Of Such Is The Kingdom, PART I: Discontent and Insurrection

Of Such Is The Kingdom, PART I: Discontent and Insurrection
Author: James M. Becher
Publisher: Scribl
Total Pages:
Release: 2003-09-12
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1386764140

##Step back into New Testament times--to Ancient Palestine at the time of Christ and of the historical Roman Empire, and ask: What could a cynical, non-conformist dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant all have in common? The answer: Down deep, they all seek something better. But will they find the true fulfillment they are seeking? The non-conformist, Manaheem, Herod's foster brother, is hired by Herod to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate, whom he distrusts. Manaheem recruits the blacksmith, Barabbas, to be the insurrection leader, to the dismay of Barabbas' Godly but fearful wife (when he finally tells her). The mendicant, an unfortunate but pensive young man named Timotheus, joins with an older beggar completely unsympathetic to his musings. Pontius Pilate sees himself as a weak ruler, but his wife pushes him to be stronger and to even take over Herod's territory. Manaheem re-unites with his former wife, Claressa. In need of more money, he tries to blackmail Herod over his illicit affair With Herodius, his brother’s wife, but, Herod decides to marry Herodius and send his present wife back to her father. John the Baptist preaches to Herod and looses his head. Herod's palace is attacked, and suspecting Pilate, he tells Manaheem go ahead with the mission. Barabbas is successful in forming a group of insurrectionists and they rehearse for the big day. But will the insurrection succeed? . ----------------------- ###WRITING STYLE: The writing style is a unique eclectic style, combining poetry, straight dialogue and 1st person stream-of-consciousness narrative with the 3rd person narration.

Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times

Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times
Author: James M. Becher
Publisher: WestBow Press
Total Pages: 316
Release: 2020-03-12
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1985669056

Intriguing historical fiction novel of Biblical and Roman times developed from a prize-winning story.$ave by getting the entire 3-Part edition containing all 3 parts in one volume. Step back to Ancient Jerusalem at the time of Jesus and of the Roman Empire, and ask: What could a cynical, non-conformist dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant all have in common? The answer: Down deep, they all seek something better. But will they find the true fulfillment they are seeking? The non-conformist, Manaheem, Herod's foster brother, is hired by Herod to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate, whom he distrusts. Manaheem recruits the blacksmith, Barabbas, to be the insurrection leader, to the dismay of Barabbas' Godly but fearful wife (when he finally tells her). Will the insurrection succeed? The mendicant, an unfortunate but pensive young man named Timotheus, joins with an older beggar completely unsympathetic to his musings. Pontius Pilate sees himself as a weak ruler, but his wife pushes him to be stronger and to even take over Herod's territory. Manaheem re-unites with his former wife, Claressa. In need of more money, he tries twice to blackmail Herod, losing Claressa in the process. Will he win her back? Barabbas, also in need of more money, turns to robbery, enlisting the aid of the two beggars. Will the result be riches or disaster? Does redemption lie ahead, and at what cost to those who find it? Amid conflicts, suspicion, and treachery within the empire, what will be the reactions of the rulers to the new sect called Christians?" "The story has a powerful message that has clearly been displayed throughout the novel. Mr. Becher takes you through a wide range of emotions from beginning to end. ..... This is a great novel that I'm sure you will enjoy!. 5 stars" -----Rudelle Thomas (Divine Eloquence)

Of Such Is The Kingdom, PART III: Power And Persecution

Of Such Is The Kingdom, PART III: Power And Persecution
Author: James M. Becher
Publisher: Scribl
Total Pages: 150
Release: 2021-04-06
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1633484688

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.

The Christmas Victory

The Christmas Victory
Author: James M. Becher
Publisher: CreateSpace
Total Pages: 160
Release: 2017-11-10
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
ISBN: 197921266X

Powerful inspirational American Historical fiction novel:Historical fiction or Alternative history?: Aside from both being authors, what do the lives of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Mark Twain have in common? The answer: Both of their lives really did contain terrible tragedies, but, from which they eventually found real hope and spiritual meaning and fulfillment—at least in this novel. Get it to see how. This book is about one little sermon called “The Christmas Victory,” and one, even littler poem, called “Christmas Bells,” and how, fictionally, they both may have influenced and given hope to, not only the author of the poem, Henry W. Longfellow, but also his son, Charles, and Mark Twain, whom Charles meets. Though suffering tragic losses, these all eventually find hope and spiritual fulfillment--at least in this novel. Order your copy now to see how. In the forward, the Author, James M. Becher, says this: "I have used the framework of the lives of the Longfellow and Clement families, and have added my own hopes and thoughts as to many other details, including what their true spiritual conditions might have been. I can't say whether I will see any of the Longfellows or Clements in heaven. I can only hope so, and I give you that same hope through this novel." This book can serve as a means of encouragement and hope to those who may have suffered loses as well as to all of us who may do so at any time in the future.

WILDFIRE PUBLICATIONS MAGAZINE APRIL 1, 2018 ISSUE, EDITION 9

WILDFIRE PUBLICATIONS MAGAZINE APRIL 1, 2018 ISSUE, EDITION 9
Author: Susan Joyner-Stumpf
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 92
Release: 2018-04
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1387711652

Welcome to April's Issue, Edition 9, of Wildfire Publications monthly Magazine, keeping you informed of writing news associated with the company and great articles to sink your creative teeth into.