David Gwartney

Biography

David Gwartney has traveled to biblical sites in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Greece, and Turkey, gaining an understanding of places that bring scripture to life. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and met his wife, Tiffany, in Orlando, Florida, while earning his first master’s degree in Business Administration. He spent the next thirteen years living in Chicago, Illinois. While in Chicago, he earned his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, studying both Greek and Hebrew languages. He then planted a church in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of the city, where he pastored for seven years. His travels and studies have led to three books exploring the Greco-Roman context of Paul’s letters to Philippi, (A Journey Through Philippi), Ephesus (A Journey Through Ephesus), and Colossae (A Journey Through Colossae). He currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida and works as a Business Analyst, but is always planning his next adventure to ancient sites.

Smashwords Interview

When did you first start writing?
As a pastor, I wrote sermon outlines, but I always felt like there was so much more to explore in any given topic. There was one series I had taught a couple of time, and even after teaching through it more than once, I still had ideas bouncing around in my head on the topic. Then on a trip to Israel with a couple of good friends, one of these friends encouraged me to start writing. I came home and began writing my first book, Ten Essential Words, where I really took a comprehensive look at the Ten Commandments and their relevance for today's world. I've been writing ever since.
Who are your favorite authors?
There are several authors that I love to read for different reasons. Brennan Manning, who recently passed away, has probably influenced me as much as anyone. His writing really reaches deep inside me and brings out emotions and insights that tend to get pushed aside. N.T. Wright and Dallas Willard bring an intellectual approach to the Bible and to faith that I really resonate with. Bruce Feiler's books on exploring the actual places and sites of the Old Testament hit close to one of my biggest passions: traveling to places rich with Biblical history.
Read more of this interview.

Books

A Journey through Philippi
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 79,390. Language: English. Published: February 1, 2024 . Categories: Nonfiction » History » Ancient » Greece, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Biblical Studies / Paul’s Letters
Explore the Greco-Roman backdrop of the Apostle Paul's letter of Philippians. The Roman colony of Philippi was the first city Paul encountered as his missionary journeys expanded into Greece. The church in Philippi became known for their generous support of Paul. Embark on a journey through Philippi in this exploration of the historical landscape of the New Testament book of Philippians.
A Journey Through Colossae
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 63,560. Language: English. Published: August 15, 2021 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Biblical Studies / Paul’s Letters, Nonfiction » History » Middle East / Turkey & Ottoman Empire
Colossae was one of the more obscure cities to which Paul wrote. To begin with, Paul never personally visited the city. Additionally, Colossae has never been excavated. Yet none of this should diminish the timely message that Paul conveyed to the Colossian church. An understanding of the Greco-Roman culture of the city contributes to this comprehensive study of the book of Colossians.
A Journey Through Ephesus
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 94,290. Language: American English. Published: October 29, 2017 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Biblical Studies / Paul’s Letters, Nonfiction » History » Middle East / Israel
Ephesus was one of the most influential cities in the Roman Empire. It also served as a base of operations for the Apostle Paul’s ministry to Asia Minor. So when Paul wrote Ephesians, he wrote to a city that he knew would influence the entire region. The Greco-Roman culture of the city emerges when we understand Paul’s purpose and audience in this comprehensive study of the book of Ephesians.
Connected to the Vine: A Reflective Guide to the Fruit of the Spirit
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,060. Language: English. Published: July 6, 2013 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Christian Life / Spiritual Growth, Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Biblical Meditations / New Testament
The Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians refers to the virtuous actions that characterize those who follow Jesus. But are these qualities that we can nurture within ourselves or are they simply qualities that God forms within us? This brief study examines each piece of fruit for its biblical meaning and modern application. It is also a great tool for personal devotion or group study.
Ten Essential Words
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 108,520. Language: English. Published: July 1, 2012 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Christianity, Nonfiction » History » Middle East / Israel
Can the relevancy of the Christian faith and the answers to so many complex questions we face today be as simple as getting back to some of the basic tenants of the faith? This book attempts to reclaim the original intent of the Ten Commandments given in their ancient context and brings them forward as a healthy and relevant way to live in today’s world. The answers may surprise you.

David Gwartney's favorite authors on Smashwords

Smashwords book reviews by David Gwartney

  • In Your Wildest ... on Oct. 06, 2013

    In Your Wildest... recounts the events of author Joe Grier from his beginnings playing in a rock band to his introduction to the beginnings of the Jesus People movement. He joins up with the traveling Jesus People movement, which takes him from the midwestern United States to the west coast, and eventually throughout Europe, India, and the Philippines. Along the way are incredible accounts of how the Jesus People introduced the Gospel to many towns in Europe and India. The book gives fascinating insight into the culture of the 1970s and the impact and growth of the Jesus People. Grier does a great job of bringing the reader along with him and his many adventures. His writing is accessible, bringing the reader into his experiences of sharing the Gospel with people from all walks of life. Grier's heart also comes through in his writing, as it is evident that his journeys originates from his own true encounter with God, and not simply from an opportunity to travel the world. His accounts of the obstacles he faced and the necessity to live by faith gives evidence to this. The book is engaging and the reader will quickly find him or herself anticipating what the next chapter will bring, making it an enjoyable read.