David King

Early Christianity not only disrupted Greco-Roman society, it also laid the foundation for the emergenceof our Western Civilization. The original Jesus movement was not a quest for power, but the promotion of a radical idea-that all people are of equal worth and equally loved by God. Ironically, the story of how that idea took root and transformed Western culture owes much to the work of a former enemy of the movement.In a career spanning several decades working with a single congregation, David King wrote hundreds of articles for the church's weekly bulletin. This volume is a selection of those articles, based on the story of Christianity's early history."David writes with keen insight and a style that is easy to read and understand. Isn't that what we ask of any author? Engage me. Help me understand valuable, life-altering concepts. Drive the point home insuch a way that compels a change of life. And do it without excessive verbiage and tedious writing. David does this masterfully in these short essays on both oft-studied Scriptures and those verses that lie in theshadows awaiting someone to illuminate their heretofore unexamined truth." - Chuck Durham"In Wings Like Eagles, David King shows deft handling of the biblical text while discussing rich and complex topics. This book reads like a devotional commentary on Acts-Galatians, providing not only insight but directions for application for the serious Bible student. Deep but never wordy, this work is ideal for short daily readings to springboard the reader into further meditation." - Keith Stonehart

Shimush TehillimSefer Shimush Tehillim is a short and relatively little-known treatise attributed to Rav Hai Gaon according to the Sedei Chemed] which describes the Kabbalistic uses of particular chapters and verses from the Book of Psalms for prophylactic or healing purposes. These selections are meant to be either recited alone, frequently multiple times or in conjunction with some other action or prayer. Shimush Tehillim is mentioned in Teshuvas HaRashba, by the Chida, and others. This work is not to be confused with bibliomancy which is the use of Biblical verses for predicting the future.There are numerous instances cited in the Talmud and other sources regarding the utilization of Biblical verses to ward off demons and the Evil Eye, against bad dreams, against the effects of drinking water uncovered at night, and other more serious calamities. Verses were employed to lighten the pain at childbirth, as protection against danger on a journey, fierce dogs, bleeding and wounds, and the effects of fire and fever. Verses were recited to gain favor or improve one's memory, and so on.Yet, it must be noted, that there was great opposition to the use of the Torah for magical, curative purposes. The Rambam, the Tur Yoreh Deoh 179], and the Shulchon Oruch Yoreh Deoh 179:10] forbade such usage. The Rambam in Hilchos Avodas Cochavim 11:12 pointedly writes: "Regarding one who incants over a wound or reads a verse from the Torah, and so one who reads verses to calm a frightened child or places a Sefer Torah or Tefilin on a child so that he will sleep - it is not bad enough that these people are numbered among the sorcerers and diviners, but they are also counted as heretics to the Torah by using words of the Torah to heal the body. The (words of the) Torah are for healing the soul only, as it is written, 'and they shall be life for your soul'. However, it is permitted to recite verses and chapters from Tehillim for protection against troubles and harm - by merit of their recitation."Protection - yes, curing - no.Since Tehillim, more than any other Sefer from Tanach was used to defend against the effects of all types of predicaments and save one from danger, as recorded in Shimush Tehillim, I thought that it might be helpful to the reader so I have prepared the following insert above each chapter that states which Tehillim should be used for which ailment and condition. The insert in Hebrew is the full version with the name of Hashem. The English is the abridged version of the explanation.Nevertheless, since this monograph is meant for general educational purposes only and not practical application, and in deference to the dissenting opinions, I have only provided a selection of chapter usage from the book, and did not list the use of single verses nor what other actions are required in addition to the recitation of the chapter to affect the desired results. For such purposes, the interested reader must consult an actual edition of Shimush Tehillim and ask his rabbi how to employ it, if at all. All this aside, it is commendable to recite Tehillim anyway for the efficacy of it as prayer is well-known. Finally, I made no attempt at trying to determine why each chapter has the effect claimed, as there is no indication of this in Shimush Tehillim itself.

