“Amen.” Brianna nodded.
Later that night, Tori grabbed a flashlight and a Bible and opened it to read a few Scriptures out loud before they went to sleep. They’d found an old beach house several yards from shore, gutted of all its contents, with no power or water, but it provided a roof over their heads and shelter from the rain which had started after the sun had set. A breeze whisked through the open window, bringing the slight scent of the sea, along with the sweet spice of rain, which always settled her nerves. Thomas had managed to open the cans of food with Aaron’s pocketknife, and even though it was cold, the baked beans, corn, and chicken soup tasted like a gourmet meal.
She sat cross-legged on the floor and opened the Holy Scriptures to Revelation 13 and began reading about the Antichrist and False prophet.
No sooner had she started than Aaron excused himself to use the bathroom. But at least Thomas and Sara listened.
“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”
Shivering, Sara rubbed her temples. “I know what the Scriptures say, but, man, having a healthy body that lives forever sounds really good about now.”
Leaning over, Tori grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I know, sweetheart. You’ll feel better soon. I promise.”
“So, what can we expect next, Tori?” Brianna asked, stroking Carla’s forehead as she slept with her head on her lap.
“Well, five of the seals have already been broken and five of the trumpets were blown during the first half of the Tribulation. I believe seal six and seven will happen toward the end.”
“What are these seals and trumpets?” Thomas asked.
“You don’t know, pastor?” Tori teased.
Thomas gave a sideways smile. “Guess I missed that class in seminary.”
“You’ve already experienced the first five seals. One was the Antichrist arriving. That’s Immu Aali. Two was World War III, three was intense famine, four was death from war, famine, and pestilence, and five was persecution and death of all Christians.”
Thomas frowned. “You’re telling me all of those things were predicted in the Bible?”
“Yes. I can read it for you, if you like.”
He held up a hand. “No, that’s okay. And the trumpets?”
“One was the meteors that destroyed a third of the trees and all the grass. Two was the asteroid that hit the sea and poisoned a third of it. The third was the meteor that struck the fresh water and poisoned a third of it. The fourth was the volcano eruptions that caused a third of the light from the sun, moon and stars to dissipate, and the fifth I’m sure you remember,” She arched a brow. “That one caused the sores from the mechanical locusts that tormented all non-believers for five months.”
From the shiver that coursed through him, she assumed he remembered that quite well.
“And this is all from your God.” Thomas's tone was sharp. “The one you say is so good and loving.”
“He wishes none to perish but all to come to repentance. He tried for over two-thousand years to get mankind to turn to Him and receive His free gift of salvation. Now, as any good parent, He is using punishment as a way to get people’s attention.”
Brianna gazed affectionately down at Carla. “You’ve obviously never had kids, Thomas. Sometimes you have to punish them to get their attention. You can’t give them everything they want, or they get spoiled and complacent. God has been more than patient and generous with all of mankind.”
“He’s been more than patient with me,” Sara added, warming Tori’s heart.
Thomas snorted. “Tough love. I get it. I can’t wait for the sixth trumpet.”
“That would be a million-man army that will kill one-third of mankind,” Tori said. “I expect that to happen toward the end as well. Not sure about the timing. It might be the Battle of Armageddon.”
Brianna nodded. “And don’t forget, we do still have the angels flying through the air shouting the Gospel.”
“Yes.” Tori smiled. “How cool is that? I’d love to hear one.” She closed her Bible. “Then we have the seven bowls. But those happen at the very end. Believe me, you don’t want to be here for those. It’s all in here.” She picked up the Bible. “I could read it to you.”
Thomas attempted to pat down his unruly hair. “Naw…I sort of remember it now from seminary.”
