Messiah

In the story of Exodus, the Lord speaks to Moses in smoke and fire, rescues his people from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, and reveals himself as their king, one who will lead them to the promised land.

David is revealed as the chosen one, a man after God's own heart whose lineage will produce the Messiah; he defeats Goliath in battle, and becomes king of the Israelites.

Through 70 years of slavery, exile and defeat, Israel clings to the promise of a Messiah who will conquer their enemies, free them from oppression and build a temple that will never be destroyed.

Jesus is the long awaited Messiah, but this son of David is not a King who will lead them to victory, but one who is tried on charges of blasphemy and executed, while Jerusalem watches.

With the death and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples develop an unshakeable faith and the Kingdom of God is born; his plan is revealed and Jesus ascends to heaven to mount his throne.

In this episode, fire falls from the heavens again as the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples; as those who are gathered witness the miracle of Pentecost, the Church of the Messiah is born.

An extraordinary encounter transforms Saul, the most zealous enemy of the Messiah, into the apostle and emissary Paul, set apart and chosen by the Lord to bring his light to the nations.

After centuries of great persecution for God's people, Constantine's victory in 312 AD granted legitimacy to Christianity, allowing disciples to go forth and proclaim the good news of the Messiah.