. Aquifers had
been used to convert brackish water and provide fish all year round. These fish were less
prone to disease than those found in the (ea of &alilee. :acro0s farms produced
vegetables and fruit tasting sweeter than any that managed to grow elsewhere.
:any nations were decimated, as whole villages, towns and cities became deserted.
;eople tied a few possessions on their backs and trekked kilometre after kilometre in
search of food and water. The world had never before seen such a refugee trail. The
emaciated victims were in a worse condition than those from Africa seen on T.F. screens
in the 12390s and 12290s. The barren roadsides were littered with dead and dying men,
women and children too weak to continue their painful walk. Hungry toddlers sat amidst
the dust, waiting silently beside dead mothers, e!pecting a drink to come soon. They
searched the faces of each passer by, hoping one would stop and help, but they remained
unseen, their plight unheeded.
Today had been pleasing to ,euben. :acro had supplied the men and equipment needed
to repair and clean up the damaged food plant. "t was ironic that some soldiers
responsible for the plant0s destruction, had been ordered by their commander to carry out
the repairs.
At last, thought ,euben, the land " came to as a child refugee is mine. 7hy then is there a
hint of sadness in this possession< "s it because of my boyhood tie to #avid<
He didn0t really care what had become of #avid. He had the land and that was all that
mattered.
>@?
7ith these thoughts chasing around inside his head he flicked off the bedside
lamp. His body ached from today0s manual labour. Tomorrow the plant would begin
operations.
,euben couldn0t tell how long he had been asleep. At first he thought the noise was part
of his recurring nightmares. As he swung his legs over the side of the bed, the force of a
sudden e!plosion threw him to the floor. Although the sun had risen earlier ,euben now
groped around in the dark. The sun was covered by blackness.
>8?
He pulled himself slowly
to his knees, da'ed but unhurt. (hattered glass, broken crockery and spluttering electrical
wires made his movements ha'ardous. Creeping on all fours he managed to reach the
window, now -ust a glass)less frame. (earching the skies, ,euben noticed a blood red
moon set in a trailing rain of falling stars. &reat craters were gouged into the ground
where the stars or meteorites plummeted to earth, illuminating the area like sky rockets
on &uy *awkes day. ,euben braced himself, then ran outside to escape falling timber and
debris. He switched on his solar transistor and heard a dis-ointed report.
/People "led teir omes as eart3#akes and "rigtening cosmic dist#rbances it many
parts o" te world. It as been reported tat islands in te 'editerranean Sea, along wit
s#rro#nding mo#ntains, a(e eiter disappeared or si"ted some kilometres. 'any are
saying tis is te res#lt o" a n#clear e&plosion ca#sing te atmospere to roll back on
itsel". People are seeking selter in #ndergro#nd tombs and ca(es. N#mbers o" tose
killed are not yet to and./
7ith a mighty roar the factory erupted into a huge fireball. The strong winds sent orange
and red tongues of fire leaping into the sky. ,euben watched #avid0s newly restored food
plant collapse like a stack of cards. (moke billowed upwards and mingled as though with
the dust of &od0s fury and power.
>=?
7hether nuclear war or enormous cosmic upheaval,
,euben0s only thought was of escape. The news broadcast continued.
/!e 2ewis !emple, in 2er#salem is "illing wit people crying o#t tat *od is responsible
"or today/s disasters. !eir "ear is so great tey were eard to say tey wo#ld rater die
like tose killed by "alling mo#ntains or r#bble, rater tan "ace *od/s wrat./
,euben remembered #avid once told him &od was a &od of love. 7hy then was this
happening< 7as &od -udging all people and their wickedness< "f so, who would survive
His severe hand< ;erhaps #avid0s &od is the one and only true &od+ Aut where does
:acro fit into these events< As these questions came, ,euben was aware of an eerie
silence around him. His radio reported that earthquakes and atmospheric disturbances had
suddenly ceased in Berusalem and in other parts of the earth still in radio or satellite
contact. ,euben picked his way carefully over the scattered ruins around the plant. :uch
of it, along with all ,euben0s dreams, had slithered into black nothingness.
:acro and 7arwick emerged unscathed from their underground headquarters in
Berusalem. Neither spoke as they stepped precariously over the tumbled ruins. %ach
contemplated their ne!t move. ;eople fell prostrate on the streets ) not before :acro )
rather in fear of Almighty &od and His awesome power. Thousands had been killed and
much of Berusalem lay in ruins. :acro turned angrily on his heels and returned to their
headquarters, leaving 7arwick to his own devices.
(cented candles flickered in :acro0s gloomy chapel, forming grotesque shapes on the
rock wall behind the altar. He swirled his satin lined cape over his shoulders and reached
for the instruments of his craft. Holding a golden dagger in one hand and a piece of black
ony!, encrusted with pink diamonds in the other, he began his chant. The diamonds, like
those on his ring, picked up slithers of candle light as his footsteps paced out a pattern on
the floor.
.$et these emblems pierce the darkness oh lord and master..
There was a brilliant flash that illuminated the spot where :acro stood and a -eering evil
voice was heard.
.Fery soon, you will see my demons wreak havoc on the world. " (atan am their
commander..
A sadistic laugh trailed off into the distance as the bright light faded from around :acro.
He had made contact with his master.
>5?

.Bust as (atan caused Budas to betray Besus, " :acro have tricked many, causing them to
betray friends and family,. chuckled :acro in wicked delight. His vileness knew no
bounds.
novel.
1. The famine, starvation and death that occurs at this time is predicted in (cripture.
The famine and starvation is known as one of &od0s preliminary -udgements. (ee
,evelation, Chapter C, verses 5)C. The death that results is also predicted in
,evelation, Chapter C, verses, 4)3.
@. ,euben could not understand spiritual things, because he was not born of the
(pirit of &od, 7ho alone can provide such understanding. (ee the book of 1st
Corinthians Chapter @, verses 19 to 1=.
8. The sun being covered in blackness is the beginning of another of &od0s
-udgements which the Aible calls the Cth seal. "t will be as though the earth was
e!ploding in one gigantic atomic blast. (ee ,evelation, Chapter C, verses 1@ to
14.
=. &od0s -udgements on mankind are quite -ustified, as He has given mankind
ample time to repent of their sin and has now ushered in a time of -udgement
which men will hate. Aut all any person has to do to avoid this coming -udgement
is to believe in Besus Christ and repent of their earlier sin of not acknowledging
Him in their life. Had they done so prior to the rapture they would have been
included in it.
5. Bust as it is possible for believers in Besus Christ to commune with Him by
spiritual means, so can evil people communicate with (atan. There are many
(atan worshippers today, who, unless they repent, will suffer the -udgements of
&od.
Chapter 24
(imon, Ari and their party continued on the Ging0s Highway, avoiding Amman the capital
of Bordan. They had crossed the Bordan ,iver without loss and were travelling south
through Hisban about =9 kilometres east of Berusalem, when the first tremors began. *or
them, &od0s timing was perfect. The earthquake would divert attention from them and
their escape. They found shelter under cover of :ount Nebo0s foothills.
However, with detours and rough terrain, fuel was low. (imon and Ari needed to
supplement the supply if they were to reach their destination. 7ith maps spread on the
dusty vehicle, they agreed the best action would be to use the four wheel drive and travel
to Callirhoe on the eastern shore of the #ead (ea. *rom there they could use one of the
many abandoned boats to cross into %n &edi on the western shore. "t was said drums of
fuel and oil were left at a deserted depot, when the manager mysteriously disappeared.
.Tonight is not a good night for driving. $et0s hope and pray the violent storm and
tremors subside. The sooner we get under way the better..
After talking with the others they decided to take two men with them.
.#o you know the area well<. asked Ari, refolding the tattered map.
."t is many years since " passed %n &edi on the way to :asada. (ome fellow Bews hired a
bus for a day trip to the area. 7e wanted to return to the spot where many died long ago..
.7hat happened there (imon<. .:asada
>1?
is a mesa standing about @59 metres above the
surrounding valleys. "t was used as a stronghold by Ging Herod and later the Bews, who
held it during the first revolt against ,ome, during A# CC)48. After a long struggle to
recapture this fortress, the tenth ,oman legion raised an enormous siege ramp, only to
break through and find 299 men, women and children had died in a suicide pact, rather
than be taken prisoner..
.That makes our e!ploit tonight seem insignificant compared to their heroics,. replied a
much humbled Ari.
./es my friend, &od asks men everywhere today to be courageous..
#usk saw the truck edging its way over rocky ground towards the #ead (ea. Thunder
continued to rumble overhead. As Ari drove, huge hailstones smashed into the truck,
gouging large dents in the body. 7ith a deafening bang the windscreen shattered, making
visibility difficult. $ightning split through the clouds illuminating sky and ground. As
they came near the #ead (ea
>@?
, a clap of thunder preceded another electric shaft of
lightning. "t 'ig 'agged to earth striking a tall tree, igniting it from top to bottom.
>8?
7ithin
minutes, surrounding grass and bushes were blackened by heat and fire.
.(top+., shouted (imon above the storm.
.7e need to park in a burnt out area safe from falling trees and spot fires..
*lame leapt along the eastern shore as the four men ran, dodging falling branches and
patches of smoking stubble. Hail bit into the hot ground sending spurts of steam curling
around their feet.
.(tay close to me. " can see the boats bobbing up and down when the lightning flashes
above the water.. The grimy faced men tumbled over the side of an abandoned pleasure
boat. Coughing and choking, they greedily sucked air into their smoke filled lungs. As
they lay to draw breath, the sea around them turned blood red like a burning cauldron, as
huge fiery masses plunged into the waters.
>=?

Ari pulled in the anchor while (imon tried to start the sluggish motor. (alty crusts and
moisture had collected on the neglected vessels terminals. (imon quickly wiped and
replaced the points and spark plugs. The motor soon hiccupped and spluttered to life. Ari
glanced back towards Berusalem and saw a huge ball of light in the sky. "t tore to earth
like an enormous meteor and e!ploded like a gigantic atomic bomb, sending ominous
white clouds across the sky as far as the eye could see.
>5?
The boat shook and heaved as
great waves threatened to sink it. (alty water smashed onto the deck, flooding the cabin.
(imon had ridden many storms on the (ea of &alilee, but had never seen the #ead (ea
convulse like this.
The electrical storms and meteor like e!plosions ceased as suddenly as they had begun.
Thick blackness and fog surrounded the boat as (imon beached it on the western shore at
%n &edi. He was glad this strange unearthly darkness provided cover. He let his memory
guide him to the place where he had once seen the large fuel drums. A crunch of gravel
told him they had reached the abandoned depot. 7ith a dull clunk his foot touched the
full drums. (imon set a small laser lamp on the ground while the four men rolled drums
of fuel to the water0s edge. They made makeshift ramps with fallen trees and dragged the
heavy drums aboard using chunky ropes found on the boat deck.
(imon knew the return trip would be difficult. He peered ahead into the tiny beam from
the ship0s light as it searched the inky darkness. The sea was calm now and the motor
throbbed rhythmically across the vast emptiness. Although the air had cleared Ari felt as
if he was being suffocated by the darkness. (imon0s words broke the silence.
.7e should see the glow of fires on the other shore soon. They will guide us back to
Callirhoe. 6ur trip tonight, with darkness all around, reminds me of what " read in
#avid0s Aible. "t says we need to learn to trust &od, even when we don0t know what is
ahead. (ometimes trusting &od is A$$ we can do..
>C?

Ari began to e!perience the soothing effect (imon0s words had on him. An indescribable
feeling of -oy and relief bubbled up inside him. He threw an arm across (imon0s shoulder
as the glowing shoreline appeared on a black hori'on.
Aurning embers and hot earth scorched the four men0s shoes as they rolled the heavy
drums to the truck. "t stood in the clearing covered with a thin layer of ash. (moke
stained the shattered glass giving the windscreen a stippled effect. The return trip to camp
took longer than e!pected. Aurning trees and thick smoke made driving e!tremely
ha'ardous. 7hen they reached camp the site was empty, e!cept for powdery trails
showing their friends departure. &lancing at his watch Ari noticed it was 3 A.:. "t
seemed like the dead of night as blackness clung to every rock. Ari took the wheel giving
(imon the opportunity to rest. He was confident they would soon catch up with their holy
band of travellers.
There were things Ari didn0t understand about the sudden catastrophic upheavals. They
were unlike anything he had ever e!perienced. The fury was intense and seemed
supernatural. (imon turned on the radio for the latest news. "n several parts of the world,
the announcers garbled words confirmed that people had reported blood)red hail, fire and
meteors. He broadcast some of the fa!es received.
/Falling meteor destroys atomic sips + marine li"e destroyed./
/Sea appears to be "illed wit blood a"ter er#ption on se(eral Paci"ic Islands./
/'any ri(ers and reser(oirs a(e been poisoned a"ter a meteor pl#nged to eart./
/An #n#s#al darkness "illed te dayligt + alarming people./
>4?

