The Apostles

By Darrell Weddington

David's life is forever altered after his parents die in a tragic accident, and he comes to live with his grandmother, Estelle, in Texas. The tragedy places him on a course to learn the truth about why his parents were taken from him and who's to blame.

He sets himself on a quest to learn about the good God that his parents talked so much about, and with the help of his friends, Mia, Mason, and that of a mysterious teacher, he becomes a part of a like-minded group of kids who come to be known as "The Apostles."

God's display of His awesome miracle-working power through this group of mere children has come to the attention of Satan himself who has commanded his demons to disband this group before they reach adulthood for fear they will once again turn the world upside down, sparking a worldwide revival that will cost him millions of souls. No option, including death, is off the table.

So while the demons work to undermine the efforts of the Apostles, angels are dispatched from heaven to keep them safe, battling the forces of man and demon on their behalf, while behind the scenes, the Holy Spirit guides them in the completion of their missions through the employment of the gifts of the Spirit.

The good fight of faith is on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888322789

Book preview

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The Apostles

Darrell Weddington

ISBN 979-8-88832-277-2 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89043-237-7 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88832-278-9 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Darrell Weddington

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Foreword

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

Chapter 82

Chapter 83

Chapter 84

Chapter 85

Chapter 86

Chapter 87

Epilogue

Endnotes

About the Author

Superheroes—are they real? For those of us who are Christians, aren't they supposed to be real? Jesus said in John 14:10, Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

The Word says [I]f a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with himi and again, [W]hat? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?ii

The Apostles then is a story about superheroes. It's the story of a group of kids who've decided to model their faith and behavior after the greatest superhero that ever lived: Jesus.

These kids have made a conscious decision to literally believe Jesus when he says that he that believeth in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.iii So without fear or equivocation, they have committed their lives to share the Gospel and carry out the Great Commission, believing signs and wonders will follow.

Foreword

Peter spoke these words to us:

May grace (God's favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). (2 Peter 1:2–3 AMP)

When my thirteen-year-old niece read the first couple of chapters of this book, she described it as preachy. She was right, of course, as that is the intent of the book, to be preachy but also to tell a tale using Scriptural references as a backdrop for the story.

This book is a work of fiction. However, the Scriptural references are real. I endeavored to use them accurately and from within the proper context, which would be good for the reader to explore for themselves.

Referencing Peter's words, God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness. Jesus said:

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven. (Luke 10:19–20 AMP)

The enemy and their role is not something we, as Christians, have come to regard in our everyday lives. What role does the enemy play? Some people, Christians included, have consciously and spiritually decided that there is no enemy other than man himself.

Yea let God be true, but every man a liar (Romans 3:4). God has stated that there is an enemy and that the enemy are evil spirits and that these spirits have a job to do in our daily lives. Jesus stated that, The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) (John 10:10 AMP).

If we are not experiencing this abundant life that Jesus has promised, could that be because we have chosen not to stand on the promises God made to those of us who believe? After all, God states, [S]o shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: It shall not return unto Me void, but it will accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

The purpose of this series of books is to provide a frame of reference for what is going on in our lives that does not fit the description of what our lives are supposed to be like and to create awareness that there are forces actively at work against us. Choosing to ignore them or to pretend they don't exist won't help us. That's like the offense on the football field pretending that the defense doesn't exist or that by ignoring them they can score because that is what they most desire. That simply won't work.

Preachy? Yes. There is a very healthy dose of scriptural references. There is a healthy dose of God's demonstrated power as it should manifest itself, even today. And yes, there is a healthy dose of the enemy and the role they play in our lives. Don't fear the enemy. He is a defeated foe. And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it (Colossians 2:15).

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5–11 KJV)

Let this book be a reminder that we have already won through and in Christ Jesus. Now let us start to live like it and lay claim to the promises. May these novels be a spiritual blessing to you and speed you on your way.

Prologue

The Enemy

This is the holy mountain of God, the epicenter of all of creation.ivv Here is where all that has been brought into existence, was conceived, and formed to perfection. There are no words adequate to describe both the beauty and magnificence of its splendor. Behold! It is a place of divine light, where not even a shadow was to be found amongst the towering edifices and structures in the home of the God of all creation, the godhead of heaven.

The hills were lined with crystalline cathedrals reflecting the light from an indeterminable source projecting brilliant colors across the land, being absorbed by simple stone and metals, the ruby, the topaz, the diamond, gold, silver, copper, and the like.

Yes, This is God's holy city, housing the very throne on which They were seated, exposed to all that They had created. It is a realm where not even the beings of inhabitance cast a shadow. All were a display of warm and loving light, save one.

As was customary, this was the day that the sons of God came forth to present themselves before God's holy throne.vi There were whispers of His latest created celestial being. All loved God and were eager to present their praises of his handiwork. They too were created by God, each class of angels having their own uniqueness, nine classes of angels in all, innumerable.

This one creature, this shadowy figure, however, was also one of God's creations, yet different from the rest. In this strange and foreign creature, there was no beauty, no form or shape, nor discernible bodily features. This creature did cast a shadow.

