The New York Times described the fragment as “smaller than a business card, with eight lines on one side, in black ink legible under a magnifying glass.” The lines are all fragmentary, with the third line reading “deny. Mary is worthy of it,” and the next reading “Jesus said to them, ‘My wife.’” The fifth line reads, “she will be able to be my disciple.”

The papyrus fragment, believed to be from the fourth century, was delivered to Professor King by an anonymous source who secured the artifact from a German-American dealer – who bought it years ago from a source in East Germany. News reports claim the fragment is believed to be an authentic, although two of three authorities originally consulted by the editors of the Harvard Theological Review expressed doubts.

The media has instantly transformed this as “proof” that Jesus had a wife, and that she was most likely Mary Magdalene. Professor King will bear personal responsibility for most of this over-reaching. In fact, she has called the fragment nothing less than “The Gospel of Jesus’ Wife” — a title The Boston Globe rightly deemed “provocative.” That same paper reported that Professor King decided to publicize her findings before additional tests could verify the fragment’s authenticity because she “feared word could leak out about its existence in a way that sensationalized its meaning.” Seriously? King was so concerned about avoiding sensationalism that she titled the fragment “The Gospel of Jesus’ Wife?”

The bottom line to all this is simple; anyone who believes something like this should come to church with me Sunday. I’ll introduce you to a real messenger if God who need not sensationalize stories about Jesus.

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“In His Very Steps [was] wonderful. It made me cry and it made me laugh. God challenges each of us wherever we are in life. In the ordinary we can find the extraordinary with God’s help. Miracles happen every day but we are much more likely to see God in our living. Very good work!”

~ Debbie (Shamong, New Jersey)

“I love it soooo much!! I can honestly say that the book has changed my life. It’s amazing!! You did such a great job and I cannot wait for the next one. I’m actually getting a copy… to give to my brother-in-law for Christmas.”

~ Emily (Knoxville, Tennessee)

“I love how you are teaching biblical precepts throughout this ‘fiction’ work and are also addressing some of the lies that have been accepted by many via movies, such as ‘The DaVinci Code,’ and other erroneous works. Kudos, Sir!”

~ Nancy (Locus Grove, Georgia)

“From the very beginning of the book, I was captivated by the numerous characters and their real-life struggles and triumphs. I highly recommend “In His Very Steps: What Does the Bible Say?” by Dr. Charles J. Williams, Jr. to anyone looking for a well-written, conservative-biblical based, Christian fiction novel.”

~ Lanette (Arlington, Texas)

“Can’t stop reading even through the tears. It’s unbelievable… love it!

~ Elaine (Hemmingway, South Carolina

Only $12.95

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E-edition copies are available for your smartphone or e-reader device from the following application retailers.

Also available from the following book retailers.

What Does the Bible Say? is the first book in the six-part “In His Very Steps” Christian fiction series. Each book in the series will emphasize a different Christian discipline which I was introduced to in 1990. The cross symbolizes those disciplines and God’s Word, the Bible, explains their meaning and importance in our life.

Inspired by Avery Willis, this disciples cross is the inspiration behind the "In His Very Steps" series (click to enlarge)

The first discipline is Obedience and faith, it is the central focus of book one, What Does the Bible Say? Obedience and faith is what binds all the other spiritual disciplines together. Without them the cross can not support itself. In the pages of the Bible, Jesus instructed: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Obeying God’s Word is not easy. History has shown that our human nature is prone to resist authority. We see that in Genesis chapter 3 when man disobeyed the Heavenly Father and the result was devastating. Man was separated from God. Disobedience has a similar affect upon our relationship with the Lord today. But God is faithful. He will forgive us our sins and restore our relationship if we will confess our sins and return follow His instructions (1 John 1:9).

Witnessing is another Christian discipline and will be the central focus of book two, Fishers of Men. Witnessing is not an option for a Christian. Jesus commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations (c.f., Matthew 28:19-20), and it is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle in harmony with the gospel of Christ. Jesus also reminded us that God is pleased when we witness. “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Prayer will be the central focus of book three, Move Mountain. Is has been said that prayer is to the Christian what breathing is to the body. More specifically, prayer is both talking and listening to God. At the same time, prayer is recognizing the presence of God (Psalm 118:18) as we claim promises of God (2 Peter 1:4). Equally important, prayer is the Christian’s source of strength and power, a means of discovering the will of God, and biblically mandated means of having our needs met (Philippians 4:19). Jesus promises, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).