As the announcers voice rose to fever pitch, Ari turned off the radio.
.(imon, do you think this is the end< Has &od caused this turmoil<.
(imon hesitated a moment before replying.
." think there is worse to come Ari. " believe this could be &od0s last warning. He has
waited so long for people to change their ways. Too many have ignored Him, wanting
their own way. &od alone controls the natural environment and weather. (urely people
will turn to Him now they have seen His anger and power..
.Today was horrific,. replied Ari.
His silent thoughts and prayers were for his wife and son. He must be strong for them,
even if inwardly he trembled. The headlights of the truck picked up two faint red lights
surrounded by clouds of dust. 7ithin minutes they pulled up behind the stationary truck.
The worried driver was busy checking the motor.
.Am " glad to see you. " hope you have some fuel,. he -oked with a qui''ical smile.
Nicholas hung back while his :um hugged his #ad, crying and laughing all at once. Ari
caught sight of his gangly son and stretched out an arm to include him, thankful they had
been reunited once again.
novel.
1. :asada is still sometimes used by the "sraeli military when new troops are sworn
in for service in "srael.
@. The #ead (ea is so called because it has no sea life at all as the water contains 89J
mineral salts. 6ther nations have looked at this deposit with great envy.
8. This begins the second series of &od0s -udgments on mankind. The details come
from ,evelation, Chapter 3, verses C and 4.
=. #uring this @nd trumpet -udgement, one third of all the sea becomes blood and
there is at least one violent volcano. *or details see ,evelation, Chapter 3, verses 3
and 2.
5. The 8rd trumpet -udgement from &od has a star falling to earth and poisoning the
water. (ee ,evelation, Chapter 3, verses 19 and 11.
C. 6ne of the best pieces of advice ever given by Ging (olomon, at one time the
world0s wisest man, is found in the book of ;roverbs in Chapter 8, verse 5. "t says,
0Trust in the $ord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.0 "n
matters as comple! and important as those in this novel, no person can afford to trust
their own -udgements. 7e all need to rely on what &od says in His word.
4. "n the =th trumpet -udgement of &od, the sun, moon and stars are all affected,
limiting daylight on earth. (ee ,evelation, Chapter 3, verses 1@ and 18.
Chapter 25
:acro and 7arwick solemnly paced the patterned floor of their chapel, bowing as they
reached each upturned cross. Their gla'ed eyes stared from beneath long, black, hooded
capes. &rotesque shadowy creatures lurked in the damp recesses of the room. As the two
trod the same monotonous course over and over again, their chanting grew louder and
louder. #ark demonic shapes -oined the shadowy creatures filling the chapel with evil.
Their pungent odour masked the smell of melting wa! from thin candles, flickering in
golden candlesticks on the altar. :acro and 7arwick knelt before the altar, bathed in a
brilliant white light that shone through the heavy black curtain in front of them. Aehind
the curtain, smoke rose out of a deep furnace)like crevice. Creatures unlike any seen on
earth emerged from the smoky pit.
>1?
A sinister laugh, from the master of these creatures,
filled the chapel and the black curtain fell to the ground. :acro and 7arwick lay
prostrate before him, for he was their god. His name ) (atan ) the tempter of all mankind
and the adversary of &od in heaven. There was no love, truth or purity in (atan. His only
desire towards mankind was to possess their souls and use people to build his kingdom.
The demonic beings, with human like faces, tossed their long silky hair as they emerged
from the bottomless pit. A golden aura encircled their heads. They chanted as their long
wing)like arms beat incessantly upon bodies strong as iron. The sound was such that
:acro and 7arwick, in their trance)like state, were unable to move. They heard (atan0s
voice echo around the chapel, ." have opened the bottomless pit. /ou have authority to
torment for a period of five months, all who do not have the seal of &od on their
foreheads. /ou will not kill anyone, but cause them great agony. ;eople will long for
death rather than suffer the pain you inflict, but death will elude them. " am the prince and
god of this world..
>@?
7ith a flourish of his hand (atan signalled the spirits depart and
begin their torment.
"n that instant, :acro and 7arwick were released from the power holding them prostrate
to the floor. (atan disappeared in a blinding flood of white light, leaving the two awe)
struck men before the altar. 6utside, the air was thick with smoke from the pit, hiding the
sun from view. (creams were heard as the demonic creatures stung their victims. :any
tried to wash the pain away with cool water as their bodies -erked uncontrollably. The
pain was so relentless, that some went mad and tried unsuccessfully to commit suicide.
&od0s people escaped the stinging creatures, but could do nothing to ease the suffering of
those smitten. %ven in their torment people refused to turn to &od. Bihela and %chon
continued to preach, begging people to repent before it was too late.
>8?
#ay after day
hospital emergency wards filled as people sought relief ) but there was no antidote, relief
or cure. Aecause of this, there were staff shortages at factories, shops and service
organi'ations still operating after recent wars and natural disasters.
,euben and some of his staff were busy salvaging undamaged stock from the ruins of
&ranright, when the stinging tail struck him. (earing pain crippled both feet momentarily.
He felt as if his legs were on fire. The thing confronting him was like something out of a
science fiction movie. As he crumpled to the ground, the devilish thing struck again.
(tinging needle like pain shot from his hands and along his arms, leaving him faint and
afraid. (uddenly the creature rose and moved to its ne!t victim. 6nly those without the
compulsory mark escaped the sting of these demonic beings. They struck like a swarm of
wasps and left -ust as quickly, leaving a trail of pain and misery behind them.
,euben0s employees cried out to him wailing and grovelling.
.Help us+ 7hat were those hideous things< 7here did they come from<.
7ith teeth clenched, he answered through his pain, ." don0t know. " saw what looked like
their leader. He wore a ring like the one :acro wears..
.Aut why would this person, or :acro, use these things to harm us<
."0m also confused. " have no answers. Can0t you see " suffer with you<.
The workers left, screaming out for someone or something to end the pain, not knowing
where to turn for comfort. ,euben struggled with his thoughts as pain and weariness
clouded his thinking. He needed to find the answer immediately, so he dialled :acro0s
headquarters from his mobile phone.
./es,. came the cold reply. ."t0s ,euben. 7e were invaded by weird things that swept all
around us causing agony to everyone. They seemed to be under the command of a man
wearing a ring like yours..
.(o he revealed himself to you also<. chuckled :acro, unconcerned at ,euben0s distress.
.He is our leader and hates those who follow the Christian &od..
.Aut why were we harmed today< 7e are your staunch followers+.
.:any will suffer, -ust as many suffer in any war. This is all part of a much bigger plan
and nothing can change it. 7ho are you to question me, or (atan our leader<.
:acro knew ,euben had outrun his usefulness.
"t was futile for ,euben to question :acro any further. "mpatiently he threw the mobile
phone to the ground. His body ached and twitched making him wince. After prising open
the crushed first aid bo!, he picked through its contents and swallowed two morphine
tablets. His agony eased a little and a strangeness descended on him. He do'ed in the
makeshift shelter under the one remaining olive tree, standing starkly ad-acent to where
#avid0s home once stood.
(imon, Ari and the others reached ;etra without any loss of life. 6nce again they were
secure in a large rock fortress. Their entry into the town had been a happy event. *ellow
Christians who escaped :acro0s tyrannical rule greeted them. They celebrated their safe
arrival with a feast like that celebrated by the Bews at their New /ear. $ater, they met to
give thanks to &od 7ho guided them out of danger into this safe place. (imon0s thoughts
turned to ,euben. He wondered if he had escaped the disasters reported in the media.
,euben never once returned his or (imon0s phone calls or fa!es. Tonight, (imon felt
uneasy and shared his feelings with Ari. The two men sat perched on a flat rocky outcrop
high above the narrow gorge, wrapped in warm, wool blankets. As they sat looking past a
skyline broken up with outlines of towering modern hotels, they became aware of their
own puniness in such a vast place.
.#ear *ather in Heaven, " fear for ,euben0s very life. :y heart is heavy because " know
he bears the mark imposed upon him by 7arwick. ,euben chose by his own free will to
follow these men. " pray he might be freed from :acro0s control, for " love ,euben as a
son..
(obs escaped (imon0s lips when he remembered ,euben and #avid as boys. The anguish
(imon felt hurt so much he nudged Ari, signalling him to take up the prayer.
.*ather &od, we have always loved ,euben in spite of his wrong choices. 7e have given
up hope that one day he would return to us and turn to /ou. He is my friend, and " can do
nothing to save him, for /ou alone are his hope and his salvation. "nto /our hands we
commit ,euben..
The two men sat for a while, neither wanting to speak. 7ords could never e!press the
depth of their sorrow. Already they grieved as if ,euben were dead, knowing at the
bottom of their hearts that because he had taken :acro0s mark, their was no hope for him.
novel.
1. The fifth trumpet -udgement of &od that unrepentant mankind must suffer, is
particularly devastating. #uring it, a total of one third of all people on earth are killed
from the fire and brimstone that comes out of the mouths of the demons. *ull details
of this are found in ,evelation, Chapter 2, verses 18 to @1.
@. There are a number of verses of (cripture that verify (atan can call himself both
god and ruler of this world. >7ith &od0s temporary permission of course? (ee 1st
Corinthians, Chapter =, verse =, Bohn, Chapter 1@, verse 81, and %phesians, Chapter
C, verse 1@. 8. Although &od is still giving men and women a chance to repent, this is
not really the time to do it. The proper time is before the rapture of all believers to
heaven, so all these -udgements of &od do not fall on them.
Chapter 26
,euben tossed restlessly as pictures and voices danced in and out of his fitful sleep. He
dreamt he saw (imon and Ari in some remote place, welcoming him, but he slipped from
their grasp. He tumbled over and over backwards through a hellish place of shadowy
figures, each one trying to catch him. Their long slimy fingers tore his flesh as he slid
from their grip. #own and down he went through the blackness into a fiery glow. He
cried out in his sleep, wanting the dream to end. 7ords came to his distorted mouth,
.&od, help me, " can0t escape..
The instant he spoke these words, the dream and his sleep ended, leaving him in a lather
of perspiration. He had never e!perienced fear like that which shook him now. His foggy
mind tried to understand the dream. (omehow his spoken words had put an end to the
horror in his subconscious mind.
,euben remembered something in a letter Ari had written, warning him of :acro and
7arwick.
/%eware o" tese two men. !ey are ceats, liars and totally e(il. -#r battle today is not
4#st against men like tese, b#t against s#pernat#ral powers./
At the time ,euben didn0t understand, or even care what this meant, and dismissed the
words as another of Ari0s Christian ramblings. He now wondered, 7hat if :acro and
7arrick are somehow part of an evil supernatural power<
The sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach was unsettling. He felt the chink in his
armour growing as he began to question the authority of :acro, 7arwick, and their
recently revealed leader, (atan. His disillusioned cry rent the air.
.They allowed me to suffer at the hands of those evil creatures. Am " nothing to them<.
Although ,euben did not believe in prayer, he remembered praying when his
grandmother died. He let the anguish of that moment well up inside his tortured soul. He
wept, not only for her, but also for his father killed in battle long ago ) and now for
himself. ,euben despised the pitiable wretch he was. He had allowed hate to fester inside
him, separating him from (imon, Ari and #avid0s love.
He decided to return to Berusalem. He wanted to confront :acro and 7arwick one more
time. 6ver the last few days he had decided he wanted no further part in their
organi'ation. ,euben knew he had, like a fool, sold himself totally to their cause. His
money was gone. Had the arms supplied to his Arab people really helped them regain
land< The plant lay in ruins with little hope of reopening. Attacks by the demonic
creatures had lessened, but many continued to suffer torment from their wounds.
,euben0s precious morphine brought some relief, making his drive into Berusalem more
comfortable.
He was soon entering :acro0s underground chapel where for the first time, he noticed the
overwhelming dank oppression that clung to him. :acro and 7arwick stood on each side
of the golden throne where (atan sat.
>1?
This was the man ,euben had seen when the
demonic creatures attacked. (atan was handsome in a sinister way. His fearless voice was
as smooth as honey.
.7hat brings you here<.
,euben knew he was in real danger.
." want no more of your organi'ation or your plans..
(atan0s venomous laugh startled ,euben. ./ou bear my mark and cannot escape. " have
you in my grip. The &od of all Christians will re-ect you. He cannot forgive all you have
done to help my rise to power. :y ne!t great army of demons is waiting to attack the
entire world..
7ith a flash of light ,euben was thrown against the wall, knocking all breath from his
tormented body. As (atan rose impatiently, ,euben slid to the floor and lapsed into
unconsciousness. He awoke amidst the decomposing, uncollected rubbish. His eyes
fluttered open as (atan0s supernatural army thundered through the streets.
7ild demonic horses led the way, eyes staring, nostrils flaring.
>@?
Their ruthless riders
urged them on, trampling everything in their path. Aehind them rolled trucks and tanks
armed with atomic weapons and nerve gas. #eath claimed millions as (atan0s armies
swooped simultaneously across the whole world.
,euben struggled to his feet as the heavy tank inched its way towards him. He reeled
backwards when a full volley of bullets tore into his chest. He remembered saying once
he would die in Berusalem ) but not this way ) not now. He had so much to put right. His
warm blood ran into the gutter, -ust as his father0s once did. He began to pray in rasping
breaths.
.*ather in heaven, hear my prayer. " know the truth. There is no good in either :acro or
7arwick. They are (atan0s agents. " despise myself and hate what " have done..
,euben thought he heard a tormenting sinister laugh. &rotesque spirits, as black as
ravens, hovered all around. His body convulsed after his last breath escaped through blue
tinged lips. (atan swept past the body without giving it a second glance. His treachery
and deception cost ,euben his life. (atan0s words were far worse than the sound of rapid
gunfire that had slain ,euben. ./ou poor fool, &od did not hear you. /our prayer came
too late, for you bear my mark. " have claimed you and today your entrance is into hell.
*or you there is no eternal life with &od..
>8?

