Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 parts

"Wow, it does seem that the LORD Jesus was with you.  Well, that's another name we must add to our prayer list--Not only Herod but also his nephew, Agrippa."

"--Two very hard cases.  But I suppose with the LORD all things are possible."

"Oh, Manaheem I love you more every day.  Come here and kiss me."

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A note from Manaheem's journal:

The power of the Holy Spirit is truly something amazing.  I could hardly believe the change that came over me at Agrippa's house.  One minute I was afraid to talk to this royal young stranger and the next minute I was as bold as a lion and the words were just flowing from me.  It couldn't have been the wine, as I only took very small sips.  No, it must have been the power of the Holy Spirit which fell on us at Pentecost.  The master said he would be in us.  I don't feel his presence all the time, but thank God, He was there when I needed Him.  Oh, I had stood up fearlessly to Herod Antipas before, but that was from my own cynicism and perhaps a false sense of superiority due my stance of non-conformity.  Now I realize that I am no better than anyone else and would be where they are had it not been for the grace of God.  I thank God every day for that day at the cross when I gave my heart to the dying savior.

The next believer's meeting began with a report from Peter and John.  When they had gone to the temple the other day, a lame beggar at the gate had asked them for alms.  Peter had replied that they didn't have silver or gold, but then told the man in the name of Jesus to rise up and walk, and the man did.  He was running and leaping and praising God.  It was a real miracle and afterward Peter had given a powerful sermon about Jesus.  But the Sadducees had called them in and threatened them, commanding them not to speak any more in the name of Jesus.

"That's terrible" said one of the disciples.  "What are we going to do?"

"There's only one thing we can do," answered Peter.  "We can pray/"

So we prayed for boldness and as we did the place was shaken and we all felt that sense of boldness.  Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit.

After the meeting, Barabbas--or should I say Barnabas (as his name was changed) invited Claressa and me to his house for dinner:  It was a wonderful meal.  After dinner they put the children to bed and then we sat and talked about the wonderful new life we have in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit whom he sent on Pentecost.  Then we prayed for our needs, our friends and relatives and for the two Herods, Antipas and Agrippa.  It was truly a great time of Christian fellowship.