Of Such Is The Kingdom, a novel of Biblical times. (Book) - 2/13/2008 11:29:18 AM
I give all the glory to God. It was He who gave me the talent to write in the first place. It was He who gave me the idea for the novel and helped me at every step of its completion. And it certainly was He who allowed it to be published. Thus, I’m certain He will use it for his glory and the salvation of souls. It was certainly fortuitous that Mel Gibson came out with his movie "The Passion of the Christ" when he did. The movie points the world to the cross. But I feel my novel goes further by giving a reason for the suffering and presenting the suffering one as the answer to mankind’s ultimate search. This end is accomplished primarily by allowing the reader to view the Biblical events through the eyes of the three main characters, a cynical non-conformist salesmen and foster brother to the king, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant, all of whom were searching for true fulfillment in their lives. I’m hoping that Christians will catch the vision and use my novel and others like it as tools by giving them as gifts to their non-Christian friends and relatives who enjoy reading.. Of course it also serves as great Christian entertainment, of which there is certainly a dearth today. Of course my novel begins further back than Mel Gibson’s film. Although "Of Such Is The Kingdom" takes place entirely in the time of Christ, Part I deals with the insurrection against Pontius Pilate and the background and events that could have led up to it. Part II uses a fictitious robbery and blackmail attempt to lead up the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Then, there is the Epilogue, which deals briefly with the early church. There is even a flashback in chapter 3 dealing with the visit of the Magi after Christ’s birth.
The style of "Of Such Is The Kingdom" is eclectic. That is, throughout the novel, I use a combination of writing styles, some of which I had picked up from my wide reading background. Of course, the most widely used is third person narrative. But I combine this at many points in the novel with straight dialogue, 1st person stream-of-consciousness narrative and even poetry. It really is, as one reviewer pointed out: "a gripping and powerful read."
I give all the glory to God. It was He who gave me the talent to write in the first place. It was He who gave me the idea for the novel and helped me at every step of its completion. And it certainly was He who allowed it to be published. Thus, I’m certain He will use it for his glory and the salvation of souls. It was certainly fortuitous that Mel Gibson came out with his movie "The Passion of the Christ" when he did. The movie points the world to the cross. But I feel my novel goes further by giving a reason for the suffering and presenting the suffering one as the answer to mankind’s ultimate search. This end is accomplished primarily by allowing the reader to view the Biblical events through the eyes of the three main characters, a cynical non-conformist salesmen and foster brother to the king, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant, all of whom were searching for true fulfillment in their lives. I’m hoping that Christians will catch the vision and use my novel and others like it as tools by giving it as gifts to their non-Christian friends and relatives who enjoy reading.. Of course it also serves as great Christian entertainment, of which there is certainly a dearth today. Of course my novel begins further back than Mel Gibson’s film. Although "Of Such Is The Kingdom" takes place entirely in the time of Christ, Part I deals with the insurrection against Pontius Pilate and the background and events that could have led up to it. Part II uses a fictitious robbery and blackmail attempt to lead up the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Then, there is the Epilogue, which deals briefly with the early church. There is even a flashback in chapter 3 dealing with the visit of the Magi after Christ’s birth.
The style of "Of Such Is The Kingdom" is eclectic. That is, throughout the novel, I use a combination of writing styles, some of which I had picked up from my wide reading background. Of course, the most widely used is third person narrative. But I combine this at many points in the novel with straight dialogue, 1st person stream-of-consciousness narrative and even poetry. It really is, as one reviewer pointed out: "a gripping and powerful read."
I give all the glory to God. It was He who gave me the talent to write in the first place. It was He who gave me the idea for the novel and helped me at every step of its completion. And it certainly was He who allowed it to be published. Thus, I’m certain He will use it for his glory and the salvation of souls. It was certainly fortuitous that Mel Gibson came out with his movie "The Passion of the Christ" when he did. The movie points the world to the cross. But I feel my novel goes further by giving a reason for the suffering and presenting the suffering one as the answer to mankind’s ultimate search. This end is accomplished primarily by allowing the reader to view the Biblical events through the eyes of the three main characters, a cynical non-conformist salesmen and foster brother to the king, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant, all of whom were searching for true fulfillment in their lives. I’m hoping that Christians will catch the vision and use my novel and others like it as tools by giving it as gifts to their non-Christian friends and relatives who enjoy reading.. Of course it also serves as great Christian entertainment, of which there is certainly a dearth today. Of course my novel begins further back than Mel Gibson’s film. Although "Of Such Is The Kingdom" takes place entirely in the time of Christ, Part I deals with the insurrection against Pontius Pilate and the background and events that could have led up to it. Part II uses a fictitious robbery and blackmail attempt to lead up the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Then, there is the Epilogue, which deals briefly with the early church. There is even a flashback in chapter 3 dealing with the visit of the Magi after Christ’s birth.