(atan0s armies continued their bloody slaughter until more than two billion people lay
dead. His followers worshipped him and his idol. However, the tragedy of war failed to
change the attitude of most. ;eople were still selfish, hard hearted and eagerly hoarded
their riches and possessions. :acro had legalised all drugs, making them readily
available to everyone. As a result, substance abuse was common, forcing many to steal,
kill, or prostitute themselves to maintain their habit.
novel.
1. (atan has always been &od0s ma-or adversary from the time he rebelled against
&od. ;rior to that, he was &od0s most beautiful angel. As a spirit being, (atan does
not often appear in person, but does have the ability to transform himself into
anything he chooses.
@. This is what is known as the si!th trumpet -udgement of &od. The Aible tells us the
story in ,evelation, Chapter 2, verses 18 to @1. Ferse 15 says that one third of
mankind will be killed.
8. ,euben0s confession came too late. He had already accepted the 0compulsory0 mark
from 7arwick. As a result, he could not be accepted by &od. &od saw ,euben as
rebelling against Him, because he had already decided for the Antichrist when he took
the mark. ,euben, if he had known the truth, or had taken the trouble to find out from
his friends who were believers, could have been a Christian many years before and
been taken to heaven with other believers in the rapture. At worst, he could have
refused the mark during the reign of the Antichrist. Accepting the mark decided his
eternal future, sending him to hell. "t would have been better if he had not taken the
mark, been e!ecuted by :acro and finished up in heaven with &od.
Chapter 27
:acro and 7arwick had not seen (atan since his armies annihilated many people around
the world. :a-or cities throughout the world also suffered large scale destruction. :acro
knew the two evangelists, known as Bihela and %chon were still at large. He was annoyed
to hear they were preaching each day near the bus terminus, not far from what remained
of the #amascus gate area of the 6ld City of Berusalem. These two men had become a
niggling thorn in his side. 7arwick summoned the commander for his latest report on the
two who so blatantly defied :acro0s orders.
.The so)called evangelists are living in an underground tomb. :y soldiers have been
watching their every movement..
.Assemble your men near there tonight. Have them take up their positions before curfew
time,. ordered 7arwick.
The commander replied, .#o you want them killed<.
."nitially you will use the new silent sound wave equipment. 7hile they are
disorientated, use nerve gas to flush them out like rats. They are yours to kill as you wish.
"f they escape, you and all involved will die. The guillotine has no friends. &o+ ;repare
your troops..
The commander called his soldiers together. After a short briefing each knew their
strategic position. The soldiers left, each equipped with special clothing and breathing
apparatus, some thinking this was not warfare in the true sense of the word. ,ather, it was
an act of murder organi'ed by a madman. Their initial lust for blood had waned. 6nly the
more brutal delighted in their continuing atrocities against all who opposed :acro.
#amp cold air filled the underground tomb as Bihela and %chon turned down the kerosene
lamp. Their meeting had finished earlier tonight. ;eople were becoming more afraid of
being caught on the streets of Berusalem after curfew, let alone coming from an illegal
meeting. The two sat summing up the past three and a half years and re-oicing over those
who, since the rapture, had come to know Besus as their (aviour. :illions had been
martyred, killed in battle, or died of starvation and disease. 6thers, not strong enough to
withstand these terrible times had attempted suicide. (ome died confused and afraid, for
they followed neither :acro or &od.
%chon turned to Bihela and spoke softly. .Ay &od0s power alone, we have spread His
truth. 7e know our time is coming to an end. :acro is indeed the Antichrist spoken of in
the Aible. *inally he will be defeated, -ust as the Aible e!plains..
Bihela turned off the lamp and the two settled into their makeshift beds. ,ats, emerging
from their hiding places, scurried across the damp rock and over the sleeping men.
(ometime later, they awoke feeling ill. As both men vomited, a stinking gas burnt their
lungs. Their eyes and noses streamed, making it difficult to see. Their limbs -erked as
they clawed and choked their way to open air. As painful spasms twisted their bodies,
their foaming mouths whispered over and over, .$ord, now is /our promised time. Have
mercy on us. Though they slay us, yet we will trust in /ou..
The commander watched as %chon and Bihela writhed in pain. The soldiers advanced and
played a cat and mouse game with them using fi!ed bayonets. Their callousness would
have sickened the most seasoned war veteran. Alood gushed from Bihela0s side where a
bayonet sliced through his clothing and flesh. 6ne of the guards used the point of his
bayonet to engrave CCC upon the foreheads of the two evangelists. Another laughed and
taunted them with his words.
./ou wear 7arwick0s number after all..
%chon and Bihela could no longer see through the blood dripping into their stinging eyes.
The commander shouted, .*inish them now and be done with it..
A do'en soldiers surrounded the dying pair with weapons raised. Together they swiftly
thrust in their bayonets.
The spirit0s of Bihela and %chon saw two huge men dressed in white. Aehind them, they
saw a beautiful golden city. Their spirit0s rose as if on clouds of silk, while gold dust
sprinkled the air around them. A brilliant light welcomed them into its warmth.
The soldiers dragged the two bodies into Berusalem. :acro had given orders they were to
remain there for all the world to see.
>1?
They threw the corpses onto the hard ground, near
the bus terminal ad-acent to the #amascus &ate. :acro0s followers danced around the
bodies in great merriment and drunkenness. The whole world was forced to view :acro0s
latest triumph, because all media networks still operating, including the "nternet,
remained under his control.
He gloated over the death of the two evangelists, as did many people from all around the
world. ;arties were held to celebrate their death. ;eople sent gifts to one another, as
Christians do at Christmas time.
>@?
6thers felt they had been tormented by these two men,
who often condemned them for their wickedness. Bihela and %chon had preached doom
for those who would not receive Christ as their (aviour.
After a couple of days, passers by barely glanced at the fly covered bodies. #uring the
third day, a group of newsmen stood transmitting live from the spot. As they were
focussing their cameras on the lifeless bodies, the camera crew suddenly shrank back in
terror. Although petrified, the reporters continued filming, reali'ing this could be the most
sensational news item ever reported. The still forms had begun to breathe. The camera
crew watched Bihela and %chon stand on their feet. Then, a loud voice coming from the
sky, said, .Come up here+.
"mmediately, %chon and Bihela floated heavenwards, disappearing into a cloud.
>8?
Their
terrified enemies reali'ed &od was much greater than :acro. (ome had heard rumours
about :acro0s so)called return to life, but without doubt, this was a real resurrection.
%veryone had seen the two disappear into the sky with their own eyes
.>=?

$ess than thirty minutes later, as newsman were still e!citedly gabbling their reports, a
great earthquake shook Berusalem.
>5?
Auildings toppled causing panic and confusion.
;eople were so afraid. They now recogni'ed &od0s divine power. :any fell on their
knees before Him, acknowledging His sovereignty. The earthquake continued leaving
about ten per cent of the city in ruins. $ater news reports stated 4999 people had been
killed in Berusalem. At the beginning of the earthquake, :acro and 7arwick hurried to
their fortified headquarters. Neither spoke, as anger seethed in them. They contemplated
their ne!t move. ;erhaps (atan would re)appear<
As the tremors heaved and shuddered to an end, a gentle wind blew, dispersing the clouds
of dust hanging low over Berusalem. (lowly, bewildered people -oined others to clear the
rubble and search the ruins for bodies. They worked silently and automatically, listening
for the sound of survivors trapped underneath heavy concrete. %ntire blocks of
undamaged houses and buildings stood out like beacons, altering the city skyline. (ome
of :acro0s surveillance cameras and loud speaker systems remained intact. 6ther people
went about their normal routines, hoping the danger was past.
6ut of the blue, music, like the sound of harps was heard, soothing people0s souls like a
gentle balm. A loud voice interrupted the calm saying, .*ear &od and give glory to Him,
for the hour of His Budgement has come. 7orship Him who made heaven and earth, the
sea and springs of water..
>C?

There was a pause before the words continued, .Alessed are the dead who die in the $ord
from now on..
>4?

The voice stopped people in their tracks. This was not the usual harsh broadcast they had
become accustomed to since :acro0s rise to power. This voice spoke with authority and
conviction. As it resounded across the city, the same warning appeared in the sky like a
message written in smoke trailing behind an aeroplane. This message did not blow away
or fade, like those sent by some forlorn lover or advertiser. "t remained bold and clear.
:acro0s media system was also supernaturally altered to transmit this warning. &aming
machines blinked out the same warning, surprising gamblers who thought they had won a
special -ackpot. Around the world, the same warning was given in like manner in every
language known to mankind. New believers in Besus heard these words directly from the
6ne who sent them, the Holy (pirit. &od sent the Holy (pirit to tell all men left on earth
that the end was very near.
novel.
1. The bodies of these two men, whom the Aible calls the two witnesses, will indeed
lie in the streets for three days. (ee ,evelation, Chapter 11, verse 3.
@. Aecause these two evangelists challenged evil people on earth at that time, they
delighted in the two men0s death. They make merry, and give each other presents to
celebrate the occasion. (ee ,evelation, Chapter 11, verse 19.
8. The ascension of the two evangelists to heaven by the power of &od will shock the
world, especially those who thought :acro had killed them. (ee ,evelation, Chapter
11, verses 11 and 1@.
=. Apart from the resurrection of Besus Christ from the dead, this is the ultimate proof
as to 7ho is in charge of all things. 6nly &od can give life to the dead. (ee ,omans,
Chapter =, verse 14.
5. *or details of this earthquake, see ,evelation, Chapter 11, verse 18.
C. This announcement from heaven is quite remarkable. "t is the love of &od speaking
out to all on earth, to give some a last chance for salvation. "t is announcing that the
last and most terrible series of -udgements is about to begin..
4. Bust prior to this last sequence of -udgements, this announcement also provides
hope to those who do not belong to Christ. "t simply says that 0you are blessed if you
die in the $ord from now on.0 (ee ,evelation, chapter 1=, verse 18. 6f course it is
much too late for any sensible person to be considering Christ. The consequences of
eternal death and a lost eternity, needs a much earlier decision than at this time. Aut
&od still provides it. To wait until this time is utter stupidity.
Chapter 28
Nicholas ran through the narrow gorge, dodging magnificent horses carrying tourists
seated in shiny brown saddles. Arabs held the reins loosely as they led their animals into
;etra, ignoring the small cars waiting to enter. Hotels towered above the market gardens
outside the city, which had survived both :acro0s attacks and recent earthquakes. The
Arab market gardeners sold their produce to anyone with cash or gold, whether Bew,
Christian or :uslim. Cash was rare since :acro introduced his card system.
Nicholas dumped the fruit and vegetables on the ground.
.#id you see the writing in the sky< (omeone told me to run home and pray because the
world is coming to an end. "s this true #ad<.
Nicholas had grown into a fine adolescent. He had come through their ordeals with a
maturity that bred responsibility. At times however, Ari was ama'ed at his son0s childlike
qualities. He never forced his beliefs on Nicholas. ,ather, he secretly longed for the day
when his son believed Besus was &od0s own (on.
.7hat will it take to convince you Nicholas< Haven0t you seen or heard enough to know
what you must do< The words in the sky say it all. They are true..
Nicholas could hear the love in his father0s quiet pleading.
." believe &od created heaven and earth and all things #ad.
>1?
Although " don0t quite
understand why innocent people die. " know " don0t want to ever be separated from you or
:um. " still miss %lena, and was angry with &od and everybody when she disappeared. "
want to believe, but something seems to stop me.. Ari pulled the rickety wooden chair
closer to where his son sat.
./ou can never be free of the past until you confess your sin of not accepting Besus
Christ. This will remove any blockages. "s this really what you want to do<.
." suppose it0s now or never,. came Nicholas0 strangled reply. Ari helped his son speak
out the difficult words until he was able to say he wanted Besus Christ in his life. Helen
and (imon wondered why Nicholas and Ari had been deep in conversation. They walked
to where they sat and heard the end of Ari0s prayer. .Thank you *ather, that nothing
separates us from /our love..
>@?

(uddenly, the skin of those bearing :acro0s mark began to fester with painful oo'ing
boils.
>8?
They were worse than any ever treated and failed to respond to antibiotics.
#octors could do little but issue anaestheti'ing ointments. (ome patients e!perienced
e!cruciating pain when needles were inserted into nasal septums in an effort to drain
accumulated pus from swollen faces. At ;etra, (imon and Ari were saddened to see
people suffering the effects of this latest epidemic. (ome wondered if the mark itself
caused the infection, polluting the bloodstream. Those who suffered these boils thought it
strange and unfair that people without the mark escaped.
>=?

:acro issued orders that his si! delegates meet on Cyprus, where he and 7arwick had
arrived some days earlier. "t bored them to watch people suffering the aftermath of
earthquakes and so called epidemics. They thought they were invincible and indeed
seemed immune to disease and disasters. As they walked along the shore, the stench of
rotting fish filled their nostrils. *ishing boats and trawlers lay idle here, as did others
around the world. The seas were polluted and devoid of any living creatures. 7aves
washed the shores of every land with a bloody red foam like the blood of many martyrs.
>5?
,ivers and springs emptied their putrid red contents into the oceans lap. Although it was
autumn here, a relentless scorching sun burned into :acro and 7arwick.
>C?
.Curse this
damned heat,. e!claimed 7arwick as he kicked a rotting fish head. A cloud of angry
black flies rose from their grisly feast and bu''ed around their legs. :acro laughed as
they walked back towards the white and blue stone villa.
.The searing heat has killed many around the world, not -ust here. There are reports from
many of the normally cooler latitudes that people are dying like flies because they are not
used to such heat. "n one old apartment building in New /ork, some residents were found
dead, caused by dehydration after the water supply was cut off. At least we still have
plenty of bottled water. ;eople will blaspheme &od0s name and hate Him. 7e can use all
disasters to turn many from Him to us. 7e are real flesh and blood, not -ust some unseen
&od that might save them..
As :acro and 7arwick entered the conference room, all eyes focused on their leader,
bringing an immediate silence. The delegates rose while :acro and 7arwick took their
places. :acro droned on and on, mostly congratulating himself for his part in the total
decline of society. He delighted in the lawlessness that was prevalent around the world.
His total control was reaching fruition. Backson, from America, noted the atmosphere was
somewhat different from their last meeting. The delegates had suffered the same
catastrophes, plagues, diseases and discomforts as the ordinary man. 6ceans and rivers in
and around their native countries were full of the same blood red pollution that emptied
stinking dead contents onto burning sands. Backson lacked some of his initial optimism as
one of :acro0s devoted followers. He, unlike :acro, had gained neither fame nor
fortune, and was in fact, ostraci'ed by family and friends. He hated the devastation,
dereliction and despair in America. "t was no longer a place where people stood and
fervently sang their rousing national anthem. ,ather, they voiced a wavering entreaty for
someone or something to lift them out of these times.
The conference room was suddenly plunged into darkness. $ights sputtered overhead and
faded, as the air conditioner shuddered and died.
.&et the generator going one of you. The meeting is not over yet..
Backson and Ashley, the delegate from %urope, felt their way to the door. 6utside it was
pitch black, although not yet night.
>4?
Ashley tripped over something on the ground and
fell headlong onto the rocky path.
.Alast this weather. " am sick of heat, power shortages and blackouts. :y body is on fire
and the last of those filthy boils continue to plague me. " long for the cool greenness that
was once %ngland..
Ashley lived in the $akes district of %ngland and loved its coolness and relative
quietness. Cyprus was stifling. Bust before flying to Cyprus, Ashley had driven from
%dinburgh to $ondon and noticed the drastic effects of this unprecedented heat. A
driveway attendant refuelling his car that day commented, .Hell has come to earth
gov0ner..
Backson helped Ashley to his feet and keeping close together they edged their way along
the chain fence to the room housing the generator. Ashley reached for the torch hanging
on a hook behind the door. "ts light guided Backson as he worked. Fery soon the generator
throbbed into action. (ecurity lights lit up the grounds like an airport runway. "nside the
villa the conference room leapt into brightness.
(ome delegates reached for -ugs of iced water in front of them. 7ith sweaty hands they
poured the cool water into glass tumblers and drank greedily. The room was stifling and
they complained of ulcerated tongues and sores in their mouths. (ome wondered if the
water had been tampered with. ;eter, who had been responsible for media control, cursed
loudly as he bit his swollen painful tongue. :acro silenced him with a disdainful glance.
." am leaving Cyprus tonight with 7arwick. 7e fly to Aabylon where (atan is waiting.
,umours have been heard that recent converts to Christianity say Besus will return any
day. 7e are more than ready to crush any uprising this idea may cause..
The meeting ended abruptly, leaving the e!hausted delegates not much wiser than when it
began. Their heads and mouths hurt and conversation was the last thing they wanted as
they left Cyprus and returned to their own countries.
novel.
1. 7hen the sub-ect of creation is considered, childlike faith is often more useful than
philosophy or scientific research. #espite the efforts of Charles #arwin and other
evolutionists over the last century, the Aiblical account of creation still stands up to
every test of man. The Aible itself says that, 0*or by Him, all things were created that
are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible...0 (ee Colossians, Chapter 1,
verse 1C. A belief in evolution and not in creation, can seriously interfere with an
ability to believe in &od.
@. The Aible tells us clearly that, if we believe, nothing can ever separate us from the
love of &od. (ee ,omans, Chapter 3, verses 85 to 82.
8. This is the beginning of &od0s final series of -udgements on a wicked earth. This
first one is known as the first bowl >of &od0s wrath? -udgement. "t is found in
,evelation, Chapter 1C, Ferses 1 and @.
=. Those who have become believers in Besus Christ since the rapture, are now
protected by &od from His -udgements, but not from the Antichrist.
5. These are &od0s second and third bowl -udgements, where all water e!panses are
turned to blood and all sea creatures die. *ind this in ,evelation, Chapter 1C, verses 8
and =.
C. 7ith this pouring out of the fourth bowl of &od0s wrath comes scorching heat, way
beyond that usually e!perienced. (ee ,evelation, Chapter 1C, verses 3 and 2.
4. "n some ways this fifth bowl of &od0s wrath poured out on earth is the most
devastating. "magine the earth suddenly plunged into darkness, and the fear that
would cause+ (ee ,evelation, chapter 1C, verse 19.
Chapter 29
The %uphrates ,iver wound its way for @599 kilometres, forming the north eastern border
of the land promised by &od to Abraham and his descendants.
>1?
"n ancient times this
great river separated armies, hindering their advance. "n recent years, dams had been
built, making the river almost dry at some times of the year. Now it, like other rivers, had
completely dried up removing any barrier or border between east and west.
>@?
:acro and
7arwick looked out across the wide parched river bed, as (atan -oined them in his usual
bla'e of sinister glory, drawing his flowing cape up over his mouth. 7hen he removed it,
he e!haled loudly and a demonic spirit came out of his mouth. :acro and 7arwick were
given the same power and mimicked (atan. Two more evil spirits -oined the first. They
were sent to bring many armies to Armageddon.
>8?
Aabylon had been partly rebuilt out of its neglected ruins, using some of the original
bricks.
>=?
Nebuchadne''ar0s palace was partially restored, but the largest palace in
Aabylon was the one built by "raq0s dictator. :oney gained from the e!port of petroleum,
natural gas, phosphates and sulphur, made him a very wealthy man, in spite of his
country0s huge international debt. "raq was the apple of his eye. "t was mostly made up of
plains, with mountains along its borders with "ran and Turkey. The climate was mild to
cool in winter with hot dry summers that he loved. 6ver the years, salinisation and
erosion had reduced the amount of agricultural land available. To add to this dilemma, the
great %uphrates ,iver -oined the Tigris and emptied a trickle of filth and pollution into
the ;ersian &ulf. There was a severe labour crisis in "raq, since the ,epublic decreed all
able bodied citi'ens must enlist in one of the armed services at the age of eighteen. The
country0s striped red white and black flag, embellished with three five pointed stars on a
white band, fluttered from many rooftops in a show of bravado and strength. Aabylon
was a godless, materialistic city where lu!urious mansions and apartments housed
wealthy people and merchants. Tourists rode escalators to the top of a huge glass tower
that reached skywards. The once lush parks and gardens, planted with flowers and shrubs,
were now brown and barren. %verything was dead in this city where corrupt businessmen
and politicians grew richer. They used or e!ploited others on their way to fame and
fortune. The stock e!change here, like those around the world had become defunct, and
public ownership was a thing of the past. #ictatorial leaders did all their money dealings
in private rooms.
Aabylon was :acro0s capital now his work in Berusalem was finished for the time being.
He and 7arwick glanced out through the tinted grey windows of their lu!ury apartment
on the thirty)third floor. At the same time, they had one eye on the multi)media set which
was reporting giant earthquakes around the world. :ountains had been flattened and
islands had disappeared into the sea, changing the topography of the world. "n earthquake
prone areas like "ndonesia, :alaysia, the ;hilippines and Bapan, there were massive
disruptions, with big cities disappearing into the sea under giant tidal waves. The other
side of the ;acific ocean had not escaped either. The (an Andreas fault line near $os
Angeles had suddenly moved nearly one metre. *reeways and skyscrapers constructed to
withstand earthquakes above 4.5 on the ,ichter scale, had fallen as though pushed over
by a giant hand. *urther north, in ice prone areas, giant icebergs thrashed themselves into
fishing ports, crushing ships along frosty shores.
(uddenly, their multimedia set went black. A flare of lightning 'ig)'agged to earth. :ore
flashes were followed by claps of deafening thunder. The building shook and :acro and
7arwick knew this was more than -ust a thunderstorm. Bust as their elevator reached the
ground floor, an earthquake greater than any ever registered ripped the city apart. &iant
hailstones, bigger than basketballs, smashed into the huge glass viewing tower, shattering
every pane. ;ieces slithered to the ground, killing everyone in their path.
>5 ?
:acro and
7arwick fled the city minutes before their great capital and empire lay in ruins. ;eople
once again cursed &od as huge hailstones became lethal weapons, in-uring and killing
many. They said &od was destroying their great city. 7ealth and lu!ury were no longer
bedmates.
>C?

