Jesus, now followed by multitudes, heals the sick, raises the dead, delivers the possessed, confounds and angers the Establishment, and enjoins His disciples to pray for laborers to help with the tremendous harvest of souls.   

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

The celebrated Sermon on the Mount. Our Lord teaches spiritual and behavioral truths never heard before as He touches the very depths of human motivation, and directs us to put our heart into everything, from prayer to giving, to loving others. And He introduces the Jews to a revolutionary idea: God as a heavenly Father.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

John the Baptist preaches the gospel of the Kingdom, and baptizes multitudes in the river Jordan when Jesus appears to be baptized also. God speaks, the Spirit appears, and Jesus is led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil himself. He victorious return marks the beginning of Jesus’s ministry.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

Season 3 kicks off with a complete reset: New Testament, Matthew’s Gospel, Chapters 1 and 2, which presents us with the 42-generation lineage of Jesus Christ from Abraham. Jesus is born of the virgin, Mary, and Joseph, His adoptive father, is warned to flee from the murderous intent of King Herod. His Bethlehemite birth, His return from His sojourn in Egypt, and His settling in Nazareth of Galilee are all foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, King David calls for the Ark of the Covenant to be brought to him at the City of David, but fails to have it moved in the manner commanded by the LORD. A man is slain and the celebration turned into mourning. Psalm 68 is a call to praise the God of the heavens.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

Today’s reading recounts the names of many who came to King David’s aid in subduing all Israel under his ordained rule. The segment of 2 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 14 record the same account, with only slight variations of language and spelling. 

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, David is again anointed king over Israel, having first reigned over Judah. Under David’s rule, he and his armies go up to Jerusalem (Jebu’s Salem) and take the city, establishing it as the seat of the kingdom. 1 Chronicles 11 is a “clone chapter”, recounting in greater detail the same account as the opening of 2 Samuel 5.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, power plays continue as the remnant of the House of Saul maneuvers for advantage. Abner, a cousin of Saul and captain of his army, seems to position himself for the throne, but is blocked by Saul’s last living son, the lame Ishbosheth. Abner opens a dialog with David and all seems well, until it isn’t. The House of Saul is wiped out, and those responsible for the end of Saul’s line are killed.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

In today’s reading, David and his men mourn the death of King Saul and Jonathan, and his moving lamentation is recorded in chapter 1. Chapter 2 reveals the shifts of power as David is crowned, but rival to the throne emerges.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission

…and continues, including Saul, first king of Israel, and his sons.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission