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Though the book has been available in Kindle format for over 2 years,
it is now availble in paperback.
This book is extensive and examines many aspects of modern endime theologies in light of both scripture and history. Due to the severity of the times and the endless volumes of end-times theologies being preached, for decades I have patiently sought the Lord that I might understand certain passages concerning prophetic end time events and the key players mentioned therein. My earnest desire as a husband and father is to obey the exhortation to “prove all things” that I might faithfully lead my family in the things of God appropriately and “hold fast to that which is good” and sound doctrine.
To start, I would like to prepare some by stating that the conclusions of my studies will be found to be very different from predominant beliefs held by many who have unquestioningly embraced the view point of the admittedly fictional “Left Behind” series which became very popular, even among non-Christians. It was amazing, even making news headlines while the public impatiently waited for the next release, eager to ingest each of the “16 best-selling” fictional Christian novels written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Sadly, that fact alone affirms what the Apostle Paul wrote under the unction of the Holy Spirit, that in the latter times men would not be able to endure sound doctrine. But instead they would willingly swallow mere fables or the fictional stories of men as if they were the truth of God.
II Timothy 4:3 – For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Many of these popular Christian “fables” will ultimately be found to have served as deceitful milestones in the religious journey of many so-called believers; as they subtly validate false doctrines of devils designed to hinder true faith. It never ceases to amaze me how easily people can be steered away from the truth, spiritual reality and saving faith, and be lured into trusting what is presented to them in fiction, simply because they are told it is “based upon the Bible.”
Mark Twain’s once said, “It is easier to fool someone than it is to convince them they have been fooled.” This has been proven over and over again, that the greatest hindrance to people accepting the truth is an already established belief or presupposition that prejudices them against it before completely hearing the matter. I therefore encourage everyone interest in reading The Eighth Beast to place their beliefs upon the altar of God were they will be safe, that you might be able to continue with sincere and prayerful humility and remain open to consider the things yet to be presented. For in it you might find some thoughts that are different from what you’ve always believed or heard from your parents or pastor. Each of us are obligated to prove all things, for Truth must be proven with a thorough examination and cross-examination of scripture. Just because some of our beliefs may align with certain passages doesn’t mean they necessarily agree with the whole of them.
For that reason, it is my intention is set forth for your examination those biblical and historical points that have brought me to my present persuasion. Let it be here duly noted that I fully expect many readers will be shaken both theologically and emotionally by my positions, which in some points are sharply different from what is being widely preached and accepted. Some readers will dismissively abandon this book; others will recognize that a shaking of their theology is healthy, for what stands will be proven to rest on a solid foundation. For much of what is being embraced nowadays by many non-Catholics professing to be followers of Jesus Christ has in fact only become fashionable to believe within the last hundred or so years. Those willing to invest minimal research will discover that this theology now being widely accepted by believers is in discord with what was understood, believed and therefore taught by many scholarly protestant believers just a hundred years ago.
That is why we must prove all things the best we can, for God rewards the diligent seeker and not those who lazily trust in other men’s labor to get by. Those who study to show themselves approved by rightly dividing (and applying) the Word of God will not just learn theology and memorized its proposed scriptural support, rather with diligent, prayerful study of God’s word, will be rewarded with an understanding that often excel their teachers.
Psalm 119:98 – Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts.
Now do not think that I consider my position on all points to be completely unshakable, for certainly many of you may very well find them to be nothing more than a square three-legged table, if that. However, by reading The Eighth Beast, if you discover some of these points do in fact have a measure of credibility, then regardless what you have always believed or been taught by whoever, scripture would obligate you to re-examine and prove all things; that you may hold fast to that which may yet be waiting to be found by you and confirmed as sound and solid doctrine. So once again, I encourage a thorough reading of all scripture provided, and even taking further pursuit of them in their full context in your own bibles.
As an added note, when scriptures are given only as references in books, most people rarely take the time to look them up. Sure, when a point being asserted crosses ones long-held opinion, some references might actually get checked out. But sometimes when beliefs are so ingrained, it is too easy to automatically judge the other’s perspective to be wrong without ever bothering to examine the foundation of scripture provided whereupon the author’s statement is being asserted. Others are either so confident or indifferent, they simply dismissively quit reading the article and casually move on to the next, or without any examination simply toss a book aside deeming it unworthy of their time. How far remove many believers are today from that noble Berean spirit that once searched the scriptures to see if the things being stated were true, (Acts 17:10, 11).
But those who do authenticate other writers’ words with the scriptures referenced are well aware of the increased work and additional time that must be spent to responsibly prove the author’s message. Therefore, it is my practice to include all scripture referenced in my writing; except for the one above placed there to make my point.
The labor of any Christian author should be like the labor of one who strings pearls to make a necklace to grace the neck of the one who chooses to wear it. However, what I have written here can hardly be considered worthy to be the string whereby such priceless oracles are to be joined, seeing they were given to holy men of God. Men, who like the oyster, were often required to endure severe trials before the grace of God brought forth those glorious pearls of truth for the benefit of those who would receive them. Nevertheless, I assure you that this book is a labor of love and obedience to my Lord Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 3:19 – The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens. 20 By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
Therefore, it is my earnest recommendation that the reader make a commitment now before the Lord to read through all the verses in their entirety. After all, these pearls are His words and their inclusions are here for your benefit, so please take advantage of them.
For funsies…
Here’s a couple of very old and interesting pictures from National Geographic.
Be sure to read their captions…
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Stay blessable, onfire, and unburnable!
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Gates of the City 