To the Cross and Beyond

In each of Sunday's assigned lectionary readings -- the First Second and Gospel lessons -- we are invited to view the glorious narrative of scripture through three different yet harmonious perspectives. In the gospel lesson we return to the fountainhead bringing the congregation back to where Christianity began. Like the first disciples we walk with Jesus hearing his words and witnessing his miracles as we journey to the Cross.<br><br>As part of the Sermons on the Gospel Readings Series III Cycle A series <b><i>To the Cross and Beyond</i></b> takes us through Jesus' final days on earth as recounted in the Sundays of Lent and Easter. David O. Bales explores some of the gospel's best-known moments as Jesus journeys to Jerusalem and ultimately to the Cross and then the empty tomb.<br><br>This collection of sermons is a valuable resource for:<br>+ Sermon starters and illuminating illustrations<br>+ Gaining a new homiletical perspective to the lectionary<br>+ Offering a newer deeper understanding and appreciation of scripture<br>+ Using as a starter for adult Bible study groups or personal devotions<br><br>This insightful collection of sermons includes:<br>Looking Down on God<br>Putting the World Back Together<br>Jesus' Prayer: The Pause in the Battle<br>... and many more!<br><br><b>David O. Bales </b>was a Presbyterian minister for 33 years. Since retiring he has devoted his time to writing and to teaching currently teaching Hellenistic Greek at College of Idaho Caldwell. Previously he taught World Religions Hebrew and Ethics. He has researched written and edited for Stephen Ministries. His stories sermons and articles have appeared in <i>Preaching</i> <i>Pulpit Digest</i> <i>Lectionary Homiletics</i> <i>Preaching Great Texts</i> <i>Emphasis</i> and <i>StoryShare</i>. He is the author of <i>Gospel Subplots: Story Sermons of God's Grace</i> <i>Toward Easter and Beyond</i> and <i>Scenes of Glory: Subplots of God's Long Story</i>. Bales is a graduate of the University of Portland and San Francisco Theological Seminary.