Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Before the series began, Jenkins had carved out a career writing other people's autobiographies -- he ghostwrote or co-wrote those of Billy Graham, Orel Herschiser, Hank Aaron, and Nolan Ryan, among others -- as well as writing novels and a few inspirational books on marriage and parenting. Tim LaHaye also wrote books on marriage and faith, served as the pastor for a ministry in California, and co-founded The Pre-Trib Research Center, a Bible scholarship group dedicated to the study of end-times prophecy. LaHaye spent several years searching for a coauthor who could take his vision of the earth's last days -- including that intriguing image of passengers vanishing from an airplane -- and spin it into fiction. Finally, LaHaye and Jenkins were introduced by their mutual literary agent at Alive Communications, and Jenkins began writing the story of airline captain Rayford Steele, whose wife and son vanish along with millions of other true believers. Those "left behind" on Earth have a last chance to choose sides in the ensuing battle between good and evil.
The books became a blockbuster hit. Sales of the Left Behind series soared with each successive volume, and by 2001, ABC News reported, 50 million had been sold. "The formula combines Tom Clancy-like suspense with touches of romance, high-tech flash and Biblical references," The New York Times wrote, explaining how its authors pulled off "an unparalleled achievement for an evangelical novel." LaHaye and Jenkins were stunned by their own success: "I've been writing for 40 years, with 12 million books in print, but I've never seen anything like this," said LaHaye.
The series has spawned a slew of spinoffs: comic books, calendars, a young adults' series, dramatized audio recordings and a movie based on the first book. It has also generated controversy, both within and without the Christian community, for issues ranging from politics (the U.N. figures into the story as a tool of the Antichrist) to Scriptural interpretation (many New Testament scholars reject LaHaye's belief, first popularized by John Nelson Darby in the 1830s, in a seven-year tribulation period following the Rapture).
But LaHaye and Jenkins are convinced that their message is getting through to their readers. They estimate that more than 2,000 people have converted as a result of reading the Left Behind books. "And needless to say, for us that's more important than bestsellers, or money, or anything else," says Jenkins.
CHAPTER ONE
Rayford Steele worried about Mac McCullum's silence in the cockpit of Global Community One during the short flight from New Babylon to Tel Aviv. "Do we need to talk later?" Rayford said quietly. Mac put a finger to his lips and nodded.
Rayford finished communicating with New Babylon ground and air traffic control, then reached beneath his seat for the hidden reverse intercom button. It would allow him to listen in on conversations in the Condor 216's cabin between Global Community Potentate Nicolae Carpathia, Supreme Commander Leon Fortunato, and Pontifex Maximus Peter Mathews, head of Enigma Babylon One World Faith. But just before Rayford depressed the button, he felt Mac's hand on his arm. Mac shook his head.
Rayford shuddered. "They know?" he mouthed.
Mac whispered, "Don't risk it until we talk."
Rayford received the treatment he had come to expect on initial descent into Tel Aviv. The tower at David Ben Gurion cleared other planes from the area, even those that had begun landing sequences. Rayford heard anger in the voices of other pilots as they were directed into holding patterns miles from the Condor. Per protocol, no other aircraft were to be in proximity to the Condor, despite the extraordinary air traffic expected in Israel for the Meeting of the Witnesses.
"Take the landing, Mac," Rayford said. Mac gave a puzzled glance but complied. Rayford was impressed at how the Holy Land had been spared damage from the wrath of the Lamb earthquake. Other calamities had befallen the land and the people, but to Rayford, Israel was the one place that looked normal from the air since the earthquake and the subsequent judgments.
Ben Gurion Airport was alive with traffic. The big planes had to land there, while smaller craft could put down near Jerusalem. Worried about Mac's misgivings, still Rayford couldn't suppress a smile. Carpathia had been forced not only to allow this meeting of believers, but also to pledge his personal protection of them. Of course, he was the opposite of a man of his word, but having gone public with his assurances, he was stuck. He would have to protect even Rabbi Tsion Ben-Judah, spiritual head of the Tribulation Force.
Not long before, Dr. Ben-Judah had been forced to flee his homeland under cover of night, a universal bounty on his head. Now he was back as Carpathia's avowed enemy, leader of the 144,000 witnesses and their converts. Carpathia had used the results of the most recent Trumpet Judgments to twice postpone the Israel conference, but there was no stopping it again.
Just before touchdown, when everyone aboard should have been tightly strapped in, Rayford was surprised by a knock at the cockpit door. "Leon," he said, turning. "We're about to land."
"Protocol, Captain!" Fortunato barked.
"What do you want?"
"Besides that you refer to me as Supreme Commander, His Excellency asks that you remain in the cockpit after landing for orders."
"We're not going to Jerusalem?" Rayford said. Mac stared straight ahead.
"Precisely," Fortunato said. "Much as we all know you want to be there."
Rayford had been certain Carpathia's people would try to follow him to the rest of the Tribulation Force.
Fortunato left and shut the door, and Rayford said, "I'll take it, Mac."
Mac shifted control of the craft, and Rayford immediately exaggerated the angle of descent while depressing the reverse intercom button. He heard Carpathia and Mathews asking after Fortunato, who had clearly taken a tumble. Once the plane was parked, Fortunato burst into the cockpit.
"What was that, Officer McCullum?"
"My apologies, Commander," Mac said. "It was out of my hands. All due respect, sir, but you should not have been out of your seat during landing."
"Listen up, gentlemen," Fortunato said, kneeling between them. "His Excellency asks that you remain in Tel Aviv, as we are not certain when he might need to return to New Babylon. We have rented you rooms near the airport. GC personnel will transport you."
Buck Williams sat in the bowels of Teddy Kollek Stadium in Jerusalem with his pregnant wife, Chloe. He knew she was in no way healed enough from injuries she had suffered in the great earthquake to have justified the flight from the States, but she would not be dissuaded. Now she appeared weary. Her bruises and scars were fading, but Chloe still had a severe limp, and her beauty had been turned into a strange cuteness by the unique reshaping of her cheekbone and eye socket.
"You need to help the others, Buck," she said. "Now go on. I'll be fine."
"I wish you'd go back to the compound," he said.
"I'm fine," she insisted. "I just need to sit awhile. I'm worried about Hattie. I said I wouldn't leave her unless she improved or became a believer, and she has done neither." Pregnant, Hattie Durham had been left home fighting for her life against poison in her system. Dr. Floyd Charles attended her while the rest of the Tribulation Force including new member Ken Ritz, another pilot had made the pilgrimage to Israel.
"Floyd will take good care of her."
"I know. Now leave me alone awhile."
Rayford and Mac were instructed to wait on the plane as Carpathia, Fortunato, and Mathews were received with enthusiasm on the tarmac. Fortunato stood dutifully in the background as Mathews declined to make a public statement but introduced Carpathia.
"I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to be back in Israel," Carpathia said with a broad smile. "I am eager to welcome the devotees of Dr. Ben-Judah and to display the openness of the Global Community to diverse opinion and belief. I am pleased to reaffirm my guarantee of safety to the rabbi and the thousands of visitors from all over the world. I will withhold further comment, assuming I will be welcome to address the honored assemblage within the next few days."
The dignitaries were ushered to a helicopter for the hop to Jerusalem, while their respective entourages boarded an opulent motor coach.
When Rayford and Mac finished postflight checks and finally disembarked, a Global Community Jeep delivered them to their hotel. Mac signaled Rayford not to say anything in the car or either of their rooms. In the coffee shop, Rayford finally demanded to know what was going on.
Buck wished Chloe had been able to sleep on the flight from the States. Ken Ritz had procured a Gulfstream jet, so it was the most comfortable international flight Buck had ever enjoyed. But the four of them Ken, Buck, Chloe, and Tsionhad been too excited to rest. Tsion spent half the time on his laptop, which Ken transmitted to a satellite, keeping the rabbi in touch with his worldwide flock of millions.
A vast network of house churches had sprung upseemingly spontaneously with converted Jews, clearly part of the 144,000 witnesses, taking leadership positions. They taught their charges daily based on the cyberspace sermons and lessons from the prolific Ben-Judah. Tens of thousands of such clandestine local house churches, their very existence flying in the face of the all-inclusive Enigma Babylon One World Faith, saw cou~rageous converts added to the church every day.
Tsion had been urging the local congregations to send their leaders to the great Meeting of the Witnesses, despite warnings from the Global Community. Nicolae Carpathia had again tried to cancel the gathering at the last minute, citing thousands of deaths from contaminated water in over a third of the world. Thrilling the faithful by calling Carpathia's bluff, Tsion responded publicly on the Internet.