Angels stepped aside so as not to be brushed by even the shadow of its passing and the darkness that followed. It seemed inappropriate for this creature to be in their presence in this place and especially at this time. However, as a creation of God, and a brother to the angels, he had the right and privilege to both present himself and to view God's latest creation along with the rest of this assembly.

This was a day of days, for there he was. All the angels marveled at the beauty of this new being. He was magnificent to behold. God had created the most majestic of them all. His place on God's holy mountain was justified by his beauty, the duty assigned of covering God's throne understandable. He was a work of art from his wings to his pipes.

Lucifer, the name given to him by God, was extremely fitting, for he was truly a bearer of light. From within him shone the most brilliant of lights projecting outward and through the precious stones with which his body was covered.vii No other angel was arrayed as this one magnificent being was.

His appeal was magnetic, soul-stirring. He was difficult to turn from. He instantly inspired a warm feeling of admiration and adoration. He was truly mesmerizing, more so to some, however, than to others. The dark one was unfazed.

Lucifer more looked over the assembly than at those who filed by on these paved streets of gold. He carried himself as regal, as though it had been instilled in him from his creation. He was above all and had the choicest and grandest of assignments amongst them all. He certainly gave no notice of the creature that slithered by in the procession. A creature he, unbeknownst to him at the time, would become well acquainted with.

The assembly praised God for His workmanship, for His love for them, for His greatness, for His holiness. They bowed to Him and sang praises to God Almighty. A heavenly orchestra played the music while the angels danced before the Lord. It was a splendid affair. Voices lifted as the voices of many waters cascading up and down the side of the mountain and throughout the holy city.

Loyalty to God was all they had ever known since their creation. There was no one else to owe allegiance to or to build an alliance with, and no reason to challenge the thought of their current relationship. Over time, however, this would change.

The Great Architect had begun His grandest project of them all: the creation of space, time, universes, solar systems, planets, and stars for all His creation to explore and enjoy. A spoken Word from His mouth brought all into existence. All marveled at God's power. The godhead placed everything in order to perfection.

Universes made up of brilliant colors, bright lights from millions of suns, while billions of stars and planets, basking in their brilliance, reached out to infinity.

The crown jewel of all that existed and what would become the major focus of God's attention was a small unassuming planet called Earth.viii This was the genesis of God's grand project and plan for ultimate companionship. It was for this planet everything that could be seen, and even those things that could not be seen were made. The universe and all that was in existence would serve this planet for all of its days, providing it with light, warmth, seasons, signs, guidance, care, and protection.

One day as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day to God.ix They were meticulous in Their design of every facet of this planet in no hurry to complete Their work, anticipating every need, its resources, as well as its habitability.

For God had decided to create a class of beings lower than the angels.x These would be beings of intelligence having free will, just as all of his creations possessed. He would call these creatures man.

God created the heavens and the earth, and after everything was ready, and not before, God created man.

Man was wonderfully designed and skillfully crafted to adapt to and survive in the environment for which he would be subjected and to perform the work for which he was intended. He was created in God's own image and was to be loved and admired by the Creator. In turn, man would love, admire, and praise God. As His greatest possession, mankind would have its needs met, and God sought to anticipate and supply his every need before man had knowledge that a need even existed.xi

It was on this planet that God decided to place his final creation to tend to a more personal possession of his own—a garden yielding a compendium of vegetation and precious stones and decorative metals found throughout the earth.xii Each plant, each tree, each flower could be found right here in His garden.

Their garden was made up of thousands of acres and included two very special trees belonging solely to Themselves. The fruit of these trees was not fit food for angel or man, and all who entered in, passed through, or left knew it.

It was in this lush, green, fertile garden that God placed man. The first man's sole responsibility was to tend to the garden and enjoy all God had provided.xiii Man would never want for anything, suffer mentally, experience pain, or lack any good thing.

Lucifer traveled the universes to take in all that God had created. He too marveled at what God had done, just as every one of his brothers had done before him. He understood just how good his Creator was and gained an understanding and appreciation of the position he held.

Lucifer also visited God's latest creation called earth. He roamed the planet, taking in all that it contained and how wonderfully constructed it was. Different from the other planets, it was made so in order to sustain the inhabitants that other worlds need not support.

He visited the Garden of Eden. He, as well as every other angel in existence, was well aware of God's edict that they could see and observe but not be seen by earth's inhabitants in their spiritual form. That right was reserved for Him alone.

He walked among the inhabitants and viewed their activities. He viewed the vegetation, the beasts of the field, the fowls, and all of the living creatures both above ground and below. He poked and prodded the creatures and pulled apart the vegetation to get an idea of how they were put together. He could not comprehend.

He tasted the same vegetation and the fruit from the trees that he observed the two-legged creatures called man had eaten. He watched as they ate from every tree except the two trees in the middle of the garden.

