Pastor Stephen Grant?

Stephen Grant is the pastor at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church on eastern Long Island. Grant is one of the more unique second-career clergy around, as he once worked for the CIA. Besides theology, his interests include archery, golf, writing, classic films, the beach, poker, baseball, and history. Grant also knows his wines, champagnes and brews. Oh yes, he generally dislikes politicians, and happens to be an expert marksman with a handgun and a rifle, while being pretty handy with a combat knife as well.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Father Tom Stone: “For those who have never been at a Stone family Thanksgiving, I officially welcome you, and thank God for your being with us. We don’t do anything like putting individuals on the spot saying what they’re thankful for. We leave that to each of you personally with the Lord. But I do take the opportunity to reflect a bit in our dinner prayer. So, please bow your heads.”

- from An Advent for Religious Liberty

Friday, October 30, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Father Ron McDermott: “Will this actually bring about greater unity, or even deeper divisions? You know that the revisionist lefties leading the mainline Protestant churches, and their various, often well-funded allies will go on the attack. Can you imagine the Episcopal Church signing up, Tom?”

- from Warrior Monk

Thursday, October 29, 2015

High Praise and Big Kindle Sale for Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers

High Praise and Big Kindle Sale for Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant Thrillers! Get all five – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK – on the Kindle for less than $15 for a limited time.

Stellar reviews and recommendations have been coming fast and furious. On MURDERER’S ROW, Kirkus Review says, “Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas.”

THE RIVER not only was a 2014 finalist for KFUO’s BookTalk “Book of the Year,” but Kirkus Reviews declares, “A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman.”

David Keene, opinion editor at The Washington Times, proclaims, “The Stephen Grant novels are great reads beginning with WARRIOR MONK, which aptly describes Ray Keating's engaging hero.”

Readers who love Brad Thor and Vince Flynn are finding another favorite as well, with a Facebook reviewer and reader recently telling Keating: “I'm a committed Brad Thor/Vince Flynn reader. As soon as I'm done with the latest I'm eagerly waiting for the next. After reading all of your novels, I must say, I cannot wait for the next one. I am now a committed Thor/Flynn/Keating reader. I think you have earned the right to be named among the best modern day mystery/drama authors. You have made this 24 year Navy Senior Chief and Lutheran a BIG FAN! Now go fulfill your vocation and write another ‘must read’!”

Finally, the host of KFUO’s “BookTalk” calls Ray Keating “a great novelist.”

Take advantage of the big Kindle sale, and start enjoying Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels featuring a former Navy SEAL, onetime CIA operative, and current pastor.

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Pastor Stephen Grant: “Since we’re now family, I can tell you to get your ass out of the truck, and start moving things, bro.”

- from Root of All Evil?

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Melissa added, “From what I understand, these days, just being a Christian can get you murdered.”


- from Murderer’s Row

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Jennifer finally asked, “And what was his response in the end to this son- in-law, father-in-law heart to heart?”

from The River

Monday, October 26, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Tom continued, “That’s Melissa Ambler. I guess there’s no other way to put it: She’s a supermodel. She and Mike have been dating for a bit. I believe she was in the most recent SI swimsuit issue.”

- from An Advent for Religious Liberty

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Father Ron McDermott: “You guys are right about everything you’ve just said. And I am downright proud of this pontiff.”

- from Warrior Monk

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

George paused, as if choosing his words carefully, which was typical for him, and for some lawyers. “I’ve long thought of you as more than just my pastor, Stephen, but as a friend. At the same time, Jennifer and Joan are very close, tighter than most sisters I’ve seen. Jennifer is family, and now you’re family, too.”

- from Root of All Evil?

Friday, October 23, 2015

Romans 2:17-29

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

(Romans 2:17-29 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Father Baker continued, “Again, without getting into the details, after leaving Iraq, I tried to stay in contact with Dawud and his family. They eventually became Christians, but kept that secret, since in that part of the world converting from Islam to Christianity often gets you killed.”

- from Murderer’s Row

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Romans 2:13-16

For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

(Romans 2:13-16 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stephen Grant: “He didn’t like it. But I told him that I brought it up because my wife was hurt, and it was clear that he loves you and that he had an opportunity to rebuild some kind of relationship with his daughter, if he just recognized the hurt he caused.”


  • from The River

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

How 'Bout It?


Romans 2:11

For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

(Romans 2:11 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Jennifer said, “But you do do wine.” She stopped and looked quizzically. “Does that sound right? Oh well, I have a crumb cake for Maggie, so let’s go see what we can do to help. She always has nice wines for the kitchen help.”