"Mr. Carpathia," he had written, "we will be in Jerusalem as scheduled, with or without your approval, permission, or promised protection. The glory of the Lord will be our rear guard."
Buck would need the protection almost as much as Tsion. By choosing to show up and appear in public with Ben-Judah, Buck was sacrificing his position as Carpathia's publishing chief and his exorbitant salary. Showing his face in proximity to the rabbi's would confirm Carpathia's contention that Buck had become an active enemy of the Global Community.
Rabbi Ben-Judah himself had come up with the strategy of simply trusting God. "Stand right beside me when we get off the plane," he said. "No disguises, no misdirection, no hiding. If God can protect me, he can protect you. Let us stop playing Carpathia's games."
Buck had long been anonymously broadcasting his own cyberspace magazine, The Truth, which would now be his sole writing outlet. Ironically, it attracted ten times the largest reading audience he had ever enjoyed. He worried for his safety, of course, but more for Chloe's.
Tsion seemed supernaturally protected. But after this conference, the entire Tribulation Force, not to mention the 144,000 witnesses and their millions of converts, would become open archenemies of the Antichrist. Their lives would consist of half ministry, half survival. For all they had been through, it was as if the seven-year tribulation had just begun. They still had nearly five years until the glorious appearing of Christ to set up his thousand-year reign on earth.
What Tsion's Internet missives and Buck's underground electronic magazine had wrought in Israel was stunning. The whole of Israel crawled with tens of thousands of converted Jewish witnesses from the twelve tribes all over the world.
Rather than asking Ken Ritz to find an out-of-the-way airstrip where the Tribulation Force could slip into the country unnoticed, Tsion informed his audienceand also, of course, Carpathia & Co. of their itinerary.
Ken had landed at the tiny Jerusalem Airport north of the city, and well-wishers immediately besieged the plane. A small cadre of Global Community armed guards, apparently Carpathia's idea of protection for Tsion, would have had to open fire to get near him. The international witnesses cheered and sang and reached out to touch Tsion as the Tribulation Force made its way to a van. The Israeli driver carefully picked his way through the crowd and south down the main drag toward the Holy City and the King David Hotel.
There they had discovered that Supreme Commander Leon Fortunato had summarily bounced their reservations and several others' by supremely commandeering the top floor for Nicolae Carpathia and his people. "I assume you have made provisions for our alternative," Tsion told the desk clerk after half an hour in line.
"I apologize," the young man said, slipping Tsion an envelope. The rabbi glanced at Buck and pulled him away from the crowd, where they opened the note. Buck looked back at Ken, who nodded to assure him he had the fragile Chloe in tow.
The note was in Hebrew. "It is from Chaim," Tsion said. "He writes, `Forgive my trusted friend Nicolae for this shameful insensitivity. I have room for you and your colleagues and insist you stay with me. Page Jacov, and you will be taken care of.'"
Jacov was Chaim Rosenzweig's driver and valet. He loaded their stuff into a Mercedes van and soon had the Tribulation Force installed in guest rooms at Chaim's walled and gated estate within walking distance of the Old City. Buck tried to get Chloe to stay and rest while he and Ken and Tsion went to the stadium.
"I didn't come here to be on the sidelines," she said. "I know you're concerned about me, but let me decide what I'm up to."
At Kollek Stadium, Buck had been as stunned as the others at what had been arranged. Tsion was right. It had to have been God who used the rabbi's cyber pleas to pull together Israeli witnesses to handle the logistics of this most unlikely conference.
In spite of and in the midst of global chaos, ad hoc committees had arranged transportation, lodging, food, sound, interpretation, and programming. Buck could tell that Tsion was nearly overcome with the streamlined efficiency and no-frills program. "All you need worry about, Dr. Ben-Judah," he had been told, "is being prepared to inspire and inform us when you are due at the microphone."
Tsion smiled sadly. "That and praying that we all remain under the care of our heavenly Father."
"They're onto you, Rayford," Mac said over pita bread and sauce.
Rayford shook his head. "I haven't been a mystery to Carpathia for months. What are you talking about?"
"You've been assigned to me."
"I'm listening."
