The Watchman’s Shadow

The Watchman’s Shadow

Chapter 1: An Uneasy Introduction

Matthew Carter had always considered himself a student of the Bible, guided solely by the Holy Ghost and unwavering faith in the King James Version. As the world descended into chaos with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Matthew sought fellowship online. One evening, he stumbled upon a live broadcast by Pastor Simon Grayson, an ordained evangelist and former policeman with a rapidly growing internet ministry.

Pastor Grayson’s sermons were fiery and precise, laden with scripture and calls for repentance. Yet, there was something about his approach that unsettled Matthew. The pastor’s emphasis on complete sinlessness and obedience to God felt more like a burden than the liberating truth of salvation by grace through faith. Still, Matthew hoped to find some common ground. After all, these were perilous times, and the prophecies of Revelation were becoming clearer by the day.

During a Q&A session after one of Grayson’s broadcasts, Matthew cautiously asked, "Pastor, how do you reconcile Romans 4:5, which says, 'But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness,' with your teaching on sinless perfection?"

Grayson’s smile faltered. He leaned forward, his expression a mix of irritation and condescension. "Matthew, righteousness isn’t just imputed; it must be lived. Faith without works is dead. If you’re not walking in complete obedience, are you truly saved?" His tone was final, leaving no room for discussion.

Matthew’s heart sank. He realized that Pastor Grayson’s gospel placed an impossible burden on believers, one that overshadowed the finished work of Christ.

Chapter 2: The Divide

Over the weeks, Matthew tried to participate in the online ministry, sharing insights and encouraging others to trust in the simplicity of the gospel. But his contributions were often met with skepticism or outright dismissal by Pastor Grayson and his devoted followers.

One evening, after Matthew shared a heartfelt post about Ephesians 2:8-9—"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast"—Grayson publicly rebuked him during the next broadcast.

"There are those among us," Grayson said, his eyes narrowing at the camera, "who preach a cheap grace. They ignore the necessity of holiness and surrender. Beware of such wolves in sheep’s clothing."

Matthew knew the words were aimed at him. It was clear he would never be fully accepted by the group. Grayson’s identity as a former policeman seemed to dominate his theology; his gospel was one of strict enforcement, not grace.

Chapter 3: The Beginning of Sorrows

As the pandemic raged on, governments around the world implemented sweeping measures. Supply chains faltered, freedoms were curtailed, and fear gripped the hearts of many. For Matthew, the events were a clear fulfillment of Christ’s words in Matthew 24:8: "All these are the beginning of sorrows."

Matthew parted ways with Grayson’s ministry, leaving behind the debates and reproofs. Guided by the Holy Ghost, he turned his attention to studying Revelation with renewed fervor. The prophecies of the end times became his compass as he sought understanding and strength.

Chapter 4: The Coming Darkness

By 2023, whispers of a new global economic system began to surface. Digital currencies were rolled out, and biometric verification systems became mandatory for transactions. Matthew recognized the chilling parallels to Revelation 13:16-17: "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark."

For believers like Matthew, the time of testing had come. Many pastors and religious leaders, including Grayson, encouraged compliance, framing the changes as necessary for survival. But Matthew’s faith in the Holy Ghost guided him otherwise. He saw the mark for what it was—a final test of allegiance.

Chapter 5: Strength Through Tribulation

Without the ability to buy or sell, Matthew and a small group of like-minded believers retreated to the outskirts of society. They relied on God for provision and encouragement, often reciting Revelation 12:11: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

Pastor Grayson’s ministry, meanwhile, grew more influential. His broadcasts became increasingly focused on compliance with government mandates, portraying resistance as rebellion against God. To Matthew, it was clear that Grayson’s gospel had aligned with the systems of the world.

Chapter 6: The Great Tribulation

The day came when the global powers declared open persecution of those who refused the mark. Matthew’s group was hunted, their faith tested in ways they had never imagined. Yet, through every trial, the indwelling Holy Ghost gave them peace and strength.

Revelation 7:14 became their anthem: "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

As the Great Tribulation unfolded, Matthew’s heart ached for those still caught in deception, including Grayson. But his focus remained on enduring to the end, trusting in the promises of God.

Epilogue

The story ends with the believers scattered, yet unified in their faith. The worst time in human history had come, but so had the fulfillment of God’s word. Matthew stood firm, knowing that the trials of this life were but a precursor to the eternal glory that awaited.

And so, guided by the indwelling Holy Ghost and the light of God’s Word, the faithful pressed on, awaiting the return of their Savior, Jesus Christ.