(a man sits in handcuffs in a chair, at a table, a bright light is focused upon his face, a pitcher of ice water sits on the table beside a tall glass of water filled with ice cubes — the man looks calm, at ease, even happy, expectant — he begins to pray)
PRISONER 777:
Almighty Father? Daddy? Here I am. And I know You’re with me, even here, in this dark place, at this black time. I believe Your promise, Lord, that you would be with me, even to the end of the earth, and to me, it looks like that this is about that time: the end of the world. At least for me, anyway.
(an official looking woman enters, hair pulled back severely, carrying briefcase, pauses briefly to listen to the man’s prayer, then scowls and noisily begins situating herself across the table from the man, unloading her briefcase, then seats herself)
PRISONER 777:
(continuing prayer) And you know, Father, I thank You for this time. I’m not afraid. I thank you for this chance to serve You, God. I thank You, Jesus, for being in my heart, and Holy Spirit, for speaking through me. Use me, in any way You see fit, Lord God. In the Name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
INQUISITOR:
(abrupt, angry, rapid-fire) Okay. Enough of that. Shall we get to business?
PRISONER 777:
(smiling, lifting handcuffed wrists) I’m not going anywhere.
INQUISITOR:
(nods, acknowledging his gallows humor) Very funny. But. No. You are definitely not. Going anywhere. Unless, of course, I say you’re going somewhere. (lifts small device and speaks into it loudly) On behalf of the United Christian Council of the Christian United States, Inquisitor #666-809-22401, Date January 5, 2012, Prisoner #666-321-777-9871, to be hereafter referred to as Prisoner #777 or P777.
PRISONER 777:
Is there some reason you keep using that particular number?
INQUISITOR:
(snapping shut device) PLEASE don’t interrupt me again, P777. I will ask the questions, and you will do your best to answer. (opens device and punches a few keys) NOW. What number were you referring to?
PRISONER 777:
You must have said “666” at least five times. I know you know the significance of that number, and neither of us openly identify with it. Why in the world do you keep using it?
INQUISITOR:
Okay listen. You know perfectly what this “little talk” is all about. The United Christian Council is seeking out those troublemakers that are not living up to the light God has given to the world. The ONLY reason we’re using that number is because we feel that people like YOU are the ones the number applies to. Do you understand that? We believe that you are servants of the antichrist, because you do not keep the laws of God established by the UCC of the CUS.
PRISONER 777:
(shrugs, but doesn’t speak)
INQUISITOR:
Okay. Let me explain how this is going to work. (holding up device) This is not only an auditory recorder, but it also will be scanning your body fluctuations, including heart and breathing rate, any perspiration changes, as well as voice stress. Please speak loudly, toward the device, and use Bible references wherever possible — and also, for your sake: TELL THE TRUTH. Do you understand these instructions.
PRISONER 777:
Sure.
INQUISITOR:
We, the clergy and shepherds of the UCC, do wish to be reasonable. Up until now, we feel we have been more than reasonable. Unfortunately, we also feel that you have been very unreasonable. I must inform you that this meeting is our last attempt to be reasonable. Do you fully understand the concepts I have just conveyed to you?
PRISONER:
Sure.
INQUISITOR:
Please. To a “YES” or “NO” question, please answer either “YES” or “NO.”
PRISONER 777:
Okay.
INQUISITOR:
(beginning to show anger) DO YOU OR DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND ME? Prisoner 777. YES OR NO?
PRISONER 777:
(takes a moment, looking closely into Inquisitor’s face, and then, very calmly, answers) Yes.
INQUISITOR:
Thank you for your cooperation, Prisoner 777.
PRISONER 777:
You’re welcome.
INQUISITOR:
(leaning forward) I’m afraid I don’t like your attitude, P777. (takes a deep breath to calm herself) Okay. Fine. Let us proceed.
You have violated the 61st Amendment to our New Spiritual Constitution, repeatedly, openly, defiantly. Even after you were warned, served an Arrest Warrant, you still persisted in your aberrant behavior. I see that on the following week you were AGAIN found guilty of violating the 61st Amendment. Do you realize how serious this situation is?
PRISONER 777:
(considering, thoughtfully) Yes.
INQUISITOR:
(closely monitoring hand-held computer) Yes. Correct, P777. And yet you do not seem too disturbed.
