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Left Behind: The Kids #4
Facing the Future: Preparing for Battle
Since the Rapture, Bruce Barnes has been teaching Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan about the coming events during the Tribulation. They are sure Christ will return for them, but one question remains: Who is the Antichrist?
Bruce thinks he knows. The kids aren’t so sure. Until a man who has met the Antichrist shares his nightmarish story.
Bruce thinks he knows. The kids aren’t so sure. Until a man who has met the Antichrist shares his nightmarish story.
144 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1998
78 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Jerry B. Jenkins
672 books1,732 followersJerry Bruce Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer. He is best known as the writer of the Left Behind series of books for Tim LaHaye and The Chosen novels to accompany his son Dallas's TV series. Jenkins has written more than 200 books, including mysteries, historical fiction, biblical fiction, cop thrillers, international spy thrillers, and children's adventures, as well as nonfiction. His works usually feature Christians as protagonists. In 2005, Jenkins and LaHaye ranked 9th in Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary list of Hall of Fame authors based on books sold at Amazon.com during its first 10 years. Jenkins now teaches writers to become authors here at his website. He and his wife Dianna have three sons and eight grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 2, 2016
About this book:
“Since the Rapture, Bruce Barnes has been teaching Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan about the coming events during the Tribulation. They are sure Christ will return for them, but one question remains: Who is the Antichrist?
Bruce thinks he knows. The kids aren’t so sure. Until a man who has met the Antichrist shares his nightmarish story.”
Series: Book #4 (of forty) in “Left Behind: The Kids” series. (Reviews of books #1, #2 and #3.)
Spiritual Content- The Rapture has happened (all four main characters were left behind); Prayers; Church going & a sermon; Witnessing; Testimonies; Many Scriptures are mentioned, quoted & discussed; Talks about God, the Holy Spirit, being convinced of God’s love & where God is; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Ryan is mad at God, but gets over it; Many mentions of the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Antichrist, God & churches; Many mentions of Heaven, Hell, sin & fear; Mentions of the Holy Spirit; Mentions of Bible studies; Mentions of Jews & the two witnesses; Mentions of priests & clergy members; Mentions of religious people; Mentions of theories;
*Note: A couple mentions of aliens; A couple mentions of atheists & agnostics; Mentions of New Age thoughts & gods inside of us.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’; Sarcasm; Lionel & Ryan bicker at each other; Mentions of curses (said, not written); A bullet through a cheek & many mentions of it (semi-detailed); Many mentions of murders, deaths, suicides, killings, shoot-outs & a fire (semi-detailed); Mentions of war, famine, plagues & earthquakes; Mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of kidnappings; A couple mentions of divorce.
Sexual Content- Judd says Vicki is the type of girl he could get interested in; Mentions of girlfriends; A mention of an almost affair.
-Judd Thompson Jr., age 16
-Vicki Byrne, age 15/14
-Lionel Washington, age 13
-Ryan Daley, age 12
P.O.V. switches between them
147 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{These ratings are for content, since everyone has a different opinion on the Rapture and how it will happen.}
Even though there is a lot of Spiritual Content, the blood & such goes up a few notches from the previous books. The third book said Vicki was a year younger than Judd, but the beginning of this out said she’s 14. I’m confused, but thinking that’s maybe a typo…?
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Since the Rapture, Bruce Barnes has been teaching Judd, Vicki, Lionel, and Ryan about the coming events during the Tribulation. They are sure Christ will return for them, but one question remains: Who is the Antichrist?
Bruce thinks he knows. The kids aren’t so sure. Until a man who has met the Antichrist shares his nightmarish story.”
Series: Book #4 (of forty) in “Left Behind: The Kids” series. (Reviews of books #1, #2 and #3.)