"I don't rate direct contact with the big man anymore. But last night I was called to a meeting with Leon. The good news is they're not onto me."
"That is good. But they know about the device on the plane?"
"He didn't say, but he couldn't have been clearer that you're history. If the device still works"
"It does."
"Then I'll use it and keep you posted."
"Where will I be?"
"Anywhere but here, Ray. I'm convinced the driver was listening, the car may have been bugged, the cockpit, no question about our rooms."
"They hope I'll lead them to the others, but they'll be in plain sight in Jerusalem."
"They want to keep you from the others, Ray. Why do you think we've been assigned to Tel Aviv?"
"And if I leave?"
"I'm to let them know immediately. It'll be the end of you, Ray."
"But I've got to see my family, the rest of the Force."
"Not here. Carpathia's pledge is to protect Tsion and the others. Not you."
"They really think I won't go to Jerusalem?"
"They hope you will. You must not."
Rayford sat back and pursed his lips. He would not miss the job, close as it had brought him to what was going on in the camp of the enemy. He had long wondered how the end would come to this bizarre season of his life. "You're taking over?"
Mac nodded. "So they tell me. There's more good news. They like and trust David."
"Hassid? Good!"
"He's been put in charge of purchasing. Beyond all the computer stuff he's been doing, he contracts for all major purchases. Even in avionics."
Rayford squinted. Mac pulled a yellow sheet from his jacket and slid it across the table. "Don't tell me he's bought me a plane," Rayford said.
Mac snorted. "Should have thought of that. You know those little handheld electronic organizers? David ordered a half dozen specially built. He doesn't even know yet that he won't be seeing you around anymore."
"I can't steal these, not even from Carpathia."
"You don't have to steal them, Ray. These are just the specs and where to get 'em. They're not cheap, but wait till you see what these babies can do. No more laptops for you guys. Well, maybe the rabbi still needs a keyboard, but these things are solar powered, satellite connected, and contain geographic positioning chips. You can access the Internet, send and receive, use them as phones, you name it."
Rayford shook his head. "I suppose he thought of tracer blocks."
"Of course."
Rayford stuffed the sheet into a pocket. "What am I going to do, Mac?"
"You're going to get your tail out of this hemisphere, what else?"
"But I have to know about Amanda. Buck will tell me only face-to-face, and he's in Jerusalem."
Mac looked down. "You know how that's going to go, Ray. I'd be the last one to try to tell a man about his own wife, but you know as well as I do that everything points to what you don't want to hear."
"I haven't accepted it yet, but I have to know."
"Buck found out for sure?"
"Sounds like it."
"How can he be sure?"
"I told you about Hattie."
"Uh-huh."
"She knows."
"So ask her yourself, Ray. Go home."
"Like I wouldn't be noticed trying to slip out of here tomorrow morning."
"The GC can't keep track of everything. Use your people's pilotRitz, is it? What's he got to do the next few days?"
Rayford looked at Mac with admiration. "You're not as dumb as you look, old-timer."
Mac pulled a phone from his pocket. "Know his number?"
"Your phone scrambled? If I get detected talking to Ken Ritz on either of our phones"
"You are dumber than you look if you think I'd risk that. I know the purchasing guy, remember?" Mac showed Rayford the phone, a generic model that had been doctored by David Hassid.
Rayford dialed Chloe's phone. "Daddy!" she exulted. "Are you here?"
Buck considered it a privilege to pray with the Israeli committee before he and Ken and Tsion headed back to find Chloe. He threw his arm around Tsion. "Are you as tired as I am?"
"Exhausted. I only hope the Lord will allow me to sleep tonight. I am ready to share his message with these dear members of the family, and all that is left before that is to talk with Eli and Moishe. You will go with me, will you not?"
"I wouldn't miss it."
"Me either," Ken said.
But the news from Chloe changed Ken's plans. "Daddy called," she whispered. "He needs a ride home tomorrow."
After she explained Rayford's situation, Ken decided to get the Gulfstream out of the Jerusalem Airport and into Ben Gurion that night. Buck was nearly despondent, wanting to talk to Rayford personally. "At least he can hear the truth about Amanda from the horse's mouth," he said.
An hour later Jacov drove as they delivered Ken to the airport. "We will see you back here Friday," Tsion said, embracing him.