PRISONER 777:
No.
INQUISITOR:
(looks at her device, punches in a few numbers) Do you mind sharing with me WHY the seriousness of this situation does not disturb you too much?
PRISONER 777:
Sure. I believe that I am serving my God. I believe He spoke, and that I am following His instructions, as best as I can. He told me to remember, and you tell me to forget.
INQUISITOR:
(leaning forward) Please elaborate, and REMEMBER, if you quote from any Biblical references, I want book, chapter and verse.
PRISONER 777:
Okay. I’ll try my best. But I have to warn you, I’m not very good with numbers. In fact, as far as numbers go — you know, remembering numbers — I’m really a COMPLETE idiot. (laughs loudly, looks to Inquisitor, but her face is blank, abruptly cuts off his laughter)
INQUISITOR:
(humorless) Just get on with it…
PRISONER 777:
Okay, I guess I can start with the 10 Commandments, um, I believe in Exodus 20, Verses 2 through, um, I think Verse 17?
INQUISITOR:
(punching buttons on her device, looks closely, then looks up angrily at Prisoner) YES. Please go on.
PRISONER 777:
I still think they are in effect. I don't think Jesus destroyed morality. Morality was not nailed to the cross.
INQUISITOR:
(sighs loudly) P777. Do you mind telling me WHY this list of OLD Testament commandments would still be in effect?
PRISONER 777:
I believe that God doesn’t change.
INQUISITOR:
(snappish, snapping fingers, impatient) VERSE?
PRISONER 777:
(closes eyes for a moment) Ummmm…
INQUISITOR:
(extremely angry) COME ON! DO YOU THINK I’M JOKING HERE?
PRISONER 777:
(opening eyes, apologetic) I’m sorry . . . but I already told you, I’m not too good with the numbers. I know pretty well what the Bible says, but I can’t usually come up with the text right off the bat . . . if you could maybe give me a Bible and good concordance, I should be able to —
INQUISITOR:
(slamming down her device on table top, covering her eyes with her hands, extremely agitated and angry) LISTEN, P777, and listen closely. I’m about fed up with your antics. You don’t get a Bible. You don’t get a concordance. This isn’t about how good you are with a dictionary or thesaurus! We’re digging into what you BELIEVE, and WHY you believe what you BELIEVE — COMPRENDO?
PRISONER 777:
Okay. But can I have just a moment?
INQUISITOR:
(taking up her device, pretending civility) From now on you can have a MOMENT. I will allow you precisely 5 seconds to provide me with the needed verse, or it will be recorded that you don’t really HAVE a root for your belief, at least not in scripture. And do you know what that will PROVE, P777? (waits patiently for him to answer)
PRISONER 777:
…that I’m a cult member?
INQUISITOR:
Yes P777. That is correct. So I suggest you screw your thinking cap down hard on your tiny little egg-shaped head. Any cultic teaching or aberrant doctrine or dogma has been outlawed in the Christian United States, the laws, bylaws and commandments of this holy country have been fully legislated and every citizien of this country has been duly informed of what is expected of them. This is a Christian country peopled only by Christains, and if you persist in cultic behavior and thought, then you are not truly a Christian, and thus not entitled to life in C.U.S.
PRISONER 777:
(closes his eyes, in prayer, his eyes move rapidly back and forth beneath his closed lids, as if in REM sleep, and his lips move swiftly, as he nearly whispers his prayer)
INQUISITOR:
(snapping her fingers) COME ON, P777. Your MOMENT is up!
PRISONER 777:
(opens his eyes) Malachi 3:6!
INQUISITOR:
(lifting her eyebrows, her jaw dropping) OH REALLY. We will just check on that! (she punches buttons on her device, then peers close, reading) “I THE LORD DO NOT CHANGE.” Boy, did you get lucky!
PRISONER 777:
(smiles) I guess so.
INQUISITOR:
(takes glass of water and enjoys a long refreshing sip) Mmmm. Great stuff. Pure spring water. I bet you’re very, very, very thirsty, aren’t you P777?
PRISONER 777:
Not really. But I wouldn’t mind having that light turned off.
INQUISITOR:
(yanks chain to turn off light, then looks closely at prisoner) What do you mean you’re not thirsty?
PRISONER 777:
I’m really not very thirst.
