Free Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama Of Those Left Behind by Tim Lahaye, Jerry B. Jenkins

Bruce said, to more laughs. “But we may get to the point where every leader is suspect. Remember, however, that you will never hear peace promised from this pulpit. The Bible is clear that we will have perhaps a year and a half of peace following the pact with Israel. But in the long run, I predict the opposite of peace. The other three horsemen are coming, and they bring war, famine, plagues, and death. That is not a popular message, not a warm fuzzy you can cling to this week. Our only hope is in Christ, and even in him we will likely suffer. See you next week.”
    Rayford sensed a restlessness in the crowd as Bruce closed in prayer, as if others felt the same way he did. He wanted to hear more, and he had a million questions. Usually the organist began playing near the end of Bruce’s prayer and Bruce immediately headed to the back of the church where he shook hands with people as they left. But today Bruce didn’t get as far as the aisle before he was stopped by people who embraced him, thanked him, and began asking questions.
    Rayford and Chloe were in one of the rows closest to the front, and though Rayford was aware that Buck was talking to Chloe, he also heard what people were asking Bruce.
    “Are you saying that Nicolae Carpathia is the Antichrist?” one asked.
    “Did you hear me say that?” Bruce said.
    “No, but it was pretty clear. They’re already talking on the news about his plans and some sort of deal with Israel.”
    “Keep reading and studying,” Bruce said.
    “But it can’t be Carpathia, can it? Does he strike you as a liar?”
    “How does he strike you?” Bruce said.
    “As a savior.”
    “Almost like a messiah?” Bruce pressed.
    “Yeah!”
    “There is only one Savior, one Messiah.”
    “I know, spiritually, but politically I mean. Don’t tell me Carpathia’s not what he seems to be.”
    “I’ll tell you only what Scripture says,” Bruce said, “and I will urge you to listen carefully to the news. We must be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.”
    “That’s how I would have described Carpathia,” a woman said.
    “Be careful,” Bruce said, “about ascribing Christlike attributes to anyone who doesn’t align himself with Christ.”

    As the service ended, Buck took Chloe’s arm, but she seemed less responsive than he might have hoped. She turned slowly to see what he wanted, and her expression bore no sign of that expectant look she’d had Friday night. Clearly, he had somehow wounded her. “I’m sure you’re wondering what I was calling about,” he began.
    “I figured you’d tell me eventually.”
    “I just wondered if you wanted to see my new place.” He told her where it was. “Maybe you could drop over late tomorrow morning and see it, and then we could get some lunch.”
    “I don’t know,” Chloe said. “I don’t think I can do lunch, but if I’m over that way maybe I’ll stop by.”
    “OK.” Buck was deflated. Apparently it wasn’t going to be difficult to let her down gently. It certainly wasn’t going to break her heart.

    As Chloe slipped into the crowd, Rayford reached to shake Buck’s hand. “So how are you, my friend?”
    “I’m doing all right,” Buck said. “Getting settled in.”
    A question gnawed at Rayford. He looked at the ceiling and then back at Buck. In his peripheral vision he saw hundreds of people milling about, wanting their individual moments with Bruce Barnes. “Buck, let me ask you something. Do you ever regret introducing Hattie Durham to Carpathia?”
    Buck pressed his lips together and shut his eyes, rubbing his forehead with his fingers. “Every day,” he whispered. “I was just talking to Bruce about that.”
    Rayford nodded and knelt on the pew seat, facing Buck. Buck sat. “I wondered,” Rayford said. “I have a lot of regrets about her. We were friends, you know. Coworkers, but friends, too.”
    “I gathered,” Buck said.
    “We never had a relationship or anything like that,” Rayford assured him.