Fellowship will be emphasized in Love One Another. Based on what I like to call The Eleventh Commandment, Jesus’ instructions in John 13:34-35 is clear, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” We are to love others because Jesus loved us first. His model is our inspiration and his legacy is the defining quality of our new life as disciples.

Service will be the focus of IHVS book five, You Are My Friend. A New Testament church is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers that can affect lasting, positive change in the lives of others. Both men and women are gifted to serve and be friends to others. One of my favorite passages in all of scripture is John 15:13. There we read, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” It is fascinating to me to realize that Jesus considers me to be his friend. Being a friend to others has a similar impact on people.

Finally, the focus of the last book in the IHVS series, Show Thyself Approved, will be discipleship. This is the all-encompasses discipline that expands the entire cross. Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and knowledge and in Jesus Christ rests all wisdom. Thus, all sound learning is a part of our Christian faith, and Christian education is a necessary component to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people. Once again, Jesus teaches, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24).

Because I love Him and You,

Charles Williams is a former Southern Baptist Pastor with more than 16 years experience. He currently serves as a high school educator and he is the author of the Christian fiction series, In His Very Steps.

In May 2010 Dr. Williams lost his my job after blowing the whistle on a Principal who was changing student attendance records to improve promotion rates. He lost his reputation, his savings, and eventually the family home. But God used the time to teach him many lessons and to to complete the first book in this series. His goal is educate readers about the wonderful life available through Christ Jesus while encouraging Christians through trial and hardship. People are imperfect but there is hope and healing in the Bible through the person of Jesus Christ. You’re invited to learn more at http://www.ihvsbooks.com

Tell us about your latest product, Staci.

“Well, it’s not my ‘latest.’ It’s just the one that happens to be a good jumping off place for most people. The book is called ‘Cowboy,’ and although the numbers get a bit confusing, it was the 5th book I finished, the 3rd one I published, and the 1st I put out on Kindle and Nook. This book is like an old friend to me. We’ve traveled many miles together–both literally and figuratively, since I wrote it over ten years ago.

“‘Cowboy’ is the story of Beth, a waitress in a little run-down diner on the edge of nowhere. She’s raising her young daughter alone because of a tragic accident that killed her husband. One night she’s called in to work, and needing the money, she goes in. During her shift, a stranger comes in. Beth quickly realizes the guy is in trouble, so she gives him some food and a listening ear. Afraid that if he leaves with nothing to hang onto, he might do something stupid, she gives him her telephone number. Honestly, she thinks she will never hear from him again, but when he calls a few nights later, they strike up a conversation and then a friendship. Little does she know that her new friend is Country Music’s biggest star.“

What draws you to your genre? Why is this type of story compelling to you?

“Mostly I write Contemporary Christian Romance, but I don’t stay solely in that genre. I also write YA (young adult) romance, historical romance, as well as Bible Studies and short non-fiction collections. I jumped into Contemporary Christian Romance because I’ve always been a romantic at heart — ever since I was a young girl and read the Sweet Dreams romances, and even earlier when my grandma read me Cinderella when I was three and four years-old. There is something that fascinates me about two people finding each other and falling in love.“

What is your writing process? Do you map the entire product out first or do you just let it unfold?

“Chaos! How’s that for an answer?

“I’ve written 30 full-length novels and no two were written in the same way. There is no ‘process’ unless you count listening to God and going when He says to go, and stopping when He says to stop. One of my books was written in just over 3 weeks, and another took 7 years; I’ve been writing on another for nearly 15 years and it’s still not finished.

“In general, I’ve found there really is a season for everything and every book. There is a time for ‘Cowboy’ and a time for ‘Coming Undone,’ a time for ‘The Price of Silence,’ and a time for ‘A Light in the Darkness.’ I never know where I’m going with any of it, but I’ve learned to trust God and let Him work it all out to my good.”