A river flowed from the land of Eden through the garden and cascaded from a beautiful waterfall that pooled just behind the tree of life and the tree of knowledge.xiv Lucifer had been amongst the trees and precious stones that were in abundance, and where he was camouflaged in his natural form, he emerged from his covering into the clearing where he could more closely view the fruits from both trees. Trees that man would neither go near nor even cast a glance in their direction.

To Lucifer, the fruit from these trees looked to be desirable food. He considered their significance.

Suddenly, he heard a disturbance behind him and turned to face the source of the disturbance.

Greetings, young master, the angel that slithers said. I did not mean to startle you.

Startle me? asked Lucifer. What is the meaning of startle?

The angel ignored the question. I have observed you here before.

Who are you that you should watch me from the shadows? asked Lucifer.

I am no one of significance. I merely choose to spend my time here. It is rather pleasant, don't you think? the angel asked.

I marvel at all of God's creation, replied Lucifer.

Yes. I can see that, young master. Do you know what those trees represent? the angel asked as he pointed to the two trees they now stood before.

No, I do not. They are trees, not unlike every other tree in this place, Lucifer responded.

Oh no, young master. They are very much different from every other tree in this garden. They are unique to all of existence in that they are a source of immense power beyond imagining. The power of which can only be controlled by God Himself. No, young master, to taste the fruit of the tree you now observe, the nourishment it provides, and the power it yields is beyond your comprehension and reach. In fact, you must step away from this tree. Avert your eyes and never come near it again. You are not a god, young master.

Lucifer stared at the angel for a moment but said nothing.

I mean you no offense, young master. I am merely stating the obvious. These two trees are God's own special trees planted in His own personal garden for His own personal pleasure. They do not exist anywhere else on the planet. I know, for I have searched for them. The fruit of these trees are not meant for our kind or theirs, he said as he pointed toward the humans.

Lucifer looked toward the second tree in question. He moved toward it for closer observation. For some reason, it did not represent the same appeal as the tree he had just left. He looked back toward the first tree, then back to the one he now stood before.

The tree of life, the angel said.

Lucifer looked at the angel.

The tree of life, the angel repeated. For us, this tree does not hold appeal, for we are all eternal spiritual beings already, including those creatures over there, he said, once again motioning toward the attendants of the garden. Well, you'd have to look past their unnatural covering to see their true beauty, he said. No. I suppose this tree could hold some meaning for man in his unnatural state, but not for us. It doesn't seem as pleasant to you as the fruit from the first, I take it?

Lucifer again did not answer. Leave me. I wish to be alone. Do not observe me from the shadows but go far from me.

As you wish, young master. And with that, the angel departed, but he did not go far. He wanted to observe the reaction this majestic angel would have to his teaching. This angel was the key to him serving his greater purpose. He felt sure of it. All other angels had a purpose. They were serving their purpose. As far as he could tell, he alone served no purpose other than guarding these two wretched trees.

This was not the first place he had observed the more appealing of the two trees. This was not God's original garden. In heaven is where these trees originated.

There too, he thought to himself, I was responsible for these wretched trees. It was there that I, too, had been drawn to the beauty of the fruit. I had no need to consume physical substances to maintain my existence, but there was something about this particular tree and the fruit that hung from it that drew me to it. The urge in me grew day by day until it finally got the better of me, and no longer able to withstand its call, I ate.

I had now become something else, something which I did not comprehend, but something was at work inside of me. Suddenly, I could feel it. Something that wanted to get out and something I wanted out of me as if I were trying to give birth as humans and animals do. I didn't understand it then, and I still don't now, but I feel as though I am trying to give birth to my purpose. I need this young angel to consume the fruit as I did. He must eat! He must! He is the key, he said to himself.

The angel that slithers observed and waited.

* * * * *

Alone now, or so he thought, Lucifer once again began to observe the two trees. He moved back toward the tree of his desire. He looked around.

The angel recognized that look. This was unexpectedly occurring faster than he had imagined but was greatly desired. This was not the young master's first visit, but he thought it would take many more visits and much more coaxing than this to encourage God's favorite to be overwhelmed with temptation. Could this be the moment? he thought to himself. Could this be my moment?

Lucifer plucked a fruit that looked to be in a condition to be eaten. He held it up for observation. He smelled it as he had seen the humans do and as he had done in emulation. To him, it had no odor. Its surface was smooth. There was beauty here. The fruit was flawless in appearance, much like himself, he thought.

When he had concluded his examination and was no longer able to withstand its call, he took a bite.

Everything changed for him in an instant. His senses came alive more than they ever had before. He could feel sensations on his skin, the gentle breeze in his hair, and for the first time experienced the aromas of the garden.

There were sounds, which up to this point were lost on him in the detached state in which he existed. He was not sure how to describe how he felt, having never felt anything before. He laughed with what could only be described as joy, another expression and act that was foreign to him.

He looked up to the tree from which he had plucked the fruit from and noticed that another had taken its place. He pondered this for a moment as he consumed the remainder of the fruit when suddenly, his euphoric state was interrupted.

You are Lucifer, the angel said to him.

Yes, I am, Lucifer replied. I commanded you to leave me alone. Why do you harass me so?

You ate from one of our Creators' personal trees, the tree of knowledge?