Chloe fell asleep on Buck's shoulder during the after-dark ride to the Temple Mount. As they left the car, the spectacular new temple gleamed on the horizon. "I do not even want to see the new structure," Tsion said. "It is an abomination."
"I can't wait to meet the witnesses," Chloe said.
"You may not actually meet them," Tsion cautioned. "These are heavenly beings with their own agenda. They may communicate with us; they may not. We approach them with great caution."
Buck felt the usual tingle to the soles of his feet. "You know the stories, hon."
Chloe nodded. "I'm not saying I'm not scared."
The three slowed as they approached the typical crowd that gathered thirty feet from the wrought-iron fence, behind which the witnesses stood, sat, or spoke. Usually they spoke. No one had seen them sleep, and none dared get closer. Threats on the lives of the two witnesses had ended in the ugly deaths of would-be assassins.
Buck's excitement masked his fatigue. He worried about Chloe but would not deny her this privilege. At the edge of the crowd of about forty, Buck was able to see past the fence to where Eli sat, Indian style, his back to the stone wall of a small building beyond the fence. His long hair and beard wafted softly in the breeze, but he was unmoving, unblinking, his leathery skin and burlaplike garb appearing to meld.
Moishe stood two feet from the fence, silent, unmoving, staring at the crowd. Occasionally someone shouted. "Speak! Say something!" But that made others back away, obviously fearing the violent reactions they had heard of. Moishe's feet were spread, his arms loose at his sides. Earlier in the day Buck had monitored on his computer a long monologue from Moishe. Sometimes the two traded off speaking, but this day must have been all Moishe's responsibility.
"Watch them carefully," Buck whispered to Chloe. "Sometimes they communicate without opening their mouths. I love how everyone understands them in his own language."
Commotion near the front caused several people to back away, opening a gap in the crowd. Someone said, "Carpathia! It's the potentate!"
Tsion held up a hand. "Let us stay right here," he whispered.
Buck was riveted as Leon Fortunato smoothly supervised GC guards who kept gawkers from Carpathia. The potentate appeared bemused, boldly moving to within ten feet of the fence. "Hail, Potentate!" someone shouted. Carpathia half turned, holding a finger to his lips, and Fortunato nodded to a guard, who stepped toward the crowd. They backed away farther.
"Stay here," Buck said, slipping away.
"Honey, wait!" Chloe called, but Buck moved around behind the crowd and into the shadows.
He knew he would appear to the guards as simply someone leaving. But when he was far enough away to be ignored, he doubled back through shrubbery to where he could see Carpathia's face as he stared at Moishe.
Carpathia appeared startled when Moishe suddenly spoke in a loud voice. "Woe unto the enemy of the Most High God!"
Nicolae seemed to quickly collect himself. He smiled and spoke softly. "I am hardly the enemy of God," he said. "Many say I am the Most High God."
Moishe moved for the first time, crossing his arms over his chest. Carpathia, his chin in his hand, cocked his head and studied Moishe. The ancient witness spoke softly, and Buck knew only he and Carpathia could hear him.
"A sword shall pierce your head," Moishe said in a haunting monotone. "And you shall surely die."
Buck shivered, but it was clear that Carpathia was unmoved. "Let me tell you and your companion something," he said through clenched teeth. "You have persecuted Israel long enough with the drought and the water turned to blood. You will lift your hocus-pocus or live to regret it."
Eli rose and traded places with Moishe, beckoning Carpathia closer. The potentate hesitated and looked back to his guards, who tentatively raised their weapons. Eli spoke with such volume that the crowd dispersed and ran, and even Tsion and Chloe recoiled.
"Until the due time, you have no authority over the lampstands of God Almighty!"
The guards lowered their weapons, and Fortunato seemed to hide behind them. Carpathia's smirk remained, but Buck was convinced he was seething. "We shall see," he said, "who will win in the end."
Eli seemed to look through Carpathia. "Who will win in the end was determined before the beginning of time. Lo, the poison you inflict on the earth shall rot you from within for eternity."
Carpathia stepped back, still grinning. "I warn you to stay away from the charade of the so-called saints. I have guaranteed their safety, not yours."
Eli and Moishe spoke in unison. "He and she who have ears, let them hear. We are bound neither by time nor space, and those who shall benefit by our presence and testimony stand within the sound of our proclamation."