The style of "Of Such Is The Kingdom" is eclectic. That is, throughout the novel, I use a combination of writing styles, some of which I had picked up from my wide reading background. Of course, the most widely used is third person narrative. But I combine this at many points in the novel with straight dialogue, 1st person stream-of-consciousness narrative and even poetry. It really is, as one reviewer pointed out: "a gripping and powerful read."
Purpose (Article) - 10/31/2006 11:46:07 AM
Gee, Odie ---- Doctor Becker hates women. Why would I want to consult him? ~ Garfield
The Power of Thankfulness (Article) - 3/10/2005 6:50:04 PM
James,
I give thanks for the little things every day. Thanks for the reminder. Excellent, well-written article.
Cynthia
The Power of Thankfulness (Article) - 3/9/2005 6:16:55 PM
In everything give thanks a very thought provoking article here that you did so well on.
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 9/25/2008 11:41:16 PM
Spiritually uplifting.
You have GOD gifted talent.
Yours in Christ,
John Michael
PS: My first wife died of cancer and it took over 20yrs. to write about our experiences during the last days of her life. I have the short story on my Author's Den website. Please visit when you have time. Thank You!
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 9/23/2007 12:29:48 PM
This piece had made me really think about death and the people in which I have lost in my life. I want you to know that you hit the nail right on the head when you wrote A Believing loved one's death.
It is a brilliant piece, thanks for sharing your work.
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 11/4/2006 12:50:34 PM
Incredibly beautiful, vivid and true to my belief. Makes a peaceful read and reassuring to anyone who has had a loved one pass away. Thankyou
Men Search (Poetry) - 5/8/2006 6:34:52 AM
Exellent James. What men search for can be found by opening a Bible. You have outstanding talent and I enjoy reading you!
~Linda
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 5/8/2006 6:33:04 AM
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I am guilty also of taking for granted the little things like watching birds, all the small gifts the good Lord gives us each day. Thanks for opening my mind and heart to all of God's wonders.
~Linda
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 5/8/2006 6:30:19 AM
For if the loved one knew the LOrd,
Then be though not afraid.
She is not lost, she is not dead,
But, only has gone on ahead
Awesome words James! When a Christian dies we should rejoice and not be sad. They are in a much better place than we are!
~Linda
Why Do I Believe in God?--My Mother's Undying Love (Poetry) - 5/8/2006 6:27:10 AM
EXCELLENT James! Your mother was a saint! Her never ending prayers were answered the day Jesus came into your heart.
~Linda
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 10/16/2005 5:43:57 PM
Dear sir, thoroughly enjoyed "A believing loved ones death" It spoke consistent of faith and all things attained therein. I noticed that you attended BJU...
Bob Jones University, in Greenville, S.C., where he acted on their radio drama series, "Miracles."
I enjoy listening nightly to this station. Thanks for a beautiful write.
Allen
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 8/4/2005 12:04:29 PM
" ... and the children shall lead ... "
The open hearts of children have much to teach us ...
the wonder and beauty of nature is one of them.
Blessings,
Joseph
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 8/4/2005 8:25:32 AM
All nature’s wonders; things God hath wrought;
The beautiful things which, around us each day,
Live their own lives in their own little way.
I saw a child watching some birds today
James....gem of a write...wonderful...love n luck....BHUWAN!!!
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 7/28/2005 7:41:29 PM
I completely agree with Peter! such a lovely enlightening piece!
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 7/28/2005 4:49:27 PM
A welcome piece of spiritual gravitas James
We should always make time for our Creator and his marvels !
"Failing to notice--entangled in thought--
All nature’s wonders; things God hath wrought; "
Peter
Men Search (Poetry) - 3/9/2005 3:42:07 PM
so true. man is never satisfied. good write, james! well done!
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