Through the Valley of the Beast
Chapter 1: The Last Remnant
Matthew was a quiet man of unshakable faith. He had spent his life walking the narrow path, choosing to follow Christ rather than conforming to the world. The warnings of Scripture were etched deeply into his heart: "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils" (1 Corinthians 10:21). He saw through the façade of the local churches, discerning their cornerstone was not Christ, but the spirit of error.
Living in the final days was no easy task. False brethren filled the local churches, preaching another gospel, a salvation of works and compromise. These churches, Matthew believed, were not sanctuaries of truth but dens of vipers, houses built upon sand. He refused to partake in their rituals, knowing they served another Jesus—one that demanded allegiance to the Antichrist's system.
“The time is near,” Matthew often warned his small circle of like-minded believers. “The local churches are falling deeper into apostasy. They preach lies and call it truth. We must stand firm.”
Chapter 2: The System Rises
The world had become a place of chaos and control. The governments, now united under a single global leader, demanded unwavering loyalty. Technology advanced rapidly, and with it came the system foretold in Revelation. The Mark of the Beast was no longer a distant prophecy but a reality imposed on all. Without it, no man could buy or sell.
Matthew and his friends had prepared for this moment. They rejected the local churches that had readily embraced the system, trading truth for survival.
“They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them” (1 John 4:5), Matthew reminded them, his voice steady with conviction.
The local pastors had become mouthpieces for the Antichrist, encouraging their congregations to take the Mark, claiming it was merely a symbol of unity. But Matthew knew better. "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" (Revelation 22:15).
Chapter 3: The Great Divide
Life became a relentless trial. Those who refused the Mark were ostracized, hunted, and condemned as enemies of peace. Matthew and his group fled to the wilderness, leaving behind the comforts of modern life. They gathered nightly to read from the King James Bible, the only version they trusted, and prayed for strength.
One evening, as the fire crackled and shadows danced against the trees, Matthew addressed the group.
“The local churches have fallen completely. They are spiritual whorehouses, worse than the brothels they pretend to condemn. They’ve embraced the Antichrist and lead their flocks to destruction. But we—we are the remnant. We will go to heaven when we die.”
His words were met with solemn nods. They had seen the deception firsthand. The local churches had abandoned the armor of God, casting aside the sword of the Spirit for the lies of Satan. Elders mocked the very existence of devils, calling biblical truths outdated myths. It was no surprise they welcomed the Beast’s system with open arms.
Chapter 4: The Tribulation Intensifies
The days grew darker. The global leader—a man of charisma and deceit—declared himself a savior of humanity. Statues were erected in his honor, and his image appeared on every screen. Worship was no longer optional; it was enforced.
Matthew and his group refused, knowing this was the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel and Christ. They faced hunger, thirst, and the relentless pursuit of authorities. Yet, they held fast to the promises of Scripture.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake” (Matthew 5:11), Matthew recited during their darkest moments.
Chapter 5: The Ultimate Stand
The climax came when the group was discovered. Drones, armed soldiers, and local informants descended upon their camp. Matthew stood firm, clutching his Bible. The soldiers demanded they renounce their faith, accept the Mark, and pledge allegiance to the global leader.
“I serve Christ alone,” Matthew declared boldly. “Your leader is the man of sin, the son of perdition. Do what you must.”
The group was dragged away, their fate seemingly sealed. But Matthew’s final words echoed in the hearts of those who witnessed his stand.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! The wrath of God will not tarry forever.”
Epilogue: The Wrath to Come
As the Great Tribulation unfolded, the world descended into unparalleled chaos. Those who took the Mark faced sores, plagues, and the wrath of the Lamb. The local churches, once filled with goats and false brethren, were consumed by the very darkness they had embraced.
Matthew’s sacrifice was not in vain. His testimony sparked repentance in some, opening their eyes to the truth. The remnant—small but faithful—held fast to Christ, awaiting His glorious return. And when the heavens opened, and the Son of Man appeared with power and great glory, the faithful rejoiced, knowing their redemption had come.
"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown" (Revelation 3:11).