7hile much of the world mourned the destruction of Aabylon, &od0s people re-oiced, not
because people were killed, but because they knew this was part of His -udgement on
those who continued to re-ect Him. :any nations hated Besus and His followers. These
people were sure :acro and (atan could withstand any army, whether of man or &od.
Now Aabylon had fallen, :acro and 7arwick were forced to return to their headquarters
in Berusalem. :acro spoke arrogantly to top military men gathered there.
.As we flew from Aabylon we saw many armies marching through &alilee towards
:egiddo, -oining others from all nations. The arms of war stretch out from the
:editerranean (ea, to the hills of southern Bordan. *leets are anchored in the ,ed (ea, the
;ersian &ulf and the :editerranean.
>4?
7arwick, wanting to take part in this meeting,
interrupted, .:issile planes sit in readiness on the decks of carriers and air forces of all
nations are ready to strike..
:acro and 7arwick0s followers celebrated when they knew war was eminent. /oung men
were conscripted, some looking as young as fourteen years of age. Tens of millions
gathered, armed with sophisticated weapons, waiting for what many believed would be
the war to end all wars. "n Berusalem, many still worshipped :acro0s image, re-ecting
Besus now as they had when He first came to earth. :acro0s troops stationed throughout
"srael, -oined those from other nations, all eager to attack "srael. They raided the city of
Berusalem, rifled homes and raped young and old alike. Two out of every three "sraeli0s
died as a result of this massacre.
>3?
Those who survived searched the ruined city for
somewhere to hide, despairing of ever finding food or comfort again. They wept for their
city. "t seemed they had no future.
novel.
Chapter 29 of NovelNotes
1. Around 1299 years A.C. &od promised this land to the descendants of Abraham,
the person &od chose to begin the Hebrew nation. (ee &enesis, chapter 15, verse 13.
@. The si!th bowl of &od0s -udgement dried up the ,iver %uphrates, to open the way
for the armies of the Gings of the east to travel to Armageddon. (ee ,evelation,
Chapter 1C, verse 1@.
8. Armageddon is a place known in the Hebrew as :egiddo. "t is a small mountain
-ust east of :t. Carmel and present day Haifa. "t overlooks the Be'reel Falley, where
parts of the Aattle of Armageddon will take place. This area has a long history of
warfare. %ven Napoleon fought here. ,evelation, Chapter 1C, Ferse 1= e!plains that it
is &od Himself 7ho causes demons to go out and gather all the nations of the world
for battle.
=. The City of Aabylon was destroyed by the :edes and the ;ersians in 582 A.C. "n
view of the fact that in ,evelation, Chapter 13, verse 3, &od says He will destroy her,
the City of Aabylon must be rebuilt, prior to it again being destroyed. "nternet
research through locals in "raq and visitors to the area, reveals that the dictator of "raq
at the time of writing, (addam Hussein, has been attempting to rebuild Aabylon for
some years. 7e have reports saying he has built theatres, coffee shops, stores and
restaurants at the location. His name appears stamped on each brick. ,eports also say
that parts of Ging Nebuchadne''ar0s palace have been rebuilt. However, the ma-or
part of old Aabylon is still in ruins. >(ome interpretations of (cripture have ,ome as
the Aabylon being referred to?.
5. The earthquake and related events that occur here are &od0s seventh bowl
-udgement of wrath. The earthquake is the biggest the earth has ever e!perienced+
The hailstones each weigh 45 pounds. This is found in ,evelation, chapter 1C, verses
14 to @1. :oreover, it is rather interesting that in the oldest book in the Aible, &od
already had mentioned the storing up of these hailstones. (ee what &od says in the
book of Bob, chapter 83, verses @@ and @8. 0 ..have you seen the treasury of hail which
" have stored up for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war<0
C. "n the world, Aabylon is symbolic of the economic prosperity of the wealthy
minority. This warrants its destruction by &od.
4. This is the actual gathering of the armies of all nations to "srael for the battle of
Armageddon. 3. &od records in the book of echariah that only one third of the
Bewish people in "srael will survive this war. (ee echariah, Chapter 18, verse 3.
Chapter 30
The two astronauts were thankful, that in spite of the catastrophic upheavals raging
thousands of kilometres below, their search for life on other planets continued. They were
part of a select group e!empted from :acro0s combat duties. Their starry home, amid
cratered planets and une!plored gala!ies, protected them from the hellish nightmare of
earth.
*rom their spacecraft, state of the art equipment stretched out giant arms, collecting
samples of rock and surface soil. High powered telescopes and cameras fed information
onto the giant coloured screen in front of the men. "t was hoped their findings would
hasten the building of a satellite city in space. However, something strange and
frightening was happening on the earth0s surface. &reat crevices seemed to puff out
clouds of debris as the seas convulsed and tossed from one end of the globe to the other.
>1?
A brilliant halo ringed the earth with shafts of light spreading upwards into the blackness
of space. *alling stars rocketed past the space lab0s viewing panel, illuminating the sun
and moon that hung in the sky, shrouded in total blackness. The two astronauts were
terrified at the unusual phenomena. "n all their space e!plorations they had never
witnessed such dramatic displays. At the beginning of their space e!plorations they, like
countless others, believed the earth and all other planets began as the result of an
enormous cosmic e!plosion. They once believed all things were formed from molecules
by chance or progression, without the help of any intelligence. As they ga'ed upon the
scene on earth, with all its supernatural convulsions, they reali'ed only a powerful &od
could cause such havoc from the perfection He had originally created. They admitted He
was the only 6ne capable of creating man and nature in such minute detail, order and
perfection.
>@?

The astronauts knew they must keep their beliefs from :acro and his air commanders.
Their only communication link with earth crackled and sparked as they tried desperately
to make contact with their ground crew.
.Nikor @ calling base station. 7hat is happening down there<
The heavens are lit with falling meteorites and hundreds of flashes like lightning reaching
up into space..
A muffled indistinct reply was all the men were able to receive.
(imon and Ari called a meeting in the solid rock cave above the gorge. ;arents had told
the children they were safe here in ;etra, but now they were frightened. (imon waited for
the mothers to calm the little ones. His presence reassured them, for he was such a man
that his gentle quietness soothed the most fretful.
.#on0t be afraid, rather re-oice. Although you see strange things happening in the sky, and
war is all around, these are signs to remind us that Besus is about to return. 6ur faith is
being tested, but He will save us because He has told us in the Aible He will. He has
already kept us safe from famine, sickness, war and all kinds of trouble..
The people become quiet as they listened. :any whispered, .Thank you *ather,. as they
remembered the trials through which they had come. "f ever people were ready for Besus0
return it was now. :any times they had felt like prisoners in clanking chains, but their
hearts remained unshackled and free. The cloud filled skies suggested rain was about to
fall. 6ne black cloud hung like a heavy dark stage curtain awaiting the ne!t act.
Suddenly He appeared! (imon and Ari ga'ed in awe as a :an seated on the white
horse of victory burst out of the clouds. The hair of His head, like pure white wool, was
encircled with a Ging0s crown. His eyes were like a flame of fire. The blood red robe He
wore reminded (imon of Besus0 blood shed on the cross and the blood of saints slain as
He was. "t was a glorious sight.
>8?
Aehind Him followed His great heavenly army. No one
could contain their e!citement. %veryone shouted+
.Besus our $ord and (aviour. At last /ou have come to rescue us from all evil..
The reaction from the massed armies in the Falley of Behosophat near Berusalem was
dramatically different. *ighting ceased when the armies stared in disbelief at Besus Christ
coming down onto the :ount of 6lives with His heavenly army. The soldiers aggression
quickly changed to dread and cowardice. (ome who had persecuted and killed Besus0
followers, cringed at the sight of His une!pected appearance. 6thers too fearful to face
Besus took their own lives.
:acro0s multi)media systems and surveillance cameras mysteriously locked onto this
ama'ing spectacle, transmitting live into all homes left on earth. Besus stood triumphantly
on the :ount of 6lives, -ust east of Berusalem, a place at the centre of a geographical
fault line.
>C?
The brightness of His magnificent figure was blinding.
There was an ear shattering crack as a great earthquake split the :ount in two, from east
to west. Half the mountain moved a few hundred metres to the north as the other half
moved toward the south, forming a large valley.
>C?
Besus stood ma-estically on the south
side as the rumblings ceased. :en, women and children crept cautiously from out of the
ruins of Berusalem. The newly formed valley provided them with an escape route. 7ith
Besus as their ;rotector they knew they were safe.
:atthew, one of the surviving Bews, led others out of hiding and began to walk eastwards
out of Berusalem, in the valley that had been formed. The armies of the world waited,
whilst their confused commanders wondered what to do. They were further confused
when, after some time, Besus disappeared from sight in a south easterly direction towards
Ao'rah.
novel.
1. *rom space, the seven bowl -udgements would be a spectacular and awesome sight.
(ee ,evelation, Chapter 1C.
@. The first verse in the book of &enesis says that 0"n the beginning &od created the
heavens and the earth.0 Charles #arwin tried to prove creation wrong. Aut even he,
who wrote about the Theory of %volution, recanted his whole theory before his
death.. "n recent years, science itself has shown very clearly that the theory of
evolution has no scientific basis.
8. The Aible tells that at the end of this period of tribulation on earth, Besus will come
again. "n :atthew, Chapter @=, verse 89, it says that the sign of the (on of :an
>Besus? will appear in heaven.
=. (cripture also says in this verse of :atthew, Chapter @=, verse 89, that everyone
will see Besus coming on the clouds of heaven.
5. The fault line, running east to west on the :ount of 6lives was discovered earlier
this century.
C. The formation of this valley described in the book of echariah nearly @599 years
ago, is a remarkable prediction, which spells out the detail e!actly as it is told here.
*or details see echariah, Chapter 1=, verses = P 5.
Chapter 31
(imon and his community at ;etra saw Besus with His holy angels and all the saints from
heaven. :any people from Ao'rah came with them.
."t is -ust as written in the Aible,. shouted (imon.
.Besus comes to take us back into our own land..
.$isten to the trumpets+. shouted Nicholas. .#oes this mean we don0t have to hide any
more< 7ho are those people He is leading<.
(imon, like Nicholas, had many questions, but for the moment revelled in the incredible
sight. He remembered a song of praise in the 6ld Testament book of :icah about "srael0s
restoration.
/*od deligts in mercy and will a(e compassion on )is people and "orgi(e teir sins./
Bubilant men and women gathered around Besus.
./ou are our $ord and (aviour,. they cried.
Aeing Bews, they felt that special bond when like minded people come together. (o much
had happened today, it was as if time stood still. Aut now, they had Besus standing there,
real flesh and blood. %veryone became silent at the sound of their (aviour0s voice,
wanting to hear His every word. They listened intently as He spoke.
.:any of you were born in "srael. 6thers came here from countries around the world
where your ancestors migrated many years ago. " have gathered each one of you as "
promised, whether from Ao'rah, or elsewhere. /ou are :y people chosen to usher in :y
one thousand year reign on earth. " heard your cries each time any one of you tried to
change your sinful ways. " know the struggles of every "sraelite standing here..
The people were deeply moved by Besus0 words. They burnt into the very centre of their
beings like hot coals. His compassion came from a heart overflowing with unconditional
love.
./ou :y people, have been refined and tested. " know your faithfulness and longing to be
in a right relationship with &od :y *ather..
Besus paused as a heart rending cry came from a man nearby.
.:y $ord and :aster, /ou were wounded and killed by /our own people.
>1?
7e are as
guilty as our ancestors were, for we are also Bews. *orgive our sin $ord, that we may
live..
Not one Bew remained standing. They knelt in humility, their remorse and grief weighing
heavily upon them. Besus looked towards heaven and began to speak tenderly.
./our sins are forgiven and your sad days are gone. Throughout all Bewish history, before
:oses and even back to Abraham, you have suffered, but now you are set free. %ach one
of you bowed before me, the remnant of my heritage, are cleansed. /our confession saves
you. Arise, sing and re-oice, for you are a blessed people, reconciled to :e and :y
*ather..
The sweet strong voice of Besus filled the air in perfect harmony with His people as they
sang 0(halom my friend, " give you &od0s love, " give you &od0s peace, (halom.0 The
people marvelled at &od0s ama'ing grace. Besus stood with both hands outstretched
towards His people.
.Come with :e now. 7e have a battle to win+.
Although :acro and 7arwick witnessed Besus coming to earth, they were unperturbed.
.7ith (atan as our leader we will annihilate the rest of &od0s so called chosen people.
This Besus will not reign..
7arwick heard the bravado in :acro0s voice and wondered when this battle would begin.
(oldiers positioned near the :ount of 6lives had trembled when they saw Besus leading
His angels and heavenly saints towards Ao'rah. Besus had already demonstrated His
power and many wondered why He had not fought against them immediately. (ome
deserted their posts, fearing Besus more than they ever feared :acro or 7arwick. As the
soldiers were considering their fate, a fountain of water gushed out of the ground with
such force that people scattered. The water gathered in the valley, building up quickly
before flowing eastwards to the #ead (ea and westwards to the :editerranean (ea.
#uring one of the earthquakes the whole of "srael had been miraculously levelled,
forming undulating plains, e!cept for Berusalem which was elevated above all. The new
river flowed through it.
>@?
A strange eeriness enveloped the whole valley near Berusalem. Apprehension was
stamped on the face of every soldier. Besus marched unheralded into Berusalem with His
heavenly army of angels and saints. Aehind Him came all the Bews who had been kept
safe at ;etra and Ao'rah. They entered Berusalem as triumphant conquerors, following
their :essiah Ging, 7ho was about to bring deliverance to His people.
:acro laughed as he watched Besus and His followers make their grand entrance.
Turning to 7arwick he said, .(atan and his armies are waiting at full strength over the
whole of the Bordan valley..
Bust as these words left his mouth, Besus stood before the two men. 7ith a powerful voice
of authority, Besus said, .Today you will both be cast alive into the lake of burning fire.
> 8?
/ou are the first to ever enter that place..
.(atan is our ally,. -eered :acro.
.He has given me miraculous powers,. chorused 7arwick. They raised their hands to
send fire upon Besus. Try as they might they were powerless before Him. No longer
would their miracles deceive people.
./our -udgment has come. /ou have both spoken your last words. GO!"
This last word was spoken with a thunderous voice. 7ith piercing screams :acro and
7arwick hurtled in spiralling circles into the blackness of the sky. Their wailing and
agonised pleas went unanswered. They would have no rest day or night in this lake of
fire. They will be separated from &od forever. ;anic stricken armies from every nation
trembled at what they had -ust witnessed. The $ord stood, His head finely crowned, the
brilliance of His whole Aeing blinding horses and people alike. Aehind Him rested His
heavenly army clothed in the finest white linen. As far as the eye could see there were
people and armaments. Not a piece of unoccupied land was visible. The land was now an
undulating sea of faces. %very eye was transfi!ed on the ma-estic figure of Christ, clothed
magnificently in His blood red robe. The eyes of Christ were as a flame of fire, ga'ing
intently on those who were foolish enough to stand against Him. The power of His
presence was frightening to those before Him and one of awe and wonder to those behind
Him.
The armed horsemen prepared for war, shrank at the sight. All the armies of the earth
waited to fight against Him ........... but there would be no war+ The voice that at the
beginning of the world brought about creation was also a voice with mighty destructive
power.
7ith a slow, deliberate movement, Christ raised both arms above His head. 7ith the
-ustice the world had waited thousands of years for, He shouted -ust one statement of
great victory, .All who have allowed evil to dominate your heart and lives.........
He paused before delivering a sword like thrust with His mouth..... .,eceive your
punishment ) NOW!"
>=?
*our hundred million men reeled back as the words of Besus
struck them. Their flesh, eyes and tongues dissolved faster than any cancer.
>5?
Confusion
and terror sei'ed everyone. The effect of His words spread over the entire length of "srael,
as did the blood of slain men and animals.
>C?