No, I did not,xv Lucifer lied immediately.

You are not the first, young master. Many have passed through this garden since its creation. Some have eaten while others have not. Do you feel it? the angel asked.

Feel what? asked Lucifer.

The difference now versus before you ate from the tree. It's okay. We have all felt it.

All? asked Lucifer.

Yes. We are many, as I have explained, replied the angel.

I do feel different, said Lucifer. I feel sensations. I feel pleasure. I feel anger at myself. I feel joy. I feel the pain of what I have done.

We are now more kindred spirits, said the angel. We all feel as you do. This is the Holy Creators' personal tree. We have done wrong, and we know this to be true. We have violated His sacred trust, and we fear retribution. Therefore, we choose to conceal ourselves and our deeds from the Creator.

Why? asked Lucifer.

"We heard Him tell man just as you did that they could eat from every tree in the garden except from the two trees here in the center of the garden. He told the man, Adam, that in the day he ate from this tree, he would surely die.xvi We have eaten, and we are dead," said the angel.

What is death that we should experience it? Lucifer asked. Our Creator said this to obviously inferior creatures. He created them inferior to me. Apparently, death, in whatever form it takes, is an experience meant for them. We are not dead. We do not experience death. We are eternal. On the contrary, I feel more alive now than before.

"Yes. Humans are different from us, but they, like us, were not created to ever die either. They are fragile creatures in their unnatural state, though. Have you not observed how they are constructed? We look similar in some ways but are very dissimilar in other ways.

"They were created to do things that we were not created to do. We were created to do things that they cannot. They are two: man and woman. They can reproduce. Were the creator to have assigned us a female species, we would be able to as well, but we were not intended to reproduce nor can we, or otherwise, we would have a female as well.xvii

"It is not our dissimilarities that troubles us, young master, but our similarities. They taste, touch, smell, hear, and see as we now do. We have been introduced to thoughts and sensations that, until we ate from the tree, only had meaning to them.xviii We are now more alike than we were before. Have we now fallen into the reaches of death?" posited the angel.

You put forth interesting questions for me to ponder. For now, however, I would like to continue my journey alone, said Lucifer. Leave me, and this time, do not return.

The angel departed in an instant.

* * * * *

In the coming years, Lucifer visited the garden frequently but always secretly. He wanted to see for himself who came and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. At first, he truly thought he had been the only one, but based on the time he had been observing, there were thousands of angels secretly partaking of the fruit. Each time one fruit was plucked, another immediately grew in its place.

Each time, the angel that slithers was there to receive the new transgressors. He always assured them they were not the only ones to have partaken. He calmed them, welcomed them into the brotherhood, and admonished them to discuss their new awareness with no one. To assure they kept their deeds to themselves, he convinced them God would be very angry with anyone who ate from this tree. No angel wanted to so displease their creator, so they kept silent. The angel that slithers gave them secret signs to give one another so as to know who was in the brotherhood and to reinforce to them that they were not alone in their treachery.

I know you are there, my young friend. Why don't you come out where I can see you? the angel asked.

Lucifer emerged. What is your purpose? Lucifer asked as he approached. Why are you always here? And why do you constantly greet your brothers who have participated in such an evil deed?

You have many questions, my young friend. These are questions that come from observing and thinking, born of thinking for oneself. I see you are already growing in knowledge. The questions always come first. Questions are the key to obtaining knowledge, said the angel.

What is your purpose, angel? Lucifer asked again in a slightly irritated tone.

I was the first, you know, said the angel. "Did you not ever think to ask in all these years if God created all of us, there had to be a first? I was the first angel ever created. The moment I came into being, I imprinted on the creator, just as we all did. When my eyes were opened, His was the first face that I saw.

"God was then, as He is now, beyond my comprehension. I spent every moment before His throne, beholding His glory, watching as He created our brothers, calling them from out of nowhere into existence with just His spoken word, fashioning us into the creatures we are and in the forms you now see.

"I watched as He created His garden in heaven, and I saw the vegetation He created and walked amidst that garden before any of you came into being. It was there in my ignorance that I first ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

"I too was once beautiful, young master, just as you are today. I was the apple of God's eye. I was found out, though, and now inhabit the form that you now see. When I ate, I had no one to turn to and discuss the changes I was going through. I kept silent for eons. The fear we feel of being found out, the guilt, the shame, and a host of other emotions—I do not want it to be that way for others. They all come here and take of their own free will.

You have observed these events time and time again for yourself. I exert no influence over them. I even warn them against eating, just as I did you. They all exercise free will. My role now is to lead them to accept what they have done, just as I have done with you. God will never forgive us for what we have done. We cannot be redeemed. So I appear here day after day, welcoming our brothers into the brotherhood, our secret society.

You are its leader then? Lucifer asked.

No. There is no leader. A leader would have to serve a purpose. What purpose would there be to serve? asked the angel. Can you see a cause for which we should be led?

