Wednesday, November 7, 2018

The Left Behind Book Series And Movies - Life Changers?

This week on Facebook a member, Krista B., of the group "Rapture Discussion: Pretribulation, Posttribulation, or Prewrath?" posted:

I know we're not supposed to post videos on here (on that group page), but this is a 3 minute clip about the Rapture. . . and such a powerful scene.  The reason I'm posting it is for that one line where Bruce (the left behind pastor) says, "Knowing and Believing are two different things"    I wonder how many people truly recognize that?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig_zGghP4YA&fbclid=IwAR0bL5kgbUXowN7mmkFSiLfsP32P0ADdn06YayDFic5jeKb2vS4u-ykLu7U

I began writing a response to Krista B:

Hi Krista B, I am glad you posted that short video - for the three Left Behind Series movies are great and, in my opinion, are very close to what is taught in the Bible.  In 1995, before the movies were released, I had begun to read the Left Behind book series (13 books) and my only disappointment was that they only made three movies, which do not cover the complete series of books.  I highly recommend people interested in Biblical eschatology read the full Left Behind series and watch the three movies.

But instead of posting a response just to Krista, I decided I want to share this blog with all my FRANs (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors)  ~  For knowledge of the coming End Times events and consequences of believing or not believing - is too important to not share it with you.

Let me start by describing the scene which my Friend, Krista B., found so convicting.  In the beginning of the movie we see the battle of Ezekiel 38-39 occurring - and shortly thereafter we see an international passenger jet flying from New York to London.  The pilot of the plane is not a believer, but his wife and young son have become believers - so he has heard of the Rapture and end times eschatology, but does not believe.

During the flight to London the Rapture happens - and many of the passengers suddenly disappear.  In the back of his mind are the thoughts of the Rapture, but they stay in the back of his mind.   He and the rest of the world are saying that some kind of weird warp of nature has caused millions of people to disappear - never attributing it to God.

Upon returning to New York and home, he finds that his wife and son have disappeared.  All their personal items, including clothing are still there - but no trace of them.  This shock brings the Rapture to the forefront of his thoughts - and in disbelief he picks up her Bible.  In desperation he goes to the church his wife and son had been attending - and that is where we see the young pastor in an empty church wondering why he was left behind. 

And that is when the realization hits this young pastor and he acknowledges,"Knowing and Believing are two different things"   He realizes that he had been teaching the Word - but he had not truly been believing the Word.  That sudden realization will come upon many people, lay and clergy, who erroneously call themselves Christian, on that fateful day.

And that is when the airline pilot walks into the church as the young pastor is on his knees in true acceptance of Jesus Christ  - and the pilot kneels and joins him in this conversion.  They both have been left behind, but they join forces to make a difference during the coming Tribulation.

That is the three minute video that Krista has shared with us.  It is powerful, but only a brief sample of what you will find in this book series and the three movies.

In 1995 I began an exciting odyssey in eschatology.   Starting in 1995 Dr. Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins began publishing a great series of books titled the Left Behind Series.  Those books can best be described as Prophetic Novels - for they describe the coming End Time events very well.  I have long loved to read historical novels because I love history and reading a novel based upon true historical facts is both entertaining and educational.  Instead of reading a dry historical text book of facts - I am reading an exciting story based upon true historical characters and events.  A great way to learn history. 

Of course we must first know the author and his/her credentials.  I have a number of historical novel books and series - Lincoln (multiple authors), the Earth's Children Series about the people groups of Prehistoric Europe (Jean M. Auel), The People series telling of the prehistoric people groups who migrated through Siberia to our continent and became our Native Americans (Kathleen & Michael Gear), the Brotherhood of War series by W.E.B. Griffin, detailing America's involvement in wars during the 20th century, from the World Wars through Vietnam. 

And, one of my favorites, the Left Behind series is the same - but just the opposite.  These books combine a prophetic look-ahead - but wrapped around an exciting story line with believable characters.  When the first book, Left Behind, came out in 1995 - I started on an exciting adventure.  And, after finishing the first, I could hardly wait for each new book to come out.  It took about ten years to finish the whole series.

The Left Behind book series:

1.  Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days     (October 1995)

2.  Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama of Those Left Behind    (May 1996)

3.  Nicolae: The Rise of Antichrist      (October 1997)

4.  Soul Harvest: The World Takes Sides     (August 1998)

5.  Apollyon: The Destroyer Is Unleased     (February 1999)

6.  Assassins: Assignment: Jerusalem, Target: Antichrist     (August 1999)

7.  The Indwelling: The Beast Takes Possession     (May 2000)

8.  The Mark: The Beast Rules the World     (November 2000)

9.  Desecration: Antichrist Takes the Throne    (October 2001)

10. The Remnant: On the Brink of Armageddon     (July 2002)

11.  Armageddon: The Cosmic Battle of the Ages     (April 2003)

12.  Glorious Appearing: The End of Days     (April 2004)

13.  Kingdom Come: The Final Victory    (April 2007)

In October 2000, the movie based upon the first book, "Left Behind" was released and it was well received.   In October 2002, the second movie, "Left Behind II, Tribulation Force" based upon the second book was released.  And in October 2005 the third Left Behind Series movie, "Left Behind III, World at War" was released.   My only disappointment is that they did not make movies of the rest of the books.

It is my strong desire that all of my Friends, believers and secular, will read this book series and watch the three movies.  For my believing Friends, this can only solidify your faith and your sense of eternal security in Christ.  For my non-believing secular Friends, I pray this will at least give you food for thought - for eternity, never ending time, is a very long time to be without God's glorious presence and joy.

These are the three movies.  Even if you do not want to take the time to read the books, watch the movies.  That might encourage you to go back to read and savor the books.

Left Behind, The Movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-veeckZyAw


Left Behind II, Tribulation Force

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhGsSS1IKjs


Left Behind III, World At War

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C-CSqzY7qo

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:
 

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