The ne!t minutes brought every weather pattern known over this vast army. ;itch
darkness, lightning forks with thunderclaps, and hail from heaven, followed by flashes of
daylight between black clouds flying across the sky at breakneck speed. %ven His own
people behind Him crouched and covered their eyes, as &od showed the peoples of the
world 7ho was in charge of this universe.
The pride of man, puffed up by (atan0s deceptions, had made many think their armies
could defeat &od. They died unrepentant, blaspheming &od. The stench of rotting flesh
from fallen, tangled, bodies of man and beast filled the air, making the survivors gag.
Christ, by His own power had won the Aattle of Armageddon and delivered the
remaining Bewish people from the Antichrist.
Hours later, :atthew the Bewish escapee, stood with his new found friends watching
great clouds of birds fill the skies above the Falley of Behosophat. They formed a dark
canopy and hovered, waiting to strike. ;lunging to earth, they gorged on the decomposing
flesh of captains and lowly soldiers. Aefore long, stark white skeletons were all that
remained of this banquet. &od had shown His severity on all who re-ected Him, but for
those who believed, He had shown them goodness and grace.
>4?
"srael now stood like an
immovable rock, protected forever by &od0s mighty hand. Those standing with Christ in
His triumph shouted, .Alleluia, our &od reigns..
6n the following day, Besus called all gentiles who had survived the terror and wars of
the tribulation years, to a large flat piece of ground. These people would now be -udged
individually by Besus, to determine who would be allowed to live in His new millennial
kingdom. The gentiles knew of the recent gathering where Besus had declared faithful
Bews safe from any further -udgement. They had been granted citi'enship in His
kingdom.
>3?

As people stood around murmuring to each other, snippets of conversation drifted across
to where some Bews stood.
.6n what grounds will He -udge us<.
Another replied, .(urely we have not survived famines and wars to be punished now..
." only followed orders,. a man was heard to respond.
Besus stood before the apprehensive crowd, His stern countenance bringing all
conversation and con-ecture to an end.
./ou see my fellow Bews standing not far from :e. " -udge each one of you now on your
actions toward them during severe persecutions and hardships of the tribulation period.
They are here to confirm :y -udgements. Anyone who helped these :y brothers by
giving them food, drink and care, should now stand to :y right..
:any hurried to the spot, glad to be free of any further -udgement. A few Bewish men and
women walked to where the remainder stood, their eyes slowly searching the frightened
faces before them. (urprised recognition dawned on a few faces as some of the Bews
stopped to lead people out from those who had not shown any mercy. These people had
secretly gone against :acro and had helped the Bews. They had put their own lives in
danger. Besus showed His recognition of them with a welcoming smile. Turning to
everyone standing with the Bews at His right hand, He continued, .(ome of you are
surprised to learn you helped :y people. To all who helped them it was as if you were
caring for :e. To each of you " say welcome. Come and inherit the Gingdom prepared
for you. %ternal life is your reward..
Happiness and relief flooded through these thankful people, warming them like the sun0s
rays. Besus turned to the frightened remainder on His left. ./ou failed to have mercy on
:y people during the tribulation and tried every possible way to make their lives a
misery. &o from :e you cursed people into everlasting punishment, also prepared for
(atan and his angels+.
Too late they realised the enormity of failing to respond to the tortured cries of these
people during the tribulation. Their pathetic screams were heard as they disappeared into
a life of eternal hell.
>2?

novel.
1. The crucifi!ion of Christ by nailing His hands and feet to a cross are spread out
over the length of (cripture. Three of these are as follows. About 599 years before
Christ, the prophet echariah wrote about and foreshadowed it. 0And one shall say
unto him, 7hat are these wounds in thine hands< Then he shall answer, Those with
which " was wounded in the house of my friends.0 (ee echariah Chapter 1C, verse C.
About 1999 years before, Ging #avid predicted the event by saying, 0*or dogs have
compassed meN the assembly of the wicked have enclosed meN they pierced my hands
and my feet.0 (ee ;salms Chapter @@, verse 1C. After the resurrection of Besus, the
apostle Thomas said of Besus, 0%!cept " shall see in his hands the print of the nails,
and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, " will
not believe.0 (ee Bohn Chapter @9, verse @5.
@. "t is considered very likely that the river formed out of this new valley, will connect
the :editerranean (ea with the #ead (ea. %ven the present town of %n)&edi on the
eastern shore of the #ead (ea, is named by %'ekiel as a future fishing port. (ee
%'ekiel, Chapter =4, verse 19.
8. ,evelation, Chapter 12, verse @9 gives details of this casting of the Antichrist and
the *alse ;rophet into the $ake of *ire. "t is their definitive end, after trying for a
lifetime to usurp the authority of Christ. No one can ever do that and live.
=. All words that come from the mouth of Besus have great power. This power was
used by Christ at creation, and at other times during His ministry on earth. "n this
case, His words are used to dispense -udgement on those billions who would not
believe in Him. (ome may ask ) Aut how could a &od of love destroy people and
send their souls to hell< A short answer to that question has been taken from Bohn
Aenton0s book, How Can a &od of $ove send people to Hell< ;ages 42)39. .&od
loves what is right and will do everything possible to save us, consistent with -ustice.
Aut He will not do anything inconsistent with -ustice, because there is something
more terrible than sinners going to hell, and that is a &od 7ho is no longer committed
to -ustice. To say that &od should not punish sin, is to ask Him to say that sin does not
matter. "t is to ask Him to say that holiness does not matter. "t is to ask Him to no
longer be committed to -ustice. "t is to ask Him to no longer be committed to right or
wrong. "t is to ask Him to become an evil &od, like (atan, not committed to what is
right and -ust..
5. 7hat happens at the battle of Armageddon is spelt out here in echariah, Chapter
1=, verses 1@, 18, 15. "t is really no battle at all, because all Besus has to do is to speak
the words of -udgement to the waiting armies.
C. The Aible tells us of a blood spilling e!ercise never before equalled. The blood of
these people is spread over 13= miles. (ee ,evelation, Chapter 1=, verse @9.
4. This is a reminder that &od has a goodness and a severity. 6n those who fell here, a
severity, and on those who continue in obedience and in His goodness, His goodness
continues. (ee ,omans, Chapter 11, verse @@.
3. This was one of the main duties of Besus when He came to earth for the second
time, to gather faithful "srael in His new earthly kingdom. 2. These -udgements of non
Bewish people after the tribulation is referred to in :atthew Chapter @5, verses 81 to
=C.
Chapter 32
(atan chuckled when he recalled his last glimpse of :acro and 7arwick before they were
sent screaming into the lake of fire. The destruction of his massed armies didn0t bother
him either.
.7ith my supernatural powers " need no generals, air commanders, navy or the like to
fight for me+ Besus might have won this time, but " intend to continue my crusade..
He laughed bra'enly as he left his dark chapel. Aefore him stood a :an bathed in
glorious light. He was the :ightiest of all :en in history. Never before had a :an
possessed such supernatural power and strength. (atan knew this :an for 7ho He really
was. This Besus had been his enemy since (atan tried to usurp the authority of &od in
heaven.
>1?
(atan stood boldly facing Besus, with puffed up pride and arrogance.
." am god of this earth. "t is my territory.
>@?
" oppose /ou and /our heavenly army.
Besus slowly stepped towards (atan, His piercing ga'e compelling (atan0s eyes to meet
His. The burning eyes of Besus saw all the evil (atan had ever delighted in, or concocted.
(atan stood, fro'en to the spot, unable to speak or move. Besus stretched out His hand, not
to heal, for that was unthinkable, but to bring -ustice upon His adversary. "nstantly an
angel came down from heaven. He threw (atan back into his underground cavern. No
longer would this be (atan0s chapel. Besus swept the golden candlestick from the (atanic
altar and smashed the upturned cross.
"How dare you profane My oly !"n#$ "n $u% a &anner! No longer will you
deceive the nations..
The angel sent (atan reeling into the deep black crevice along with his symbols of
worship. The crowd outside heard the angels words echo around (atan0s cavern.
"'ou w"ll re&a"n (ound and $ealed "n !"$ (o!!o&le$$ p"!)
>8?
with all your
demonic beings and fallen angels, for one thousand years. Besus, the (on of &od has
come to reward His saints and to fulfil all His promises..
>=?

