Henry O. Arnold III releases a new book, "The Mercy Seat," the first volume of "The Urban Chronicles" series. 

Henry O Arnold III's website

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Importance of talking about conflict & dichotomy
• Jesus came to give us His heart so that we can reflect His heart to the world
• Willingness to sacrifice

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Henry's career as an actor and author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is "The Hiding Place." He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled "The Song of Prophets and Kings."

Mr. Arnold received his B.A. from Pepperdine University and his Master of Fine Arts degree at U.N.C. Chapel Hill.

When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world. 

He and his lovely wife, Kay, have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.

TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

02:02 - Introducing Henry O Arnold III

02:35 - raised in Christian home

02:41 - parent are professional actors

02:58 - people of all walks of life welcomed into their home

03:53 - appeared in a play with his father

04:24 - met wife, Kay

05:01 - influence of a father on his son

05:17 - What led Henry to write The Mercy Seat

05:41 - Kay suggested writing something contemporary as opposed to historical fiction

06:04 - read article about a pastor who worked with urban societies, specifically the homeless

06:48 - Henry had been working with organizations minstering to the homeless

07:49 - Brief description and narrative arc of The Mercy Seat

09:32 - Inspiration for the characters

10:51 - Matching characters with the action in the story

11:15 - Making characters authentic and believable

11:59 - Imagine the characters playing out the scenes

12:46 - Imagination & daydreaming

13:08 - Importance of talking about major themes of the book - conflict & dichotomy

13:28 - People to see themselves in the characters and environments

14:39 - Empathize with the character because of his truthfulness

15:13 - Expands the heart muscle of how we see people

15:26 - Art helps us see that we have a common bond

15:38 - Art gives Christians a sense of God's heart towards all people

15:52 - Jesus came to give us His heart so that we can reflect His heart to the world

16:10 - Hebrew idea of being God-centric is to be a blessing on this earth

16:41 - Christian idea of being God-centric is eternal life

16:49 - Jesus came and changed us and we see these elements in our society

17:29 - When we are kind to the others, we lend to the Lord - we show God's kindness to one another

18:17 - God desires justice, not sacrifice

18:50 - Our righteousness comes from God and we should be able to reflect that in acts of justice

19:51 - Researching for The Mercy Seat deepened relationships with God, Kay, immediate family, and other people

20:23 - Willingness to sacrifice

22:03 - Jesus used stories to bring people back to God

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