Inexplicable….a word we use when we can’t really account for something. It’s the name of a new documentary series that will encourage you in your faith. How did Christianity spread to the ends of the earth from a small band of disciples told to go into the world?

Here’s what executive producer, Dr. Norm Mintle, writes as the series begins to air on television (TBN) and streamed on-line (www.thestateoffaith.com). You can watch anytime and share the link with friends. Dennis Haysbert hosts the series.

Jesus told them to, “Go!” and they went!

Sounds rather simple when you read such a short sentence. But that may have been the beginning of the most complicated, painful and for many – fatal – mandate the Christ ever issued.

Mark’s gospel records Jesus’ message (16:15), and then Jesus himself reminds them in Acts 1:8 that they will take the Gospel far beyond their known world, “…to the uttermost parts of the earth.” It’s really impossible for us today, knowing what we know about our world, to understand how baffling that must have sounded.

Inexplicable: How Christianity Spread to the Ends of the Earth is TBN’s new six-part documentary series created to tell poignant and often unknown stories from 2,000 years’ worth of history.

When I was asked to spearhead the project, serving as Executive Producer, I did so with awe and reverence. And a lot of trepidation. Never before has anyone or any network had the audacity to attempt to tell the monumental story of how the Gospel spread from a tiny band of Jewish believers to become what the Pew Center recently characterized as the only world religion with a major presence on every continent today.

We took that as our thesis statement. If true, how could that possibly have happened?

As each program opens, a clap of thunder heralds a massive downpour – symbolizing the many storms of life. In slow motion, a single drop of blood falls to the ground. This reminds us of the precious blood of our Savior; did you realize, that had only a single drop of the Lamb’s blood been shed for us, it would have been sufficient for your salvation?

As the blood drop hits the ground, the Chi Rho (Christ) is arising – resurrecting for our redemption. And as the blood spreads across the image, the rain washes away – just as the blood of Christ does – our sins and, begins to spread across time and space to demonstrate for us how Christianity spread across the globe.

In this powerful series of journeys around the globe, you will meet the kinds of people Jesus loved: the unknown, the weak and sinful, along with the famous, powerful and holy. Together, they were led by the Holy Spirit to play roles of great influence for the Kingdom’s sake.

This is a legacy project. One hundred years from now, should Jesus delay his return, it is our hope that when anyone searches for the history of Christianity, this series will be just as alive, just as relevant and mostly, just as powerful a witness to God’s eternal plan-accomplishing power as it is today.