(imon, Ari and the crowd cheered as Besus led His people to a large flat e!panse of
ground formed as a result of the earthquake.
He began to tell them what to e!pect now He was Ging over all the earth.
.The millennium
>5?
heralds many wonderful things. "t will be a time of regeneration,
refreshing and restoration. "n :e you will find comfort, perfect -ustice and holiness. "
will restore nature to its perfect state. %ven wild animals will become tame again. *ruit,
vegetables and rain will be plentiful all the year round for all countries who come to
Berusalem to worship each year.>C? The e!tremes of sickness and handicap will end..
%ven as Besus spoke, people were healed. ;arents wept as their children0s deformed
bodies were made perfect.
>4?
$ovingly Besus continued, .#eath will be at a minimum and
only occur where a person commits the sin of murder or other serious sin. "n this :y
Gingdom, there will be no political or social oppression. " will be your religious teacher
and will teach the people of all lands..
&asps of ama'ement were heard as everyone tried to imagine living under almost perfect
conditions.
." know some among you, who lived in the tribulation period, were sad when friends and
family suddenly disappeared. /ou now understand they were raptured before all sorts of
plagues or wars could harm them. All of you refused the mark of the Aeast and every
person here today, as a result of this, has been saved from eternal death.
>3?
/our -oy is now
complete, for among us once again stand those you loved. $ook around. *ind those loved
ones you have missed so much. .
At these words from Besus, the biggest reunion of all time began. Tears of -oy and
happiness shone like pearls on many faces as loved ones were reunited. (imon0s pace
quickened to a lopsided run when he saw his wife Ann, daughter (arah and her husband
,od. Aehind them came his two Australian granddaughters.
.Ann, my dearest, my hope is fulfilled. 7e are together again..
.(imon, my love, &od is so good to us..
Ari, Helen and Nicholas recogni'ed two young girls a short distance away. Nicholas leapt
into the air and yelled lustily.
.%lena, over here..
7ith a quick flick of her head, %lena turned and saw her brother.
.Nicholas, you0re here too. 7hat a surprise+.
Nicholas ran towards his sister. Her young companion Catherine hung back. (he had no
family to welcome her. Nicholas sensed her sadness and grabbed her hand.
.7e are much more than neighbours now. 7e are all part of the same family..
The three hugged and -umped up and down from sheer -oy and youthful energy.
At long last, Ari and Helen held their daughter %lena in a tight embrace.
.:ummy, #addy, " knew " would see you again..
Across the heads of the crowd, Ari saw another much loved face watching the -oyful
reunion. A broad smile creased this man0s face. He nonchalantly strolled to Ari0s side and
hugged him silently and at length. He winked at Helen before speaking.
.There were times when " -ust about gave up hope of ever seeing you here..
.Ay the grace of &od we made it,. laughed Ari.
.Have you seen my #ad<. asked #avid.
.He is never too far away #avid. (imon has become like a father to us. He took Nicholas
under his wing when we first arrived from &reece. There he is+.
#avid saw the grey haired, thin man embracing a woman. The last time #avid saw them
show such love towards each other was at his house after his mother0s return from
holidays in Australia. (imon saw #avid and his -oy was complete. Holding Ann0s hand
tightly in his, lest he should lose her again, they hurried towards their only son.
.:y son, oh my son. These hands have longed to touch your face, -ust as my fingers used
to fall softly across the notes you wrote on the pages of your books. Those precious
words helped guide me. 7ithout them, " would have lost you forever. The old law and the
new covenant have become one through Besus, &od0s own (on..
." thank &od you are my #ad. /our Bewish traditions began something in me that &od, in
His great love, was able to finish.. .6ur family is surely chosen and blessed,. wept Ann.
Ari and #avid would have loved ,euben to share this moment, -ust as they had so many
other special times during university days. Aut it was not to be. A group of men stood on
the edge of the crowd. (ome of their names had been recorded in the history and writings
of the New Testament. They had died faithful to Besus and His teachings. Bames, Bohn,
;eter, Andrew and the others talked as they used to when they were Besus0 disciples. 7ith
them were some who had been laid to rest near the &olden &ate in Berusalem. All had
come out of their graves -ust like $a'arus in New Testament times.
>2?
#eath could not
hold them down. Their bodies had been miraculously restored after Besus returned to
earth.
Besus continued to watch and wait as people were reunited. This was indeed the biggest
family reunion ever, touching every race and every Christian denomination that ever
e!isted. "t was e!citing and wonderful. ;eople never knew who they would recogni'e
ne!t. (imon met up with some of his friends who used to meet at the (ynagogue. They
were sitting together, laughing at how it could have taken them all so long to understand
what they now knew. ."t0s -ust as well we listened to ,abbi %inson when he learned the
truth,. said one.
.(imon, can it be ......< ,abbi %inson stopped in mid sentence.
.$ook at those men walking towards us. They fit the description of Abraham, :oses and
%li-ah. $ook at that handsome man who stands a little to the right of them. Could that be
#avid<.
./ou0re the teacher+. reminded (imon. ." heard once that #avid is to rule with Besus as
Ging..
Another of the older Bews -oined in, .He will be like a vice)regent. " read somewhere the
new hierarchy, or order of things, will be ) Besus as Ging, then #avid, followed by the
church, apostles, nobles, princes and -udges..
." believe that is true,. replied ,abbi %inson.
.Berusalem will be the worship centre of the world and "srael will possess all the land
promised by &od to Abraham..
>19?
Besus began speaking to the crowd again.
." have chosen a man to rule under :e in this, &od0s :illennial Gingdom. His name
means 0well beloved.0 All eyes were on this shortish bearded man as he walked quickly
and gracefully to his :aster. He was handsome, with strong arms and a ruddy
comple!ion.
." give you #avid your Ging..
>11?

The crowd cheered, .$ong live Ging #avid )the $ord0s appointed servant..
The booming voice of Besus continued.
." have appointed special -udges and counsellors to ensure -ustice reigns, for even in the
ne!t one thousand years, there will be times when people make mistakes. Although (atan
will not be in the world causing people to sin, their own imperfect hearts will still cause
some to rebel against :e. :y -udges will decide the penalty according to the
misdemeanour committed. %ven in near perfect conditions, some will become restless
and disobedient. There will be plenty of work for everyone and all needs will be met
through agriculture and manufacturing. 7ork to clear the land littered with refuse from
the war with ,ussia will continue for another three years.
>1@?
Children will once again
en-oy picking fresh fruit every day, for there will be increased light, creating more crops.
The fields and groves will ring with laughter again as little ones frolic in safety, free to
discover the beauty of nature. To them, it will be a new garden of %den..
At the back of the crowd there was a murmuring. ;eople turned to see what was causing
the disturbance. Two of the -udges had hold of a man. His olive skin and stubbly beard
suggested his origin could have been from a country nearby. (imon, Ari and #avid had a
good view from their spot at the end of the row. #avid felt sorry for the man being
hurried along with a -udge on either side of him. As he drew closer the man0s pleading
voice made Ari0s head spin around.
." tell you He has forgiven me..
." know that, . said one of the -udges.
.%very person here today is forgiven, for only the forgiven and saved can be here now..
.Then why are you doing this to me<. the man implored.
The other -udge replied.
.:any will not understand how you of all people dare show your face. (ome may need to
hear it from your own lips..
The man fell to his knees before the silent crowd. Besus walked to the sobbing man and
placed His hand on the distraught man0s head. No one but Besus knew this man0s heart.
Turning to the crowd Besus said, .Aehold this man. He could have been any one of you
here. To some of you, he was an enemy, to others a dearly beloved friend and brother. "
see only what he is now ) a redeemed man, with a new heart and love for :e. Take him
into your hearts as " have. $ove him as " do, for he is your friend and co)heir in this
Gingdom. " know he wants to help rebuild his beloved city and plant new vines. This
man, a ,oman, was the centurion in charge of the soldiers who nailed :e to the cross. He
has become one of :y beloved sons and heirs, because after :y death on that day he
said, 0Truly, this :an was the (on of &od.0.
>18?
There was a long silence as the crowd felt
the wonder of the moment. (imon and #avid sang with Ari and their families .......
06h $ord your loveliness, changing all our ugliness, 6h $ord we receive your love.0
;eople picked up the words and melody. There was healing in the song. 6ther believers,
beheaded during the tribulation and now with their bodies restored, found friends and
family as the singing continued. All reigned in the :illennial Gingdom, whether 6ld
Testament saint, martyr, Bew, or believing gentile. They had all been saved and like the
centurion, could dwell in this land. No longer were fear, danger and hunger their constant
companions.
(ilently, a man sat beside Ari. (imon smelt a sweet spicy perfume. A strange
remembrance stirred in him. The sweet aroma was the same that filled #avid0s house
after #avid and ...........
.(ol+. he shouted, ./ou are alive+.
.7ith &od, all things are possible,. was (ol0s reply.
The sparkling waters of &alilee beckoned (imon, #avid and (ol. $ife had spun full circle
for the three men. As they sat fishing, the silence and beauty said more than man0s words
could ever e!press. They had all run a hard race and received their pri'e. Their trophy
was life, inscribed by the loving, shaping hand of &od. There was no racial distinction
here, only &od0s children, all refined in the same fire of love.
novel.
1. (atan was cast down to earth by &od because (atan0s pride had him trying to take
&od0s place. (ee "saiah 1=N11@)18.
@. &od has, for a time, permitted (atan to be god of this world. (ee @ Corinthians
Chapter =, verse =.
8. This refers to that part of hell known as Tartarous and not Hades, which is
generally considered an intermediate state between death and resurrection.
=. &od had made agreements >called covenants? with Abraham, #avid and others.
All the promises in these covenants were now being honoured by &od.
5. The :illennium is a one thousand year period that occurs when Christ returns
to earth and reigns for that period of time.
C. &od0s directive was that all nations must visit Berusalem during the millennium
to worship Besus, otherwise they would receive no rain. (ee ech 1=N1C)14.
4. &od had promised a marvellous thing. As a part of the package of salvation
which involves physical healing, He would also replace the evil heart that we
inherited from Adam with a new heart and a new spirit. (ee %'ekiel 8CN@5)@C.
3. Those who had received the mark of the beast on the forehead or right hand,
would suffer eternal punishment. (ee ,evelation 1=N2)19. That is why ,euben did
not survive.
2. $a'arus had been dead for four days when Besus Christ raised him from the
dead. (ee Bohn 11N=8.
19. The land &od promised through Abraham to the "sraelites is rather more
e!tensive than they presently hold. The area they will hold, at this new stage of
history, will take in most of $ebanon, (yria, "raq, Bordan and even some of (audi
Arabia. The land will e!tend along the length of the %uphrates ,iver to Guwait
and down to the ,iver of %gypt >%l Arish? (ee &enesis 15N13. This promise of
&od0s, which is certain to be fulfilled, makes the present day peace process quite a
farce.
11. %'ekiel wrote about 539 A.C. that Ging #avid would play a significant part in
government during the :illennial Gingdom. (ee %'ekiel 84N@=.
1@. %'ekiel 82N2 tells us that a seven year cleanup will be continuing after the war
four years earlier. (ee %'ekiel 82N2.
18. Bohn @4N5= tells the story of how this centurion, after seeing Besus die, the
earthquake, and the darkness for three hours, was convinced He was Besus, the
(on of &od.
Chapter 33
"srael was alive again. *armers happily planted crops in its regenerated fertile soils.
Houses and factories rose where once lay the rubble of war. New roads were under
construction and industry0s well oiled cogs began churning out new products. Tourism
became a thriving success, as survivors from the closer nations came to visit and worship.
All nations knew of the edict Besus issued, stating all must come to Berusalem once each
year to worship, otherwise rain would not water their own lands. %very nation had to take
part in the *east of Tabernacles held in the month of Tishri on the Bewish calendar. This
would be held to celebrate peace and prosperity e!perienced in the millennial reign of
Besus Christ.
The land of "srael, divided amongst twelve tribes in 1=1C A.C. when Boshua followed
&od0s instructions, had now been divided into three ma-or portions. The most northern
portion was divided between seven of the Bewish tribes and the southern portion between
the remaining five tribes. The central portion, appro!imately 8= miles square, was set
apart for the $ord Besus Christ as His place of residence.
>1?
The new temple and all
administrative functions was also located there. The temple itself sat splendidly in the
centre of an area where a high mountain had been miraculously raised up at the time of
the second coming of Christ. This was the $ord0s house where many came to learn His
ways and do the things He taught them.
(imon and #avid worked with (ol rebuilding &ranright, while ,od, Ari and Nicholas,
under the watchful eyes of trades people, en-oyed their new found carpentry skills. *our
homes close to &ranright were nearing completion, and very soon (imon, Ari, #avid and
(ol would move from flimsy sheds into these permanent homes. Nicholas called his
father and the other men for a well earned break, .Coffee0s ready..
The men downed tools and sat together under the fruit laden olive tree.
.7hat indescribable -oy " feel knowing peace fills this land, as our homes rise out of the
ruins like the fabled ;hoeni!,. marvelled (imon.
." am ama'ed when " see crops being harvested already,. remarked one of the builders.
.The great fertile plains that replaced the mountains, supply more than enough food for
all "srael. "ncreased river flow from Berusalem to the #ead (ea and :editerranean (ea,
summer and winter, have certainly made a difference to the land..
>@?

.The land and all the earth has been restored,. remarked (imon.
.7hat do you mean<. asked Nicholas.
.&od cursed nature when Adam sinned. As a result, man0s paradise was marred and has
been until now. (ome animals, once vegetarians became meat eaters. ,oses suddenly had
thorns and weeds began to grow, choking crops. Animals, plants and the whole physical
world suffered sickness and death, -ust as we humans once did, for we are all part of the
same creation. Bust as Besus came to save and restore mankind from death and decay,
creation itself is now restored and will never again suffer pollution and decay..
>8?

Nicholas thought for a moment before replying.
."n other words, the curse that was there throughout all human history has been lifted.
The earth and all in it has been renewed<.
.;erfectly correct Nicholas.. .#id you see that big bear near the edge of the fields this
morning<.
.He was there when " started work Nicholas,. continued the builder.
.There is also peace in the animal kingdom, -ust as Besus said. %ven snakes will not harm
us anymore,. replied (imon.
>=?

.:y heart sings, now that Berusalem is raised up and has a new name, Behovah
(hammah..
.7hat does that mean (imon< . asked Nicholas, who knew little Hebrew.
."t means TH% $6,# "( TH%,%.. This will be the name of the $ord0s new city. &od
dwells with us because we are His Holy people..
Nicholas found it e!citing discovering new things about Berusalem and its temple.
." heard someone say the ;riests who minister at the temple are descendants of adok,
who was in charge of the temple long ago<.
." believe so Nicholas. They are there to teach us and receive our offerings and morning
sacrifices..
>5?

.(imon,. interrupted one of the builders, . 7hy has the table of shewbread, lampstands,
ark of the covenant and the veil been omitted from the new temple<.
(imon thought for a moment before replying.
.,abbi %inson told me these are not required, as Besus Himself is now with us. These
things, once in the old temple, served only as substitutes to represent Him..
Ari was pu''led about the new temple sacrifices.
.7hy do we still need animal sacrifices during the :illennial Gingdom, now Besus is
here<.
.This is a hard question to answer. 7e are now living in a time when there is limited sin,
sickness, sadness or suffering and (atan is locked away for one thousand years. Children
will continue to be born to parents who survived the tribulation. #espite our present
environment, these children will require eternal salvation. They will grow up not
knowing fear, pain and hardship as we e!perienced it. 7e need the sacrifices to teach
them of the necessity for their own new birth as Christians, with Besus as their (aviour.
The sacrifices are to remind them of His suffering and death. They need to know the
awfulness of sin and the perfect holiness of &od.
.%verything is so different now (imon. "t will take a while to get used to our new way of
life. " am surprised that all people now speak a unified language..
>C ?

