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. As part of the Sermons on the Gospel Readings, Series III, Cycle A series, To the Cross and Beyond 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. This collection of sermons is a valuable resource for: + Sermon starters and illuminating illustrations + Gaining a new homiletical perspective to the lectionary + Offering a newer, deeper understanding and appreciation of scripture + Using as a starter for adult Bible study groups or personal devotions This insightful collection of sermons includes: Looking Down on God Putting the World Back Together Jesus' Prayer: The Pause in the Battle ... and many more! David O. Bales 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 Preaching, Pulpit Digest, Lectionary Homiletics, Preaching Great Texts, Emphasis and StoryShare. He is the author of Gospel Subplots: Story Sermons of God's Grace, Toward Easter and Beyond and Scenes of Glory: Subplots of God's Long Story. Bales is a graduate of the University of Portland and San Francisco Theological Seminary.