Cross Section from the Summit View Church of Christ: Recent Episodes
Kevin Jensen
For the Summit View Church of Christ community, Cross Section offers a mix of faith-based stories about experiences that have shaped our lives as followers of Jesus, brief and inspiring messages from the Scriptures, dives into topics related to Christian living, and each week’s sermon (in case you missed it).
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Wicked Athaliah placed herself on the throne of Judah, but God worked through two righteous people to rescue the rightful (and infant) king and, a few years later, place him on his throne. That king prospered as he followed the Lord, but when he later turned away from God, God raised up another righteous man to courageously confront the king and the people, calling them to return to God. God continues to work through his people today, when his people trust in him and courageously step out to do the good to which he calls us. Text: 2 Kings 11, 2 Chronicles 24
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Why does God wait so long to punish the wicked, especially when they do harm to the innocent and the righteous? God waited years to punish Jezebel and to complete his prophesied judgment against the house of Ahab. He is slow to anger—and yet he also does not leave the guilty unpunished. He gives us time to repent, but he will not wait forever. Text: 2 Kings 9-10
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In a moment of crisis, Israel's ungodly King Joram blamed God, but Judah's godly King Jehoshaphat looked to God for help. Because Jehoshaphat was there, the prophet Elisha foretold that God would rescue the kings and their armies and give them victory over the enemy. These events remind us of a principle we find throughout Scripture: God often causes his blessings of the righteous to overflow even to the unrighteous. Text: 2 Kings 3
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — King Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard; Naboth refused to sell. Queen Jezebel arranged to take the vineyard for Ahab—by having Naboth murdered. God saw and was furious. How does God expect those to whom he has given authority and power to use that power? Ahab and Jezebel abused the power God had given them. God calls us to do better with the influence and authority he gives us. Text: 1 Kings 21
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In Israel, the nation's worship of Jeroboam's calf idols resulted in forty years of political chaos. King Ahab brought political stability, but further spiritual decline. So God turned off the rain—the rain that was supposedly provided by Baal, god of Ahab's wife, Queen Jezebel. Three years later, desiring to show mercy to Israel again, God sent the prophet Elijah to challenge Baal to a climactic battle of the gods to prompt Israel to choose which God—Baal or the Lord—they would follow. Text: 1 Kings 18
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Judah's King Abijah was not fully devoted to God, but in a moment of crisis he and Judah relied on God for help, and he saved them. Abijah's son Asa was very faithful to the Lord, and God gave him victory in battle. But late in his life, Asa relied on another nation instead of on God. Like these kings, we must decide daily whether or not we will rely on God for our help. Texts: 1 Kings 15:1-5, 2 Chronicles 13-16
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Israel's King Jeroboam was richly blessed by God, who appointed him king over ten tribes of Israel. How did Jeroboam respond to God's blessings? In fear of losing them, he turned his back on God! Jeroboam's story reminds us to appreciate all that God has done for us and, by remembering his goodness to us, trust him enough to put our faith in him and obey him, even when it's hard. Texts: 1 Kings 12:25 to 13:6, 14:1-20
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Israel's King Rehoboam, at the start of his reign, was arrogant and lacked wisdom, and his pride split the nation of Israel in two. Rehoboam's story thereafter—a story of pride humbled, then a sequence of faithfulness, pride, and humility again—illustrates the Bible's teaching that God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Texts: 1 Kings 12:1-24, 2 Chronicles 11:13-17 & 12
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — King Solomon began so well—but how we finish is even more important than how we begin. Solomon gradually turned away from God, breaking God's commands for Israel's kings and reintroducing the worship of false gods into Israel. Solomon's story reminds us to hold true to God in obedience to his commands, so that we may live in his blessings and promises. Text: 1 Kings 10:23 to 11:43
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Solomon, third king of Israel, began his reign well, worshiping and seeking God, the true King of Israel. In response, God offered to grant whatever Solomon might ask of him. Solomon asked God for exactly what mattered most to God: that God would grant him wisdom to govern God's people well. God did, and the entire nation was blessed. We, too, are blessed when we seek God's will first, above our own selfish priorities. And when we seek the priorities of God's kingdom first, God grants us even more than we ask of him. 1 Kings 3, 4:20-34