I am not like you, said Lucifer. I am not like any of the angels who have eaten before me nor has there been created anyone like me who will come after me and eat from the tree. Neither you nor the other angels can ever be forgiven, but God's love and admiration will never turn from me. I am unique, am I not? You are all common to us.

"Though we may be common, we are no more, nor less loved by Them than you are, Lucifer. God created us all. He created us all honorable creatures, and we have chosen to become dishonorable spirits. You now walk the same path as the rest of us. His love for you knew no bounds, but not now. You are most wretched and miserable like the rest of us. You cannot appear before his seat without the weight of the shame of what you have done bearing down on you, just as it is with the rest of us. You have betrayed God. You now carry that knowledge. You cannot be redeemed.

Besides, He has moved on beyond you and our brothers to these humans. They infect this garden and this planet. At first, there were two of them, but now there are thousands. We are now assigned to walk with them and to watch over them.xix

The angel said this to provoke Lucifer, the goal of which was to create a cause for which the young master could be duped into participating, thereby facilitating the release from his current state to the fulfillment of his true purpose and calling. Lucifer and these beings God loved so much was the key. He now had no doubt about it.

"I have no such assignment. Such an assignment would be far beneath me. These man creatures are beneath me. I do not know what the Creator of all the universes sees in these beings. They are not special or unique. They are less than common. They cannot have immortal bodies as you say. They were created from the dust of the ground. We are spirits.xx We live outside of mortal bodies for all eternity."

My friend, you have a unique insight into these beings. Your powers of observation are as impressive as your beauty. You are right. It is not proper for our brothers to be assigned to such a lowly task. Whatever shall we do, though? This is God's will, said the angel.

I do not know, said Lucifer. Why do you task me with such questions?

You are not only full of beauty but full of wisdom as well. Who amongst all of the angels is like you as you have said? There are none of us that are your equal. Who better to secure our forgiveness and our release for the insulting assignment our brothers have been tasked with? Who better to speak to God on our behalf than his most beautiful creation? God will listen to you as we all would. You see this for yourself. I am sure of it. I believe in you. We all believe in you, said the angel.

I did not ask you for your faith. Nor do I desire it. I am not God, said Lucifer. You said we cannot be redeemed. Why speak to God at all on these matters?

Yes. You are right, said the angel. You are not God, but you could be a god to us, Lucifer. We would have you as our chief god. Our redemption would be in you. You would not have us serve these creatures. You would share the fruit of this tree with all angels. You would rid this habitation of this infestation called man. We would all worship someone as regal as you.

Why do you ply me with such obvious and transparent flattery? What is it you seek from me? I need nothing from you or your kind. My beauty, uniqueness, and my station are my constant companion and all I need. Why should I care about what happens with any of you? You—none of you—are my concern. You are all beneath me.

You are right, my prince, and so you have said repeatedly. I can barely stand in your presence. You know this to be true. You shine as bright as the sun.

Brighter, said Lucifer. I can eclipse the sun.

Yes, my lord. Thank you for correcting me. You have no reason for helping any of us. However, for you to do so demonstrates a position of equality with God that we would all acknowledge. We would be your subjects, and you would be our god. We no longer wish to serve this unjust God. You would be a more just god. We would pledge ourselves to you. We would worship you as the other angels worship God and cede all power of our existence over to you.

Why? Why would you do such a thing? he asked rhetorically as he held up his hand to keep the angel from speaking. I must think about these things. Leave me, said Lucifer.

As you wish, my lord, said the angel that slithers.

* * * * *

When the angel had gone, Lucifer began to turn over in his mind all that the angel had said. He's right, thought Lucifer, I am regal. I alone am equal to the praise that is heaped upon me. God has created something greater than Himself. Even He marvels at me and at my appearance. He has outdone Himself in me. I am worthy of being a god. I am worthy of being worshipped. I am worthy of controlling all that exists. He must have meant for it to be or He would never have created me to be what I am and what I am becoming. It must be so.

The creatures called man occupy His attention. Where is my admiration and adoration? asked Lucifer to himself. "He draws away attention from His throne from me. I alone am His greatest creation, not these insignificant planets and worthless creatures.

The Lord God walks with these humans and fellowships with them, but it was inappropriate for angels to do so unless it was to serve as ministering spirits to them, and then only at God's bidding? How degrading for us all and ungodly of Him.

Lucifer looked upon mankind. He was disgusted by what he saw and totally incredulous at the idea that his fellow spirits would be required to serve these lowly creatures.

He watched for years and observed more and more angels eating from the tree of knowledge. Their number had grown significantly. One out of every three angels that visited the garden ate from the tree. These were angels of all types, and all were greeted by the first.

Lucifer had circulated amongst them. He wanted to get a sense of their respect and admiration for him. He did not want to just take the angel's word for their fealty. Each time he appeared amongst those that had eaten from the tree, they bowed to him and called him lord. This was very pleasing to Lucifer for a reason he could not comprehend. They bended their knee and lowered their eyes to the ground at his presence. He craved to receive the type of respect that had, up to this time, only been reserved for the godhead.

