Chapter 1: New Hope
Judd Thompson Jr. had always been able to grasp situations. He could see that of the three kids, he was the oldest. The redhead, the only girl, looked slightly younger. But if Judd had to guess, she was probably a year younger than she was.
That didn't seem to matter much at the moment. A devastating attack had occurred in England by Christian terrorists. These terrorists had not only claimed responsibility for the attack, but had stated that they planned to convert the entire globe to Christianity using any means necessary.
Vernon Billings, the senior pastor at New Hope Village Church, and Bruce Barnes, the assistant pastor, had tried to convince the four kids about what they believed had happened. They believe that Jesus Christ returned as he said he would, in 66 AD. They believed that Christ returned in 66 AD, when some of his disciples were still alive. There were numerous Bible verses that Vernon and Bruce were going to use to back up and defend their arguments and deductions.
Judd didn't think that Vernon and Bruce were being deceitful. There was no reason for either pastor to lie. That didn't necessarily mean that Judd was going to become a Preterist. He knew it was the only explanation that made sense, as opposed to thinking Christ would return 2,000 years after all his disciples were long dead. Judd could tell that Vernon and Bruce had given this a lot of thought and had taken their time to study their scriptures and show that Christ already returned. Judd was glad that his family had all become Preterists, but there were still so many questions he had.
Judd could tell Vernon and Bruce shared his own concern and worry about the attack in England. Judd should have known that there would be Christians that would turn completely hostile, acting like violent savages to force their beliefs on other people. It seemed ludicrous that anyone could defend these evildoers, and yet the Christians would still try to hold on to their beliefs. What a bunch of moronic hypocrites.
Judd had to wonder why it took him so long to discover the truth about Preterism. Maybe it was because he just went along with traditions and customs, not daring to question it for fear of the backlash and repercussions. Maybe it was because he had never shown any real interest in anything that challenged his beliefs. Judd knew that he would have to make a decision. Vernon had sent Judd's family an e-mail describing his beliefs and explaining how he had become a Preterist. It seemed genuine and inspiring. That didn't mean that Judd agreed, he just needed to think about all of it.
Vernon and Bruce told their own stories, how they had attended Bible college and seminar and spent years studying the Bible about the prophecies in Revelation. They were both concerned about the passages in the Bible that said Christ would return in the generation of the apostles.
Vernon then asked the four kids to introduce themselves and talk about themselves for a bit. Judd didn't really see the point of all of that. Vernon began with the youngest boy, who had blond hair and was stocky.
When Judd focused on the boy, he was immediately reminded of his younger brother, Marc. Marc and Marcie were both younger and smaller than Ryan Daley, but Judd felt some empathy for kids around their age. He could only wonder how many children had lost their lives during the attack and bloodshed in England. He would be very angry if someone he cared about had been killed.
Ryan described what had happened when he turned on the television that morning. The boy seemed frightened and alarmed by what he had seen from the news coverage in England. Judd knew no child should ever have to see such a horrifying sight.
Ryan took a deep breath. "I'm not sure how I completely feel about Preterism, Mr. Billings. To be completely honest, I'm not sure I completely understand all of it. My parents aren't religious. I haven't grown up in church."
Bruce then said, "So, you've never been in church before?"
"Well, not never", Ryan said. "Someone once invited me to these church meetings that they have in the summertime…"
"Vacation Bible School?", Vernon asked.
"Well, yeah. But I was young and I can hardly even remember it. My friend-his dad's an airline pilot-wants me to learn about Preterism. I haven't done that yet."
"And who is that?", Vernon asked.
"His name is Raymie Steele. I thought all of this was weird and dumb."
"What do you think now, Ryan?"
Ryan put his head in his hands and took a few deep breaths. It was clear he didn't want to talk about it.
Vernon then turned to Lionel Washington. Judd noticed that the lanky young boy with the smooth face and chocolate complexion had sat expressionless since they had begun. His wide, dark eyes seemed to rarely blink. He merely sat forward, his chin resting on his fist, listening. Judd couldn't tell if he was interested or not, but something had brought him there.
Vernon asked Lionel if he knew any of the others. "No, but my sister Clarice knows Vicki here. They ride the school bus together."