INQUISITOR:
I know for a fact that you have had absolutely no water for one week.
PRISONER 777:
(considering her words, beginning to smile a little bit) A week without water? Wouldn’t that be impossible?
INQUISITOR:
(glaring at him) Please. Explain it to me. WHY aren’t you thirsty for water?
PRISONER 777:
Because I’ve had a taste of the “living water.” John 4:14.
INQUISITOR:
(smugly) That’s very good. Cute. Maybe you won’t be so cute after two weeks without a sip of water. But for now, why don’t we tighten the rules, P777. From now on, I want your references from the NEW Testament only, not the OLD.
PRISONER 777:
But I don’t think that’s fair —
INQUISITOR:
(laughing, slapping table loudly) Do you think we brought you here to discover what you think is fair?
PRISONER 777:
Okay. But my BELIEF is that the Old Testament and New Testament are both good. That it is ONE Bible, any kind of separation is put there by man, it is a man-made tradition, and my beliefs come from the Word of God. From the whole Word of God.
INQUISITOR:
Oh really? And I guess you can provide me scripture for THAT bizarre belief? And PLEASE, make it a reference from the NEW Testament!
PRISONER 777:
(immediately, without thought) 2 Timothy 3:16 — ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God! Matthew 4:4. And Luke 4:4. When that was written, there was no New Testament.
INQUISITOR:
(immediately punches buttons on her device, scans the verses) Hmmm. ANYWAY, P777, that is a very tricky use of scripture, but it doesn’t do you any good. (punching buttons on her device) Per Article 66 of the New Ratified Spiritual Agenda, the United Christian Council has determined that the New Testament has superceded the Old Testament and it is only pertinent as an archival document. So your Malachi quote does you no good, and as for your improper use of Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4, that would only be referring to the New Testament, which is the only Word of God acceptable for the New Age Christian…
PRISONER 777:
(leaning forward, confident) Did you say New Age Christian?
INQUISITOR:
(flustered, punching buttons, her eyes open wide, and she immediately makes changes on her Palm PC) No, Prisoner 777, what I said was NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIAN.
PRISONER 777:
Well how about Hebrews 13:8?
INQUISITOR:
(confused) What’s THAT?
PRISONER 777:
It’s a book and verse in the NEW Testament.
INQUISITOR:
(a moment of hesitation) DON’T YOU GET SMART WITH ME! What does the verse say? (begins punching buttons on device)
PRISONER 777:
The same thing as the Malachi verse. That God does not change. That Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow!
INQUISITOR:
(reads her device, eyebrows lowered, finally sighs) Okay, just move on. But you haven’t PROVEN ANYTHING, because Jesus did away with the 10 Commandments…
PRISONER 777:
Matthew 5:17. Jesus said "think not that I have come to destroy the law."
INQUISITOR:
(punching buttons) That’s a RIDICULOUS interpretation! You’re not proving ANYTHING. (squinting eyes at device, reading closely) He says right there that He came to FULFILL! That means to DESTROY!
PRISONER 777:
I think what you are saying is an interpretation, that to fulfill means to destroy. But that couldn’t be the case, because Jesus said If you love me, keep my commandments…
INQUISITOR:
VERSE!! VERSE!! VERSE!!
PRISONER 777:
John 14:15.
INQUISITOR:
(throwing down device) YOU’RE A LIAR! YOU TOLD ME YOU COULDN’T REMEMBER THE VERSES! (stands up and begins pacing like a caged animal, angry, furious, if she had a gun she’d draw it and start blasting away)
PRISONER 777:
(after a few moments, watching her) No. I didn’t lie.
INQUISITOR:
YES YOU DID! How else are you quoting all those references, huh? Answer THAT one!
PRISONER 777:
Simple. It’s not me.
INQUISITOR:
What’s THAT supposed to mean?
PRISONER 777:
Mark 13:11.
INQUISITOR:
(sighs, sits back down) You cult members, you are just, just, I don't know, infuriating. Always twisting God's Word, it's sickening. Okay. Well? Well. Spit it out. What does Mark 13:11 say?
PRISONER 777:
Maybe you should look it up, and read it.
INQUISITOR:
(sighs again, takes up her device and punches a few buttons, begins reading) Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
(she looks up, searching his eyes)
And you really believe this? That the Holy Ghost is speaking through you right now?
