by Samuel David
“No, I am not.”
“Then are you Satan?”
“No, I definitely am not Satan, Lucifer or any other names associated with him.”
“Have you spoken to the Archangel Gabriel?”
“What I have said Bishop, is that I spoke with a messenger from God who calls himself Gabriel. I do not know if he is the same angel in the Bible named Gabriel, or is another Gabriel. I have no way of knowing.”
“Did you ever leave earth like Ezekiel or Elijah and get your revelations in heaven?”
“No Bishop, no chariots of fire took me anywhere. I have already stated how I was chosen and the circumstances.”
“You are Catholic. Am I correct?”
“Yes I am.”
“Were you born Catholic?”
“No, I converted in 1985 through RICA, which is the Rite of Christian Invitation of Adults.”
“Yes, I know what it is Jack. I taught the class earlier in my youth. So, why did you convert?”
“The woman I wanted to marry was Catholic and it was required that I attend RICA prior to marriage.”
“So, did you like becoming Catholic?”
“Yes and no. There are some parts I like and others I do not.”
“So since you are Catholic, do you believe in all things about the Church?”
“No I do not.”
“So you believe in God?”
“Yes I do.”
“Do you believe in the Holy Catholic Church?”
“No I do not.” I could see the Bishop hesitate and seemed disappointed.
“So you believe in the Holy Spirit.”
“Yes I do.”
“Do you believe in the communion of saints?”
“No I do not.”
“Do you believe in the resurrection of the body?”
“Yes I do.”
“Do you believe in Jesus Christ?”
“Yes I do.”
The bishop hesitated then asked, “Mr. South, based on your answers, you seem to have definite opinions on the church and could possibly be excommunicated.”
“For what?” I responded. “Am I on trial, that you would threaten me that I may be excommunicated? That is a problem that I have with the church. Only God can deny me, not you, or any other person on this earth.”
“No, Mr. South. I am not excommunicating you or threatening you. I am just trying to understand what you believe in.”
“I have just told you what I believe in and I go to mass. I do my penance, I pray, and I talk to God on my own terms, not yours, or any other organized churche’s here on earth’s rules and regulations.”
“Okay, I understand.” He paused again, forming his next question.
“Are you one of the witnesses of the end times?”
“Yes I am, Bishop O’Keefe. That you can rest assured of.”
“So does this mean then that this is the start of Tribulation today, as described in the last week of Daniel and what John prophesied on the Island of Patmos?”
I saw each panel member lean towards me and I saw the sweat on the brow of John. I looked directly into the Bishop’s eyes for some reason. I thought he was evil and I said, “I am surprised you would even ask that question Bishop. It is my understanding that the church’s stance on end times, especially Revelations, is all of this took place a long time ago. Actually, several Catholic scribes have in the past, have detailed an outline of what happened in John’s Apocalypse and directly related them to the Roman Empire. Therefore, with all due respect, are you questioning your own churche’s stance on end time prophecy, and if so, does that mean you do not believe in your own teachings of which you are a high ranking officer?” I then sat back.
“Well you are right. Your assumptions are correct, but I still want your opinion to my question?”
“I have no opinion. Opinions are not facts, they are opinions, and in this scenario, I do not give opinions. I give facts and the facts I give are directly from God, not man.”
“So do you have an answer to my original question?”
“No. I will not answer that question. It is not I, that starts or ends tribulation, God sets the timetable. However, you can assume anything you want. But based on your belief prior to today, you and the Church have already said that this time will never exist.”
John, seeing that this was going nowhere and Jack was becoming irritated, interrupted and said to the Bishop, “Thank you Bishop, but we need to move onto other questions.”
He then turned to Reverend Marks and said, “Reverend?”
The camera then moved to Reverend Marks. He turned to me with no hi, how are you or anything, and started his questions.
“Do you have any formal religious training, theology school, classes, Sunday school or any other credentials in regards to organized religion of any sort?”
Hmm, wonder where he is going with those questions, I thought. “Sunday school, yes. Religious training, some, but mostly RICA with the Catholic Church, as previously said, and various religious or prophecy books I have read in the past. Otherwise, if you mean did I go to theology school, no I did not. Am I a pastor with credentials, no I am not? I assume with your high ranking in the Southern Baptist Church, you have, am I correct?”
“Yes Mr. South, you are correct. However, what I am trying to get at is how, with no training and no prior experience in religious laws and theology, would you expect anyone to believe God picked you to be one of the final witnesses? It seems to me, others would be better suited and that choosing you would be unlikely.”
I closed my eyes. I needed inspiration. As I closed them, I found the answer I needed, just as Gabriel told me I would. “Reverend Marks, how well do you know the Bible?”
“Yes, I know my Bible.”
“Alright Reverend, please give me one prophet of God in either the Old or New Testament that went to theology school like you did and had to show those credentials to a panel to verify who they were. And Reverend, I might add, with your knowledge of the Bible, I think the same question you just asked me was asked of Jesus by the Sanhedrin in the temple, specifically when Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas and then off to Pontius Pilot, if I am correct. I think the issue then, as you now have asked me, is do you have any credentials?”
It went dead quiet, I could see that the Reverend, all two hundred and eighty pounds of him was pumping blood to the brain and his face and his anger was getting him to the point of calling me names and losing his composure. I calmly sat back and awaited his answer. He finally said, “You are evil, a blasphemer, and a product of Satan himself.”
I looked up and stared into his eyes, and stated, “See Reverend, now we have an opinion again, like the Bishop here, not a fact. Moreover, this is the problem with organized religion today. Too much structure, buildings that are shrines to men not God, and not enough faith.”
John, seeing that there was going to be an issue here, interrupted and said, “We need to break for a commercial, and we will be right back.”
Chapter 33
11:10 AM EST Day one of 1260 New York - Bear News Interview Studio
After John stood to leave while during a commercial and newsbreak, he asked Reverend Marks to accompany him and as they left, I stood and asked no one in particular where I could get a drink. Immediately, one of the pages who heard me took me to a table across the studio where various drinks were, assembled in ice. I grabbed a Gatorade from the bin, opened it, and almost drained it in one swallow.
Mark, who had been off to the side watching the interview, came over beside me and said, “Jack, how are you holding up? Are you alright?”
“Yes, I think so, but I guess these people are here to crucify me in front of the world if they can. Fortunately they don’t have some old logs and nails, or I am sure a few of them would jump at the chance.”
I doubt it is that bad Jack, but I will say, they are trying to discredit you as best as they can and it is going to get worse. How are you going to answer on non-Christian questions
they may ask? You are not going to tell them what they want to hear, are you, but the truth right?”
I understand they are upset Mark and that they are trying to discredit me. I guess like the last answer I gave, I took Gabriel’s advice, closed my eyes, cleared my head, and waited for the answer. It only took two seconds until I knew what to say. Therefore, I guess I will take that route. It is my only way of answering these questions correctly, regardless of the consequence.”
Mark looked at me shook his head, “You know, if you declare eastern religions invalid and especially Islam, you will have riots all over the world.”
“You’re assuming they are wrong about their respective religions Mark. I am not sure that is necessarily true. If the question comes up, I will have to answer as God desires for me to, regardless of the consequences, as I stated earlier.”
Mark looked down at the floor and then looked up at me and said, “Jack, I am really glad I am not in your shoes, I am really, really glad. He then walked away and left me standing alone. As he left, it finally dawned on me that I was standing alone. The other participants were huddled together and talking, but I was all alone.
Chapter 34
11:12 AM EST Day one of 1260 New York - Bear Network Studios, Area away from Studio
John took the Reverend Marks into an open office away from the studio and asked him to sit down. “Reverend, are you alright?”
“Yes, I think so, but I am quite perturbed with Mr. South. I feel he is an imposter and is deceiving the world.”
“I understand what you are saying Reverend, but Jack is not on trial and what we want to know is what he knows, not to get public opinion to go one-way or the other. Jack has knowledge, a gift, to see the future. That is all we know for now. I understand your concerns. Do you want to continue on the panel or withdraw? I do not want to turn this into an inquisition and possibly cause riots in the streets, with different religions fighting. I only want to get some facts.”
“I understand John, but he accused me of being like the Jews described in the New Testament, as the crucifiers of Christ, and that that was too much.”
“Well Reverend, you set yourself up for that response. Moreover, I have to say, it was a good one coming from Jack, who as you pointed out, has no religious training at all. It also made me understand after hearing his answer to your question, that Jack knows a whole lot more than he is telling us. This panel and this interview are to find out what he knows or at least as much as we can find out. But, we can’t go about it by accusing him of things or we will get nowhere.”
“I understand. I just lost it there for a few seconds. I will be okay and if given another chance, I will keep my questions direct with no accusations.”
“Okay Reverend. We need to get back. The world is waiting for answers.”
Chapter 35
11:15 AM EST Day one of 1260 New York - Bear News Interview Studio
John Roddenburg returned and directly came over to the table I was standing by, drinking my second Gatorade. He seemed stressed, but as always, he was all business.” He said, “Hi Jack. Want some interesting news?”
“What kind of news John?”
“Well you may not be interested, but my marketing people have said that viewership is in excess of ten points over the largest audience ever, including all the Super Bowls. Worldwide, they are translating this into every conceivable language there is from our feed to affiliates. It is the largest audience ever recorded. So I guess you could say, you are really big news.”
“No John, I am not really big news. The fact that God is involved is what the big news is and people fear God. What is happening right now is the fact that people need guidance and that is why they are watching. To them, their world is ending and the world we knew yesterday is now gone. Today the rules changed and as prophesied, we all will be a part of it.”