Buck thrilled at the message and looked beyond the square to where Tsion stood with Chloe. The rabbi thrust his fists in the air as if he had gotten the message, and he walked Chloe back toward the car. Buck ducked out of the shrubs and headed around the other way, arriving in the parking lot seconds later.
"Did you hear that?" Tsion said.
Buck nodded. "Incredible!"
"I didn't get it," Chloe said. "What were they saying?"
"Did it sound like Hebrew to you?" Tsion said. "They spoke in Hebrew."
"I heard it in English," she said.
"Me too," Buck said. "They said that he or she who had ears to hear"
"I heard," Chloe said. "I just don't understand."
"That is the first time I ever heard them add `or she,'" Tsion said. "That was for you, Chloe. They knew we were here. We did not have to approach them, did not have to identify ourselves, did not have to face Carpathia before we were ready. We did not even have to discuss with Eli and Moishe plans for their appearance at the stadium. They said that those who would benefit by their presence and testimony stood within the sound of their proclamation."
"They're coming?" Chloe said.
"That is what I gather," Tsion said.
"When?"
"At just the right time."
Q: Can you tell us what this series is about and what your mission is in telling it?
A: The story begins with people disappearing right out of their clothes and a little band of survivors deciding they had been warned and know what this was: the prophesied rapture of the church by Christ. The rest of the series follows this little group, called the Tribulation Force, as they try to find the truth, fight the Antichrist, and spread the word to others that they can still come to Christ if they will. Our mission was to encourage the believers and show them what this will be like for a contemporary society, to persuade unbelievers that it could be true, and to expose to cynics and skeptics exactly what we crazy Christians believe -- because even if this is rejected out of hand, it's only fair to have a cogent example of what we believe out there to be debated, accepted, or rejected. We can handle the criticism, et cetera, but we feel it's important that a correct view of end-times events (from our perspective) is revealed.
Q: Do you have visions? How do you picture God?
A: No visions. I believe God's revelation to mankind is complete in Scripture. I know God is a spirit and that his only incarnation was as Jesus, but I tend to picture him as older and grayer than the traditional picture we have of Jesus. I'm sure I use this obviously inaccurate and unbiblical mental picture because I'm incapable of getting a handle on what a purely spiritual being is. The Bible says God is love, but when it speaks to His holiness, it says it in triplicate. He's love, but He's also holy, holy, holy.
Q: Where do you think we are now in terms of history's timeline for end times?
A: Dr. LaHaye and I believe that all the prophecies that must be fulfilled before the return of Christ have been fulfilled, with the possible exception of the gospel being preached on every continent and to every tribe and tongue. We're very close there. With satellite communications, et cetera, Billy Graham has been broadcast to almost every nation in the world simultaneously. Bible translators are working feverishly to get the Scriptures translated into every tongue. There's a story in Revelation about the murder of the Two Witnesses and the fact that the whole world sees them lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three days before they are taken to heaven. Scholars always thought that had to be figurative or symbolic language, but CNN has changed all that.
ReneeAnn
Posted July 7, 2011
Apollyon is the fifth book in the Left Behind Series and one of my favorites. This book begins with the ministry of the two witnesses, Eli and Moishe, who prophecy from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. These men are described in Revelation 11:
"And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They are the two olive trees and the two lampstands, and they stand before the Lord of the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want."
I so enjoyed having the plot play out against the backdrop of Israel as the characters get a firsthand view of the dramatic goings-on in the Holy City. In the following excerpt, Buck takes comfort from his interaction with the prophets . . .
"Buck felt his knees weaken. He couldn't take his eyes off the witnesses . . . They seemed to know the people of God. Should he say anything? What does one say? . . .
When he was close to them before, he had the wrought iron fence between them. Of course, nothing could protect anyone from beings like this who carried the firepower of God himself. Buck fell to his knees as they passed within ten feet of him, and he looked up as he heard them murmuring.
Moishe said, 'The Lord of Hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.'
At the words of God, Buck dropped his face into the grass and wept. God's very thoughts would come to pass, and His purposes would stand. No one could come against the anointed ones of God until God decided it was time."
Being reminded of those words not only comforted Buck but also comforted me!