- from An Advent for Religious Liberty

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Romans 2:6-11

He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking[a] and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.

(Romans 2:6-11 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stephen and Tom turned to the thus-far-silent Ron McDermott. Grant asked, “Well, Catholic buddy, what do you make of the gauntlet tossed down by your man?”

- from Warrior Monk

Monday, October 19, 2015

Kirkus on The River: "A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman"

Hot off the presses: Big thumbs up from Kirkus Reviews on The River: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel by Ray Keating:

“The protagonist is the quintessential antihero: he’s a good man respected by his peers … but is infuriated by the evil of others. Grant may or may not kill before the story’s finished, but he’s unquestionably wrought with guilt over his murderous impulses. Action scenes flood the novel, particularly once Grant gets help from old CIA cohort Paige Caldwell, who comes complete with skills, weapons, and other men… A gritty, action-stuffed, well-considered thriller with a gun-toting clergyman.”

Romans 2:1-5

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.

(Romans 2:1-5 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Pastor Stephen Grant: “You know, George, I think you’ve been the quietest person I’ve ever known, and that’s saying something coming from a person who used to work at the CIA. But all of a sudden, you offer this assessment of home and marriage. What gives?”

- from Root of All Evil?

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Baker nodded. “But as I said on the phone, there’s more he picked up from the American soldiers. Well, specifically, from me, I guess. He asked many questions about Christianity. The U.S. Army, of course, didn’t want any Americans trying to convert Muslims to Christianity, for obvious reasons. And for just as obvious reasons, I have a responsibility as a Christian, as a priest, to bring the Good News to everyone.”

- from Murderer’s Row

Friday, October 16, 2015

Romans 1:18-32

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[g] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

(Romans 1:18-32 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stephen Grant: “I think it was Dean Martin who said that it’s Frank’s world, we just get to live in it.”

- from The River

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Romans 1:16-17

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

(Romans 1:16-17 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stephen said, “George, you do not look dressed for touch football.”

- from An Advent for Religious Liberty

Brad Thor, Vince Flynn and Ray Keating!

Brad Thor, Vince Flynn and … Ray Keating. Readers who love Thor and Flynn are finding another favorite in Ray Keating and his Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers.

Consider what a Facebook reviewer and reader recently told Keating: “I'm a committed Brad Thor/Vince Flynn reader. As soon as I'm done with the latest I'm eagerly waiting for the next. After reading all of your novels, I must say, I cannot wait for the next one. I am now a committed Thor/Flynn/Keating reader. I think you have earned the right to be named among the best modern day mystery/drama authors. You have made this 24 year Navy Senior Chief and Lutheran a BIG FAN! Now go fulfill your vocation and write another ‘must read’!”

Indeed, Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant novels – MURDERER’S ROW, THE RIVER, AN ADVENT FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, ROOT OF ALL EVIL? and WARRIOR MONK – have received widespread praise. For example, regarding MURDERER’S ROW, Kirkus Review says, “Action fans will find plenty to love here, from gunfights and murder sprees to moral dilemmas.” Also, THE RIVER was a 2014 finalist for KFUO’s BookTalk “Book of the Year,” with the show’s host calling Ray Keating “a great novelist.” And David Keene, opinion editor at The Washington Times, proclaims, “The Stephen Grant novels are great reads beginning with WARRIOR MONK, which aptly describes Ray Keating's engaging hero.”


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Romans 1: 8-15

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

(Romans 1:8-15 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Grant added, “You’re right, of course. We’ve chimed in on the need for greater Christian unity, and what might be done. I think deep down, though, we – I certainly – thought it would take a monster miracle. But with Augustine emphasizing this obvious place to start, it takes all of us to a new level.”

- from Warrior Monk

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
                   (Romans 1:1-7 ESV)

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

George Kraus: “Because, Pastor Grant, if you have the real thing in your marriage – and I have no doubts about you and Jen – then wherever your wife and family are will feel like home. You just referred to the place where you grew up with your parents as ‘our home,’ but I never recall you doing the same with the parsonage. I believe you will quickly feel at home in this house because that’s where Jen is, and she values it.”

- from Root of All Evil?

Monday, October 12, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Mike said, “Wow, like the Iraqi version of the Cuban Missile?”