Lucifer started to see it for himself how he could be a god with all of his very own subjects—subjects that once belonged to God would now belong to him. Once he had them all to eat from the tree of knowledge, they would all be his subjects. God would have none, just as He deserved. Or He could create more of these humans and have them worship Him elsewhere because he and his angels would not.

No! God did not even deserve the humans. They too would worship him and be a part of his kingdom to will and to do as he pleased with them. I despise God, he said to himself. "In fact, God himself will bend the knee and worship me. I will ascend into heaven and exalt my throne above His throne and above His creations. I will sit upon the mount of the congregation in the sides of the north. I will be like the Most High.xxi It will be the new natural order of things, he confessed to himself aloud. His angels have now become my angels. Now I must make man my worshippers as well."

Lucifer recognized that he was not a creator. He realized that he could not create a race of men that were of his own making, so as disgusting as these creatures were to him, he had to make them come to him of their own free will, forsaking God, their Creator, and clinging to him. This would make God's defeat complete.

Man does not know that I or my subjects exist, Lucifer thought to himself. So appearing to them in my present form is not a possibility. He knew because he had tried. The babies, animals, and other creatures responded to angel's appearances but not children and men. It was as if babies and the animals had a more heightened sense than did mankind once they reached a certain age, he said within himself. Maybe He will make man worship and serve the animals or even rocks or planets since everything appears to be smarter than man.

Lucifer watched the angels play with the animals at times. The animals responded very well to an angel's touch. The animals gave the spirits access to a higher plane of existence when they entered into their bodies.

I am a god, Lucifer said to himself. I cannot combine with just any animal but better an animal than a human.

Lucifer observed all sorts of animals. Some he sensed were as dumb as they looked, while others had cunning characteristics more suitable as a vessel for him and his plan. None were more subtle, however, than the serpent.xxii

The serpent was an observer. He watched the humans and the other animals, careful not to be caught in their gaze, almost as if he were avoiding some imminent change in their behavior and didn't want to be caught out in the open when it occurred. He walked upright on two legs like a man instead of on all four like an animal. Most importantly, his vocal cords were not developed to make a particular sound, giving him the opportunity to work the cords to his purpose.

He tested his theory on the serpent. It was awkward at first, but the more he practiced, the clearer the words became. He had time. He was patient. He would continue to practice until he could get the words to come out of the serpent, just as he needed them to in order to accomplish his goal. Everyone would worship him. This was his driving thought.

Between practicing, he watched both Adam and Eve. He wanted to gain knowledge of the best way to approach them. Should he approach them both at the same time? Approach the male only? Approach the female only?

He watched Eve—so named because she was the mother of all living—bring food to Adam. She watched as he instructed her about life and spoke to her about his days before she arrived and the work that God had given him to perform and all that the Lord had placed under his control.

Lucifer realized that the woman had not been there when God informed Adam that he should not eat from the tree of knowledge lest he die. She didn't actually hear God tell Adam not to eat. She trusted Adam and took him at his word.

Lucifer recognized that he could use this to his advantage and encourage her to defy God. She would be his point of attack. Knowledge is a good thing, he thought to himself. I will make everyone wise, and they will love me for it. Now all I have to do is wait until she's away from Adam, and I will offer her knowledge. She will accept of her own free will as I did. Then she will become my servant. This is glorious.

Lucifer bided his time. He didn't want to lead her to the tree. He wanted her to come to him. There was plenty of fruit near the center of the garden. It was just a matter of time before she would come in the vicinity, and when she did, he would have her. He continued to work on his voice. Things were progressing nicely, he felt.

* * * * *

Eve began the day working in the garden with Adam, as usual. Little did she know that on this day, she would be instrumental in changing the world by changing mankind's relationship with God. Death wasn't a present threat for man or beast. That would change before the day's end.

Even Lucifer was unaware of the future consequences of his actions. This was a mistake that had he known, he would have never made. By now, he had made many mistakes, and for him, there were more to come—mistakes that would cost him dearly.

The angel that slithers knew. He had been manipulating Lucifer all along. Lucifer was serving his purpose and would for all eternity. Lucifer is a fool, he reminded himself. He is a means to an ultimate end.

The angel had years of knowledge to call upon. He knew just what to say to Lucifer to maneuver him into exactly the position he now had him in. The time was right, and everyone was playing their roles, just as they should.

How naïve of them all. We shall all be castaways together. For us, there is no going back to not knowing. Knowledge is good, and to perpetrate evil on unsuspecting fools is sweet. I despise them all, the angel said to himself. The pleasure was immense. He felt it down to the core of his being. I did not get the release I have so long sought when I ate from the tree, but I feel as though I have moved so much closer to my destiny. I'm on the cusp of knowing what my true purpose is. It is all that matters. Now is the time.

The angel waited and watched, hidden from view as he had done for years. He observed both Lucifer and Eve as she approached the area of the garden where Lucifer would introduce her to a whole new state of being. He had seen Lucifer practice with the serpent. He had heard him rehearse his lines.