How much of YOU is found in your characters?

“LOL! I stopped trying to do that a LONG time ago!

“Here’s a very small glimpse into my life: I have a husband (who sometimes works out of town), three kids in two different schools — and I volunteer at both schools setting up and running fundraisers. I write and direct the VBS plays at my church every year and I teach Sunday school. I run all of the finances for my husband’s company and mine and the families’ personal finances. I’m Mom in Chief, running everybody everywhere–drum lessons, gymnastics, choir, etc.; we have two very large and well-connected families to keep up with. If that isn’t enough, I’m the founder of an online author group that is very active, I have two blogs with that group and my own personal blog, and in addition to all that, I’m currently revamping my out-dated website. I’m on Twitter and Facebook. Oh, and I do the laundry, dishes, and house cleaning while publishing books and writing new ones.

“What balance? GOD is my balance. Literally. I have learned to rest in Him and let Him work out the details of everything. If I tried to do all of this and schedule it and make it work, I would go crazy within the week. So I don’t. I go when God says Go on a project and I stop when He says stop. I can’t explain how He gets it all to work like He does, but then again, He’s God. He’s good at miracles!“

What breaks you out of a creative slump?

“God saying, ‘Go!’ I might go for a month or more between novel writing sessions and then all of a sudden, God sets a piece into my life and BAM! — 50 pages or more. My biggest issue is being patient enough to wait for the pieces.”

Do you ever censor your writing to avoid offending or displeasing people?

“I have certain ‘lines’ in my own life that I will not cross. Those are the same lines my characters either won’t cross, don’t cross, or know they’ve messed up and need forgiveness when they do cross them. Otherwise, I pretty much put other people’s opinions in God’s hands because I don’t write for them. I write for Him.”

Is there a story you want to tell but avoid because it would be too controversial?

“I do have one story that will probably never see the light of day, because the characters don’t just cross lines, they obliterate them. When I wrote it, I had a very trusted writing partner. I told him about the idea, and that it wouldn’t leave me alone. He told me to just write it even if it was just for me to get it out of my system. He was right. I needed to get it out to be able to go on with other things. But that’s not to say my others are always completely tame. I have characters who deal with alcoholism and suicide, promiscuousness and the death of close loved ones; others deal with recovering from drug abuse, relationship abuse, and family issues that don’t just go away because they want they did.”

How can you write an honest autobiography without offending people who recognize themselves?

“The short bios are pretty easy. I focus on myself and my writing. However, I do have another book that I wrote after my brother’s suicide that again probably will never see the light of day because I don’t want to hurt anyone in the family by bringing up memories that will never go away. I’ve started putting that one out as guest blogs here and there that don’t focus on him or them but more on what I learned throughout his battle with bi-polar. Do I think the whole thing could help? Yes. I just haven’t come to a place of peace that doing so would be more helpful than hurtful.”

How do YOU build or create an effective platform to reach your audience?

“This is one I’m working on with that group I founded, Grace & Faith 4U (http://graceandfaith4u.com). For me, it’s a combination of getting reviews, doing interviews and guest blogs, and connecting with other authors to cross-promote. I haven’t found a single magic bullet yet, but I’m working on one.”

What would be the top thing you would tell aspiring authors?

“Don’t ever let anyone talk you out of being yourself or the calling God’s laid on your heart.

“When I first started writing Christian romance, there was no such thing. I had more people ask, ‘Christian romance? What’s that?!’ Most of the time they would laugh in case I didn’t get the point the first time. But I knew that’s what God was calling me to write whether it made sense to anyone else or not. Later, I knew God was asking me to independently publish my work. Lots of people questioned that, going all the way to criticize and question my commitment to God and His will for my life. What I learned is that the world is ALWAYS going to try to talk you out of doing what God is asking you to do. So take the advice that sets your heart at peace. If what they are saying equals no peace in your soul, don’t do it. Whether that’s changing a scene or your voice or your story to suit them. Rely on GOD and God alone. If He says, ‘Peace,’ go for it. If He doesn’t, all the money and acclaim in the world will never be worth it.”

Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:

Spirit Light Books–The Blog http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/

Facebook Author Page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-Light-Author-Staci-Stallings/266593276699576

Staci’s Bookshelf: http://stacistallings.wordpress.com/

or

Follow Staci on Twitter @StaciStallings

Buy one copy of my book, IN HIS VERY STEPS,” spend 10 days reading it, and tell seven friends how it blessed you… but if it doesn’t bless you, I’ll buy it back.

Click here to accept the challenge!

Because I really do love Him,

Charles

Connect with me on Facebook

Friend and brother-in-Christ Thomas Smith

A former newspaper reporter and TV news producer, Thomas Smith, is is this week’s winner of In His Very Steps. I’ve only known Thom for a short period of time, but he has quickly become a friend and a mentor. Thom is an award winning writer, playwright, and essayist. His work has been published in numerous magazines, books, anthologies, and newspapers. His poetry was featured on Mrs. Cox’s bulletin board when he was in the third grade (the elementary school equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize), and he is a three-time American Christian Writers Association Writer of the Year. For his invaluable assistance in helping me encourage people to walk in the very steps of Jesus, Thom is this week’s In His Very Steps Hero.

I need YOU too. It is extremely difficult to be successful as a Christian author. But I’m claiming the promise of Jesus in Matthew 19:26 and I would ask you do the same with me, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I’m continuing to give away a copy of my book EVERY WEEK this year. I hope you will find it in your heart to help.

Because I Love Him and You,

Thank you, Nona.

Social Activist, Nona Ellington of Houston, Texas is this week’s winner of my debut novel, In His Very Steps. According to Nona’s website, Eagles Restoration Ministries, she is not only helping to promote my book, she is healing those who are hurt. This vibrant young woman has dedicated her life to individuals affected by abortion, divorce, incarcerated women, and more. It is a privilege to recognize her as this week’s In His Very Steps Hero.

I need YOU too. It is extremely difficult to be successful as a Christian author. But I’m claiming the promise of Jesus in Matthew 19:26 and I would ask you do the same with me, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I’m continuing to give away a copy of my book EVERY WEEK this year. I hope you will find it in your heart to help.

Because I Love Him and You,

Long before the advent

The era of the hand-held e-reader began with 1993 Apple Newton and the 1999 Rocket eBook (the first portable reader). Portable Digital Assistants or PDAs soon followed that were software application based more than book readers. That same software was also modified for use on laptops and tablet PCs.

True competition Apple’s Newton didn’t surface until Sony introduced it’s Libre device in 2004. The result was widespread industry acceptance that eReader devices were here to stay — but any Star Trek could have told they would. In fact, the popularity Sony’s device appears to have lit a fire in Amazon’s executives who released its Kindle in 2007. Mega-bookseller Barnes & Noble followed with their own device, the Nook, in 2009. Following the earlier trend of software following electronics, the release of Apple’s iPad in 2010 may ensure that reading will never be the same again.

With this brief history in mind, let me compare four widely available eReaders for your consideration: the Kindle Fire, the Nook Color, the Nook Tablet, and one you may not know about, the Kobo Vox.

Kindle Fire

Price: $199

Screen: 7-in.color touchscreen

Operating system: Customized Android OS

Available Library: Books, movies, TV shows, songs, magazines and newspapers

Book lending: Yes

Apps/games: Thousands of Kindle-optimized Android apps and games

Battery life: 8 hours reading or 7.5 hours during video playback

Storage: 8 GB plus cloud storage (about 6000 books, 80 applications, 10 movies, or 600 songs)

Connectivity: Wi-Fi

Summary: The Kindle Fire benefits from Amazon’s widespread popularity, proven e-ink technology that makes it easy to read indoors and outside, lots of content, and Amazon Prime shipping. You can even borrow a book.

Nook ColorPrice: $199

Screen: 7-in. color touchscreen

Operating system: Customized Android OS

Available Library: Books, movies, TV shows, magazines and newspapers, steaming music

Book lending: Yes

Apps/games: Thousands of Nook-optimized apps and games

Battery life: 8 hours reading

Storage: 8 GB expandable to 32 GB

Connectivity: Wi-Fi

Summary: B&N’s original semitablet is now less expensive and it functionality close to the Nook Tablet for less money. In store support is great. One of the best selling points of the Nook devices is that you can read for free when you take your Nook to a B&N retail store.

Nook Tablet

Price: $250

Screen: 7-in. high resolution color touchscreen

Operating system: Customized Android OS

Available Library: Hundreds of thousands of books (plus Marvel graphic novels); magazines; HD movies, TV shows; NetFlix, Hulu Plus, and Pandora

Book lending: Yes

Apps/games: Thousands of Nook-optimized Android apps and games

Battery life: 11 hours reading; 9 hours video playback

Storage: 16 GB expandable to 32 GB

Connectivity: Wi-Fi

Summary: Pricier than the Kindle Fire but less expensive than the iPad, this tablet has a wide viewing angle, fast dual core processing, and in-store support at hundreds of B&N stores. One of the best selling points of the Nook devices is that you can read for free when you take your Nook to a B&N retail store.

Kobo VoxPrice: $199

Screen: 7-in. color touchscreen

Operating system: Android 2.3 (standard Android OS)

Available Library: Books; newspapers through PressReader; magazines via Zinio; streaming music

Book lending: No

Apps/games: 15,000 free Android apps optimized for the Kobo Vox; the Kobo App store and access to standard Android apps via Android Market.

Battery life: 7 hours with Wi-Fi off

Storage: 8 GB expandable to 32 GB

Connectivity: Wi-Fi

Summary: Just two years old, the aggressive Canadian-based e-book retailer is matching Amazon and B&N device for device and may have the most clever social media technology of them all.

Citations

Reid, C. (2011, October). History of e-books & readers. Institute of Museum and Library Services 21st Century. http://www.slideshare.net/nebraskaccess/history-of-e-books-ereaders

Bova, B. (1989). Cyberbooks. Tor Books.

Lanette Wilpitz of Arlington, Texas — Pastor’s Kid, wife, and mother of two boys, is week two’s winner for her volunteer effort to promote my book to her friends and acquaintances. Amazingly, Lanette published a brief but flattering review of IHVS on the Facebook fan page for WoMen’s Literary Cafe, shared at least one Facebook post on her personal page, and even went so far as to post a flattering 5-star review on Amazon.com (http://goo.gl/qdU0N).

Speaking from my heart, I need YOU to me reach people who would benefit from reading my book; fellow Christians like yourself who are willing to talk about the book, offer one as a gift to members of your church, sharing stories about the book’s impact on your when you read it, share stories and Tweets, and more. Best of all, even a little act can made a big impact.

I hope Lanette’s example will help to motivate others to join in the effort. I’m deeply indebted to Lanette and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.

Remember, I’m giving away a copy of my book EVERY WEEK. All you need to do is:

1. Do something to help me promote my book. Here are some examples:

• post a link on your Facebook page
• download an information sheet and share it with your pastor or Bible study group
• lend an eEdition of the book to a friend
• write a brief review
• tweet about the book (click here for suggestions)

2. Record your volunteer effort in the comment box below.

Even if you already have a copy of In His Very Steps, you can win another copy to give as a gift to bless a friend or family member. People from all over the county, and even people across “the pond,” are coming to discover the wonderful power of God’s Word and realizing his unique presence in our lives.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a note at charleswilliams85@gmail.com. In the meantime, help me share the message of God’s love by helping me spread the news about In His Very Steps.

Because I Love Him and You,

Janice Boles of North Charleston was the 100th person to LIKE the IHVS Facebook page

ihvs

I know it’s not that big of a deal but it’s special to me. Thanks to so many of my friends on Facebook, the IHVS Facebook page (www.facebook.com/InHisVerySteps) reached the 100 LIKES. As best I can tell, Janice Boles of North Charleston was the 100th person to make it possible. A special thank you goes out to her but I am extremely thankful for each and everyone of you who helped me reach this minor milestone. For her part, I’m sending Miz Janice a signed copy of In His Very Steps: What Does the Bible Say? I trust she will enjoy it.

“In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6)