Apocalypse

“Apocalypse: Caught in the Eye of the Storm” is, in many ways, a remarkable production. Already, hundreds (if not thousands) of souls have been won to Christ through the powerful message presented in this story. Not having the big budget of a Hollywood movie, some technical aspects fall short of what some had hoped for, but the truth of the Gospel comes through loud and clear.

Have you ever imagined what the world will be like at the moment of the rapture? Most Bible-believing Christians envision a world in absolute panic and havoc. Millions of people worldwide in every nation instantly vanish, leaving nearly everyone remaining on Earth frightened beyond belief and in wonder of what truth is behind the disappearance.

Bronson Pearl and Helen Hannah are two such people who have been left behind. As internationally-known news anchors, they broadcast the incredible devastation seen in every part of the world. Helen is quick to realize those who disappeared were followers of Christ, called home to be with Jesus for all eternity. Her own grandmother was a believer, one who was keenly aware that Christ’s return was imminent. It does not take long for Helen to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus as well through reading the Bible and remembering what was taught by her Grandmother (as well as several conveniently discovered videos of Jack Van Impe’s pulling-no-punches-style teachings). Convincing her co-worker and romantic interest, Bronson Pearl, proves to be a much more difficult endeavor, however.

“Apocalypse” documents the rise of the great world leader prophesied in the Scriptures, the divine salvation of Israel against a military invasion by “the Great Bear” of the North (Russia), and various other “end times” situations. Any drama that ventures into prophetic times is going to have to make some guesses about what will things like? With the many possible interpretations of end times, however, many people will inevitably disagree with some details of what happens. Some viewers may also be surprised to see that as Christians are raptured, their clothes are left behind in a neatly-folded piles. We asked the producers about this. They referred us to the resurrection of Christ (John 20:6-7), where His head cloth was found folded in the grave.

The movie was shot on video, rather than film to save money, and perhaps for editorial reasons. It is almost impossible for any Christian film to stand up with the quality of Hollywood movies. However, as someone employed in the Christian film medium, I must say kudos to most Christian film producers. They do with a shoestring budget what many would consider impossible. “Apocalypse” has proven to be viewed and enjoyed by thousands already, with many spiritual decisions following. Certainly, this 1998 release is worth checking out.

You may also wish to see “Revelation,” “Tribulation,” and “Judgment,” the sequels to “Apocalypse”. For those disappointed with some of the technical aspects of “Apocalypse”, the sequels are of higher production quality. Another recent Christian film of similar nature not to be missed is “The Gathering.” Other recommendations include “The Moment After” and Left Behind—The Movie.