- from Murderer’s Row

Reader/Reviewer Quote of the Day - Latest 5-Star Amazon Review of MURDERER'S ROW

Reader/Reviewer Quote of the Day - Latest 5-Star Amazon Review of MURDERER'S ROW:

Suspenseful AND thought provoking
I appreciated all the Stephen Grant books for several reasons. Every pastor wants to be a hero and Stephen Grant is just that. Pastor Grant's budding romantic relationship added a nice dimension. His struggle with two-kingdom theology and how that played itself out in his life provided, I thought, a good practical and pragmatic answer to questions faced by those who wonder if violence is an appropriate response to some of life's more challenging situations. His internal struggle with the leanings of his flesh and how he dealt with it can also be helpful to those who believe that the Christian life should somehow be exhibited flawlessly both internally and externally. Grant's spiritual struggle is our struggle. Though some episodes took a while to develop and become exciting to the point I didn't want to lay the book (in my case the Kindle) down, each of the books were well worth the read. While some profanity lightly peppered the pages, I didn't have to stumble over the constant breakage of the Second Commandment. I appreciated that. I've read them all and have no hesitation commending them to anyone interested in a well told story. I'm looking forward to the next one, and I can assure you I'll be downloading it as soon as it's available.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Jennifer shrugged. “Hey, it’s Las Vegas. This still is Frank’s town, right?”

- from The River

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stephen retorted, “Right, this from a guy who wears shorts and a Hawaiian shirt no matter what time of year it is as long as the temp is over 50. It’s supposed to be an unseasonable 60 today, so why not the typical Tom Stone attire?”

- from An Advent for Religious Liberty

Friday, October 9, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stone weighed in first. “Fantastic. We’ve each seen – been part of – various, limited, half-assed efforts along these lines. With the head of the largest Christian church on the planet getting out front, this is entirely different. And he’s got the targets exactly right – relativism, secularism and Islamic radicalism.”

- from Warrior Monk

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

George Kraus: “Yeah, that’s funny. But with two teenage daughters, I don’t necessarily understand your aversion to quiet, alone time.”

- from Root of All Evil?

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Mike asked, “Father, please tell us about Dawud Wasem and what’s happening to him. And feel free to cover what you said on the phone, just in case I didn’t fully relay things to Mel.”

- from Murderer’s Row

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Baker took a deep breath, and seemed to gain more control. He began in an almost Dragnet-style “just the facts” tone. “I met Dawud Wasem when I was serving as a chaplain in Iraq in 2007. Dawud was 11 years old at the time. His father, Jamail, worked as a translator on the base where I was stationed. Our company got materials and supplies to build a new school where the family lived. During that building process, the longer he was around us, Dawud became more interested in things that interested Americans. That included baseball. To make a long story short on that front, he worked hard over the last several years, and now, at 18, very well might be the best baseball player in Iraq. Some might say that’s not exactly a huge accomplishment, but while his pitching speed has never been officially recorded, among those who try to organize baseball in Iraq, some say that Dawud approaches or maybe tops 100 miles per hour.”

- from Murderer’s Row

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

"Intriguing series with excellent characters..."

Reader/Reviewer Quote of the Day:

"Intriguing series with excellent characters and storylines that are dramatic, challenging and so vivid they are visual!! Can't wait for the next one!"

- on all of the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stephen Grant: “You’re welcome. That’s what I’m here for, those penetrating insights.”

- from The River

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Stephen added, “Apparently there’s no getting away from Sinatra on this trip.”

- from The River

Monday, October 5, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Jennifer added, “He was worried that we might not get home early enough tonight to watch his usual Thanksgiving movie, which is White Christmas. That kicks off about a month and a half of Christmas films for the movie buff I married.”

- from An Advent for Religious Liberty

Please Transmit the News on the Pastor Stephen Grant Novels

If you enjoy Ray Keating's Pastor Stephen Grant novels, then please spread the news.


Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

It was Tom’s turn to shake his head. “Your wife is right. You are weird. But I’ve known that for a while now.”

- from An Advent for Religious Liberty

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

“It’s right up your alley,” Tunney replied. “He’s talking about some kind of new effort to present a unified Christian voice on hot-button issues. Or, at least, that’s how Fox News was presenting it this morning.”

- from Warrior Monk

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

George asked, “Which is stranger – moving out of here or moving into Jennifer’s house?”

- from Root of All Evil?

Friday, October 2, 2015

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day

Pastor Stephen Grant Novels Character Quote of the Day:

Pope Augustine: “‘A Public Mission of Mere Christianity’ has begun today, with approximately 500,000 letters arriving in the hands of Christian leaders around the globe.”

- from Warrior Monk

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Warrior Monk: "Wowsers!"

Latest 5-star review at Amazon for WARRIOR MONK and the entire PASTOR STEPHEN GRANT thriller series: K.J.S. writes, "Wowsers! Awesome series! Have read them all & can't wait for the next one! Love the characters and up to the minute story lines!"

Thanks so much!