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James Michael Becher

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

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

Synopsis

Can a cynical, nonconformist, dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant all find true fulfillment in ancient Palestine? And at what cost? Find out in this intriguing 2020 Readers Favorites award winner.
• The nonconformist, Manaheem, Herod's truth-seeking foster brother, is hired by Herod Antipas to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate, whom Herod fears.
• Manaheem, in turn, recruits the disgruntled blacksmith, Barabbas, to lead the insurrection - much to the dismay of Barabbas's Godly but fearful wife.
• Imagine Pontius Pilate as a weak ruler, whose wife pushes him to take over Herod's territory.
• Imagine a young pensive mendicant, who joins with an older beggar unsympathetic to his younger partner’s musings.
• Meanwhile, Manaheem reunites with his former wife, Claressa. Then, in need of money, after much soul searching, tries to blackmail Herod, losing Claressa in the process. Will he win her back?
• Barabbas turns to robbery, enlisting the aid of the two beggars.
• Timotheus, the younger beggar almost turns back
Does redemption lie ahead, and at what cost to those who find it? Find out in this incredible tale filled with conflict, suspicion, and treachery.

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

The Bereaved

This excerpt picks up where the previous one left off, as the newly re-named Barnabas and family go to visit the family of the man he had killed and apologize. As they go, Deborah asks if she can call him by his former name. Upon arriving they are met with nothing but hostility, first from the children and then the mother. This would be the natural reaction of a family toward the murderer of their father and it serves to add to the suspense. Will they finally accept Barabbas and his family--accept his apology and allow them to help? Stay tuned OR buy the book ----------NOTE this is the entire 3-Part edition. Each PART is also available by itself.

Book Excerpt

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

On the way, Deborah asked: "Can I call you Barabbas at that house?"

"Oh, I suppose it would be alright," he answered. "They already know me by that name and by the foul deed I did."

************

As they arrived, the children were playing in the yard. As they approached, the children recognized them.

"What are you doing here?" asked Jake.

"We came to give our sympathy to you and your mother," answered Barabbas.

"Well we don't want your sympathy," said Joseph, the oldest. "Get out of here!"

"But," offered Caleb, "My Daddy told you he's sorry for what he did."

"Yes,” chimed in Ruth, "an' we told you 'bout Jesus, 'member."

"We remember,” answered Jake."

Joseph scowled and added: "But that don't erase what was done."

"You're right," agreed Barabbas. "But I would at least like to apologize to your mom."

By now, their mother had heard their voices and came to see what was going on. She stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips. "What's going on?" she asked. "Who are you?"

Before he could answer, Joseph yelled: "Mama, this is the man who killed Daddy."

"Is that true?" she asked angrily.

"I’m afraid it is, mam," he answered.

"Well what are you doing here?"

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

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James Michael Becher

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

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

The Bereaved

Book Excerpt

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

Comment on this Bubble