Sunday Sermon by Jack Campbell — The gospel is the story of God's work to save human beings, especially through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But how do you obey a story? This lesson takes us through stories and teachings from Scripture that help us understand how God calls us to respond to his work for our salvation through Jesus. Selected Texts
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Revelation and Colossians call Jesus the firstborn from the dead. Other people were raised from the dead before Jesus was, but he is the first to rise from the dead, never to die again! He is the first, but he will not be the last—and that promise gives us great hope that guides our lives as we live in anticipation of the great resurrection of the dead. Text: Revelation 1:4-7, Colossians 1:15-20 & 2:9-12
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — As he closes his first letter with instructions for the church to help them endure times of suffering, Peter also describes a church family into which we would delight to invite our friends and family. In this family, God's household, elders lead out of a desire to serve God and his people, each person humbles themselves toward one another and toward God, God lifts up his people, his people resist the devil, and God strengthens us all. As we let our light shine for Jesus, it is into this joyful and hopeful community of people and all the promises of God that we invite those whom we serve as witnesses for Jesus. Text: 1 Peter 5
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Our suffering for the sake of Christ becomes a warning to the people around us that they and we must all one day give account of our lives to the one who will judge the living and the dead. This is why we preach the gospel, the purpose of evangelism: that we may help one another prepare for the judgment and share the hope of eternal life. For this purpose we live godly lives, unsurprised by the suffering that comes upon us for Christ. Text: 1 Peter 4
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — We want to share the message of Jesus and be good witnesses for him, but we often feel pressured by unbelievers around us. What should we do? Should we fight back? Give in? Hide away? Peter gives us a better option, but it's difficult: He calls us to stand strong, as Jesus did, and to be prepared to explain the reason for the hope we have in Christ. Text: 1 Peter 3:8-22
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — It is not by promising to fulfill people's dreams and guaranteeing a prosperous life that we bring people to Jesus most effectively, but by setting ourselves aside to pursue the glory of God above all else, even if that means—as it did for Jesus—suffering for the Lord's sake. For though we are free in Christ, we live as slaves of God. Text: 1 Peter 2:11 to 3:7
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — We, along with Jesus, are living stones that God is using to build his temple, the people in whom he lives. We are also God's priests in his temple, representing God to people and people to God. In these roles, we must live holy lives, and through our living as priests we may have opportunities to lead unbelievers to bring glory to God. Text: 1 Peter 2:4-12
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The joy we have in Christ is one of the great keys to witnessing effectively for Jesus in an often-unbelieving world. Peter calls the early church, suffering through trials that frequently stemmed from their status as a suspect or despised minority in the Roman Empire, to hold onto their joy and to live holy lives as they live as foreigners and exiles in this world. Text: 1 Peter 1:1 to 2:3
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The goal of Christian evangelistic ministry, as Paul expresses it, is not to dominate others or to create a Christian-dominant culture. It is to persuade others about Jesus, that he died for us all so that we might no longer live for ourselves, but for him who died for us and was raised from the dead. In order to persuade others—and to be excellent witnesses for Jesus—we need to have the proper motives, mindset, ministry, and message, which Paul describes in this passage. Text: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — As we live as witnesses for Jesus, our speech and conduct must be always full of prayer and grace. Paul urges the church to pray all the time, including for his ministry, even while he's a prisoner—for we are witnesses for Jesus all the time, in every situation. Then he calls the believers to conduct themselves wisely among outsiders, and to always let their conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt. Wise conduct and gracious speech, built on the foundation of prayer, lets us present the message of Jesus in ways that nonbelievers can receive, opening them to the love, hope, and mystery of Christ. Text: Colossians 4:2-6
