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A Passion of Christ Novel
02 Thursday Apr 2020
Posted in book review, The Soldier Who Killed a King
Category Archives: The Soldier Who Killed a King
An Antidote for the COVID-19 Blues
17 Tuesday Mar 2020
Posted in book review, The Soldier Who Killed a King
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So… you’re stuck at home. COVID-19 has you in isolation or something approaching isolation. You have spent countless hours surfing around social media sites. You’re tired of depressing newscasts and dire warnings. You need a break from it all.
Here’s a suggestion. Maybe it’s time to take a trip—not just any trip. This is a journey to the Holy Land—not the Holy Land of today, but the Holy Land during the time of Jesus. In fact, let’s visit during the most pivotal week in human history—the week of Palm Sunday through Easter Monday.
Let’s see the events of that pivotal week through the eyes of the Roman centurion who knelt at the foot of the cross and made this confession, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (See Matthew 27:54.)
That’s the premise behind my passion of Christ novel, “The Soldier Who Killed a King.”
So what do others think of this book? Well, the reviews are in and the scores are high. With 62 reviews on Amazon.com “The Soldier Who Killed a King” scores 4.8 out of 5 stars on the Amazon rating system. In Canada with 51 reviews posted the score is even higher at 4.9 out of 5 stars. Numbers like that are rare in the literary world.
Here is a sample of a 5 star review:
‘The Soldier Who Killed A King’ is one of the very best books we’ve ever had the privilege to read! Insightful, captivating, inspiring, historically accurate, so very satisfying and engaging… A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to David Kitz for having written this most incredible account of the crucifixion of Christ… A great read for this time of the year as we approach Easter! — Don & Jan MacGregor 😊😊
Despite an international travel ban, now might be the very best time to take that trip to the Holy Land.
To learn more and purchase in the USA click here.
To learn more and purchase in Canada click here. To purchase directly from the author use this link.
The Centurion’s Report
06 Friday Mar 2020
Posted in Lent, The Soldier Who Killed a King
I’m looking forward to the first performance this Lent/Easter season of “The Centurion’s Report” on Sunday, at Café Church in downtown Kingston, Ontario.
“The Centurion’s Report” is my own one-man, four-act drama. It’s the story of our Lord’s
passion, but it’s told from a different point of view, the viewpoint of the centurion who witnessed Christ’s death upon the cross. It was this man who is quoted in Matthew’s gospel as saying, “Truly, this was the Son of God” (Mt. 27:54).
Over the years, countless lives all across the continent have been changed by the Spirit as they have witnessed this portrayal of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. Have you been to the cross lately? Every man, woman and child needs to visit there.
“The Centurion’s Report” also led me to write the award-winning biblical novel, “The Soldier Who Killed a King“. Trust me on this point. There is no higher drama than the drama of the cross and the resurrection. Don’t miss out on participating in it this year.
This Week’s Discovery
03 Tuesday Mar 2020
Posted in book review, The Soldier Who Killed a King
The following Amazon book review took me by surprise:
Best ‘Historical Fiction’ Book Ever!
‘The Soldier Who Killed A King‘ is one of the very best books we’ve ever had the privilege to read! Insightful, captivating, inspiring, historically accurate, so very satisfying and engaging… A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to David Kitz for having written this most incredible account of the crucifixion of Christ… A great read for this time of the year as we approach Easter! — Don & Jan
High praise indeed.
As Lent Approaches…
25 Tuesday Feb 2020
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Imagine my surprise and gratitude when I saw the following Facebook post from my friend Andrew:
“As Lent approaches I made the decision to read this excellent book by my friend David Kitz for I think it will be the 3rd or 4th time. I am curious if anyone would like to join me for a Lent book study of this amazing book? If so message me.”
I have encountered a number of people who tell me they reread “The Soldier Who Killed a King” every year as Easter approaches. But it’s great to see that fact posted on social media.
A journey to the cross and the empty tomb is valid at any time of the year. This year why not take that journey as seen through the eyes of Roman centurion, Marcus Longinus?
A free seven week discussion guide is also available for personal or group use. Click for the link.
