Michael Fryer, a former police detective and now a pastor of Father’s House Sabbath Congregation in North Wales, writes on themes that are thought-provoking, even provocative. As such, his books need to be read carefully and perhaps subjected to discussion with others who are familiar with the word of God. We present two of his shorter books for consideration.

‘The Mark of the Beast: Biblical Answers for You and Your Children’ (66pp, 2017)

This book starts off by suggesting that everything you have been taught about the ‘end times’ should be put to the test. As a result, you may well find that some of these teachings are simply not true.

Whether this book convinces you thus is not the main point. Rather, the intention is to give you the chance to evaluate certain scriptures (especially Revelation 13, 1 Thessalonians 4 and 2 Thessalonians 2) in their historical context and come to your own conclusions.

Multiple Fulfilments

The title of the book refers to one main area of eschatology that is often put under the spotlight. By examining the facts regarding the prophecies in Scripture concerning the ‘Beast’ we should come to a greater realisation of how they have been and will be fulfilled. The key here is the use of these two tenses, past and future.

The author is keen to show that a merely future fulfilment is not adequate. These passages must have meant something at the time and must continue to do so now, even while we await a final ‘end time’ fulfilment.

The main argument regarding the ‘mark of the Beast’ is that while one day there may be implanted chips or tattooed marks on the body forcing us to serve the Anti-Christ and without which we cannot properly live, there has always been a ‘mark’ of some kind that determines whether we are living in God’s Kingdom or following the world’s system and its false religion. A future fulfilment still remains, but meanwhile we must take this seriously today.

Fryer starts off by suggesting that everything you have been taught about the ‘end times’ should be put to the test.

The comparison is made, correctly, with God’s command to the Jews to bind his words symbolically on their hands and foreheads. Essentially, this meant that God’s word should influence all they did and thought. This should also be the case for Christians.

But equally, we can take on the world’s values and follow false gods, effectively binding a different mark on our heads (thoughts) and hands (actions). We take that mark every time we don’t commit to thinking and doing what is right and true before God. And of course, unbelievers naturally are marked in this way throughout their lives.

Choose Which System

Part of Fryer’s argument is that we need to keep the Feasts and the Sabbath rather than paganised festivals such as Christmas which he sees as part of the ‘mark of the Beast’. This may be going too far for some, but the author sees the contrast between Church traditions and God’s mo’edim (appointed Feasts) as a key way of understanding which mark we are under. These are two contrary systems of worship which highlight the point he is making.

Whatever your views on this, the main objective of the book remains valid. Two conflicting systems have always been in operation and always will be - each with their own ‘mark’ upon our lives. We have to choose now to accept God’s way and learn how to be overcomers in the midst of a rebellious world. Then, if we are alive at the very end, we will be better prepared to resist whatever the final mark will be.

‘The Mark of the Beast’ is available from Father’s House Sabbath Congregation for £6 + P&P. Also available elsewhere online.

‘Craft or Christ: Uncovering Witchcraft in the Heart of the Christian Church’ (98pp, 2012/2017)

The subtitle of this book gives a clear indication of what to expect. Fryer’s stated intention is to “expose the extent to which the worldwide church has fallen into pagan practices, opening doors to witchcraft and false teaching” (p1). The author is also issuing “a warning to those churches who embrace New Age practices and multi-faith teachings, as well as those who reject scripture through intellectualism and liberalism” (p1).

The overall thrust is very clear. Deception is subtle and its infiltration is widespread. Discernment is vital, and only comes through keeping close to God’s word.

The author states that he is not making an attack upon any persons as such, but on the spiritual forces that are behind their actions. His concern is for the spiritual consequences of deception that will affect not only the Church but the whole land.

Fryer’s concern is for the spiritual consequences of deception that will affect not only the Church but the whole land.

Paganism Persists

He explores the roots and origins of the paganism that persists today in the form of witchcraft. He provides pictures of church architecture and stones in churchyards to illustrate the extent to which paganism has shaped the physical aspects of churches.

But, as in most of his writing, it is the paganised Church festivals that come in for most criticism. Once more, the solution is to follow the Feasts and Sabbath that God has ordained.

Fryer’s books are strongly linked to his ministry at the Father’s House Sabbath Congregation in North Wales. If you find his books intriguing, disturbing or enlightening, then why not pay a visit and find out more first-hand?

‘Craft or Christ’ is available from Father’s House Sabbath Congregation for £6.99 + P&P. Also available elsewhere online.

About the author: Michael Fryer is a retired National Crime Squad Detective and now a pastor. He graduated in Holocaust Studies in 2009, having studied over a period of four years at Yad Vashem. He has written on the Feasts, the Sabbath and other topics relating to Christian practice. He is also the author of ‘Rose-Tinted Memory: Holocaust truths that can’t be erased’.

About the Father’s House Sabbath Congregation: Founded in 1999, Father’s House is a well-established congregation meeting on Saturday afternoons at Queensferry on the North Wales border, south of Liverpool. They are one of a growing number of Sabbath-keeping congregations in Britain, also celebrating the biblical Feasts, following Torah in light of Yeshua’s fulfilment, and providing educational courses on Hebraic roots. See, www.fathershouse.wales.