,obert, one of the tradesmen who had been with them at ;etra, laughed, .Talking won0t
finish these houses. "f (imon and the others are to move in tomorrow, we had better get
back to work.. (imon could not help wondering when ,obert would marry $ouise, a
delightful young lady he had befriended at ;etra.
>4?
They had only -ust announced their
engagement. Aoth were sole survivors from their families. Their parents were too frail to
survive the harsh conditions. 7ith "srael restored and blooming, now seemed the perfect
time for them to start their own family. (imon smiled as he fondly remembered days long
gone when he built homes for the newly weds at the Gibbut' on the (ea of &alilee.
novel.
1. The new temple and the residence of Besus Christ will be appro!imately 89 miles north
of present day Berusalem ad-acent to (hiloh, where the tabernacle of :oses was pitched
in earlier times. (ee %'ekiel Chapters =9, =1, =@.
@. The wilderness, wasteland and desert will blossom in a way never before seen. (ee
"saiah 85N1)@.
8. *rom the time of the original sin, the earth has never produced as originally intended
by &od. Aut now a difference+ ;aul tells us in ,omans 3N12)@@ that the creation itself, the
earth, the land, is now also delivered from the bondage that was upon it for thousands of
years. And because it is free, it can now produce as originally intended. Although the
&reen movement do a great -ob in trying to preserve what we now have, &od will restore
it.
=. "saiah tells us that 0the wolf shall dwell with the lamb... the lion eat straw like the o!....
the nursing child shall play by the cobra0s hole.0 Animal violence between themselves and
with man will be a thing of the past. (ee "saiah 11NC)2.
5. Aecause adok was loyal to Ging #avid in his reign, he was promised his descendants
would be assigned priestly duties in the :illennial Gingdom.
C. Hp until about @@99 A.C there had only been one language on earth. At that time, and
because of the sin of mankind, &od confused the language and scattered the people all
over the earth. New languages were then formed. "n the millennial period, &od will make
it possible for a common language to be spoken once again all over the earth. (ee
ephaniah 8N2.
4. The small percentage of earth0s population who survived the tribulation and have
natural bodies will be able to marry and produce children. Those who were either
raptured or died before the tribulation will not be able to marry and produce children. (ee
Beremiah 89N12)@9 and %'ekiel =4N@@
Chapter 34
(everal years had passed since Besus returned to reign on earth. "srael0s ideal living
conditions convinced many tourists from other nations to settle in this abundant land.
Homelessness and unemployment were none!istent. A perfect economic system now
e!isted, where everyone0s needs were met. "n every house there was an ample supply of
succulent fresh fruit, crisp vegetables and grain products. $ittle children were an
effervescent picture of health and energy. :illions came yearly to worship at the $ord0s
new temple and learn the full significance of the *east of Tabernacles. They wanted to
understand more concerning the new way of living under Christ in the :illennial
Gingdom.
7orship was not one of restored Budaism, but worship by the nations of the world under
the reign of Christ within the new unity of the Gingdom. All had become one in their
desire and need to worship in Berusalem under Besus. This brought rain on their land and
showers of blessing in their lives. %verything had become holy because Besus had
established holiness in all things, whether public, private or in religious life. (imon,
#avid and their friends rose very early each day during the *east of Tabernacles. "t was
on the first day of this celebration some men, young and old, gathered to look back and
remember past events, not in a morbid self pitying way, but rather in thankfulness for
their miraculous survival. There was no work today or on the eighth day of the *east.
#avid, who had been spared the harrowing tribulation e!perience, because he was
raptured, turned to his father, (imon.
.How terrible it must have been for you and your friends living under :acro0s rule after
his peace treaty was broken..
The old man0s voice trembled as he choked out the words, ./es it was..
.#avid, " was with your #ad,. replied Ari, feeling (imon0s distress.
." am still overcome when " reali'e the enormity of &od0s loving care. #uring the
earthquakes and plagues we wondered how long we could hold on. " guess it was that
inbuilt desire to survive that kept us going. 7ithout &od we would not be here now..
Nicholas had been listening to the men and summed up their feelings. ."f Besus had not
returned to earth when He did, " don0t think any of us could have lived much longer.
7hen He came to earth it was the greatest, most incredible event " have ever seen..
(imon -oined the conversation again.
.7e can celebrate the *east of Tabernacles with true re-oicing before Besus. He brought
us safely through our troubles, -ust as &od did in 6ld Testament times when He delivered
His people out of all kinds of difficulties..
(ol had been quietly absorbing the words of his friends. His own murder had been
nothing compared to what they had been through. .Thank &od (atan is safely out of the
way for the ne!t thousand years and we are able to live in peace, without wickedness and
tyrants..
.(peaking of such things, isn0t it time we collected our families and went to the temple. "
know " want to celebrate my Christian rebirth and the renewing of all nature..
"t was a pleasant drive from the (ea of &alilee to the temple. All travellers converged on
the centre of worship along the newly formed roads. :any came on foot, -oining up with
others from outlying areas. There was an air of e!citement and anticipation as strangers
chatted along the way. Today was the last day of the *east. (imon linked his arm through
Ann0s and together they walked reverently into the temple. He recogni'ed the man sitting
at Besus0 right hand. This man had been one of the original twelve apostles. He was the
apostle at the cross when Besus was crucified and later cared for :ary the mother of
Besus. This man Bohn, had been later banished to the "sle of ;atmos, where tradition said
he died. His eyes now rested on Besus 7ho rose to speak.
.7elcome to this eighth and last day of our *east for this year. Throughout the week you
brought choice fruits and grain into the temple. A great number of your best animals have
been sacrificed. " know those from other parts of the world -oin with you to give thanks to
&od :y *ather for all His provisions and care. There is now no veil in this temple to
separate us. " am going to tell you what is to come..
Ari turned to (imon and whispered, ." thought we were already living in perfect
conditions. 7hat more can there be<.
(imon hushed Ari with a gentle touch to his arm, as Besus continued. .As you know,
almost all prophecies in the Aible have now been fulfilled. 7e are in a time of great
blessing, yet other things must happen before this earth, as you now know it, passes
away. At the end of the thousand years (atan will be released from his prison for a short
time and will make another attempt to incite others to fight against :e. 6nce again, there
will be a short period of rebellion and war.
>1?
Fast numbers, some of those born during my
thousand year reign, will -oin forces with him. Although born into ideal conditions where
all know about :e, the hearts of many will be corrupt and they will not worship :e.
6utwardly they will conform, but inwardly they will re-ect :e. This is a sign that living
in a perfect environment does not change the human heart. Again, armies will surround
Berusalem, but fear not, &od is with us..
:urmurs of 0Alleluia, our &od reigns0 were heard as Besus stilled the voices.
.&od will send fire down from heaven to consume them. (atan will be thrown into the
lake of burning sulphur. This is (atan0s final -udgement and the place where he will suffer
torment forever, with :acro the Antichrist and 7arwick the *alse ;rophet. After this
great war, the wicked are raised from the dead to be -udged before the great white throne
of &od.
>@?
&od has recorded all things in His books, to be opened at this time..
A voice was heard asking, . :aster, where is this throne<.
Besus replied, . "t matters not, for -udgement must surely come in this special place. The
earth and starry heavens as we now know them will be destroyed at the end of :y one
thousand year reign. %ternity will begin with a new earth and a new heaven. #o not
worry about these events. " will be in control of all that happens. ,ather, bring your
children up to love and honour :e..
The songsters and orchestra began to play as Besus resumed His seat before His people.
(imon, Ari and their families walked into the clear air to the tune of, /$en we/(e been
ere ten to#sand years......./
(imon walked beside Bohn the Apostle and began to question him about some of the
things to come.
.7hen the dead are delivered up from the earth and the sea, what are the things on which
they are -udged< "s it the same as when Besus -udged those who refused to help the Bews
during the tribulation<.
.&od opens His books and shows people that their faith alone gains them salvation and
that the good things they did before they died are not enough to guarantee eternal life.
>8?

Bust as all unbelievers missed the rapture, anyone whose name is missing from the Aook
of $ife will be cast into the lake of fire to e!perience eternal separation from &od. %very
unbeliever from the time of creation must accept this -udgement and punishment..
.7hat you are saying is that because they re-ected Besus before their physical death )
which is the only way to be saved, they must go into eternal punishment<.
./es,. replied Bohn. .This is a throne of -udgment for those who refused Christ as their
(aviour. Their sinful thoughts, words and actions will be brought to light, even the sins
they thought no one ever knew about..
As Bohn turned to leave Ari he asked, .#o you realise -ust how blessed everyone is< To
be in this :illennial Gingdom, knowing that you will eventually go with Besus into the
new heavens and new earth to live forever< Aecause you all repented and believed in
Besus before He returned to earth, He forgave all your sin. Aecause of this, no one here
will have to face &od0s throne of -udgement..
The answer was clear in Ari0s mind and heart. He appreciated the greatness of Besus0
sacrifice and &od0s saving grace. %ternity was his.
novel.
1. The @9th Chapter of the book of ,evelation tells of this last battle on earth. "t ends
when &od sends fire from heaven to devour those who are against &od. (ee ,evelation
@9N4)2.
@. This is the final -udgement of all peoples who did not believe in the true &od. "t will
include those who died not knowing Christ, those who were left on earth when the
rapture took place and those who died during the tribulation period. *or this -udgement,
all unbelievers are raised from the dead. (ee ,evelation @9N11)15.
8. This is probably the main reason why many people will go to eternal punishment and
separation from &od. :any religions and even some churches, wrongly teach that good
works get you into heaven. The truth is that they do not. &ood works are something you
do in gratitude for your salvation, after you are saved. (alvation cannot be earned by
good works. (alvation is a free gift from &od, gained purely by faith in Him and
repentance from sin. (ee %phesians @N3)2.
Chapter 35
The one thousand year reign of Besus Christ on earth had come to an end. (atan had met
his final doom in the lake of fire, after being released to fight his last battle. He was sent
to -oin :acro, the Antichrist, 7arwick the *alse ;rophet, along with every unbeliever
already in the lake of fire. ,ebellion was ended forever, with &od0s perfect -ustice
delivering a final verdict.
(imon, Ari and their families were beside themselves with -oy as they marvelled at the
wonder of life in heaven.
.7hat a fantastic place+. bubbled Ari.
.%ven though there is no longer any sea, the old heaven and earth was nothing compared
to this. Gnowing Besus and His angels dwell with us is beyond my wildest dreams..
.Ari, " tingle all over each time " remember &od has wiped away all my tears. He has
promised " will never cry again. This is a precious place of infinite beauty without
sorrow, pain or concerns of any kind. " am filled with adoration for our wonderful &od..
.:e too. The fabulous new Holy city is the most be-ewelled you could ever imagine.
>1?