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Incarnational ministry is taking on some of the identity of the people we want to reach for God in order to make it as easy as possible for them to receive our message about Jesus. It's modeled after what Jesus did for us when he stepped out of heavenly glory, took on human form, became the Son of God in human form (God incarnate), and lived among human beings in order to bring people to God. In this lesson we talk about how to reach out to others through incarnational ministry like Jesus did, and like Paul did as he ministered among both Jews and Gentiles. Text: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When believers in the young church in Corinth argued over which great Christian leader they followed (Paul, Apollos, Peter, Christ), Paul reminded them how he and Apollos had ministered to that church: Paul planted the seed of the gospel there and Apollos watered it—but God made it grow. Paul and Apollos, in their common work for the good of the church, always pointed the church not to themselves but to God. If we will do the same, our humility and devotion to Christ will add to our credibility as witnesses for our Lord. Text: 1 Corinthians 3
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In his Great Commission, Jesus commanded his followers to go and make disciples of all nations—yet for a while, they stayed together in Jerusalem and did not go. But when persecution arose there, God used that terrible event to send Christians out into the world, and as a result the gospel message has spread around the world and to us today. We too are called to go—perhaps to go far or perhaps to go near, but always to share the message of Jesus with others. Text: Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 7:59 to 8:40
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In this new series on letting our light shine to others, we begin to explore biblical tips and techniques for being excellent witnesses for Jesus, drawing others to faith in him. We start with Jesus' own instruction: let your light shine before others by doing good deeds that they will see and respond to by glorifying our Father in heaven. This is what the early church did, especially during the terrible epidemics that hit the Roman Empire in the 100s and 200s. Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Sunday Sermon by Walt Ranta — Persevering through trials, listening more than speaking, doing what God's Word says, loving your neighbor—James calls us to these actions as he reminds us how to live for God. His instructions give us good guidance for the new year, just as they were good guidance for the very early church. Text: selections from James
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Was there anything better in the story of Jesus' birth than the glorious appearances of the angels? As wonderful as they were, yes, there was one thing even more glorious: the birth of the Son of God himself. Jesus is superior even to the angels, and in all the distractions of life we do well to keep our focus on him. Texts: Luke 2:1-20, Hebrews 1, and other selections
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — To close his great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us of how good God is to us: God gives good things to us when we ask. Then, as Moses did with the Israelites in much earlier times, Jesus calls his listeners to decide whether we will truly seek God—whether we will walk the narrow road, bear good fruit in our lives, do the will of our Father, and build our lives on the firm foundation of the teachings of Jesus. Texts: Matthew 7:7-29 and selections from Deuteronomy 11
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — As he continues his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches not to judge—or does he? His teaching on this topic seems contradictory: first he says, "Do not judge," but then he calls us to judge the character of others. This seeming contradiction points us to the complexity of judging wisely and our need to judge ourselves before we humbly judge others. In this teaching, Jesus teaches us how to judge in a godly manner, always extending to others the mercy that we would want God to extend when he judges us. Text: Matthew 7:1-6
Season 4, Episode 48 — December 3, 2023
Depending on God — Sunday Sermon, December 3, 2023
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In his great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us not to pursue temporary, earthly treasures, but heavenly treasures, which are eternal. He calls us to be generous with our money, and not to let money be our master—but only God, our true Master. We can do these things because we know God, our good Father, always provides what we need. So we do not need to worry about such things; we need only to focus our lives around God's kingdom and his righteousness, and God will provide everything else for us. To do otherwise would be idolatry, putting our trust in something other than God. Text: Matthew 6:19-34
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus taught his disciples to pray as he did in his model prayer. Are we to pray his exact words, or simply in a similar style? Or perhaps that's not Jesus' point. More important than any set words is the heart with which we pray—and Jesus' model prayer calls us to be people whose heart truly seeks God. Text: Matthew 6:5-15
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Early in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us to let our light shine before others. Should we, then, advertise our good deeds for God on a billboard, try to draw attention to ourselves? Jesus warns us against seeking attention and praise from other people through our acts of righteousness. But if we will serve God quietly—let our light shine in secret—God will see what we do in secret, and he will reward us. Text: Matthew 6:1-18
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In his great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges a common but corrupted interpretation of God's law of justice, "eye for eye and tooth for tooth." He teaches his followers not to seek revenge, and to go beyond justice to mercy—even to the point of loving our enemies, so that we may be true children of God. Texts: Matthew 5:38-48
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Continuing his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his followers not to swear oaths. But is simply not swearing an oath what God desires of us? No—God, who always tells the truth, calls us to be people of integrity, people who keep our word and who (like him) always speak what is true. Texts: Matthew 5:33-37 & James 5:1-12
Sunday Sermon by Phil Diaz — God has given us so many commands and instructions. How can we keep them all? How can we even remember them all? To help us do what God teaches us, we focus in on a single command that encapsulates all the rest, a command we can carry with us every day and everywhere we go. Texts: Luke 6:31
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us commands relating to our marriage vows, teaching us not to commit adultery in either the physical act or in the heart, and teaching us not to divorce. With these commands, plus similar teaching on divorce later in his ministry and then from the apostle Paul, we learn not merely to abstain from adultery and divorce, but to honor each other's marriage vows, and to devote ourselves to keeping our own. Texts: Matthew 5:27-32 & 19:1-12, 1 Corinthians 7:10-16
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — As he continues his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns his followers to do more than just the minimum that God's law requires—to follow the spirit of the law, not just the letter of the law. In his first illustration of this principle, he talks about murder. Is it enough to merely refrain from murdering? No; what God desires is that we control our anger and our words, and that we seek reconciliation with those whom we have wronged. Text: Matthew 5:17-26
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared that we—his followers—are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. God has entrusted us with the noble and weighty responsibility to bring good flavor into the world and to bring people the knowledge of God. How can we accomplish this great and excellent task? Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — If you want to learn to live like Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount is a great place to start. It opens with the Beatitudes, nine blessings Jesus speaks on those who live with attitudes and values that please God, and which also characterized Jesus himself. Living in step with these blessings is not always easy in this world, but those who do it—who live like Jesus—are eternally blessed by God. Text: Matthew 5:1-12
Sunday Sermon by Guest Speaker Rudy Kantu — Divisiveness in the church (as, for example, in lawsuits against each other, such as were happening in the church in Corinth) shames the church and makes it difficult to share the message of the gospel. Christians need to mature in Christ so that we can share God's message with credibility. Texts: selections from 1 Corinthians 6 and other texts
Sunday Sermon by Guest Speaker Rudy Kantu — A message calling the church to full commitment to God in order that we might be well-equipped to share the gospel with others. Texts: selections from 1 Corinthians and other texts
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Mary, sister of Martha, honored Jesus with an extravagant and beautiful gift—but Judas objected, preferring that the gift be sold and the money be given to the poor. Jesus' response calls us to check our priorities in how we use the money and resources God has given us, and to appreciate every gift that people might bring to God. Text: Matthew 26:6-13, John 12:1-8
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When Mary and Martha were grieving the loss of their brother Lazarus and Jesus knew he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, why did Jesus weep? Did he weep out of his own sorrow over his friend's death? Was he angry with the unbelief around him? Did something else prompt his tears? In Jesus' tears, we glimpse how Jesus feels about death and how he—the one who will call the dead back to life—joins us in our grief. Text: John 11:1-44
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The sisters Martha and Mary, when their brother Lazarus became sick, quickly sent an urgent message to Jesus to let him know. But Jesus, who could have healed Lazarus, did not come in time. In response—even though they had great faith—the sisters were deeply disappointed. We, too, are disappointed with God sometimes. What should we do when God lets us down, when he doesn't meet our expectations of a good and loving God? Text: John 11:1-44