PRISONER 777:
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT. I know it in every fiber of my being. I know it. And I think you’re beginning to believe it…
INQUISITOR:
What I’m beginning to believe is that you’re pulling some kind of TRICK on me! I know full well that the Holy Ghost ONLY resides in Christians, and you are not a Christian.
PRISONER 777:
I AM a Christian. I follow Christ, and Him only.
INQUISITOR:
YOU ARE A LAW-BREAKER, THAT'S WHAT WE CALL SOMEONE THAT WON'T KEEP THE LAW!
PRISONER 777:
You just told me that Jesus destroyed the law, then how can I break something that He destroyed?
INQUISITOR:
That was God's laws that Jesus destroyed. I'm talking about man's laws, our laws! I'm talking about man's laws, the laws that you are breaking! You are a law breaker, P777!
PRISONER 777:
So you fully admit to setting aside God's commandments to keep man-made tradition!
INQUISITOR:
OF COURSE. I'm a Christian! That's every Christian's duty! It is legalistic to keep God's laws, but a good Christian will keep Christian laws, made by Christians!
PRISONER 777:
(leaning close, fervently) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
INQUISITOR:
I told you that you may only quote from the New Testament.
PRISONER 777:
(leaning close) Those are the words of Jesus, Matthew 15:8-9.
INQUISITOR:
(checking it out on her Palm PC, she sighs, shaking her head) You are a cultist of the Antichrist, and so none of this matters, you're twisting scripture, and WHERE are you getting all this from? It couldn't be the Holy Ghost! It can't be! The Holy Ghost won't dwell in an unclean temple, and ONLY Christians are clean!
(she abruptly swings out of her chair and marches around to P777, tilts his head to the side roughly, peers into his ear, stretching it, probes with her pinky finger, then shoves his head to the other side and checks out his other ear, then proceeds to search his hair closely, and pats him down about his torso and chest, seeking for microphones or wires or miniature speakers, she even scans him upside and downside with her Palm PC)
Oh good night! (she returns to her seat) This is ridiculous! This isn’t even about WHAT you believe. Understand? It’s about the Government — the United Christian Council of the Christian United States of America, that it has set some rules for this country to follow, rules that are for our own GOOD, to bring unity to this country, to this people, to please God so that all these natural disasters will stop, and Jesus DID tell us to be in unity, didn’t He?
PRISONER 777:
Luke 20:25.
INQUISITOR:
Oh boy. Go ahead. Tell me, why don’t you?
PRISONER 777:
Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and render unto God what is God’s…
INQUISITOR:
(deadpan) Your point being?
PRISONER 777:
If our government makes rules, that’s fine, I’ll obey them. But if I have to choose between man’s rules, and God’s rules, I’m going to go with what God says. It was Jesus Himself who established that separation between Church and State. I don't feel that this Church-State country has the RIGHT to legislate my beliefs, especially when its laws openly try to change God's holy laws.
INQUISITOR:
P777, this Holy Government says that the Fourth Commandment is an important one, very important. For it is the day Jesus was resurrected. Resurrection Sunday, doesn’t that MEAN anything to you? HUH? Shouldn’t the Resurrection be commemorated? Yet you clearly fail to fulfill your moral obligations! You openly go against God!
PRISONER 777:
You want me to fulfill my obligations, but you have already stated that "fulfill" means to "destroy." And the commemoration of Jesus' Resurrection? But it is! The Resurrection is remembered in one of the direct commandments that Jesus gave us!
INQUISITOR:
What? Tuesday? Wednesday? Certainly not SATURDAY. Jesus was DEAD on Saturday. WHICH day?
PRISONER 777:
Not in a day. But in BAPTISM. Jesus said to go and baptize the world, Matthew 28:19. And Romans 6:3 11 gives the perfect example of Resurrection power. And yet your government, this United Christian Council of a supposed CUS doesn’t believe in baptism, does it? At least not in a way that commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus. Or does it? And as you said, Jesus was dead on the Sabbath, so He was KEEPING the Fourth Commandment, in death, just as He did in life!
INQUISITOR:
(stares at him, doesn’t know what to say, long, long pause, then finally, deeply inhales) Oh my goodness. What is the problem? Can’t you just go along with the Government? Is it such a big thing? I mean, we’re talking about ONE DAY!