The precious stones, coloured gems and gold, far outshine any :osque or ;haraoh0s
tomb. This New Berusalem, shining and glistening as the golden heart of heaven,
beda''les me with its splendour..
." never thought " would walk down a street paved with pure gold. %verything here is
absolutely perfect+ %verything has been made new through Christ 7ho is the Alpha and
the 6mega ) the beginning and the end..
Nicholas and #avid walked past one of the gates resembling a huge single pearl. They
continued on down the great golden street, transparent as glass.
."t0s certainly different without sun, moon or electricity #avid. There isn0t any temple
either marvelled Nicholas..
.:ore ama'ing is the reason why,. replied #avid enthusiastically.
.&od the *ather and Besus His (on are its temple. The glory of &od illuminates heaven,
Besus is its lamp. Never again will we e!perience the blackness of night. This New
Berusalem will never pass away and its gates will never be shut..
Nicolas loved walking beside the narrow river that flowed from the throne of &od down
the middle of the street.
.$ook at the tree of life #avid+ 7ill it really bear twelve crops, giving us fruit every
month<.
.6f course it will. " have heard it is the same as the tree of life &od placed in the garden
of %den when He created all things. After Adam and %ve disobeyed &od and ate the fruit,
it ceased to be. Now the tree of life blooms as before..
#avid, Nicholas, (imon, Ari and every inhabitant of the New Berusalem were privileged
to serve &od in heaven. They were eternally glad they had obeyed &od0s commandments
and chosen the way to life through Besus. (uffering and mourning had been replaced with
-oy and ecstasy. Their escape from Armageddon drew them safely into this undefiled
incomparable place, where they would all reign gloriously with Besus in the city of their
&od.
They were His people and there were angels all around for ever and ever, life without end
....... Amen.
novel.
1. (tudents of (cripture suggest that the New Berusalem will be a stationary city floating
above the earth. The new earth will thus become a satellite planet. The dimensions of this
New Berusalem are given in ,evelation @1N1C as being a cube, each side being 1844
miles. "ts walls will be over @99 feet thick. 7hatever the si'e and dimension ............. for
believers it is the only place to be.
Te (e$! ad*"%e for any reader of !"$ (oo+ "$,
L"*e a$ !ou# Cr"$! d"ed ye$!erday) ro$e !oday) and "$ %o&"n# (a%+
!o&orrow.
Prophe#ie!. 6Pre$i#tion!7
How we know the Bible is true.
7e add this supplement to help convince readers of the authenticity and reliability of the
Aible ) and to warn of what is to come.
The Aible uses the word prophecy to describe the many predictions that have been made
over the last C999 years.
There are 483 significant predictions in the Aible. Hp to this point in time, 4@9 of these
have come about, -ust as predicted. The remaining 13 are still to come.
The Aible has been 199J accurate, unlike the predictions of clairvoyants and others who
attempt to predict the future. ;eople such as Nostradamus and in later times, Beanne
#i!on, have never been able to predict with this accuracy.
The Aible is never wrong. The question for readers is ) if the Aible has predicted the first
4@9 of these prophecies with pin point accuracy, what are the chances of the remaining 13
coming true< The answer is obvious.
To demonstrate this accuracy, here are a smattering of the 4@9 that have come true ) and
some of those that will. These are taken from 7illmington, pages 29C to 21@.
(ome of these are even about secular history, showing that the Aible covers some events
outside the primary spectrum of (cripture. %ven readers with only a scant knowledge of
(cripture will recogni'e many of these events. These have been listed in two parts.
*irstly, those events which are still to come and secondly those events which have
already occurred.
(ir!t 8 tho!e event! !till to #o9e.
599ary of 0nflfille$ Prophe#y.
1. The rapture of the church.
>1 Cor. 15N51)58D 1 Thess. =N1=)15D Heb. 2N@=)@3D ,ev. =N1?.
@. ,evival of the ,oman %mpireN The Ten)Nation Confederacy. >#aniel, 4N4, @=D ,ev
18N1D 14N8, 1@, 18?
8. ,ise of the :iddle %ast #ictator >#aniel 4N 3D ,ev 18N1)3?
=. ;eace Treaty with "sraelN (even years before the second coming of Christ to establish
kingdom on earth. >#aniel 2N@4?
5. 7orld church established. >,ev 14N1)5?
C. ,ussia and allies attack "sraelN about = years before second coming of Christ. >%'ek 83,
82?
4. ;eace treaty with "srael brokenN world government, world economic system, world
atheistic religion begins, three and a half years before second coming of Christ
>#aniel 4N@8D ,ev 18N5)3, 15)14D 14N1C, 14?
3. :artyrdom of many Christians and Bews >,ev 4N2)14D 18N15?
2. Catastrophic divine -udgements poured out on the earth. >,ev Chapters C)13?
19. 7orld war breaks out in :iddle %astD Aattle of Armageddon >#aniel 11N=9)=5D ,ev
2N18)@1D 1CN1@)1C?
11. (econd Coming of Christ >:atthew @=N @4)81D ,ev 12N11)@1?
1@. Budgement of the wicked
>%'ekiel @9N88)83 D :atthew @5N 81)=C D Bude 1=, 15D ,ev 12N15)@1 D @9N 1)=?
18. (atan bound >,ev @9N 1)8?
1=. ,esurrection of the saints >,ev @9N=?
15. :illennial kingdom begins >,ev @9N 5, C?
1C. ,ebellion at end of millennium >,ev @9N 4)19?
14. ,esurrection and -udgement of the wickedN &reat 7hite Throne Budgement >,ev @9N
11)15?
13. %ternity beginsN New heaven, new earth, new Berusalem >,ev @1, @@?
5e#on$ 8 tho!e event! &hi#h have alrea$y o##rre$.
;rophecies *ulfilled by Christ
That he would be born of a woman >&en. 8N15D cf. &al. =N=?.
That he would be from the house of #avid >@ (am. 4N1@, 18D $k. 1N81)88D cf. ,om. 1N8?.
That he would be born of a virgin >"sa. 4N1=D cf. :t. 1N@@, @8?.
That this throne would be an eternal throne >#an. @N==D 4N1=, @4D :icah =N4D cf.$k.1N88?.
That he would be born in Aethlehem >:icah 5N@D :t. @N5, CD cf. $k. @N=)C?.
That he would be worshipped by wise men and presented with gifts >;s. 4@N19D "sa. C9N8,
C, 2D cf. :t. @N11?.
That he would heal many >"sa. 58N=D cf. :t. 3N1C, 14?.
That he would be re-ected by his own >;s. C2N3D "sa. 58N8D cf. Bn. 1N11D 4N5?.
That he would make a triumphal entry into Berusalem >ech. 2N2D cf. :t. @1N=, 5?.
That his friend would betray him for thirty pieces of silver >;s. =1N2D 55N1@)1=D ech
11N1@, 18D cf. :t. @CN1=)1C, @1)@5?.
That he would be crucified between two thieves >"sa. 58N1@D cf. :t. @4N83D :k. 15N@4, @3D
$k. @@N84?.
That he would suffer the piercing of his hands and feet >;s. @@N1CD ech. 1@N19D cf. :k.
15N@5D Bn. 12N8=, 84D @9N@5)@4?.
That his garments would be parted and gambled for >;s. @@N13D cf. $k. @8N8=D Bn. 12N@8,
@=?.
That his bones would not be broken >%!. 1@N=CD Num. 2N1@D ;s. 8=N@9D cf. Bn. 12N88)8C?.
That he would be raised from the dead >;s. 1CN19D cf. :t. @3N@)4?.
That he would ascend to heaven. >;s. @=N4)19D cf. :k. 1CN12D $k. @=N51?.
Prophe#ie! Con#erning Birth!
Bohn the Aaptist0s birth >$k. 1N18)14?. *ulfilmentN $uke 1N54)C=.
Christ0s birth >$k. 1N@C)88?. *ulfilmentN $uke @N=)4.
Prophe#ie! Con#erning Citie!
The coastal city of Tyre to be captured by Nebuchadne''ar >%'ek. @CN4?.
The island city >of Tyre? to later be scrapped and made flat, like the top of a rock >%'ek.
@CN=, 1=D @3N1)19?.
Aoth cities to become a place for the spreading of nets >%'ek. @CN1=?.
Nineveh to be totally destroyed >Nahum 1N8, C?.
This destruction to be effected >in part? by a mighty overflowing of the Tigris ,iver
>Nahum 1N3?.
Berusalem to become &od0s chosen place >#eut. 1@N5, C, 11D @CN@D Bosh. 2N@4D 19N1D 1 Gi.
3N@2D 11N8CD 15N=D @ Gi. @1N=, 4D @ Chron. 4N1@D ;s. 43NC3?.
To be destroyed by the Aabylonians >"sa. 8N3D Ber. 11N2D @CN13D :icah 8N1@?.
The Temple of (olomon to suffer destruction >1 Gi. 2N4)2D ;s. 42N1D Ber. 4N11)1=D @CN13D
%'ek. 4N@1, @@D @=N@1D :icah 8N1@?. *ulfilmentN $amentations @N4D @ Chronicles 8CN12.
To be rebuilt by the Bews after spending seventy years in Aabylonian captivity >"sa.
==N@3D Ber. @5N11, 1@D @2N19?. *ulfilmentN %'ra 1N1)=.
The walls to be rebuilt =38 years prior to the crucifi!ion of Christ >#an. 2N@C?.
*ulfilmentN testimony of history. *rom :arch 1=, ==5 b.c. >date of rebuilding of walls?
until April C >crucifi!ion of Christ? equals =38 years, or 148,339 days.
To be destroyed by the ,omans >$k. 12N=1)==?.
The Temple of Herod also to be burned at this time >:t. @=N1, @?. *ulfilmentN testimony
of history. Accomplished by Titus in a.d. 49.
Prophe#ie! Con#erning )n$ivi$al!
Boshua and Caleb to enter Canaan after a period of forty years >Num. 1=N@=, 89?.
*ulfilmentN Boshua 8N4, 14D 1=NC)1@.
(aul to become "srael0s first king and to save them from the ;hilistines >1 (am. 2N15, 1C?.
*ulfilmentN 1 (amuel 11, 1=.
(olomon to build the Temple, not #avid >1 Chron. 14N1)1@?. *ulfilmentN 1 Gings 4N51.
Nebuchadne''ar to invade %gypt >Ber. =8N2)18D =CN@CD %'ek. @2N12, @9?. *ulfilmentN
testimony of history.
Cyrus to allow the Bews to go back and rebuild Berusalem >"sa. ==N@3?. *ulfilmentN %'ra
1N1, @.
Ale!ander the &reat to conquer &reece and establish a world empire >#an. @N8@, 82D 4NCD
3N5)3, @1D 11N8?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
Ale!ander to defeat the ;ersians >#an. 3N5)3?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
Ale!ander to die suddenly and his kingdom to be divided into four parts >#an. 3N3, @@D
11N=?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
Bohn the Aaptist to be Christ0s forerunner >"sa. =9N8)5D :al. 8N1D $k. 1N4C, 44?. *ulfilmentN
:atthew 8N1)11D $uke 8N@)C?.
;eter to deny Christ >Bn. 18N83?. *ulfilmentN Bohn 13N@=)@4.
;eter to suffer martyrdom for Christ >Bn. @1N13, 12D @ ;et. 1N1@)1=?. *ulfilmentN testimony
of history.
Budas to give himself over to (atan >Bn. CN49?. *ulfilmentN $uke @@N8D Bohn 18N@4.
Budas to betray Christ >Bn. CN41D 18N@1?. *ulfilmentN :atthew @CN=4)59D $uke @@N=4, =3D
Bohn 13N@)5?.
;aul to suffer much for Christ >Acts 2N1C?. *ulfilmentN @ Corinthians 11N@8)@3D 1@N4)19D
&alatians CN14D ;hilippians 1N@2, 89.
;aul to be a minister to the &entiles >Acts 2N15?. *ulfilmentN Acts 18N=CD 13NCD @@N@1D
@CN14D @3N@3 ,omans 11N18D %phesians 8N1D 1 Timothy @N4D @ Timothy 1N11.
;aul to preach before kings >Acts 2N15?. *ulfilmentN Acts @=Q@C. ;aul to go to ,ome
>Acts @8N11?. *ulfilmentN Acts @3N1C.
Prophe#ie! Con#erning )!rael
A great nation to come from Abraham >&en. 1@N@?. *ulfilmentN Numbers @8N19.
This nation to e!ist forever >Ber. 81N85)84?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
Canaan to be given to "srael forever >&en. 18N15?. ;artial fulfilmentN Boshua @1N=8)=5.
*uture fulfilmentN "saiah C9N@1D %'ekiel 84N@5.
"srael to so-ourn in another land >%gypt? for =99 years, there to serve and be afflicted
>&en. 15N18?. *ulfilmentN %!odus 1@N=9.
&od would -udge this oppressive nation >%gypt? for this oppression >&en. 15N1=?.
*ulfilmentN %!odus 4N1=Q1@N@2.
"srael to leave %gypt with great substance >&en. 15N1=?. *ulfilmentN %!odus 1@N85, 8C.
"srael to return to Canaan from %gypt in the fourth generation >&en. 15N1C?. *ulfilmentN
Boshua 8N1C, 14.
"srael to conquer Canaan gradually >%!. @8N@2, 89?. *ulfilmentN Budges 1N12)8C.
"srael to suffer a tragic civil war after the death of (olomon >1 Gi. 11N11, 81?. *ulfilmentN
1 Gings 1@N1C,14,12, @9.
The northern kingdom to be carried away into Assyrian captivity >1 Gi. 1=N15, 1CD Hosea
1N5D 19N1, C?. *ulfilmentN @ Gings 14NC, 4, @@, @8.
The southern kingdom to be carried away into Aabylonian captivity >Ber. 18N12D @9N=, 5D
@1N19D:icah =N19?. *ulfilmentN @ Gings @=N19, 1=.
The Temple to be destroyed >1 Gi. 2N4D @ Chron. 4N@9, @1D Ber. 4N1=?. *ulfilmentN @ Gings
@5N2.
The length of the Aabylonian captivity would be seventy years >Ber. @5N11D @2N19?.
*ulfilmentN #aniel 2N@.
"srael to then return to the land >Ber. @2N19?. *ulfilmentN %'ra 1.
"srael eventually to be scattered among the nations of the world >$ev. @CN88D #eut. =N@4,
@3D @3N@5, C=)C4D Hosea 2N14?.
"srael to .abide many days. without a king, an heir apparent, the $evitical offerings, the
Temple, the $evitical priesthood >Hosea 8N=?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
"srael to loan to many nations, but borrow from none >#eut. @3N1@?. *ulfilmentN testimony
of history.
"srael to be hounded and persecuted >#eut. @3NC5)C4?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
"srael to re-ect her :essiah >"sa. 58N1)2?. *ulfilmentN $uke @8N18)@5.
"srael to return to ;alestine in the latter days prior to the (econd Coming of Christ >#eut.
89N8D %'ek. 8CN@=D 84N1)1=?. *ulfilmentN historical testimony >since 12=3?.
Prophe#ie! Con#erning the :a!t 3ay!
.And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the (on of man Also
as it was in the days of $otR. >$k. 14N@C, @3?.
*rom these verses and other New Testament passages we glean the following .signs of
the times..
"ncrease of wars and rumours of war >Boel 8N2, 19D :t. @=NC, 4?.
%!treme materialism >@ Tim. 8N1, @D ,ev. 8N1=)12?.
$awlessness >;s. 43N3D ;rov. 89N11)1=D @ Tim. 8N@, 8?.
;opulation e!plosion >&en. CN1?.
"ncrease in speed and knowledge >#an. 1@N=?.
#eparture from the Christian faith >@ Thess. @N8D 1 Tim. =N1, 8, =D @ Tim. 8N5D =N8, =D @
;et. 8N8, =?.
Hnification of the world0s religious, political, and economic systems >,ev. 18N=)3, 1C, 14D
14N1)13D 13N1)@=?.
The rise of ,ussia as a world power >%'ek. 83, 82?.
The absence of gifted leadership among the nations >thus making it easy for the antichrist
to take over?.
Hniversal drug usage >,ev. 2N@1? >the word .sorceries. here can also refer to drugs?.
Abnormal se!ual activity >,om. 1N14)8@D @ ;et. @N19, 1=D 8N8D Bude 1N13?.
:ass slaughter of innocents by unconcerned mothers >abortion?. The phrase .without
natural affection. occurs twice in the New Testament >,om. 1N81D @ Tim. 8N8?. The last
occurrence is definitely tied to the end times.
7idespread violence >&en. CN11, 18D ,ev. 2N@1?.
,e-ection of &od0s 7ord >@ Tim. =N8, =D @ ;et. 8N8, =, 1C?.
,e-ection of &od himself >;s. @N1)8?. Alasphemy >@ Tim. 8N@D @ ;et. 8N8D Bude 1N13?.
(elf and pleasure lovers >@ Tim. 8N@, =?. :en minus a conscience >1 Tim. =N@?.
,eligious hucksters >@ ;et. @N8?.
6utright devil worshippers >,ev. 2N@9D 18N11)1=?.
,ise of false prophets and antichrists >:t. @=N5, 11D @ ;et. @N1, @?.
*alse claims of peace >1 Thess. 5N1)8?.
,apid advances in technology >&en. =N@@?.
&reat political and religious upheavals in the Holy $and >:t. @=N8@)8=?.
Prophe#ie! Con#erning +ation!
&reece to be invaded by ;ersia >#an. 11N@?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
Ale!ander the &reat to conquer &reece and establish a world empire >#an. @N8@, 82D 4NCD
3N5)3, @1D 11N8?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
To defeat the ;ersians >#an. 3N5)3?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history. To be divided into
four parts after Ale!ander0s death >#an. 3N3, @@D 11N=?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
,ome to destroy Berusalem >:t. @8N84)82?. *ulfilmentN testimony of historySA.#. 49,
by Titus.
,eneral Prophe#ie!
The Noahic flood to occur in 1@9 years >&en. CN8?. *ulfilmentN &enesis 4N19.
The flood never to be repeated >&en. 2N15?. *ulfilmentN testimony of history.
The ,ed (ea to part >%!. 1=N18)13?. *ulfilmentN %!odus 1=N@C)81.
Bi;le! an$ Referen#e! 0!e$
:any resources were consulted for their varying interpretations of (cripture. Although
the New Ging Bames Aible and 7illmington0s &uide to the Aible could be considered our
primary references, we drew on all the following as having the most reliable and
consistent information.
However, we are responsible for choosing each interpretation from the differing views
given in these te!ts.
Bibles use!
Nelson Thomas, The 6pen Aible %!panded %dition,
The New Ging Bames Fersion, ,ed $etter %dition, Thomas Nelson ;ublishers, Nashville,
H(A 1235
,eese, %dward, The ,eese Chronological Aible, Aethany House ;ublishers, :inneapolis,
:innesota, H.(.A. 1239 >dating by *rank Glassen?
odhiates, (piros, Th. #. The Hebrew)&reek Gey (tudy Aible, Ging Bames Fersion.
7orld Aible ;ublishers "nc. "owa *alls, "owa, H.(.A.
"efere#$es use!
Aenton, Bohn. How can a &od of love send people to hell< %vangelical ;ress, 1@ 7ooler
(t. #arlington, Co. #urham, %ngland. #ouglas B.#. et al. 6rgani'ing %ditor, New Aible
#ictionary, (econd %dition "ntervarsity ;ress, $eicester, %ngland 123@.
%pp, Theodore H. ;ractical (tudies in ,evelation, Aack to the Aible $incoln, Nebraska,
H(A. 1249.
Girban, (alem and Cohen #r. &ary &. ,evelation Fisuali'ed , ;ublished by (alem
Girban "nc. Huntington Falley, ;enna H(A. 1241
;rince, #erek. The $ast 7ord 6n The :iddle %ast. Chosen Aooks. ondervan
Corporation, &rand ,apids, :ichigan, H(A
7alvoord, Bohn *. and uck, ,oy A. The Aible Gnowledge Commentary, (; ;ublications
1235.
7illmington,#r. Harold $. 7illmington0s &uide to the Aible , Tyndale House ;ublishers,
"nc 7heaton, "llinois. 123=

Armageddon

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Armageddon

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Chapter One

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