Indecision

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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

Indecision

As promised, more on Claressa from Chapter 3 of PART III. Here she is confronted with an actual appearance of the post-resurrection Jesus. (I decided to give her something concrete to base her faith on) But, when Manaheem presses her for a decision, she remains indecisive, wanting to think things through on her own I'm keeping the suspense going by her indecision. Manheem is hoping she will give her life to the saviour so they can be united spiritually as well as physically. Will she? What will she decide? Stay tuned or buy the book. (Buy it especially if you already have the first volume, Parts I

Book Excerpt

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

But, then, suddenly to the surprise of everyone, there was a slight rumbling sound and suddenly another figure appeared in the room. It was as if he had come straight through the wall. There was something almost glowing about him.
The children recognized him right away. “It’s Him! It’s Jesus!”
“Wow! I knew he would appear.”
Manaheem gave Claressa a gentle nudge. “It’s Him. It’s the one who died on the cross. I told you He’s alive. Now what do you say, my dear?”
But Claressa was silent, her eyes fixed upon the new arrival.
“Peace be unto you,” said the Savior to all, and, walking directly over to Thomas, told him to place his hand in his side and his fingers in the nail prints and to believe.
The disciple was overwhelmed and fell to his knees, crying “My Lord and My God.”
This was enough for Claressa. She knew now that Manaheem was right and this Jesus must be the Jewish Messiah. But how could he be the king of the world? She turned to Manaheem and said: “It looks like you were right. He did rise from the dead.”
“I told you that big guy wouldn’t lie.”
“But how can he be king of the world?”
“He wants to be king of anyone who accepts Him—king, savior and redeemer. I already told you that I accepted Him. What about you?
“Oh. I don’t know, Manaheem. This whole thing is so new and-----I’d just like some time to think about it.”
“Fine. I’ll drive you home and we can discuss it more on the way.”
“No, Manaheem. I think I’d like to be by myself tonight. I’ll find my own way home. I need to think this out for myself.”
“Suit yourself. When will I see you again?”
“I’m not at all sure. Perhaps at the next meeting.”
He understood her reason, but prayed she would soon decide to accept Jesus for herself.
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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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