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — If Jesus were personally coming to your house to stay a while, what would you do? Sweep the floor? Send the kids to stay with the grandparents? Martha opened her home to Jesus, and she was busy and worried because of all the preparations that needed to be made—and upset because her sister Mary was not helping her! Yet Jesus said Mary had chosen to do something even better, something we, in all our busyness, should do as well. Text: Luke 10:38-42
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Paul, as an apostle of Jesus, could have ordered Philemon to do the right thing and receive his runaway slave back mercifully. But Paul did not exercise his apostolic authority; he did not take a confrontational, forceful approach. He took a soft approach, as Jesus did with us and modeled for us to do with one another. Text: Philemon
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — One day, Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus, returned to Philemon's home with a letter from the apostle Paul. Runaway slaves were usually punished harshly, but Paul asked Philemon to receive Onesimus back graciously. Why? And why did Paul send Onesimus back to his master at all? What do Paul's instructions to Philemon teach us today about our relationships with one another in the family of God? Text: Philemon
Sunday Sermon by Ryan Ferguson — What is true freedom, the kind of freedom that comes only from God through Christ? This lesson explores the freedom that God provides—freedom that calls us not to indulge in our own desires, but to grow in the fruit of the Spirit and in love for one another. Texts: Galatians 5 and selected texts
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — It might be easier to be godly in all our normal, mundane, everyday activities if we could see the end result from the beginning—see the blessings our godliness would produce. But great people of faith like Joseph, Daniel, Tabitha, and the widows of 1 Timothy 5 could not foresee the results of their daily godliness, yet they were faithful to God in their everyday tasks. Like them, when we are godly in all the little things God gives us to do each day, we find God to be faithful, and we receive a rich blessing. Texts: Genesis 39:1-6a, 39:20-23, 41:46-49, 41:53-57; Daniel 1:1-6, 1:18-21, 6:1-4; Acts 9:36-42; 1 Timothy 5:9-10
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Some days are filled with the mundane: wake up, get yourself ready, take care of the kids, go to work, come home, clean the bathtub, and so on. Where's the thrill in serving God in ordinary, everyday tasks, when we see no miracles and hear no voice from heaven? From the story of Ruth and Boaz, we look at principles for serving God—and enjoying life with him—on the most ordinary days. Text: Ruth 2
Sunday Sermon by Thomas Yukich, Preaching Ministry Intern at the Washougal Church of Christ, in conjunction with the Northwest School of Discipleship — The direction we're looking in life matters, both when we're driving (Keep your eyes on the road!) and as we walk with God. From Peter's first letter to the church, we examine some directions we need to look in order to live faithfully for God. Text: 1 Peter 5:1-11
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In Jesus' Parable of the Lost Son, a father demonstrates the profound mercy of God by forgiving his disgraceful but repentant son. But there's another son in the story too, and when he witnesses this forgiveness, he is furious—because forgiveness isn't fair. Text: Luke 15:11-32
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The shame of our past sins haunts us, but in Christ we receive a new identity and shame's power over us is taken away. We look at the story of the apostle Paul, who called himself the worst of sinners because he had once persecuted God's church. Yet God transformed his life, took away his shame, and entrusted him with the dignity of serving Jesus and the church. Texts: selections from Acts, Galatians 1:13-14, 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In Judah in the 700s BC, God's people were in trouble, threatened with Assyrian invasion. But they did not turn to God for help. Instead, they ran to Egypt to find security in a military alliance. Why do we human beings run everywhere but to God for help? But when we come to him, he is eager to help us, and he delivers us. Text: Isaiah 30:1-22
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — How do we apologize to God? From Psalm 51, David's great psalm of repentance, we look at steps we can take to tell God we're sorry for our sin, so that we may receive his mercy. Text: Psalm 51
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — How does God respond when we repent of our sin and turn back to him? In this opening lesson of the series, "Turning Around," we discuss the meaning of repentance and how Jesus responded when Peter repented of a very serious sin. Text: John 21
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — Thoughts on the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of the Christian. Text: Colossians 4:2