The Bible says that at the root of all world events is a spiritual battle. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places." However, since God often works behind the scenes, players on the world stage are able to hide this pretty well. Only by living close to God and steeping myself in His Word am I able to catch a glimpse of the reality behind history's lies. I love how the Left Behind novels helped me envision a time when the Lord will step out from behind the curtain and take center stage. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Louisa_May
Posted August 25, 2011
The Left Behind books only get better and better. This is a series I *almost* said "every Christian" should read. Honestly everyone should read it, whether they're a Christian or not. The theme is powerful and the storyline is gripping. Apollyon begins, of course, where the last book left off. Ray is still trying to find out the truth about his 2nd wife, Amanda. What he finds out is not what it seems and will end up taking twists and turns to surprise you. As for the "apollyons"--they are sooo creepy! This is where the series gets very frightening and makes you hope with all your heart to avoid the tribulation when it really does come! Read this book, but read the others first. This is one series that needs to be read from book 1 to book last!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.kristen4mk
Posted August 25, 2011
Book number five in this exciting series....Apollyon is on a fast pace and things are really starting to happen. The Trib Force has now mobilized across the world and their reach is wide with the huge influx of believers from the Soul Harvest. Both Rayford and Buck cut all ties with the Global Community - their 'double' life is just getting too close; others take their place on the inside. We still have five years of the Tribulation to go before the Glorious Appearing; Chloe is pregnant; and Hattie Durham is also pregnant with Nicolae's baby, and still resisting the truth! The Two Witnesses (Eli & Moishe) are at the Wailing Wall where Nicolae argues with them; he has openly pronounced any believers to be directly opposed to the Global Community, but he will still attend the Great Meeting of the Witnesses in Jerusalem, led by Tsion Ben-Judah and attended by the 144,000 (and more). The next Trumpet Judgment (crazy details about those locusts....creepy) begins.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 4, 2013
These books are nothing but fight wing teabagger crap. Dont waste your time. Irecieved this as a gift and it is going in the trash- it isnt even worthy of Goodwill. This is a poor excuse for literature.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.KitKatDoe
Posted August 15, 2011
This fifth book in the best-selling Left Behind series takes readers along the Biblical timeline of Earth's demise. Those who have become Christians take on the treacherous journey to Jerusalem, as they prepare to fight for their lives and their newly found faith. Carpathia attempts to rise to the occasion to face off with the two witnesses at the Wailing Wall, all while the Trumpet Judgment seals of God open and wreak havoc on Earth's remaining vegetation. Rayford and Buck continue their quest to spread Earth's only news salvation available to mankind: the grace of God and Glorious Appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many souls are lost as the ruler, the chief demon of the bottomless pit, Apollyon, unleash horsemen to kill many of the remaining population. Yet, the reader is given hope, as one of the main characters, Chloe, delivers a healthy baby at the end of the book, despite the world's circumstances and Earth's precarious condition. This was a book I reviewed for Tyndale House Publishers.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 4, 2013
Working my way through the series. They're all great. A must read
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 22, 2013
Ur a poor excuse for a living being
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 23, 2012
I love these books and the idea that they had to write a fictional story using the Truth of God's Word - I've been able to learn so much about the book of Revelation because of these books, the 'only' thing that really bothers me - all his research was done on the truth of God's Word and not the fictional stuff like certain aircraft, and the pilots call flying, "Driving the plane" - I know many pilots out there have been cringing while reading that. ;) But, still worth the read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 7, 2012
Read it and loved it. I couldnt stop reading it. I cant keep it in anylonger so hatie is pregnant but things go south and doc may have caught something. Ken dies. Cloe is in great misconfort and i am going to say one thing his name is kenneth bruce williams aka kenny.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 10, 2012
He is coming back
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.English_Privateer
Posted January 8, 2012
Another great book in the Left behind series. I would highly recommend it to anyone that has started the series!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.d1of1
Posted January 4, 2012
This series rocks!! Love every book so far
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ShoopettesBooks
Posted August 14, 2011