The Old Testament prophets were not appreciated in their day. Sadly, they're often not appreciated today either. The prophetic books of the Old Testament are not suitable for light, casual reading. That's why they are often neglected. But for those who are willing to dig, a study of these books can be a rewarding experience, providing deeper insights into God's character and His role in history."The writings of the prophets are often called the 'white pages' of theBible-the cleanest pages in the book because we rarely spend timein them. In this third volume in David's 'Wings' series, the prophets arerevealed in a way that invites application in our twenty-fi rst centurysociety." - Chris Huntley"The writings of the prophets are often viewed as having little connectionto modern concerns. David skillfully unfolds these texts, helping us to seea deep connection between their situation and ours as people living in afailing society, yet with hope in God's Messiah." - Jay Horsley"The lifetime of study David has dedicated to the scriptures comesthrough every time he teaches or comments on the Bible and life. Inreading this book you will gain valuable insights from a man who lovesGod, God's people, and God's Word. This is a great resource that you willreach for again and again." - Sam Bray

This world is a jumbled mess, and we yearn for a source of practical wisdom tohelp us navigate safely through the chaos.Five books of the Old Testament-Job through Song of Solomon-fill that need beautifully. This ancient library of philosophy speaks to the deepest longings of the human heart, helping us not only to better understand ourselves, but to recognize the steady hand of God amid all the mayhem that surrounds us.In a career spanning several decades working with a single congregation, David King wrote hundreds of articles for the church's newsletter. This volume is a selection of those articles, drawn from these five books of Wisdom.

Shortlisted for The Irish Book Awards Junior Children's Book of the Year 2022!From the Number One bestselling author of A Hug For YouWhen a trio of moody monsters jeopardise the Wompie Wonder Fair and throw the kingdom into chaos, something has to be done. And fast! Enter Sir Adam the Brave!Join him on his quest to save the day and find out what's making those monsters so very moody . . ._________'A sweet and fun story which shows the importance of empathy' Irish Examiner'Beautiful and inspirational' Paddy Donnelly

The heroes and villains of the Old Testament were not that different from us. We owe it to ourselves to study their stories. The books of Genesis through Esther in the Old Testament tell the story of a special family that God used in executing His plan to save humanity. The history of this people, with all their triumphs and failures, serves as a useful guide today for those who are struggling to find their own path through life.In a career spanning several decades working with a single congregation, David King wrote hundreds of articles for the church's weekly bulletin. This volume is a selection of those articles, based on this Old Testament history.

Every good sermon proclaims the gospel-even those from the Old Testament.From the miracles of the Gospels to the teachings of the Epistles, the New Testament is saturated with the saving work of Jesus Christ. But where is He in the poetry, prophets, and history of the Old Testament?Your Old Testament Sermon Needs to Get Saved is a practical handbook for preaching Christ from the Old Testament. The book provides a comprehensive but simple hermeneutic for discerning how Jesus is present on every page of the Hebrew Scriptures. You'll learn why and how to preach Christ from the Old Testament while experiencing the beauty of discovering and teaching how the saving work of Christ permeates the first two-thirds of the Bible.

In 2015, 36-year-old Chicago resident David King finds himself at a personal and professional crossroads. Feeling bored and restless, he longs to strike out on a crazy journey in a quest for beauty, kindness, and inspiration as to where his life should go from here. Having taken up biking as a hobby, he consults a map of the United States and, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, vows to ride across the country - from San Diego to Miami.Over the course of four months, "America on Two Wheels: Biking Coast to Coast in Search of Human Stories" follows David's journey as he pedals more than 3,000 miles across mountains, desert, bayou, and tropical flatlands, overcoming physical and mental challenges in pursuit of a destination he's not sure he'll even reach. Painting a tableau of adventure and a world of possibility in the vein of Jack Kerouac or Paul Theroux, he introduces readers to an unforgettable cast of characters and their unsung acts of kindness. David invites the reader to join him on a journey through fear, doubt, patience, and discovery - not just across a continent, but toward a profound lesson of gratitude. Part travelogue, part memoir, part spiritual journey, "America on Two Wheels" is an ode to pursuing the open road with an open heart.

IRISH BOOK AWARDS' CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021Nothing warms us up quite like a hug, but what can we do when we can't be together?This is the story of a new hug's adventure and the boy who shared it with the world.Adam King stole the hearts of the nation when he introduced us to his Virtual Hug, a heart-shaped sign he carried during the COVID-19 pandemic to help him stay connected to his teacher while he was learning from home. He also took it to his regular hospital appointments to show his doctors, nurses, and care staff that he was still giving them a hug, just in a different way. This picture book, inspired by true events, tells the story of one little boy with a big idea that came straight from the heart. The virtual hug makes its way onto mugs, postage stamps and even all the way to outer space, spreading warmth and connection to people all over the world._____________'A gorgeous, moving book' Irish Times'A genuine ray of light' 2FM Breakfast