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — One of the most important components of our worship to God is thankfulness as we remember and share his many blessings. Text: Colossians 3:16-17
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — As we walk with God in gratitude and honor him, he fills us with peace beyond our comprehension. Text: Colossians 3:15
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — Thoughts from the apostle Paul on how to develop a faith that is disciplined, stable, well-rooted, and full of gratitude. Text: Colossians 2:4-8
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — Without thanksgiving, our lives cannot bear fruit for Christ. But with thanksgiving, we bear much fruit through good works as we live lives worthy of the Lord. Text: Colossians 1:9-12
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — As we give thanks to God, grow in our faith, and focus on Jesus, the gospel bears good fruit for God in our lives and in his church. Text: Colossians 1:1-6
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus can be hard to figure out sometimes. He does things and teaches things that surprise us, disorient and confuse us, even make us doubt that his ways are good. But like his disciples on the day of his resurrection, if we will stay near him and search for what is true, he will reorient us to the excellence of God revealed in himself to bring us life. Text: John 20
Easter Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus' resurrection turned the confusion of Peter and John into belief, turned Mary Magdalene's grief into joy, turned the disciples' fear into amazement, and turned Thomas's doubt into great faith. His resurrection continues to turn our lives around today, giving us hope in God's promise of eternal life. Text: John 20
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, shared by Ryan Ferguson — As John tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus, he doesn't stress Jesus' suffering, the supernatural events surrounding his death, or the mercy he showed even as he died. Instead, John focuses on ancient prophecies fulfilled in Jesus—prophecies that reveal that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Text: John 19:16-42
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus, on the night before he would be crucified, gave his apostles promises and instructions that would bring them peace in this troubled world. These promises reassure us, and these instructions guide us, as we also live for God and receive peace in spite of the world's many troubles—for Jesus, in whom we trust, overcame the world. Text: Selections from John 14-16
Sunday Sermon by Walt Ranta — Jesus taught his followers to love one another as he loved us, and then he showed the full depth of his love by loving even Judas (who would betray him) and Peter (who would disown him). Text: John 13
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When Lazarus was sick, Jesus did not hurry to him to heal him. Lazarus died. But when Jesus arrived, he demonstrated the tenderness of God to us when we face the harsh reality of death—and then he demonstrated God's power over death. Text: John 11:1-53
Sunday Sermon by Johnny Gallegos — Paul calls us to, in view of God's mercy, offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices. What does this mean, and how can we do this? Text: Romans 12:1-2
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — What causes some people's eyes to be open to see Jesus clearly, while others' eyes are blinded to him? From the story of Jesus' healing of the man born blind, we learn three keys to seeing Jesus with open eyes, so that we may see in him the light of the world. Text: John 9
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus claimed to be the light of the world. What did that mean? And as Jesus shines his light on our hearts and lives, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Is he, as the light of the world, a friend or a threat? Text: John 8:12-59
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Great confusion surrounded Jesus as he taught in the temple courts one festival week. Some thought he was a good man, others saw him as a deceiver. Some thought he was demon-possessed, some wanted him dead, others believed in him. Who was this man Jesus, really? Those who took the time to listen to him—to truly listen, in spite of their own expectations, disappointment, or confusion—found that he brought them a message of hope from God. Text: John 7
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — The great servant of God prophesied in Isaiah 42 was Jesus our Lord. In this lesson, Jim shares thoughts on the character of, and evidences for, Jesus who did just what God had foretold through the prophet. Text: Isaiah 42:1-9
Sunday Sermon by Jack Campbell — Just as Jesus taught us that all who work in his vineyard receive an excellent reward, Peter teaches us how to do that work: escaping the corruption of the world, growing in traits of godliness, and making our calling certain as we look forward to Christ's eternal kingdom. Text: 2 Peter 1:1-11, Matthew 20:1-16
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — The ancient prophet Isaiah reminds us that our God is greater than any idols people past or present might construct, and we can depend on him. Text: Isaiah 40:9-31