"How do you feel about all this?", Vernon said.
"Well, it obviously makes sense", Lionel said. "It seems obvious from what Jesus said to his followers that he was going to return in their generation. It's the only explanation that is logical. You're right. Christ already returned in 66 AD and finished his work in 70 AD with the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem."
Lionel finished his story of having grew up in a Christian household and explained how his family had become Preterists after watching Vernon speak about his Preterist beliefs on television. Lionel explained that until today, he never made a true decision to become a Preterist.
"I don't know how the rest of you feel, but looking back now, I guess I can't say I'm surprised. I don't know if I can still become a Preterist, but if there is another chance, I want it."
"Believe me, there is another chance", Vernon said. "And that's something you'd want to take advantage of right away, don't you agree?"
"Of course", Lionel said. "You'd better believe I made my decision to become a Preterist. I told God that I realized that Jesus already returned, apologized for living the Christian lifestyle, and declared I realized that everything in the Bible is fulfilled and over. Am I a Preterist now?"
"Yes, you are", Bruce said. "Welcome to the family."
"It feels so good to have accepted the truth of Preterism", Lionel said. "I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my chest."
Judd was stunned at how much he and Lionel had in common, though they had never seen each other before. Lionel, like Judd, also had a younger brother and sister. Judd and Lionel had both been raised in the church by Christian families. Judd and Lionel also had family members that became Preterists after listening to Vernon.
Now it was Vicki's turn. "Well,", she began. "It seems to make sense to me as well."
Judd noticed how young and scared she sounded for someone who said she was fourteen years old. Of course, he felt very young and scared himself just then, but she looked like a tough girl. Whatever edge there had been to her seemed to have been stolen away when she saw news footage of the attack in England. Vicki talked about growing up in the trailer park, then explained what had happened when Vernon had come over to that park, preaching about his beliefs in Preterism.
"What you said about Preterism completely changed our lives. My family accepted the truth about Preterism, but I was skeptical. I was still having doubts and was uncertain. But what you're saying seems to make sense. Jesus's work is over and finished.
"Forgive me for being pushy", Vernon said, "but what are you going to do about it now?"
Vicki looked down and busied herself tracing a pattern on the floor with the toe of her shoe. "Actually, even though I know you're right, I just don't want to make a decision like this while I'm still in shock."
Vernon seemed to be trying gently to push her into seeing that, despite the trauma she had just been through, she really shouldn't take more time.
"You know the truth about Preterism now", Vernon said. "Being a Preterist isn't a requirement to get into heaven, but it's better to know and believe in Preterism so it will be obvious and clear that Christ already returned and finished his work."
"I still need time to think", Vicki said. She would not return his gaze. Her body seemed rigid. To Judd it seemed like she was through talking or listening about it. Judd was surprised when she looked up and appeared to be listening when it was time for him to tell his story.
Judd kept his story brief, of how he had received Vernon's e-mail about the latter's Preterist beliefs and about the real return of Christ. Judd talked about his reaction to hearing about the attack in England.
"I have to say, though, Pastor Billings, I feel like Vicki here. I know what I'm supposed to do, what I should do, and what I'm sure I will do. But I just feel too much pressure. I'm still having doubts and I need time to think before I become a Preterist."
Vernon and Bruce then faced the four kids.
"Don't you kids see?", Vernon asked. "That's my point. We believe that Christ already returned and finished his work. If you guys decide to come back here regularly, I'll explain the truth about the prophecies in Revelation and what those twenty-two chapters all mean. I'll show you Bible verses that indicate Christ returned in 66 AD. I'll show you that we no longer need Jesus, that he came to do a short work on the earth. I'll fill the four of you on everything."
Judd knew Vernon was right, but he caught Vicki's glance and knew that the two of them were still determined not to be pushed. He only hoped it wasn't a pride thing. He hoped it wasn't. He was way past pride now.
"I'm sorry, Pastor Billings, but I need more time to think about all of this", Judd said.
"Me too", Vicki said.
"Me three", Ryan said.
"Don't be waiting too long now", Lionel said. "I've waited too long as it is."
"I couldn't have said it better myself", Bruce said.
