Can Leopards Change Their Spots?

by William Jefferson

Overview

Set in events that occurred around AD 116, this book depicts, in fictional guise, the true story of Bishop Ignatius of Antioch Syria, who was condemned to die at the teeth of lions by then Roman Emperor Trajan for refusing to recognize Trajan as God. This story exemplifies the scriptural truth of the limitless power of the Holy Spirit to redeem, through love, its most precious gift, the most hardened of men. Would Ignatius' bold demonstrations of love and forgiveness toward his condemners and tormentors, even those to whom he referred to as leopards, move them to question their commitments to the traditional Roman gods, and, spiritually change their spots? Would Ignatius' example and teachings lead them to rely on his God's promises of abiding comfort and peace in this world and of an awaiting home with Him in heavenly glory in the next? As we struggle with loving and forgiving others amidst our daily struggles, this story challenges us to believe that our own acts and expressions of God's love can miraculously empower and reward us; make our enemies our foot stools; and change the hearts of those who may now operate as our enemies and as enemies of God.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940162865575
Publisher:	Covenant Books
Publication date:	05/13/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	430 KB

About the Author

William Jennings Jefferson spent five and a half years in federal prison, for convictions ranging from bribery, to honest services, and racketeering violations. In late 2017, a decision of the United States Supreme Court overturned these convictions, miraculously forcing Jefferson’s immediate release. While imprisoned, Jefferson, active in the prison church and leading its choir and Sunday school, began studying the trials and triumphs of martyrs of the Early Christian Church, discovering the intriguing, untold story of one such martyr, Bishop Ignatius of Antioch, Syria. Desiring to encourage today’s Christians, as well as nonbelievers, faced with critical challenges in life, including challenges of faith and of forgiveness, Jefferson, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, decided to create this Roman a clef, adapting the real-life story of Ignatius and his struggles, and those of early Christians with evil authorities, into a timely and useful Christian fiction novel of hope for life and for eternity. Can Leopards Change their Spots? exemplifies the truth of the proposition that, if the Holy Spirit could change evil men of Ignatius’s times, through the power and example of love and forgiveness, and inspire prison convicts of today to follow Christ, He can change the lives and convictions of all of us willing to avail ourselves of His overcoming, redeeming power.
Prior to his convictions and incarceration, Jefferson served eighteen years as a Member of the US House of Representatives, representing the Second Congressional District of Louisiana. Preceding that tenure, Jefferson served in the Louisiana State Senate for ten years, where he received numerous awards for excellent service, including twice being named Legislator of the Year by the Alliance for Good Government. Jefferson is a graduate of Southern University, of Harvard Law School, and holds a master of laws in Taxation from the Georgetown Law School. He has been married to Dr. Andrea Green Jefferson for forty-eight years, and they are the proud parents of five accomplished daughters—three law professors, a film maker, and a physician—and the grandparents of eight.