THIS IS THE LAW. YOU MUST OBEY THE LAW!
PRISONER 777:
(gravely) I obey God. I will stand before HIm. Whatever you want to do to me, just go ahead and do it. I am secure in the Grace of God. He is my Judge, not you. The Bible, in the New Testament, tells me that I shouldn't be JUDGED regarding my keeping of the Sabbath, Colossians 2:16.
INQUISITOR:
(nearly BEGGING with him) But when this new law goes into effect, as it WILL go into effect, don’t you know that you WILL lose your LIFE? This is a Theocracy, the Christian United States answers only to God, and God says if you break the Sabbath you must die, and yet you continue to break the Sabbath.
PRISONER 777:
(smiling sadly) Maybe you don't realize it, but you're quoting from the Old Testament. And if you read what you're quoting from, you'll see that I AM NOT BREAKING THE SABBATH, I am keeping it.
INQUISITOR:
(sighing loudly, covering face with hands) You. Are. Going. To. Die.
PRISONER 777:
(thinking about it) Maybe. Sure. I might lose my life. But do you know what Jesus said about it?
INQUISITOR:
(smiling a little, for the very first time, perhaps a little admiration showing through, despite her office) I bet you’re about to tell me!
PRISONER 777:
Matthew 10:28 says that we shouldn’t FEAR those that can kill the body. Instead, fear the One who can kill the body AND the soul. In MY book, there’s only One that has that kind of power, and it is not the UCC of the CUS. Only GOD has that power. And He told me to REMEMBER, and I do. How can I be afraid, when I am obeying a God like that, the Creator of this very world?
INQUISITOR:
Man! So you’re staking your WHOLE LIFE on these radical beliefs! We are the power, do you understand that? We have the power over you, not God! Can't you possibly understand that?
(for the first time she actually looks like she might feel sorry for him, that he’s a human, she finally begins to see him as a man of faith, and not a “cult member” or a “suicidal idiot”)
PRISONER 777:
I’m not the least bit worried. Really. Don’t look like that! You’re starting to look like you’re really worried for me. I trust in God, and I believe His promises are good, and true. I really believe He does not change, that He is a God of Grace. You and your power might kill me, but you don't have power over God, and He promises a better resurrection for me if you and your power make me a martyr.
INQUISITOR:
(sounding sad, close to tears) But how can you KNOW? I mean, come on, how can you be so SURE? You're going against everyone, how can everyone be wrong, and the few of you radicals BE RIGHT? You have to SEE that, don't you? So how can you KNOW?
PRISONER 777:
Because I believe the WHOLE Bible. And I can see that it all fits together, perfectly, and it really does make sense. If you rip the Bible into pieces, it doesn't even remotely make sense, it is a random scrambling of pick-and-choose scraps. That is what all the false christians in power have done and have been doing ever since Jesus hung on the cross. But I accepted the Jesus of the Bible, the whole Bible, that same Jesus who hung on the cross, I have accepted Him into my heart. I finally BELIEVED, like a little child! And it changed me! And I really believe that YOU can, too! I mean, truly accept Him — allow Him to change you, too!
INQUISITOR:
(looks down, picks up device, turns it around in her hands thoughtfully for a few moments, then closes it, puts it away in briefcase, then looks into his eyes, deeply) I better get out of here, P777. If I stay in the room with you a few more minutes, you might have even ME believing, and then I’d be sitting right next to you in handcuffs!
No. (quieter) No. (quieter) No. (nearly a whisper, she looks down, can hardly meet his eyes) I know what is happening to the dissenters. I know what is happening to the “heretics.” And I’m just not brave enough for that kind of — NIGHTMARE… The guillotines. The rolling heads.
PRISONER 777:
(excited, leaning forward) But don’t you see! There’s absolutely NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF! It’s true. Just think, what if a rich man promised you 32 billion dollars! And the only thing you had to do was stick your hand in a hole in a tree. And the tree is full of bees, which will undoubtedly STING you.