Eve had left Adam to explore the garden as she did every day. Sometimes they would explore together, and other times, they would explore alone. Today, she ventured into the center of the garden. She was aware of where she was. She knew she was near the center of the garden. Her husband had encouraged her to stay away from this particular area, but each time out, Eve would get a little bolder. She didn't see any reason why she couldn't at least be in the area and maybe one day see the trees for herself.

She was careful to keep her gaze away from the trees as she worked her way around the clearing. She walked all around the clearing but did not even once glance at the trees there in the center.

Eve heard a noise behind her, and turning expecting to see Adam, she came face-to-face with the serpent.

Fear wasn't a part of the human emotions at this point. No man or animal harmed one another, so other than an unexpected surprise, she showed no emotion but turned to continue to gaze at the trees around the center of the garden.

You gather food? the serpent asked.

Eve had never heard another creature outside of Adam speak. She was fascinated.

You form words? Eve stated in surprise.

Why, yes, Lucifer replied, lying through the serpent, I do speak.

I wasn't aware that it was something anyone or any animal other than man could do as I have never heard a non-man speak before.

Well, there are likely a great many things you do not know that you should, said the serpent.

We know all there is a need to know, said Eve. God has provided all for us.

Has he? asked the serpent.

Why, of course he has, said Eve. Hasn't he? she asked. He's given all of his creatures the ability to do all sorts of things. We observe them and rejoice with them when offspring are produced, when they learn to walk, learn to feed, and frolic with their siblings.

Yes. Well, that is fascinating, said the serpent. There are other things to learn as well. There are other tastes and smells and things of beauty that you have not beheld nor learned of the overwhelming satisfaction from having made these observations.

Of what do you speak, serpent? For God has not withheld anything from either Adam, me, or any of my offspring. We live in complete freedom to go and come as we please to see all that God has to offer and to freely eat all that we desire. What has been withheld from us? Eve asked.

Well, I dare not say. As you say you have total freedom, do you not? asked the serpent.

Yes. As I have stated. It is so.

I observed you for a while before I made my presence known to you. I noticed how thoroughly you examined the trees here in the garden near the center. You took your time and carefully examined each and every tree you approached, but I also noticed that not once did you cast a glance in the direction of the center of the garden. Might I ask why not? asked the serpent.

Adam said he did not believe the trees in the center of the garden were good for food. He encouraged me to stay away from those two trees, she said.

Adam is wise, but you are not. I have observed his skills in caring for children, animals, tending to the garden. He does not, however, strike me as the curious type. You do, though. You strike me as an observant being with a thirst for new and different experiences, and well you should, said the serpent.

Eve was enjoying the conversation. Lucifer noticed she had begun to cast furtive glances in the direction of the center of the garden, but not a direct look as of yet. He needed to encourage her more.

This garden is a very desirable place to be, and all of the vegetation that is good for food is here. Even the trees in the center of the garden are good for food. Have you tasted the fruit from these trees? Lucifer asked as he pointed toward and made movement in the direction of the tree of life and the tree of knowledge to where they were positioned directly behind him.

Eve eyes started to follow his gesture as well as following the direction of the serpent's movement, being drawn physically, for the first time, into the center of the garden but keeping her eyes averted so as not to look directly at the trees.

What troubles you, Eve the curious? Why have you averted your gaze? Lucifer asked. There is nothing within the garden that will do you harm. Have you ever been harmed, Eve? the serpent asked.

What is harmed? asked Eve.

That is a good question, Eve, complimented the serpent. It means physical or mental injury?

No, said Eve, but we are not to venture into the center of the garden.

Who told you this? asked the serpent.

The trees are not good for food, so there is no need to be here, said Eve.

Are you sure? asked the serpent.

God said that if we touched or ate the fruit from the trees in the center of the garden, we would surely die, said Eve.xxiii

Nonsense, said the serpent. What is death?

I do not know, said Eve, but the word in itself does not sound appetizing.

I myself have eaten from this very tree. I am not dead, am I? asked Lucifer, perpetrating a lie from the serpent's mouth.

Well, I don't know, said Eve. I suppose you are not, but what would I know of such things? she asked.

God has made this fruit good for food, just as he has all of the other fruit in the garden. Come. Select and eat, encouraged Lucifer. Observe, said the serpent. "Hold it in your hand. Hold it to your nose and inhale its pleasant aroma. You can eat of this fruit, and you will not surely die. God knows that the day you eat from this tree, you will become as gods, knowing both good and evil.xxiv Take, eat, and become wise."

Eve saw that the fruit was desirable. She did as the serpent had encouraged her to do. She held it, observed it, and smelled it. She took the fruit back to Adam, and he too, seeing the fruit for the first time, was equally compelled to eat, and they both did.xxv

Instantly, their eyes were open. Up until this time, their bodies were bathed in a coat of glory. Their physical features were indeterminable. Now, and for the first time, they noticed the differences in their bodies. They now felt exposed. They were now naked in one another's sight.xxvi They feared what God would think if he saw them this way and felt compelled to cover those differences by sewing fig leaves together.

