Meet the Author
Although this is Tom Lloyd’s first book, he has written stories, an array of poems, and many gospel songs. Governor Jimmie Davis of Louisiana recorded three of his songs, including “She Touched the Hem of His Garment,” “Heavens Avenue,” and “Soul Train to Glory.”
The Man Called Jesus was inspired by Tom’s daughter’s encounter with the scripture concerning the thief on the cross who turned to Jesus for help.
Tom graduated from Hermitage High School in 1952, and then served two years in the United States Army. He worked for thirty-six years in the paint coatings industry. He was with Glidden Paint Company for twenty-eight years and with Devoe Paint Company for eight years.
Tom’s wife Louise retired from her job with the International Mission Board as assistant facilities manager, and they now live with their daughter and her family in Chester, Virginia.
Details
Formats: Paperback
Pages: 124
ISBN PB: 978-1-9399304-4-6
Release Date: 6/15/2015
Endorsements
“Oh, Jesus! The redemption he felt in that moment must have been so overwhelming we could never put words to his experience with Jesus, or imagine the feelings of joy in his soul—the promise of Paradise! The Man Called Jesus brilliantly puts this experience into words and captures our hearts.”
~ Anna L. Hebb, EdD, LCSW, C-SSWS, team editor and co-author of A View From The Bridge, inspirations and writings of faith, and founder of Woman of Worth Mentoring Ministries, Inc.
“I have known about the man called Jesus since I was old enough to pronounce His name. I have personally known Him for the last twenty-five years. The man called Jesus changed my life in some incredible ways. As I read this story, I saw a lot of myself before I came to know Jesus: likeable; the apple of my parents’ eyes; loved by my family; deceitful; wanting more than I had; lying to myself and others about my life; fearful, but also having a need, or craving, for something I couldn’t, or wouldn’t, satisfy. I have since learned that I was not unlike all who do not know this man called Jesus.
“In The Man Called Jesus, my good friend Tom weaves a realistic and engaging tale about the experiences of a young man caught in a life-threatening dilemma. There comes a time in his life, as it does in ours, that he must make a life-changing decision. As you read the story, apply it to your own life. Know that there are those who love you, think more of you than you think of yourself, who want the best for you, and who will love you unconditionally with forgiveness that most will not believe until it is personally witnessed.
“I have been privileged to have a number of people in my life such as Hanan’s friend Matthias. Tom is one of them. From their example, I have grown in my life and hopefully have been able to be a Matthias to others. There is a Matthias in your life, too. Open your eyes and your heart and he/she will be there.
“Enjoy this story. As you read, and reflect, you will come to see, just as I, Tom, Hanan, Matthias, and so many others have, that it really is ultimately about the man called Jesus.”
~ Bill Vickers
“Thirty-five years ago, I preached my very first sermon. I remember it like it was yesterday. I preached on the repentant thief on a cross from Luke 23:42. Jesus’ immortal words, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” are some of the most inspiring words ever written in the history of mankind. This simple statement from the lips of Jesus gloriously captures the grace and mercy found only in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“My dear friend and brother in Christ, Tom Lloyd, has beautifully captured the essence of this wonderful moment in the life of our Savior by crafting a historical novella entitled The Man Called Jesus. In the biblical record, we don’t know how much at all about this remorseful thief who was saved by Jesus in the last moments of his earthly life. What was his name? What was his background? Where and why did he go wrong? We simply don’t know. Tom Lloyd has dared to ask, “What if?” What if we knew his name, and knew more about who he was and what his family was like? What if we knew?
“A few years ago, Tom’s daughter was powerfully moved by the story of this thief who found redemption at the end of his life. She approached her father and asked him to write a story about this mysterious criminal. You hold in your hands the result of a godly man’s devotion to his Savior and an adoring father’s love for his daughter.
“Tom Lloyd takes us on a journey back in time to the days leading up to the triumphant moment when the eternal God/Man Jesus Christ bore the sins of the world and absorbed the wrath of a Holy God in our place. Tom beautifully crafts a story that enhances the biblical record. His work never diminishes the actual scriptural account.
“If this story touches your life the way it has mine, you’ll walk away from these pages with a heightened sense of gratitude for all that God has done for us in Christ Jesus! The amazing grace of God and the tender mercies of our Savior will become more cherished in your mind and heart.
“Thanks to Tom Lloyd and his inspiring story, the repentant thief now has a name…Hanan. You’ll march up the hill toward Golgotha with the Roman Centurion named Markus. And the glories of Calvary will be forever etched deeper into your heart and mind.
“I am so grateful for this story from the pen of a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a loving husband and father, and a dear brother in Christ. Well done, Tom!”
~ Mark Jordan, Senior Pastor, Ironbridge Baptist Church