(rises from chair, begins pacing excitedly)
But if you snatch that key, and take a few stings, suddenly you can turn around and run to the house, open the door, and that 32 billion dollars will be yours! Tax free! And just think, a week later, sitting in your new mansion, won’t you just LAUGH at those 10 or 11 stings you got? I mean, just think, a YEAR later, when you’ve only gone through 5 percent of your money, you’ll hardly even REMEMBER what the bee stings felt like! Now just think about heaven — after you’ve been there for 32 trillion years, will you even be able to remember a day of torture? Is your head in this foul world THAT important, compared to an eternity in perfection?
LISTEN, think about it: "And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." That's a beautiful promise in Revelation 20:4. Think why I am here, because I accept Jesus and His Word, Jesust AT His Word. He says if you love Me, you will keep my commandments, and that is what I do, and that is why you hate me!
INQUISITOR:
(thoughtful, laughing a little bit, seeming almost friendly) I don't hate you. I think I, well, I know, I mean. Okay. I see what you’re getting at . . . but still, I’m a real wimp when it comes to pain…
PRISONER 777:
(returns to his seat) Have you had children?
INQUISITOR:
(smiling, slowly, nodding) Yeah. (smiles bigger, looking eye-to-eye, as if they are equals) Three. Two boys and a girl.
PRISONER 777:
And after you had your children? What happened to the pain?
INQUISITOR:
Uh — I began to forget it. It wasn't such a big deal anymore, I mean the kids are worth it. I began to forget. Pretty quick, actually. I mean, if I remember the pain, really, I don’t think I would have had a second, let alone a third kid! Of course, I STILL REMEMBER THE PAIN, every second of it.
PRISONER 777:
But looking at your children, knowing the horrible pain, if you could go back in time, would you CHOOSE not to have your kids?
INQUISITOR:
OF COURSE NOT! They were worth EVERYthing, every moment of pain . . . for them, I'd go through 100 times as much pain.
PRISONER 777:
Well the exciting thing is, did you know Jesus described the end of the world that way? These days we’re living in right now! In Mark 13:8 Jesus said all these horrible things were the beginning of the “birth pains!” Do you see the beauty of it? It’s a real promise, directly from Jesus! The end of the world is like pregnancy — a lot of pain, a lot of blood, and then a beautiful baby which makes you forget all that pain! In this case, JESUS IS THE BABY! He's coming! Can't you see that, the reality of it? Is it that difficult to understand?
INQUISITOR:
(she laughs, and smiles) What an image! Jesus is the baby!
PRISONER 777:
But there’s MORE good news! I really believe that if you trust in God, and commit yourself fully to Him — you will not feel ANY pain! So really, you have nothing to be afraid of! You know the story of the three boys and the fiery furnace?
INQUISITOR:
(really interested now, sounding VERY hopeful) Yes, sure! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They wouldn’t bow down to the idol, they wouldn’t break God’s rules, even though it meant DEATH. (thinks deeply, pulling on her lip) So that’s what you’re doing here, you won’t obey the government…
PRISONER 777:
And I know you can feel it, too. Time is short. It’s true, choices you made a year ago didn’t affect your salvation. Calling “Sunday” the Sabbath last year didn’t mean the same thing it means THIS year, now, right here at the end. Just like Nebuchadnezzar forcing them boys to bow — they didn’t fear the guy that could kill their body, they were more concerned with the One that had power over their soul. It’s very important, right now, what choices you make. Will you bow down to the golden image, with everyone else, even if it is a good king making the law? Or will you be one of the three that refuses to bow down and break God’s commandments?
INQUISITOR:
(rubbing her head, confused, exhausted) I just don’t know, I just don’t know, I just don’t know. If only I had more time!
PRISONER 777:
But you don’t have more time, do you? Just like I don’t have more time. But THINK! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not harmed inside that furnace! Fire so hot that the tough soldiers that threw them in DIED! And yet the three boys didn’t get touched by the flames. And REMEMBER? God does not change! Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow! Don’t worry about the pain — I KNOW God is stronger than any painkiller! And remember THIS, Jesus stood in the furnace with Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego, He was there, He is here now . . . even until the end of the world!
SOLDIER #1:
(marching in with Soldiers #2 & #3, barking orders) THAT’S ENOUGH OF THAT! DO NOT SAY ANOTHER WORD TO THE PRISONER!
(the three soldiers march to the table, two seize P777, one on each shoulder, while the third, Soldier #1, goes to the Inquisitor and grabs her by the arm)
INQUISITOR:
(while soldiers approach) This Inquisition is NOT over! I’m still questioning this prisoner!