Spiritual Content- The Rapture has happened (all four main characters were left behind); Prayers; Church going & a sermon; Witnessing; Testimonies; Many Scriptures are mentioned, quoted & discussed; Talks about God, the Holy Spirit, being convinced of God’s love & where God is; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Ryan is mad at God, but gets over it; Many mentions of the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Antichrist, God & churches; Many mentions of Heaven, Hell, sin & fear; Mentions of the Holy Spirit; Mentions of Bible studies; Mentions of Jews & the two witnesses; Mentions of priests & clergy members; Mentions of religious people; Mentions of theories;
*Note: A couple mentions of aliens; A couple mentions of atheists & agnostics; Mentions of New Age thoughts & gods inside of us.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’; Sarcasm; Lionel & Ryan bicker at each other; Mentions of curses (said, not written); A bullet through a cheek & many mentions of it (semi-detailed); Many mentions of murders, deaths, suicides, killings, shoot-outs & a fire (semi-detailed); Mentions of war, famine, plagues & earthquakes; Mentions of drugs; A couple mentions of kidnappings; A couple mentions of divorce.
Sexual Content- Judd says Vicki is the type of girl he could get interested in; Mentions of girlfriends; A mention of an almost affair.
-Judd Thompson Jr., age 16
-Vicki Byrne, age 15/14
-Lionel Washington, age 13
-Ryan Daley, age 12
P.O.V. switches between them
147 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{These ratings are for content, since everyone has a different opinion on the Rapture and how it will happen.}
Even though there is a lot of Spiritual Content, the blood & such goes up a few notches from the previous books. The third book said Vicki was a year younger than Judd, but the beginning of this out said she’s 14. I’m confused, but thinking that’s maybe a typo…?
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
October 20, 2010
Judd,Vicki,Lionel,and Ryan are kids who got left behind.They are all wondering who is the antichrist.They think they have an idea. Also they are wanting to know where the people who dissapeared went.Along the way they help set two people up who murdered a man who is related to one of the kids.Later on a cop gets shot in the face by those two men.Sadly something happens to the cop.To know more your going to have to read it yourself.
June 29, 2017
Actual Rating: 4.3
This was an engaging read. This book starts off with the kids going through with their sting operation to find out who murdered André. I really liked the characters. They have really grown up and made a significant chance in their lives since becoming a believer. Now they are the members of the Young Tribulation Force. I can't wait for them to fight the chaotic years that are ahead. Overall, a great read.
This was an engaging read. This book starts off with the kids going through with their sting operation to find out who murdered André. I really liked the characters. They have really grown up and made a significant chance in their lives since becoming a believer. Now they are the members of the Young Tribulation Force. I can't wait for them to fight the chaotic years that are ahead. Overall, a great read.
March 10, 2021
We're back to this series as our read-aloud. Reading through this, sometimes it feels like they are skirting over the actual events that happened in the adult versions of the book and only "telling" them. Which in a sense makes sense, because the teens aren't going to be in the journalism room or in the big moments that happened in the adult series. But it does leave a lot of the book as just being evangelism or telling instead of showing. That being said, my 12 and 14 year old enjoy reading through it as we have been talking a lot about the book of Revelation and the end times around our house lately.
January 3, 2024
5 star!
September 16, 2008
Las time, Judd devised a plan to trap Leroy and get him aressted. With their plan carried out, the police go and arrest Talia Grey. One of the police officers seems interested in getting saved. Another pole officer wanrs the kids to meet his wife who started thinking that maybe God does exsist. Talia tells Lionel that she wants to get out of jail and is curious about God. Lionel and Bruce go and visit her, and she get's saved. The police officer comes over eith his wife and his wife get's saved but he doesn't believe anything. He hears the other police officer who was interested in God got shot. He and Judd race to the hospital only to find he will die. Vicki stays with Ryan and the officer's wife and Vicki prays with her. Bruce invites a reporter, Buck williams, to tell his story about the antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia. Vicki does not believe that Carpathia is the antichrist, but when Buck tells the horrifying story of what Carpathia did, Vicki believes. Much more violence is coming, and chances are some of them won't make it through all seven years.
I liked this and it is scary and sad and hopeful and great!!!!!!!!!
I liked this and it is scary and sad and hopeful and great!!!!!!!!!
January 8, 2010
When Lionel, Judd, Vicki, and Ryan set up a sting for the murderer who killed Lionel's beloved Uncle Andre, they have trouble getting the sting to work. The murderer doesn't do what they planned on him doing. So they have to think of something different to lure him in. Will they ever catch the killer?
I thought it was a good book because I think they did the sting very well, and they gave a good act (I would have believed it was real if I didn't know it was a sting). The one thing I didn't enjoy was how Uncle Andre died. I thought it was just brutal.
If your the type of person who likes police tricking criminals while still reading a religious book then I recommend you read this book.
I thought it was a good book because I think they did the sting very well, and they gave a good act (I would have believed it was real if I didn't know it was a sting). The one thing I didn't enjoy was how Uncle Andre died. I thought it was just brutal.
If your the type of person who likes police tricking criminals while still reading a religious book then I recommend you read this book.
May 7, 2013
A Quickie Review
This fourth outing starts in right where part three left off. Though the story is good, some readers might be unsettled by the description of a fatal gunshot wound. Of course, the whole world that Jenkins and LaHaye have created is quite freaky, so that's pretty much par for the course.
P. S.: I read this twice by mistake!
Score: 4/5
This fourth outing starts in right where part three left off. Though the story is good, some readers might be unsettled by the description of a fatal gunshot wound. Of course, the whole world that Jenkins and LaHaye have created is quite freaky, so that's pretty much par for the course.
P. S.: I read this twice by mistake!
Score: 4/5
March 11, 2023
This book carries over from the next book carrying on the plan Judd has to capture Cornelius
and LeRoy. They baited them for insurance money on the apartment building which broke down.
Officer Fogarty and others caught them and jailed them. While they were booked in jail all of the
officers and detectives went to celebrate and Judd and Vicki tagged along and they all talked about
their takes on “the disappearances” . This was a chance for Judd and Vicki to witness to unbelievers.
One of the officers named Archibold Edwards (Eddie) refused to believe it and Officer Forgarty
wasn’t that much close to it. Eddie had passed his chance of salvation and went back to work with the
other officers. Then, Officer Forgarty upon his colleagues request took his Wife Josey to visit “The
Kids” and Lionel was called to go talk to Talia in jail also and Pastor Barnes went with him. TaliaSoon confessed to Christ and requested a lawyer. Judd left with Officer Forgarty upon calling that
LeRoy and Cornelius made a jailbreak broadcasted on TV and Eddie who just previously extended the
opportunity of salvation and just was shot and was murdered. Judd once again for the 3rd time
extended the offer of salvation to Officer Fogarty. Vicki and Ryan were left alone in the house to
complete the circle of all the kids finding new converts and helped Josey pray a prayer to confess Jesus
CHrist. So after Bruce talks to the kids and informs them of information and turns on the news
exposing the Anti Christ they were anticipating was the man his name is Nicolae Carpahthia. He was
the President of Romania and new Secretary of the U .N and has attempted to control the world and
establish 1 religion and 1 peace. Bruce told them the Characteristic of the AntiChrist
● He will be of Roman Blood
● He will be convincing and attractive and many people will put trust in him
● He will be a politician
● He will sign a peace treaty with Israel for 7 years which marks the 7 Year Tribulation
Period.
He met all of these during a press conference. When Bruce brong Cameron Williams (Buck) to the
bible meeting also called “Tribulation force” With the Pastor, The Steeles, and Buck. The Kid
Tribulation are the Children in the book. He spoke with them about what Nicolae did to make him a
Christian and the things that happened and signaled he was the AntiChrist. Both Tribulation Force
Members must start “Facing the Future'' in the last 7 years, 42 months, and 2,557 days on earth as
they examine the timeline and table that Bruce has spelled out as the prophecies that must happen
before Jesus sets up his Millennium Year Reign. Bruce Predicts that ¼ of the World will be dead.
Bruce tells them they all must have to endure the horrible tribulation though they confessed Jesus they
did after the offer was extended and those who do die even if Christian will have to expect horrible
deaths and most likely death due to murder, famine, diseases, and earthquakes.
and LeRoy. They baited them for insurance money on the apartment building which broke down.
Officer Fogarty and others caught them and jailed them. While they were booked in jail all of the
officers and detectives went to celebrate and Judd and Vicki tagged along and they all talked about
their takes on “the disappearances” . This was a chance for Judd and Vicki to witness to unbelievers.
One of the officers named Archibold Edwards (Eddie) refused to believe it and Officer Forgarty
wasn’t that much close to it. Eddie had passed his chance of salvation and went back to work with the
other officers. Then, Officer Forgarty upon his colleagues request took his Wife Josey to visit “The
Kids” and Lionel was called to go talk to Talia in jail also and Pastor Barnes went with him. TaliaSoon confessed to Christ and requested a lawyer. Judd left with Officer Forgarty upon calling that
LeRoy and Cornelius made a jailbreak broadcasted on TV and Eddie who just previously extended the
opportunity of salvation and just was shot and was murdered. Judd once again for the 3rd time
extended the offer of salvation to Officer Fogarty. Vicki and Ryan were left alone in the house to
complete the circle of all the kids finding new converts and helped Josey pray a prayer to confess Jesus
CHrist. So after Bruce talks to the kids and informs them of information and turns on the news
exposing the Anti Christ they were anticipating was the man his name is Nicolae Carpahthia. He was
the President of Romania and new Secretary of the U .N and has attempted to control the world and
establish 1 religion and 1 peace. Bruce told them the Characteristic of the AntiChrist
● He will be of Roman Blood
● He will be convincing and attractive and many people will put trust in him
● He will be a politician
● He will sign a peace treaty with Israel for 7 years which marks the 7 Year Tribulation
Period.
He met all of these during a press conference. When Bruce brong Cameron Williams (Buck) to the
bible meeting also called “Tribulation force” With the Pastor, The Steeles, and Buck. The Kid
Tribulation are the Children in the book. He spoke with them about what Nicolae did to make him a
Christian and the things that happened and signaled he was the AntiChrist. Both Tribulation Force
Members must start “Facing the Future'' in the last 7 years, 42 months, and 2,557 days on earth as
they examine the timeline and table that Bruce has spelled out as the prophecies that must happen
before Jesus sets up his Millennium Year Reign. Bruce Predicts that ¼ of the World will be dead.
Bruce tells them they all must have to endure the horrible tribulation though they confessed Jesus they
did after the offer was extended and those who do die even if Christian will have to expect horrible
deaths and most likely death due to murder, famine, diseases, and earthquakes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2018
I think I'm getting to know these 4 kids better all the time, and the stories become more interesting.
In this volume, we learn much more about the power that the Antichrist will have upon the world, and the evil inside of him.
What I really liked about this book is that the kids are trying to spiritually reach out, as they realize that saving more souls is the best thing they can be doing right now.
In this volume, we learn much more about the power that the Antichrist will have upon the world, and the evil inside of him.
What I really liked about this book is that the kids are trying to spiritually reach out, as they realize that saving more souls is the best thing they can be doing right now.
September 15, 2025
This one felt like a step back to me. While there are some solid dramatic moments, this book reverts to a lot of telling, but not a lot of showing. Now, this particular book feels more like set up for some larger plots that should be coming down the line, but we get info dumped to no end. While not as bad as the first two books, this really feels like a step back from there more exciting (and better balanced), third book.
September 22, 2022
This book has to be one of my favorites out of the series. I have read up to #31 and LOVE them so far.
This one I especially liked. And don’t give up hope on Tom Fogarty, you’ll be seeing him again. He’s going to be changed.
I LOVE the part where the check says ‘You’re under arrest’. That part is so cool and fun.
This one I especially liked. And don’t give up hope on Tom Fogarty, you’ll be seeing him again. He’s going to be changed.
I LOVE the part where the check says ‘You’re under arrest’. That part is so cool and fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
The 4th one was definitely better than the 3rd. This book definitely dove into more information about the prophecy and we really enjoyed the introduction of the Junior (Kids) Tribulation Force. The kids have come so far and can’t wait to see their impact on the world. My 10 year old and I are truly loving this series.