On the morning of August 23, 1973, a man wearing a wig, makeup, and a pair of sunglasses walked into the main branch of Sveriges Kreditbank, a prominent bank in central Stockholm. He ripped out a submachine gun, fired it into the ceiling, and shouted, "The party starts " This was the beginning of a six-day hostage crisis--and media circus--that would mesmerize the world, drawing into its grip everyone from Sweden's most notorious outlaw to the prime minister himself.As policemen and reporters encircled the bank, the crime-in-progress turned into a high-stakes thriller broadcast on live television. Inside the building, meanwhile, complicated emotional relationships developed between captors and captives that would launch a remarkable new concept into the realm of psychology, hostage negotiation, and popular culture.Based on a wealth of previously unpublished sources, including rare film footage and unprecedented access to the main participants, Six Days in August captures the surreal events in their entirety, on an almost minute-by-minute basis. It is a rich human drama that blurs the lines between loyalty and betrayal, obedience and defiance, fear and attraction--and a groundbreaking work of nonfiction that forces us to consider "Stockholm syndrome" in an entirely new light.

David King was only 10 years old when he met The Angels. David King was only 10 years old when he met The Angels. This is a tale full of childhood adventures, street smarts and ingenuity. It is the story of a survivor in a time when violence in the home was commonplace and of the gang of Angels who took him under their wings, protected him and taught him the value of 'safety in numbers'. David's story also provides insights into the history of Melbourne's west and the teenage boys and girls who broke free of the norms of the 1950s to rebel in the '60s. It is a snapshot of life in a motorcycle gang that had a code of conduct, common interests and specific values, in a time gone by. The Angels code of 'all for one and one for all' was inclusive of all nationalities in a time of overt racism, and ensured a tight bond grew between this band of rebels and misfits who found a place to belong. This book acknowledges the Angels who shared David's love of motorcycles and taught him skills and life lessons when home and David's story offers rare insights into life in a motorcycle gang at that time in history and of a little boy lost, who survived enormous challenges to grow into an exceptionally good man.

On the morning of August 23, 1973, a man wearing a wig, makeup, and a pair of sunglasses walked into the main branch of Sveriges Kreditbank, a prominent bank in central Stockholm. He ripped out a submachine gun, fired it into the ceiling, and shouted, "The party starts " This was the beginning of a six-day hostage crisis--and media circus--that would mesmerize the world, drawing into its grip everyone from Sweden's most notorious outlaw to the prime minister himself.As policemen and reporters encircled the bank, the crime-in-progress turned into a high-stakes thriller broadcast on live television. Inside the building, meanwhile, complicated emotional relationships developed between captors and captives that would launch a remarkable new concept into the realm of psychology, hostage negotiation, and popular culture.Based on a wealth of previously unpublished sources, including rare film footage and unprecedented access to the main participants, Six Days in August captures the surreal events in their entirety, on an almost minute-by-minute basis. It is a rich human drama that blurs the lines between loyalty and betrayal, obedience and defiance, fear and attraction--and a groundbreaking work of nonfiction that forces us to consider "Stockholm syndrome" in an entirely new light.

In Crazy Talk: Stories Jesus Told, you'll find pastors doing what pastors do, which is trying to get congregations to laugh. Only professors are thirstier for giggly affirmation from students than clergy from churchgoers. No, but seriously, folks. The excellent sermons collected here walk the reader through the unrelenting message of the gospel parables: that Jesus Christ the Risen Lord is here and in charge. We, humans, are here, too, but we mess everything up. Not to mention, we cannot understand Jesus to save our lives.Praise for Crazy Talk: Stories Jesus Told"Jesus got killed for the outrageous, irresponsible, and offensive stories he told. Read Crazy Talk from the posse at the Crackers and Grape Juice podcast and you will be reminded of what it's like to want to kill somebody because of his preaching." - Rev. Dr. Will Willimon, United Methodist Bishop, Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke Divinity""Like the parables of Jesus, the sermons collected here are earthy, humorous, and connect with our most hidden, secret self. Like the preaching of the prophets, they manage to afflict the comfortable, comfort the afflicted, and never sound preachy. Not since Balaam's ass has the Word of the Lord been delivered in such an entertaining package "-The Rev. Dr. Rub n Rosario Rodr guez, Professor of Systematic Theology, Saint Louis University"The Church has done more damage to the power of the parables than any other category of scripture. We have moralized them and purposed them for our own agendas. We have foisted them onto children and told them to "be good." We have called ourselves Good Samaritans and Eldest Brothers like a Biblically uneducated clown parade. They were never intended for any of that nonsense. The Parables are intended to be void of morality and only consumed with the agenda of Jesus, who came only to save us. Buy this book. Jason, Teer, and the other yahoos at Crackers and Grape Juice will remind you just how bizarre, compelling, and truly unfair the parables really are. Thank God."- Rev. Sarah Condon, Churchy: The Real Life Adventures of a Wife, Mom, and Priest