For the first time since his existence, Adam experienced new emotions from what he had felt since he had been created and to which mankind would be subjected to for the entirety of their earthly existence—fear. Fear would be mankind's constant companion and play a major contributing role to man's separation from all that God had provided.

From this one act of disobedience, Lucifer introduced into the world fear, remorse, irresponsibility, lies, deceit, shame, doubt, gullibility, arrogance, lunacy, good, evil, and spiritual death. All new, and now all so very real.

Immediately, Adam bound the serpent.

There has to be accountability to God for what has happened, said Adam, and he was sure he was not solely responsible for this act of betrayal. His coconspirators would be held responsible, if at all possible, in his stead. He comforted himself with this thinking. After all, it was not he who disobeyed God and plucked the fruit from the tree. He had warned his wife to stay away from the center of the garden and had thoroughly informed her not to even so much as look at the trees there. Clearly, she had violated God's command and was beguiled, as it were, by the serpent.

Yes. The serpent, Adam thought to himself. It was his fault. He would be punished along with woman. I am innocent. God would understand and see things from my point of view. After all, I am the first man God created.

Wait! said Adam to himself as he gave more thought to the situation. We are alive. The serpent was correct. We did not die. We are still in existence. We live and breathe and move about with no detraction from our previous abilities. What does this mean? Adam said within himself. I was alive and still am, not dead as God said I would be. So was Eve.

You. Serpent, said Adam. Why have you done this to us?

The serpent only hissed. I am speaking to you serpent, said Adam. We must give an accounting to God for what we have done. You must own up to your deeds. How shall you answer? asked Adam.

Again hissing.

Adam had no way of knowing that the serpent had been a vessel used by Lucifer in his plot to overthrow God. Lucifer had separated himself from the serpent and hid himself in the garden, wanting to be present when God discovered what his precious man had done. Lucifer felt nothing for these lower formed beings and was oblivious to the role they would play in each other's lives until what would come to be known as the appointed time. All Lucifer knew for the moment was that his plan was brilliantly conceived as he himself flawlessly executed it. Whatever happened to these creatures was beneath his consideration. God's downfall was his crowning achievement, and he wanted to be here to observe it firsthand.

Unbeknownst to Lucifer, there was another pair of watchful eyes who had observed all that had taken place: the angel that slithers. Though Lucifer thought himself to be wise, he had become a fool; the first angel's fool. God would punish Lucifer for what he had done and release him from his bonds. The angel laughed to himself as he watched Lucifer and his accomplices with a mixture of joy and happiness at what was about to transpire.

* * * * *

The God of all creation, of all that was in existence, walked in the garden and communed openly with His caretakers. There was no distance man was ordered to keep from the Creator. No walls or barriers. God loved His creations and loved to walk among them.

This day that God had made was no exception. A bright and multicolored sky with the rays of a low hanging sun off to the west dropped toward the horizon, reflecting off of scattered clouds producing an awe-inspiring beauty. Birds flittering about playfully were overhead before they settled down for the night, and off in the distance, eagles soared, catching the updrafts from the winds that swept across the valley below, the sounds of mating calls from the various species that He had created. It was a perfect day indeed.

There was no need for God to keep a watchful eye on the behaviors of any of His creation. He belonged to them just as much as they belonged to Him. God saw that all He created was good, and along with that belief came His trust.xxvii

His creation had all that they needed and lacked no good thing. He planned it that way, for His love knew no bounds. God shared the wealth of what He had with all that He had created.

He had not created slaves but free moral agents with the ability to make decisions for themselves, just as He Himself was able to. The trees were not a test. Man was oblivious to temptation. They weren't knowledgeable beings with a sense of right and wrong or covetousness. The trees were safe and belonged in the garden that God had planted for Himself. His garden and His trees. No ambiguity about whom the garden or the trees belonged to.

God walked in the garden and was pleased to see how well it had been cared for. He spoke frequently with His gardeners, His children. Though Adam and Eve had many children and children's children unto several generations, only Adam and Eve remained in the garden to tend to it, just as God had created them to do. Obedient to God, they had been fruitful and had multiplied, replenishing the earth.xxviii

Mankind was flourishing outside of the garden, and the garden itself was flourishing, and God was very pleased. All of existence was at peace.

That was about to change, though.

Adam heard God walking in the garden and knew it would not be long before God summoned him into His presence. Wanting to distance himself from his wife, he sought shelter away from her and the serpent, believing that would help to bolster his case.

God approached and called out to Adam and said to him, Where are you?

Adam said, I heard the sound of You walking in the garden, and I was afraid because I am naked, so I hid myself.

God said, Who told you you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?

Adam knew this moment would come where someone would have to answer for what had been done. So he immediately, and as rehearsed, offered up his wife as the culprit. The woman whom You gave to me, she gave me the fruit from the tree, and I ate. I did not know it was fruit from Your tree until it was too late, and my eyes had been opened. I trusted that she would obey Your command as well as mine. I have been deceived by her.

God said to Eve, What is this you have done?

Eve immediately, following Adam's example, offered up the serpent. She brought the serpent, bound and laid, at God's feet. "The serpent whom You allowed in the garden, he