"Apollyon" is the fifth in the series of fiction books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins chronicling the events that take place in the world during the end times. The books follow several main characters as they fight for their lives and for their faith as the world makes its way to the last days. In this book, believers come from all over the world to a rally that is to be held in Jerusalem. As the Tribulation Force (as the main characters are known) prepares for this rally, they each also deal with their own personal issues. Nicolae has become a powerful leader who now sees the believers of the world as a threat. What he doesn't expect is the beginning of the foretold plagues that will torment his own followers. While the previous books in this series were good, I think this book is where it really picked up for me. There were some twists and surprises in this one that I didn't expect, and this is when the line clearly becomes drawn between those who follow Nicolae and those who follow Christ. My favorite part of this book is when Tsion Ben-Judah starts doing sermons over the internet! I read these books (many years agao) right after we got the internet on our home computer, and it was just so fascinating to me that this could be done. This series of novels is a fictionalized account of the events of the end times. I enjoyed the whole series. While this book is geared towards Christians, there is enough action and depth to it that should appeal to all. The characters are well done, and it is easy to follow the many plots that are going on within these books.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.amber93AC
Posted July 13, 2011
apollyon starts out as rayford is driveing nicolae to the stadium to see tsion ben-judah. while there rayford gets the message that he needs to get out of there or die. he goes back to the states and mac takes his job. rayford later has to fly back to israel to pick up buck, chloe, and tsion. ken flies from the airport to chaims to pick them up but when he gets back there while getting on the plane he gets shot and buck falls getting on the plane and gets left. he goes to chaims until he recovers from the fall and can go home. several judgements happen durring this time. he gets back just in time for his son to be born. several people become new believers.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Carpathia confronts the two witnesses and was not satisfied with the outcome. Hattie feels unworthy of God's grace for her part in Carpathia's rise to power. The tribulation force plans on staying one step ahead of the danger from global community officials but is that enough? As subzero temperatures engulf the earth and frightening insects terrorize the inhabitants will this bring the people closer to God?
Riveting, unpredictable with lots of twists and turns this novel, as the others before it, will keep you on the edge of your seat anticipating the outcome. I have grown quite fond of the characters and look forward to reading the next in the series. So intune for today's world I highly recommend this book. Read the book of Revelation in novel form, it is a fast read, and definately hard to put down, has excellent character and scene development. I as the reader felt I was transported to the different locations in the storyline witnessing the future come to life.
Shaf1070
Posted July 7, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It made me feel sorry for the people who are left behind. I also have to admit that I'm anxious for the series to progress. Seems to be faltering a bit??
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.hannah97
Posted July 7, 2011
Apollyon, the 5th left behind book is an epic read! Great characters. You have got to read this book!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Carly14
Posted July 3, 2011
Apollyon was a thrilling adventure with many twists and turns just like the previous stories in the series. I love how the stories highlight each of the judgments in the tribulation. The reader is able to see specifically what happens during each judgment and how it affects all of the characters. I thought after reading the first four books that I had become accustomed to surprises in this series. However, I never expected what happened during this fifth book. I am anxious to continue the story.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins in their book "Apollyon" Book Five in the Left Behind series published by Tyndale House Publishers takes us to the events of Chapter 9, verses 1-12 in Revelation, the last book of The Bible.
In the Bible book of Revelation an Angel is dispatched to the bottomless pit with a key. Once the pit is opened out pour locusts upon the Earth unlike any ever seen before. And their sole purpose is to torment for five months "only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads". These locusts have a leader, "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. (Revelation 9:11). According to the Greek Dictionary Apollyon simply means, "Destroyer".
Nicolae Carpathia continues his rise to power and wants to eliminate all the believers that are opposed to his One World Religion. The world's believers are gathering in Jerusalem for a stadium rally and Carpathia decides to wipe them all out there. Capt. Rayford Steele is now the pilot for Carpathia while Buck Williams is working for Carpathia's news network. The remaining members of the Tribulation Force must figure out a way to stop this wholesale slaughter.
Dr. LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins provide a fictional background for the real events that the final book of The Bible, Revelation, speak about: the end times. The Biblical accuracy in"Apollyon" is flawless and the story is a page turning thriller. There are wonderful themes: salvation, faith in what you cannot see and who is in charge despite appearances to the contrary. I do not recommend starting this book late at night because it will cost you sleep as you will not want to put it down. Mr. Jenkins is an excellent writer and knows how to twist your nerve endings as he tightens the suspense. I am looking forward to book six in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station Kingdom Airwaves
Disclosure of Material Connection: I own this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Anonymous
Posted June 21, 2011
i tend to be a worrier by nature haha so this book kinda freaked me out. though i am glad i do not have locousts. it was so good i had to keep reading even though it scared me.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview