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Affabel: Window of Eternity

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Affabel dramatizes the powerful other-world story woven into Bevere's nonfiction work, Driven By Eternity. John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings and One Night With the King) brings to life King Jalyn in this dramatic performance on 4 CDs/2:30 hours.

352 pages, Audio CD

First published September 1, 2007

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About the author

John Bevere

154 books869 followers
Marked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide.

John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.

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5 stars
132 (63%)
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43 (20%)
3 stars
24 (11%)
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8 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Latonya.
53 reviews
March 7, 2016
Oh my gosh! This was awesome! If this audio CD doesn't make you examine where you are spiritually, your heart has to be hard. It doesn't matter how much we go to church, how much religious jargon we know, how many religious songs we sing, how many religious books and tapes we listen to, if we have truly not submitted to God, we will be in for a rude awakening when we approach the throne of God. Don't get caught. Live for God today ... everyday.

3/7/16

Having learned about grace and what Christ did for us on the Cross, this story Affabel has now fallen under the category of great entertainment for me.
Profile Image for Avery.
29 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2019
It makes me really sad to give this two stars. I really wanted to like this book, because it reminded me of Chronicles of Narnia. I was really excited for a new world and allegory of my faith.

It's really obvious that John Bevere is a very passionate Christian with the best of intentions. It also seems that others have found this helpful and inspiring for their faith, which is great. I do not want to disparage either the author or fans at all.

I thought that the sound design was great and the voice acting was pretty good.

But, I had several real problems with this story.

1. There is not an emphasis on Jesus' sacrifice.
This story spends so much time talking about faith, sin, works, and salvation. Yet, the crucifixion of Jesus is not mentioned. Not even once that I can remember. And that to me is a huge, unacceptable problem. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the entire basis for God offering us forgiveness. It should have been absolutely CENTRAL to the story, but it just isn't. Charity shouldn't get saved because she has faith and deeds; she should be saved by the saving sacrifice of Jesus!

The story is right: believing in God isn't enough. You needed Jesus to DIE for your sins.

2. The theology is not that well-reasoned.
The story takes a very strong stance against "once saved, always saved." But the actual biblical evidence given is...bad. One reason is that the Bible mentions not being able to erase a certain name from the book of life, which the story then equates that some names can get erased? If your pastor put that reason in a seminary paper, he would lose points because it's not a strong argument or solid interpretation of the Bible. I have a Bible degree from a conservative university and I'm in a conservative seminary: and that is not a strong interpretation of the Bible.

3. The framing device (the reporter in Afghanistan) does not match the allegorical story (the story of Charity, Deceived, etc). The framing device shows us a man who is struggling with the question, "Why does God allow evil on earth?" But the allegorical story answers a different question, "Who gets to go to Heaven? What role does faith, works, and sin play in salvation?"

For all of its explicit theological exposition, it at no point addresses why King Jalyn allows sin on Endel. The framing device and the story do not match, so it doesn't make any sense why Sagus tells him this story and why it changes the reporter's life. Why did God let the child's mom get shot?

I believe that God calls us to make really, good stories. Afterall, whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. That's why stories that don't make sense really bother me. If you're interested in why God allows suffering, look up "Theodicy." This is the term Christian scholars use to discuss why God allows suffering and evil.

4. The story is aimed at conservative Christians.
Now, I am a conservative Christian. But even I can see that this would not be effective in reaching non-believers.

First of all, the only reason presented for being an atheist is Independent. Now, there definitely are atheists out there who are unbelieving because they do not wish to bow to a higher power. And by showing Independent as just irredeemable and going to Hell, you're not going to convince any of those atheists.
People are atheist and agnostic for a lot of reasons. Some are hurt by things that God let bad things happen to them. Some just have genuine, intellectual questions about His existence. So, portraying them as a villain is not going to convince them. They don't believe in Hell, so you can't scare them into believing, which is what I see this story trying to do.

Also, at the very beginning, there is this totally random moment about the allegorical alcohol? Like two of them get drunk and one falls into a fire...but it has no bearing on the plot and no one ever mentions it again. This is called a dropped storyline. It just seemed like a really random message against drinking, possibly teen drinking? But, it's so rushed and unrealistic that it would never convince anyone who is drinking that drinking is dangerous. And I don't drink or support teen drinking! But even to me, it was out of place and seemed like pandering to conservative, Christian audience.

Conclusion:
Like I said, I don't wish ill on the author or anyone who found this book helpful. But, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is absolutely ESSENTIAL to discussing salvation, and I can't stay silent about that.
Profile Image for Rosa.
16 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2008
I first heard this on a radio station. They would play a portion each day and I found myself leaving work later and driving slower just to catch it. I received a set from my pastor later and was able to enjoy the entire program in it's entirety. This is a great story and a great allegory.
Profile Image for Salem Safira.
26 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2022
Uno de los mejores libros que he leído en la vida. El autor a través de la creatividad del Espíritu Santo nos introduce en un viaje por la vida hasta llegar en la eternidad. Este libro te hace despertar a una conciencia de que cada de tus acciones visibles como invisibles tienen repercusiones para el Reino venidero, además de despierta en pasión, esperanza y anhelo por el Rey que pronto gobernará toda la tierra. Excelente libro y rápido de leer!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
51 reviews18 followers
June 29, 2012
This is incredibly convicting and challenges your faith. It is mysterious, captivating, heartbreaking, and awesome. If you've ever wondered what it is going to be like to stand in the throne room of Jesus for judgement, this is an amazing, Biblical portrayal.
Profile Image for Tris.
23 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2021
**mini-rant warning**

I know it can be really annoying to read rants that disagree with your faith, especially since they are often not polite either. In saying that, I feel that Christians should understand how their beliefs are perceived by non-believers, as this is important if you hope to connect with non-believers and not come off as either obnoxious or rude (or both). This book was recommended by a Christian friend, and as well intended as it was, this book left me thinking God was an utter jerk (that is to say, the character who is an analogy of God was an utter jerk, for more reasons than one).

Charity, the main and not-so-benevolent protagonist of this audio drama, represents the perfect model of a Christian, which I’ve rarely come across in reality (and yes, I know no one’s perfect, and I don’t expect anyone to be. Christianity however raises the expectations pretty damned high though). Anyway, Charity goes to heaven (Affabel) with several of her friends. All but one of these friends are, for all intents and purposes, executed because they didn’t live their lives in accordance to the king’s wishes (aka God), which the characters learn about through teachers of the law.

Well, they lived an unjust life, serves them right to burn in a fiery pit for eternity the filthy lowlifes... right? Well, it’s easy to say that, but when you think about it, the set up the story presents gets a bit dodgy. For example, when Charity and her friends are brought to the king in his glorious kingdom by angels in the night, we meet Sageous, who is an analogy for the Holy Spirit. He converses with Charity, who waits to be seen by the king, unaware that her friends have been sentenced, and that all but one of them are going to be executed I.e banished to die a thousand deaths in the pits of Hell. One of these condemned characters hated the king because she was cheated by one of his followers and she blamed him for not coming to her aid. Sounds fair to me. According to this audiobook? No. You’re going to hell for your disloyalty, be it justified or not. If the king made any efforts to help this girl after she turned away from him, or if the other character's did, including the protagonist, it is not mentioned.

When Charity asks after her friends, concerned with their welfare, Sageous simply dodges her question and doesn’t answer it. Just to make it clear, Sageous just executed three of Charity’s friends, so I think the girl deserves an explanation.

Charity spares no tears for her lost friends and simply shrugs it off, ecstatic that she has entered heaven, apparently uncaring that her friends are gone forever. Nice one Charity, you sound like the loyal friend who we can always count on to have our backs. Not.

The story could have been far more powerful if Charity offered to take her friends place, true to her name, or at the very least gotten angry at Sageous and the King (aka God).. Perhaps then the author could have included some meaningful dialogue between the characters as Charity is consoled over her tragic loss. But that never happens, and Charity's indifference makes her very unlikable.

Perhaps I am looking into this too much, but as someone who enjoys writing, that is what I do. Consider carefully before trying to engage your non-Christian friends with this audio drama.

To offer a small shred of kindness to the author, the voice acting was well done. I'll say that much for it. Dagon (aka Satan) was a bit weird (and the name Dagon kept reminding me of Elder Scrolls... yes, I'm a nerd), but otherwise, the voice acting was good. For that, I'll give this two stars.
12 reviews
July 22, 2010
One of the greatest things I have ever heard!!! Will give you more perspective on your final judgement and what your priorities should be in this life! Excellent!
Profile Image for Gabriel.
9 reviews
July 15, 2020
It's been awhile since I've listened to this, but this didn't give me a deeper understanding of God's grace and forgiveness, but rather that God is watching our actions and tallying up our good vs bad deeds, and whoever passes an unknown point of good deeds, then they get to enter Heaven.

In the end, Charity and the other character who is the mayor/political leader are the only ones of the friends who enter Heaven. Everyone, including the mayor guy, is extensively questioned about their deeds, but whenever it is Charity's turn for judgement she is given special treatment. The angel guarding the entrance was going to informally let her in but then he is told to treat her like everyone else (this is the only person he does this too). Whenever she meets the king, the king just tells her, "There's some times you missed things, but it's ok."

Everyone else's life is picked apart but Charity's is ignored, and allowed to enter. This seems like God picks favorites whenever Scripture teaches that He doesn't.

That mayor guy is made out to sound like that his life in Heaven is going to be a hard mediocre life for all eternity, and God will treat him like the red headed stepchild of Heaven. Jesus says that He is making a place for us in Heaven, mansions not some makeshift shack outside the walls of his kingdom where the common folk of Heaven live out their poor miserable lives for eternity and God almost forgets they are there.

There's no mention of God's saving grace of accepting Jesus's sacrifice and being redeemed FREELY without WORKS.

I understand there are works that Christians are to do (obeying God's commands), but those come after accepting Jesus's free gift of salvation.

"For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8‭-‬10

"For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. If those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made empty and the promise is canceled. For the law produces wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression."
Romans 4:13‭-‬15
June 28, 2017
This is an audio allegory. I'm not usually good with allegories, but with the help of the book by the same author, Driven By Eternity, I understood the characters before listening to the audio. I have to say that even without reading the book portion first, I would have gotten these characters. I truly understood what they were about.

The story was so telling of the truths in the Bible. We are not taught these truths anymore. Churches are so afraid to say what the Bible says in fear of losing members. I'd rather lose members than lose souls for all of eternity out of ignorance. When you get done with this story you will understand in which category you belong and will then make your choice. It also does a great job explaining the verse, "The least shall be first and the first shall be last."

I HIGHLY recommend!
Profile Image for Chantel.
181 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2017
When I first started, I was afraid. I was worried that it would be unbiblical and sensationalized account of eternity. Instead what I found was a great story of human trials followed by the true judgement that will happen for all believers. And it presented the world with the hard truth that God will have many approach the throne that claim to be followers, but that he will turn them away claiming not to know them. It's not enough to just believe in Jesus, you must also live for Him consistently in a position of Lordship and repentance in your heart. Always trying to sanctify yourself....this was a terrifying example of such truth. There was no prosperity gospel. There was no free grace theology. It was biblically founded leaving none of the hard stuff out. Great job!
2 reviews
July 20, 2024
I've read "Affable" at least once, possibly twice. I'm eager to experience it again through ChristianAudio’s audio play format. "Affable" is a remarkable book, akin to a contemporary "Pilgrim's Progress," yet entirely unique. Its adventurous narrative, deep thought out world, strong character development, and strong Christian principles have always convicted and strengthened me in my journey following Jesus. A must read for any Pilgrims Progress fan, or those who are Christian fiction enthusiasts.
Profile Image for Deborah-Ruth.
Author 1 book10 followers
November 19, 2021
This is such an amazing allegory. It's basically Pilgrim's Progress meets Lord of the Rings. I love how beautifully Scripture is woven throughout it. It really displays the life a believer gets to look forward to. Also the audiobook voice acting and soundscape is amazing. I would highly recommend this book - it really makes us stop and think about how to apply the "ancient truths" to our lives.
Profile Image for Ashley.
88 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2021
Jesus + nothing = salvation

We love for Him because He loved us first, and he did the work for us on the cross. Nothing we bring him is good enough. No works will earn us favor.

Live for Him because of what He did, not because of what you will gain from Him. He rewards us because we are His.
Profile Image for Jelmer.
49 reviews10 followers
July 26, 2018
The best audiobook I've heard so far.
It is life changing and it opens your eyes
I've relistened it twice already within 24 hours of finishing it
2 reviews
July 31, 2019
Great story, awesome analogies! Reminded me of Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
3 reviews
February 3, 2023
I listened to the audio version of this with my 2 daughters as part of our HomeSchooling literature
Profile Image for Danielle Cress.
Author 4 books23 followers
November 6, 2024
The story is very good, but may be confusing to those who don't understand that Jaylin represents Messiah, Dagon represents Satan, and so on.
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
5 reviews
January 26, 2025
Incredible tale what a beautiful writing!! I don't want to give any spoilers a captivating tale hard to put down!! Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Hernan Rueda.
46 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2021
The best book I read this this...
I wasn't expecting that type of end for Peter.

A must read book and I definitely rate it five stars
Profile Image for Abby.
79 reviews
October 25, 2022
This is a very powerful CD set. It's very eye-opening..
The audio drama is very well done, the choices for voices of the characters was excellent. The writing of the story is excellent. It brings out the things that we might have known, but forgotten (The King will separate the sheep from the goats, for example.)
However, as powerful as it is, I warn believers that please don't think it can be a Gospel Presentation substitute! It can't. (There's another review page for the same item, but the description is mixed up. Here on Goodreads.) I would suggest that you find a Gospel Presentation that you're comfortable with, and present the Gospel to your pre-Christian friends.
I also wouldn't suggest it for fairly new believers, either.
I think this is for a fairly seasoned believer, who might know something about the Bible. *Strong meat* for more mature believers. (Hebrews 5)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Abby.
79 reviews
November 4, 2022
This is a terrific allegory of what may happen on Judgment Day. It's a well-written, powerful audio drama. It has excellent choices for voice actors.
That said, it is strong meat, for seasoned, well read Believers.
I would not treat it as a Gospel-presentation replacement. I would also not present it to a youth group. I also would not suggest it for a fairly new believer.
Learn a Gospel presentation, and share it with your unbelieving friends and acquaintances. Do not hand it your pre-Christian friends and acquaintances, and expect them to get as much out of it as you did. They won't. Chances are, a new believer might be frightened, and get the idea that God is waiting for them to mess up.
Strong meat, for biblically sound, seasoned believers. (Hebrews 5)
66 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2016
This is well worth listening to. It's intense, but the story line speaks volumes for those in Christ. The friends, the passion, the dreams and desires of the characters. It's a story that will touch your heart, stretch you and inspire you to live your life with a character that imitates Christ.
5 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2007
This gives an interesting twist on beliefs of the bible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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