From a Soldier’s Point of View
12 Tuesday Nov 2019
I wrote my novel about Christ’s passion from the perspective of the centurion who was
in charge of the Good Friday crucifixion. Despite this masculine viewpoint, I have been pleased by the positive response from female readers. The following 5-star review was written by Sally Meadows and was posted to Goodreads:
It seems more than fitting that The Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed to God and was betrayed on the eve of His crucifixion, is the setting of the climax of “The Soldier Who Killed a King.” Here, the protagonist finally meets the living God in a gut-wrenching, unforgettably powerful way that will change his life forever. David Kitz’s narration draws us, throughout this book, into the complexity and brutality of New Testament times with such incredible detail that we can see, taste, feel, everything the soldier does. An enormously successful retelling of Jesus’s final days from the perspective of the man who was instrumental in Jesus’s death. And how through Jesus’s death, the soldier found true life.
To download a free study guide for this high-impact, bible-based novel visit: https://www.davidkitz.ca/centurion.php/free study guide PDF
For book purchases try the author’s website, or Amazon, or https://www.christianbook.com
Reading 37 for Lent from “The Soldier Who Killed a King”
15 Monday Apr 2019
Posted in Christ's Passion, The Soldier Who Killed a King
A journey to the cross is a journey to repentance. It’s a journey to deep personal change. Will you take this journey with me?
To download a free study guide for this high-impact, bible-based novel visit: https://www.davidkitz.ca/centurion.php/free study guide PDF
For book purchases of The Soldier Who Killed a King try Amazon or christianbook.com.
Reading 36 for Lent from “The Soldier Who Killed a King”
12 Friday Apr 2019
Posted in Lent, The Soldier Who Killed a King
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A journey to the cross is a journey to repentance. It’s a journey to deep personal change. Will you take this journey with me?
Date: 10:00 in the morning, Saturday, April 8, 30 A.D.
Marcus Longinus, the Roman centurion, seals Jesus’ tomb in compliance with the orders from Caiaphas, the high priest.
“Look,” I argued. “This is Jesus of Nazareth, if that’s your concern. I saw him taken off the cross”—I motioned in the vague direction of Golgotha—“wrapped in that shroud.”
I pointed to it. “He was carried into this tomb. This is his body.” I put stress on each word.
“Will you swear to that?”
I raised my right hand. “By the emperor’s throne, by the sacred temple, by all that is holy, I will swear.” I spoke with mounting anger.
This assertion appeared to satisfy them.
We walked out of the tomb, and I chose two fresh men to roll the stone back.
Then once more I addressed the high priest’s men. “I didn’t bring any plaster, or water, or a pot to mix it in. I will need to send someone to get these.”
This news was greeted with a disdainful sigh, but they insisted they would wait by the tomb until the job was done. I sent two men off to retrieve the required tools and material, and in due course they returned.
We mixed the fine-powdered plaster with water in an ample-sized iron pot. Using a stonemason’s trowel I scooped the wet, gray plaster over the narrow crevice that separated the rock door from the rock face of the hill. Soon an airtight plaster seal was in place around the giant circular rock door. At two points, one on either side, I affixed the governor’s own stamp into the yet pliable wet plaster.
Any tampering would break this seal and obliterate the imperial stamp.
At last they were satisfied. Caiaphas himself would have approved of this seal.
But then, why was I working for him?
To download a free study guide for this high-impact, bible-based novel visit: https://www.davidkitz.ca/centurion.php/free study guide PDF
For book purchases of The Soldier Who Killed a King try Amazon or christianbook.com.
Reading 35 for Lent from “The Soldier Who Killed a King”
11 Thursday Apr 2019
Posted in Books by David Kitz, The Soldier Who Killed a King
A journey to the cross is a journey to repentance. It’s a journey to deep personal change. Will you take this journey with me?
Date: Eight in the morning, Saturday, April 8, 30 A.D.
Marcus Longinus, the Roman centurion, on his way to set a guard at the tomb, considers the possibility of Jesus rising from the dead.
On the surface I protested being drawn into this, the high priest’s plan of preemptive precaution, but within me, I was filled with dark apprehension. These measures had merit. This guarding of the tomb might well be warranted.