“I understand your feelings. Are you ready to continue?”
“Yes, I’m ready. I am sure it is going to get even more interesting.” I turned to walk back to the studio area and John grabbed my arm and gently pulled me back to him, then said, “Reverend Marks and I had a talk. I think he is calm now, but he has some more questions for you. Are you okay with that?”
I thought for a second and realized I really had no choice, so I simply said, “That’s fine,” as I shook my head back and forth and moved toward the couch.
Chapter 36
11:20 AM EST Day one of 1260 New York - Bear News Interview Studio
We all were back in our places and the countdown began again. John, looking into the camera said, “Welcome back world. If you missed any of our interviews with Jack South, I want to bring you up to date what we have reported so far. The first, that we are continuing our interview with Jack South, whom most of you know by now, predicted the earthquake in California today and also won the two lotteries.”
“Jack claims to be a witness from God and has also predicted dire situations worldwide in North Africa, Southeast Asia, the U.S., South, and East Coasts, all to start by Tuesday, tomorrow morning. Considering his record of accomplishment, he has predicted exact death and injury tolls for the California calamity and the exact demographics. How can he do that we ask, for no man ever has been able to, unless you take into account the old prophets of the Old Testament. Therefore, like in the days of Moses and the pharaohs, we have a witness; it appears, directly from God. That is at least what Jack South claims.”
“Also, for those of you who are just tuning in, we are in the middle of a panel discussion of religious leaders that Jack has agreed to answer questions from. Prior to commercial break and news updates, we had Reverend Marks speaking with Mr. South. The Reverend says he has a few more questions for him.” He turned towards the Reverend and said, “You may continue Reverend.”
Reverend Marks looked at me and said, “Mr. South, I want to apologize for my earlier outburst, but what you are proclaiming is very overwhelming. So please accept my sincere apology for name calling.”
“Apology accepted Reverend. These are very trying times we face.” He seemed pacified, so I waited for the next bombshell question.
“Jack. Do you mind if I call you Jack?”
“That’s fine Reverend.”
“According to many Christians, the start of Tribulation will be marked by an event called the Rapture, when all the Christians are taken up to meet God and they then are not a part of the end times. Yet I am a Christian, and I fully expect to, be raptured to Jesus Christ himself, and I am still here, so this event obviously has not occurred. Can you explain any of this to me, for my understanding is this event occurs first?”
This was the most obvious question and it was, one I brought up to Gabriel when I myself was going through the same questions in my own mind. My answer from Gabriel will not go well with this group and I was about to totally shatter some peoples hopes and prayers.
“What Biblical scripture do you know Reverend, which refers to this thought of Rapture?” I could see the cameras move in for close ups. I put my head down for a second and closed my eyes. I concentrated, because I knew what the Reverend’s answer was going to be.
“Revelations 3:10 says, he began, ‘Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come on the entire world, to try them that dwell on the earth’.” he quoted. “Also 1 Thessalonians 4:15, ‘For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep’. 1 Thessalonians 4:16, ‘For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.’ 1 Thessalonians 4:17, ‘Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord’.” He paused then said, “All these verses are the promises of God, of the Rapture, for his believers at the beginning of Tribulation.”
&nb
sp; Back on trial I thought to myself. “Thank you, Reverend, and thank you for your very distinct Bible quotes. I would assume they are word for word, but once again, where is the word Rapture in the Bible in these quotes you have used. It does not exist.” I paused and said, “I agree with every one of those verses. I agree and believe in them. What I do not agree on is the entire Rapture theory or your interpretations of those verses you quoted.”
I paused again, and then I continued, knowing that this was a major issue with many Christians. “I believe the Rapture is just a theory Reverend Marks. Darby, McDonald, and the Irvingites based on a dream his wife had started this movement in the 1800’s. The Rapture has been, argued ever since and it has been, disproven repeatedly that there is absolutely no reference to a pre-tribulation Rapture of Christians. The verses you just quoted require God and or Jesus himself to transcend towards earth twice, once for the Rapture and the other to judge the living and the dead. That has not happened, nor will it until the time appointed by God himself. Moreover, today, I can assure you, is not that day. However, I can tell you this he is coming very soon. Yes, there will be a time when the dead shall rise and the believers meet Christ, but not before the time of sorrows.
I hesitated to let my last comment sink in, then I continued, “Therefore, if you believe me or not as a witness, which I proclaim myself to be, please rest assured that there is no Rapture. There will be no Rapture. God has, in his words said, you will be, protected here during Tribulation, and that is all he said. My warnings to you Reverend, and to other Christians throughout the world and what makes the scriptures come true, is the appearance of the witnesses, not the Rapture, as God’s first 1260 days or half of Tribulation. So, in answer to your question, you can either help your fellow Christians on how to prepare and endure the time of God or you can continue to hope for a Rapture to occur.”