The Pure in Heart

The Pure in Heart is a spiritual suspense-spiritual because it explores the Christian faith; suspense because it's about a confrontation between two opposing life callings. Set in Aiken, South Carolina, Josh Mason is the pastor of a small rural Baptist church. He serves his church and community and is always looking for an opportunity to minister to people. One morning he receives a phone call from Dave Johnson, who asks how to be saved. What Josh doesn't know is that Dave is a preacher hunter, someone dedicated to doing harm to ministers. They meet and the battle is on-Josh looking to help Dave, Dave looking to hurt Josh. As The Pure in Heart moves to a big finish, it deals with a minister's life, Christian theology, biblical authority, pastor and church criticism, contemporary issues, and sincere discipleship, the heart of faith in Christ. The Pure in Heart is ultimately about genuine discipleship. A few of the themes of the novel are as follows: 1. Following Christ is difficult. Jesus compels you to do things you'd rather not do. Josh sees that his confrontation with Dave is a test of his faith, that he's wrestling not so much with Dave but with God. 2. Following Christ is total trust in him. It is an all-in commitment with no guarantees. Josh wants to truly follow Jesus through all his trials and temptations. 3. Following Christ is eternal life. To know God through Christ is eternal life (John 17:3). Josh's experience of it is not defined by success, wealth, or happiness, but by satisfaction, contentment, and grace. The Pure in Heart is the first in a series on the pastor and the seven deadly sins. This book is the pastor and greed. The next one will be lust; then envy, pride, wrath, gluttony, and sloth.