The Journey Of The Magi

Although "Matthew's Gospel reveals little about the three wealthy visitors said to have presented gifts to the infant Jesus," the author presents the influence of the Magi in Christian society, in the machinations of monarchs and heads of republics, in relations with native Americans, and in the play of present day street children.--Jacket.

“Astonishing, delightful, and theologically sophisticated.” —Marvin Meyer, Griset Professor of Religious Studies, Chapman University Theologian Brent Landau presents the ancient account of Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, the three “wise men” who journeyed to Bethlehem to greet the birth of Jesus. The Revelation of the Magi offers the first-ever English translation of an ancient Syriac manuscript written in the second to third century after the birth of Christ and safeguarded for generations in the Vatican Library. Following in the footsteps of Elaine Pagels and her exploration of the Gnostic Gospels, including the controversial Gospel of Judas, Landau delivers an invaluable source of information to a world interested in learning more about the Nativity and the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

"Magi Journey - Assyria" is the first installment of a three-book series that follows a Family of Chaldean Magi from the court of Tiglath--Pileser III, King of Assyria in 734 BC, to Bethlehem in 0 BC. Through the eyes of the Magi, we see the history of prophecy, judgment, and redemption unfold. In this first book of the series, the Magi recount: -Meeting Isaiah, King Ahaz, and King Hezekiah of Judah. -Campaigning with King Tiglath-Pileser III and King Sennacherib as they subdue the Levantine States and deport the people of Israel to Assyria. -Creating the Magi school that will survive the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian Empires and serve as the foundation of the Magi Family of faith. An enlightening and historical book of religious history, this is an essential read for all practicing Christians. As the Magi Family journeys from Persepolis, Persia, to Bethlehem, four young men grow in spiritual maturity. It is the story of their struggle to find God and learn what it means to be a Godly man. It is also the story of the women who love them, who lead, teach and fight when necessary.

This beautiful classic Christmas story about the night of Jesus's birth makes a perfect holiday gift for boys and girls 3 - 7 years old. The visit of the Three Kings to the stable at Bethlehem is one of the most memorable of the Christmas stories. Filled with anticipation, and following an unknown star, the Magi begin the long quest to find the new-born king and to offer him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The thoughtful, gentle text will engage readers of all ages.

"The perfect Christmas gift for anyone interested in the historical background behind the birth of Jesus of Nazareth." — Robert J. Hutchinson, author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible, The Dawn of Christianity, and Searching for Jesus. "Utterly refreshing and encouraging." — Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and Martin Luther "The best book I know about the Magi." — Sir Colin John Humphreys, Ph.D., author of The Mystery of the Last Supper Modern biblical scholars tend to dismiss the Christmas story of the “wise men from the East” as pious legend. Matthew’s gospel offers few details, but imaginative Christians filled out the story early on, giving us the three kings guided by a magical star who join the adoring shepherds in every Christmas crèche. For many scholars, then, there is no reason to take the gospel story seriously. But are they right? Are the wise men no more than a poetic fancy? In an astonishing feat of detective work, Dwight Longenecker makes a powerful case that the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem really happened. Piecing together the evidence from biblical studies, history, archeology, and astronomy, he goes further, uncovering where they came from, why they came, and what might have happened to them after eluding the murderous King Herod. In the process, he provides a new and fascinating view of the time and place in which Jesus Christ chose to enter the world. The evidence is clear and compelling. The mysterious Magi from the East were in all likelihood astrologers and counselors from the court of the Nabatean king at Petra, where the Hebrew messianic prophecies were well known. The “star” that inspired their journey was a particular planetary alignment—confirmed by computer models—that in the astrological lore of the time portended the birth of a Jewish king. The visitors whose arrival troubled Herod “and all Jerusalem with him” may not have been the turbaned oriental kings of the Christmas carol, but they were real, and by demonstrating that the wise men were no fairy tale, Mystery of the Magi demands a new level of respect for the historical claims of the gospel.

Growing up the son of agnostics, John Koessler saw a Catholic church on one end of the street and a Baptist on the other. In the no-man’s land between the two, this curious outside wondered about the God they worshipped—and began a lifelong search to comprehend the grace and mystery of God. A Stranger in the House of God addresses fundamental questions and struggles faced by spiritual seekers and mature believers. Like a contemporary Pilgrim’s Progress, it traces the author’s journey and explores his experiences with both charismatic and evangelical Christianity. It also describes his transformation from religious outsider to ordained pastor. John Koessler provides a poignant and often humorous window into the interior of the soul as he describes his journey from doubt and struggle with the church to personal faith