The "Temptations" Series

A Novel

The Temptations of the Cross

The Complete Series

A five-book series (and an optional bundle) coming soon to Amazon. Available to read for free on this website (until ready for sale on Amazon).

From deadly spiritual battles to quiet thoughts on the ways of God with men, from the Halls of heaven to the Gates of hell and all the drama that lies between, experience the History of Redemption like never before, as seen and told by Gabriel, the guardian angel of Jesus and the archangel of the Almighty God.

Book 1 - The Beginning of the End

Book 2 - Heavy Weighs the Crown

Book 3 - Once and Future King

Book 4 - Valley of Shadows

Book 5 - The Sacking of Hell

Book 1: The Beginning of the End

Jerusalem, 66 A.D., six years before the Temple and the Holy City are destroyed by the Romans. The Jewish rebels have won a victory against the Roman legions from Syria. In the midst of the celebration only the Rabbi Gamaliel, once the teacher of the Apostle Paul, has remembered General Vespasian and his army in Egypt.

He has sent Onkelos, his most faithful student, to spy on the Romans and to put to rest the rumors of an impending invasion. The message he brings back plunges Gamaliel into a crisis that rocks the very foundation of his faith.

Book 2: Heavy Weighs The Crown

But the forces of Heaven are already at work and Benjamin, the grandson of the Rabbi Gamaliel has become a follower of the Christ. As they prepare for the Passover, there are forces at work to arrest Benjamin and make him an example before the people. This would prove a very interesting Passover and one that would have a surprising end.

Gabriel, the archangel of God, takes us on a journey into the Jewish past to discover the beauty of the Days of Artistry, to feel the fear at the Sacrifice of the Promise Child, to sweat and labor in the Long Desert March.

Then we journey towards the Messianic future to join a young girl in the Birth Pangs of Promise, to suffer the agony of the Divine Irony and wonder at the Death of Sin upon a rubbish heap outside the Holy City.

Book 3: Once and Future King

Then we journey towards the Messianic future to join a young girl in the Birth Pangs of Promise, to suffer the agony of the Divine Irony and wonder at the Death of Sin upon a rubbish heap outside the Holy City.

From his birth as a poor man's child to his sojourn in the land of Egypt, from the temptations in the desert to the threats from the crowds to force him to be King, the journey of Yeshua of Nazáret is a rocky road on the way to Jerusalem.

Book 4: Valley of Shadows

It is here that we encounter the Temptations of the Cross. The temptation of Jesus to avoid the cross and the temptation of Satan to use the cross as his instrument of revenge.

Upon the outcome of these two temptations hang the hopes of the nations. But Satan does not know that the Divine Sting is already in motion.

The Divine Irony can be seen in the mock trial before the authorities to the mockery of the religious leaders while they witnessed the descent into hell of the only person who could save them. Death comes in darkness but light and hope come in the morning.

Book 5: The Sacking of Hell

From freeing the prisoners in hell and joining the triumphant procession back to life and liberty, from divine visitations and a new mission, the thing that matters most is transformation.

The Rabbi Gamaliel will not be disappointed even though the battle for his soul is just now starting in earnest and the guilty secrets of his heart will now come to light. But will he discover the way of the cross and find forgiveness and reconciliation through Yeshua of Nazáret?