The Faithful Churchgoer
John Miller was a devout believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, attending Calvary Fellowship Church twice a week. He held firmly to the doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture, a belief his pastor, Reverend Davis, often preached. “Before the great tribulation comes,” Reverend Davis would declare, “the Lord will call us to meet Him in the air. We will not endure the wrath of God upon this world.” John listened, took notes, and believed every word.
When a sudden pandemic swept the world, chaos ensued. Reverend Davis urged the congregation to follow health guidelines and take the newly developed vaccine. “It’s a test of faith,” he assured them. “We must trust the Lord and His provision through modern medicine.” John complied, wanting to set an example of obedience. After his vaccination, he suffered complications and lost sight in one eye. The church rallied around him in prayer, but his vision never returned.
Despite his affliction, John remained steadfast. He continued attending services, listening to sermons, and singing hymns. Calvary Fellowship became his refuge. Over time, the church introduced new measures, including an RFID scanner linked to their phones. “This is for your safety,” Reverend Davis explained. “In case of emergencies, we’ll know who is inside. We are a family.”
John didn’t question it. He trusted his pastor, his church, and the system they believed God had ordained. Yet outside the church walls, the world grew darker. Inflation surged, wars loomed, and new rules restricted daily life. Even within the sanctuary, tensions rose. Congregants squabbled over petty issues. Giving to the church became more pressing as Reverend Davis emphasized their financial struggles.
One Sunday, amidst the turmoil, a new pastor arrived. Reverend Matthews spoke passionately about unity and obedience. “Romans 13 tells us to submit to governing authorities,” he reminded them. “The new global system is ordained by God to bring peace and order. We must pray for our leaders and show our love through obedience.”
John nodded in agreement, as did the others. He wanted to be faithful, to ensure his place in heaven. When rumors spread about a new hemorrhagic fever, Reverend Matthews once again urged the congregation to take the recommended vaccine. The fear of the disease was palpable; images of bleeding victims flooded the news. John obeyed and took the shot, but this time, the side effects were worse. He developed neurological issues and struggled to walk. Still, he hobbled to church, his faith unshaken.
As the years passed, the church adapted to the evolving global system. Digital IDs and biometric scans were required to enter. Reverend Matthews spoke glowingly of the world leader who had brought “peace and unity” to the nations. Dissenters, labeled terrorists, were vilified as enemies of love and truth.
The church began holding special services to honor and pray for the world leader. When microchips became mandatory for global transactions, the congregation hesitated. Reverend Matthews, however, provided a solution. “For those uncomfortable with the chip,” he announced, “there is an alternative. A simple injection will ensure your participation in society without compromising your conscience.”
John, ever obedient, took the injection. Within weeks, his immune system began to fail. Common colds became life-threatening. The once-vibrant churchgoer grew weaker, yet he still managed to attend services, convinced it was his duty.
Finally, one winter evening, John caught the flu. His frail body couldn’t fight it off. As he lay on his deathbed, his mind drifted to the sermons he had heard, the sacrifices he had made, and the promises of a pre-tribulation rapture that had never come. His faith remained, but his questions lingered.
When John passed, the church mourned him briefly before moving on. Reverend Matthews continued preaching obedience to the system and unity under the world leader. The congregation dwindled as more succumbed to illnesses or left in disillusionment. But the faithful few stayed, clinging to the hope that their loyalty would secure their place in heaven.
John’s story became a cautionary tale—one of unwavering faith, misplaced trust, and the slow erosion of truth in the face of fear and conformity.