Talkshow Thursday:
A Guest Post by MJ Elliott
The story that revealed itself to me along the way was so much deeper. Character arcs that I mapped out were filled with people overcoming everything to win in the end. Every chapter led to the ultimate happy ending, and I thought it would be the easiest story I would ever write. If you have read The Hope of Inheritance, you know that is not how it all reads.
Instead, the story became a dark epic detailing many of the worst moments of that time. Every time I picked up a history book or an article to read, I found something even darker that I felt compelled to write into the story. Everything suddenly became more real. I found myself in tears many times just thinking about the pain and suffering the early believers endured because of their beliefs.
If you have read the story, you know how important Theophilus is to it. He didn't exist in The World of
Even after he found his way into the story, there was a point where I wanted to send the narrator, Nathaniel, back to Caesarea with Theophilus and his family. In the end, something tugged at me to keep the focus on Rome. When I let that go and focused more on Rome, the entire plot with Lysias unraveled overnight. I read my devotions one night, and hours later, Lysias had become the antagonist.
His whole arc kept playing on repeat in my dreams. I did not know why his story mattered then, but now, his story even has a role in my next book. There were so many of these moments that shaped what The Hope of Inheritance became. In discovering them, I knew everyone mattered, even the characters most people would forget, like Rohn and the scribes.
In the end, the hope I meant for one or two characters to find throughout the story became the hope that this community of believers needed. Better yet, it reminded me of the hope I had lost. Sometimes battles are fought in the public eye, but more often they are fought within.
The Hope of Inheritance that the characters found in the closing narrative was not found in the ongoing wars taking place all around them; it came from something much more valuable: a faith-filled community coming together despite everything they endured. That is something our world could use a little more of, and that matters to the story being written through our own lives.
About The Hope of Inheritance
The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach. The message has always been clear; The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us.
In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering. Each one of these men has endured their own journey for such a time as this, and have been given a different message they were called to teach. Together, they must rebuild what has been lost as they face the painful circumstances of the world they have inherited from the founders of their faith.
Silas, Luke, John-Mark, and Timothy, all knew Peter and Paul and the message God spoke through them. The time for these four individuals to stand in the gap between faith and reality has finally come. Will they complete this mysterious letter before they are all killed just like those who came before them? This story is the epic journey these four brothers in Christ, and their scribe, experienced as God prepared their hearts to write that Letter and how HE led them through it. Are you ready for the Journey?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4obz0gJ
About MJ Elliott
Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is an award-winning, dedicated writer with a strong passion for spreading the word of Christ. Matthew has spent 15 years serving in different types of ministries, both as a volunteer and a minister of the Gospel. Although he was never ordained, his experiences have given him a deep understanding of what ministry is all about and how it has evolved over time. His degree in Biblical Studies is from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and emphasizes Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.
Matthew is happily married to Traci, and they have three delightful children: Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. Matthew's books aspire to minister to believers with love, equip them for service in God's glory, and nurture the body of Christ with edification through His work. He hopes that all who read his content will feel the loving touch of God's encouragement and guidance.
Website: https://www.mjelliott-author.com/
Photo credits:
Author photo and book image: Courtesy MJ Elliott
Jordan Petra: Pixabay/Plukje
Jerusalem: Pixabay/IrinaUzv
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