I did not fear his disciples. There had been no sign of them, no sign of armed uprising. No, it was the prophet himself that I feared.
This notion of him rising from the dead did not strike me as all that far fetched. On the surface the Christ’s prediction seemed impossible— utterly impossible—totally preposterous. But then in life he had been a total master of the impossible. The example of the blind Bartimaeus sprang to mind. This Messiah had tossed off miracles like he was tossing off the covers from his bed. Could he now toss off the shroud of death?
There was something far larger at work here. This was more than the raving of a lunatic. Why else would the sun refuse to shine as he hung dying? Why else would the earth shudder with his last breath? No, he was the Son of God. My very own words came back to haunt me. Anything was possible; nothing could be ruled out!
I remembered the worried look I saw on Pilate’s face just this morning, when Annas had raised this matter. Without saying a word I knew we both were of the same mind on this. He too thought a resurrection could occur. Why else his prompt response?
This was more than the raving of a lunatic. Why else would the sun refuse to shine as he hung dying? Why else would the earth shudder with his last breath? No, he was the Son of God.
Oh yes, and then there was the rubbing of the hands. Guilt stains are not so easily removed. I should know. After all these years the blond-haired girl still visits me quite regularly on those soul- tormenting nights.
Only the high priest’s men seemed sure of themselves, cocky in their victory, but not cocky enough to throw all caution to the wind. Why else post a guard? But winds can change, and all this might yet blow up in their faces.
To download a free study guide for this high-impact, bible-based novel visit: https://www.davidkitz.ca/centurion.php/free study guide PDF
For book purchases of The Soldier Who Killed a King try Amazon or christianbook.com.
Reading 34 for Lent from “The Soldier Who Killed a King”
10 Wednesday Apr 2019
Posted in Lent, The Soldier Who Killed a King
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A journey to the cross is a journey to repentance. It’s a journey to deep personal change. Will you take this journey with me?
Date: Eight in the morning, Saturday, April 8, 30AD
Marcus Longinus, the Roman centurion, meets with Renaldo, a fellow centurion, to discuss the setting of a guard at Jesus’ tomb.
“I may have some work for you men,” I called out to these soldiers. “So don’t leave just yet.”
Upon hearing my voice Renaldo emerged from a side room where he and his wife had been tending to Lucas. “What is it, Marcus?” he asked.
“Oh, I need some men to guard the prophet’s tomb.” It was impossible to hide my frustration.
“Why?” Renaldo reacted with a shake of his head. He found this quite perplexing.
“Well,” I responded, “it seems that the high priest and his crew are worried that either Jesus will arise from the dead or his disciples will come and steal his body.”
“That’s bizarre.” Renaldo shook his head again. “Just bizarre. Where did they get that notion?”
“From Jesus. From the prophet himself. Apparently he predicted it.”
He bowed his head slightly, and then brought his hand to his forehead in what appeared to be a desperate attempt to mentally digest it all.
“Look, Renaldo. I don’t have time to try and explain this.” My exasperation was clearly showing. “And I don’t really know if I even can. Right now I need sixteen men to take to the tomb for the first shift. I need them there within the hour. I thought if we combined your men here with my men next door, we could make up this first contingent.”
“First contingent?”
“First contingent—first shift. They want it guarded day and night for the next three days.”
He shook his head again. “Fine.” He threw up his hands in exasperation. “We’ll prance around and do the Weasel’s bidding.” He was clearly angry. “Did Pilate approve this?”
Roman centurion — Andrew Nicholls
“Yes sir.” I bowed low in a show of mock subservience. “He’s back lickin’ the holy man’s stinkin’ feet—once again! He started yesterday during the Messiah’s trial,” I said bitterly, “and now, who knows when he’ll stop.”
“I can only shake my head,” Renaldo answered as he did just that. Then after a pause, with grim resignation in his voice, he said, “Let’s get on with it. I suppose we have to do it.”
He turned and bellowed at the twelve waiting men, “All of you head over next door.”
To download a free study guide for this high-impact, bible-based novel visit: https://www.davidkitz.ca/centurion.php/free study guide PDF
For book purchases of The Soldier Who Killed a King try Amazon or christianbook.com.