SOLDIER #1:
OH YES IT IS OVER! THESE HERETICS ARE DANGEROUS! (he seizes Inquisitor by arm and begins to escort her from room, but she hesitates and hangs back reluctantly to hear the words pouring from P777)
SOLDIERS #2 & #3:
(as prisoner begins talking, the soldiers wrestle prisoner to the floor, roughly, they scold and threaten him) Rebel! Heretic! Enemy of Jesus! Liar!
PRISONER 777:
(helpful, pleading) But don’t you see? The time is nearly up! It’s nearly finished. Jesus said that when these things — signs — are happening, He’ll be right there, at the door! You can check it for yourself, right there in Matthew 24:33. The same image is there in James 5:9. The judge is right now at the door! And it’s not too late for YOU! Accept Him, right now, ask Him to come into your heart — He’s right outside the door of your heart, knocking! That’s Revelation 3:20!
SOLDIER #2:
Let’s go, Bible Boy! We got an interesting program for you jerks that are still under the law! And God has an even MORE interesting one.
PRISONER 777:
(halfway up, struggling on his knees) Hey! You know, it’s not too late for you guys, either.
SOLDIER #3:
(shaking his fist under P777's nose) Just shut your mouth, heretic! Now come along easy, or we’re going to come down HARD.
PRISONER 777:
(calming, now on his feet) Okay. I’m ready.
SOLDIER #1:
(reentering, leading a handcuffed Inquisitor) Hold on a sec, boys. We got us a traitor!
SOLDIERS #2 & #3:
No way! You gotta be kidding! NOT AGAIN! It’s like a disease! These guys are spreading viruses!
FORMER INQUISITOR:
(smiling) I made my choice. I let Jesus in the door.
PRISONER 777:
(smiling hugely) Oh man! The angels in heaven are singing right now!
SOLDIER #1:
GREAT! Well in a few minutes you can join them angels!
SOLDIER #2:
Ha! Different kind of angels, I bet!
SOLDIER #3:
Whoo-hooooo! That’s a GOOD one! (they begin leading prisoners from room, slowly)
PRISONER 777:
(to Former Inquisitor) No fear?
FORMER INQUISITOR:
(confidently, exuberantly, with huge smiles) No fear! You were right, Brother! He really didn’t give us a spirit of fear!
PRISONER 777:
(with equal gusto) But of power, and love, and a sound mind!
FORMER INQUISITOR:
2 Timothy 1:7! Can you believe it, now the Holy Spirit is talking THROUGH ME! It's wonderful! Wonderful! Oh He's Wonderful!
SOLDIER #1:
(in sarcastic, piercing falsetto voice) Oooooh! These wonderful cultists are giving me goosebumps!
PRISONER 777:
Remember, Sister, He’ll be with us always.
FORMER INQUISITOR:
Even unto the end of the world!
(exit, soldiers marching loudly)
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Please Note: These dramas and scripts are completely FREE, but for use in illuminating Scripture, teaching the Gospel, for church, ministry and school presentations. The scripts are not for inclusion under any other byline, or for sale in any compilation. All U.S. copyright laws apply and permission should be requested from the author before using these scripts in film or video or for any commercial purpose. The author grants permission for complete ministerial use, or Vacation Bible School, or for church or school settings. Please use these scripts for good intentions, with a good heart, with a clean spirit, and may God bless you in your endeavors!
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While these scripts are completely FREE, a provision has been made for anyone wishing to donate a gift to further this Gospel Drama Ministry.
Other ways to aid this ministry include praying for this site www.DramaticParables.com, and especially www.TruthSeek.net, using the Prayer Request page to submit prayer requests, and praying for the prayer requests of others, as well as exploring the various advertisements and links (regrettably, the advertising is necessary to recompense the many costs of keeping a website running, so exploration of the advertisers, which are not connected to any of these dramas, is greatly appreciated). Any aid is joyously accepted, even if that means a smile and a well-wish. Thank you so much!
Art et Amour Toujours
Douglas Christian Larsen
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Completely free Christian scripts, sketches, and mimes.
Always a Parable. Storytelling making the Difference.
Soldier On. You were created on purpose.
You were created with a purpose, a True mission.
The Power of Words combined with
all the Amazing Colors of the Rainbow.