January 4, 2021
This one had more to do with the religion side then the last one. It was still good and normally I don’t like stuff about God and all that but I like these books. The kids and their pastor think they know who the antichrist is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
I loved this book in the series. I found it very interesting and informative about what would happen in the future and how life would be for those who are left behind. Great way for young adults to learn more about the coming of God. Definitely recommend to all, believers or not.
January 1, 2023
Really good
Again a quick read but this kept you interested while still giving good advice on how to share your testimony with a wide range of people. I'm glad I'm reading this series.
Again a quick read but this kept you interested while still giving good advice on how to share your testimony with a wide range of people. I'm glad I'm reading this series.
January 29, 2023
Good series for kids and teens to read about what might happen according to the Bible in the end times. This is a fictionalized story but based on what the author interprets will happen at the end of the world.
February 5, 2018
all young adults need to read these
Read
August 20, 2019The series is about to get exciting!
Read
April 6, 2020LOVELY😅😅😍
I just love these books 📚in this series and i hope that i will be able too read the remaining
I just love these books 📚in this series and i hope that i will be able too read the remaining
Read
April 20, 2020Focus on your furture
May 28, 2020
DNF.
July 4, 2020
BEST SERIES EVER!!!!! YOU HAVE TO READ THIS SERIES!!!!! BEST SERIES EVER!!!!!
Read
August 24, 2020This series keeps getting better and better.
November 5, 2022
Very informative! Especially for anyone who may not understand Revelations, and I know it's many.
April 24, 2023
Exceptional!!
Enjoying this series immensely!
Highly recommend it to both adults and teens
I am 61 and this is my second read through.
Enjoying this series immensely!
Highly recommend it to both adults and teens
I am 61 and this is my second read through.
June 24, 2023
Another great book in a great series.
September 20, 2023
Written for teens, but just as riveting as the original Left Behind series.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
December 29, 2024
Entertaining and faith inspiring, plus an easy read. But eschatologically inaccurate.
December 21, 2015
I had read the first four left behind books. The series is written by Jerry B. Jenkins. These books are about four young characters and how they survive after the rapture. The rapture is a topic my family and I are interested in. The series has been interesting and I can't wait to finish.
The fourth book “Preparing for Battle” has been one of my favorites. The book is focused on the Antichrist Nicolae Carpathia. One of the reasons why it was interesting to me was because of the teachings told to the main characters. The teachings from their pastor pastor, Bruce Barnes were about the end time events that were coming. I thought it was interesting when Vicki wasn’t convinced that Nicolae could be the Antichrist. She had seen him on the news and thought that he was too attractive and too kind to hurt anyone. One intense situation was when Judd was at a conference with many people. Nicolae got into an argument with two men and he shot them with one bullet! When Nicolae went around brainwashing everyone so that they wouldn’t really remember what happened, Judd was the only one that was not affected because he was protected by God. When the Antichrist is chosen, he will be charismatic and charming so that millions of people will think just like Vicki and not question what he wants to do.
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in the rapture and the Antichrist. I would also recommend this book to anyone who has read the adult versions of the Left Behind series as they are very similar to each other. If you are interested in sharing your ideas about the end times, this series would be a good way to tell people about the basics.
The fourth book “Preparing for Battle” has been one of my favorites. The book is focused on the Antichrist Nicolae Carpathia. One of the reasons why it was interesting to me was because of the teachings told to the main characters. The teachings from their pastor pastor, Bruce Barnes were about the end time events that were coming. I thought it was interesting when Vicki wasn’t convinced that Nicolae could be the Antichrist. She had seen him on the news and thought that he was too attractive and too kind to hurt anyone. One intense situation was when Judd was at a conference with many people. Nicolae got into an argument with two men and he shot them with one bullet! When Nicolae went around brainwashing everyone so that they wouldn’t really remember what happened, Judd was the only one that was not affected because he was protected by God. When the Antichrist is chosen, he will be charismatic and charming so that millions of people will think just like Vicki and not question what he wants to do.
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in the rapture and the Antichrist. I would also recommend this book to anyone who has read the adult versions of the Left Behind series as they are very similar to each other. If you are interested in sharing your ideas about the end times, this series would be a good way to tell people about the basics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews