Belief and reconcilation

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James Michael Becher

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Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

Synopsis

This novel is the sequel to "Of Such Is The Kingdom Parts I & II A Novel of the Christ and the Roman Empire." It employs those characters who were still alive at the end of Part II and adds some new ones. Did Claressa embrace Manaheem's new-found faith? What happened to the bereaved family of Benjamin? Did Joseph, the oldest son get to go to Rabbi school? Did Barabbas continue to follow the master and did his wife and children join him? And was Pontius Pilate able to forget about his decision to crucify Jesus and did he become the strong ruler his wife wanted him to be? These and other questions are answered in this volume.

The new characters added include Saul, who becomes Paul, Herod Agrippa, the nephew of Herod Antipas, who wants to take over the latter's territory, and Caligula, the crazy son of Emperor Tiberius and friend of Agrippa. Against the background of suspicion and treachery within the empire and disdain for and persecution of the new faith, the Church continues to grow and flourish.

Follow the travels of Manaheem as he tries in vain to convert the two Herods. Follow the machinations of Herod Agrippa in his aim to take over his uncle's territory. Follow the foibles of Pilate as he seeks to become a stronger ruler, while still regretting his decision to crucify Jesus.

Follow the new life of Barabbas and his family. Follow the lives of Benjamin's family as they cope and deal with their loss and the now seeming impossibility of Joseph's schooling. Will he get to go to Rabbi school and what will it mean for their future? But mainly follow the early church as it grows in spite of persecution.

bio

Author Biography
I, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1943 to a Christian family and accepted Jesus at an early age. In Jr. High School, I became interested in writing and drama. I wrote poems, articles and a few short stories, and plays. In college, I won second prize in a contest with a Biblical short story, which now forms part of my first novel, “Of Such Is The Kingdom, A novel of the Christ and the Roman Empire,” published in 2003. In 2010, I wrote the sequel, “Of Such Is the Kingdom, Part III, Power and Persecution, A Novel of the early Church and the Roman Empire.” I also wrote a Sci-fi novel, “Impossible Journey, A Tale of Times and Truth” and a non-fiction book, “Principles of the Kingdom." I graduated from Clearwater Christian College in 1970 with a B.A. degree in Bible-Literature, and from Biblical School of Theology in 1974 with a M. Div. Ordained in November, 1974, I served as assistant pastor/Bible teacher in several churches. I also served in a foreign-student ministry, where I met my wife, Berenice Carett from Venezuela. In 2014 I wrote an American historical novel, called "The Christmas Victory."

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Author Insight

Belief and reconcilation

O.k., I will keep you in suspense no longer--Here's the part of Chapter 6 ("An Eventful Meeting") where Claressa and Manaheem get back together, after she tells him she also has decided to follow the Saviour. Her hesitation has been because she wanted to make sure she was doing it for the right reason. Now their relationship has a new dimension--a Spiritual one. It is founded on a common belief, and this is the basis for any successful relationship. At the end of this excerpt, Manaheem decides to share his new-found faith with Herod. How will the king take to hearing it? Stay tuned or buy the book. (Buy it if you already have Parts I

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

As they rode, they talked.
“I really missed you, Claressa"
“I missed you, too Manaheem. But, I had to be sure I wasn't deciding to follow Jesus for the wrong reason."
His face lit up. "So, you did decide to follow Jesus?"
"How could I have done otherwise? He died for us all and arose again to prove it. After some thought, I prayed and accepted Him as my Savior the night I went home alone from the meeting."
"That's wonderful Claressa. I’m so happy. Now we can truly be one, because we are one in Him."
"Yes, Manaheem, isn't it wonderful?"
They embraced for a moment. Then, he said “I guess we should join the others in being baptized."
"Certainly. And not only that, I think we should get re-married. After all, we were divorced."
"That's right, my dear. I almost forgot, since now it seems we've been together forever. But, we do need to have a good testimony before the world, don't we?" He sighed.
"Absolutely, dear."
"Isn't it great to be a follower of Jesus?"
"It certainly is. And I have you to thank for telling me about Him."
He sighed again. "You know what I’m thinking? I really should go and tell my foster brother, the king about my new-found faith."
"Herod? Do you think he'll believe you?"
"Probably not, but at least I owe him a try. Hopefully he hasn't left Jerusalem yet."
"Let me know when you're going. I shall pray for you."
"Thank you my dear. You know, I think I love you more than ever."
“I know I love you more than ever." Once more their lips met.

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James Michael Becher

Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Book Excerpt

Of Such Is the Kingdom Part III—The Early Church and the Roman Empire

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