Sunday Sermon by Jack Campbell — With the preacher and the preacher's backup both sick and the church needing a speaker at the last minute, Jack Campbell steps up to share a message crafted by Jim Mendenhall. Text: 2 Peter 1:1-10
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — Paul, speaking to the Philippian church, thanked them for the help they sent, but also expressed the he had learned to be content in every situation. The secret of contentment is a secret we, too, need to learn as we find our hope in God. Text: Philippians 4:10-13
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In honor of the birth of Jesus, which we traditionally celebrate this time of year, we share the story of Jesus' birth and consider the humility and glory of that great day, calling one another to praise God and to worship Jesus, who was born to be our Savior. Text: Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 2:1-12
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus multiplied bread for a massive crowd, and the people came to him again wanting more. The bread Jesus wanted to give them, though was the true bread from heaven, the bread of life—himself, the source of life sent from God. But did the people, and do we, want this bread? Text: John 6
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus healed an invalid who had been disabled for 38 years—but he performed that great miracle on a Sabbath, and that sparked a controversy over whether Jesus had done evil by breaking the Sabbath and, in defending his action, claiming to be the Son of God. His miracle and his defense prompt us to respond to the question, "Do you want life?" And if so, are you willing to accept that Jesus has full authority from God? Text: John 5
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus met someone at a well one afternoon—someone whom others might've thought of as being of the wrong gender, the wrong ethnicity, the wrong religious background, and the wrong personal history. To her, Jesus offered living water. In fact, Jesus offers living water to us all, even if we don't expect to be found worthy—and he invites us to drink deeply of it, then to share it with others. Text: John 4:1-42
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, and Jesus told him that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born again—not even Nicodemus, a prominent religious leader. Everyone needs a new start in life. Why? Because without Jesus, the light of God and the Son of God sent to save the world, we live in darkness, apart from God. Everyone needs Jesus. Text: John 3:1-21
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — With wine and confrontation, Jesus began to reveal his glory and his purpose. Some believed and others challenged his authority. When God shows you signs of his goodness through Jesus, what will you do? Will you believe? Text: John 2
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When John the Baptist pointed his followers toward Jesus, they went after Jesus and got to know him. Like John, we point people not to ourselves, but to Jesus, whom we follow. And to those who want to know Jesus better or who are simply curious about him, we give this invitation: Come and see. Text: John 1:19-51
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When we were caught in the darkness of this world, Jesus came as our light of life—the best God could offer, his own Son. Though many did not receive him, to those who do receive him he offers to make us children of God. This lesson begins a study of the Gospel of John in the series, "That You May Have Life: John's Story of Jesus". Text: John 1:1-18
Sunday Sermon by Walt Ranta — Everyone wants to blame someone else for the wrongs they themselves have committed. Eve blamed the serpent for her sin; Adam blamed God himself! But God calls us to take responsibility for our own actions, to beware of anger and related sins, and to forgive one another. Text: Genesis 3:11-13
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Haman was gone, but his evil plan to destroy the Jewish people remained. Esther bravely went before the king again for help, and he authorized a plan for the Jews to defend themselves. They did, their enemies were defeated, and the Jews celebrated the first festival of Purim. Their story reminds us that God always delivers his people in due time, and at the end he will give his people ultimate victory. Text: Esther 8-10
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Esther was courageous and wise, but what saved her and her people from Haman was more than just her brave action. Events stacked up in favor of the Jews: the king couldn't sleep, just the right chronicles of his reign were read to him, Haman prepared to kill Mordecai but with terrible timing. Coincidences? Or could it have been that God was behind all this? Text: Esther 5-7
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Haman hates the Jews and wants to wipe them all out. Esther faces a decision: whether to risk her life to save her people. Why do she and Haman see the Jews so differently? Because of God and how Esther sees him at work in her life. Text: Esther 3-4
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Esther's story begins with trouble both personal and societal. God is not mentioned in the entire book of Esther, and he seems unlikely to appear in Esther's difficult situation. Yet, just as Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works in every situation for the good of those who love him, God is at work in Esther's life—in the background, just behind the scenes, preparing her for the work he has in store for her. Texts: Esther 1-2, Romans 8:28
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — One man, Nicodemus, believed in Jesus, but struggled to fully understand his teaching, then to confess his belief openly. This lesson looks at three episodes in the development of Nicodemus's belief in Jesus. Text: selections from John
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Revelation's glimpse of eternal life, right near the end of Scripture, offers this strange and wonderful promise: God's faithful people will reign forever! What does this mean? We look at this promise as it occurs four times in Revelation and links to the creation story at the beginning of Scripture, giving us great hope in what God has prepared for us in eternal life. Text: Revelation 22:1-5
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In Revelation 19, Jesus appears not as the suffering servant or our great sacrificial lamb, but as the mighty warrior who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To say that Jesus is King and Lord was dangerous in the cultural context of the churches to which Revelation was written, for only the Roman emperor could be called Lord of all. For Christians, though, Jesus is Lord and King above all others, and so we give him our highest loyalty and obey him above all others. Text: Revelation 19:11-16
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — From the letter of Paul to the Ephesians, we look at how living out God's call to mutual submission redefines what it means to hold authority and honors Jesus our King in our homes. Text: Ephesians 1:15-23, 5:21 to 6:9
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The way we should relate to one another in the church is modeled after the way Jesus conducted himself in obedience to God and for our sake: with humility, pursuing the interests of others even over his own. Because he humbled himself and obeyed God even to death on a cross, God exalted him as king over all forever. Text: Philippians 2:1-16
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Just as a person must conduct themselves properly and dress appropriately in the presence of the president or the king, so we also must conduct ourselves in a way that honors Jesus our King. We must dress in a manner appropriate for those in his service, taking off old, sinful behaviors and putting on traits of godliness. Text: Colossians 1:13-14, 2:12, 3:1-17
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Even as he was dying on the cross, Jesus was still king. But what kind of king was he? We look at four leadership qualities modeled by Jesus in his trial before Pilate and in his death. Text: John 18:33 to 19:30
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When God poured out his Holy Spirit in a new way on the day of Pentecost almost 2,000 years ago, the Spirit's activity caught the attention of thousands of people in Jerusalem. What was going on? God was pointing the people to Jesus. Why? God had raised Jesus, who had just recently been killed on a cross, from the dead and exalted him as Lord and Messiah over his people. Texts: Acts 2
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Isaiah foretold that God would create new heavens and a new earth—but that promise sounded too big to be true. Surely God was using hyperbole to describe the glorious life that awaited Jerusalem when God renewed his people. But Peter and the book of Revelation both speak of this new creation as something real that God has promised for his people when Jesus comes again: life renewed in God's presence forever! Texts: Isaiah 65:17-25 and selected texts
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Isaiah's prophetic poem about the suffering servant of God is the center of his Book of Consolation (Isaiah 40-66). But who is this servant: Isaiah? Israel? Someone else? This servant, when he fulfilled this prophecy, gave himself as a sacrifice for our sins to bring us healing and peace with God. Text: Isaiah 52:13 to 53:12
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In Isaiah 40-46, God confronts the idols that people—even Israel!—worship, noting their inability to do anything. But our God is not like them: he strengthens and carries his people, he foretells the future, he gives us hope. Text: selections from Isaiah 40-46
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Great Assyrian king Sennacherib boasted and ridiculed the living God. Weak, threatened, and scared King Hezekiah of Judah turned to God in prayer, calling on God to rise up and defend his honor by saving his people. And God did. This is a lesson on why we should pray. Text: Isaiah 36-37
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — A love song written by the prophet Isaiah turns out to be a song not of joyful love, but of tough love as God rebukes his people for bearing bad fruit in their lives. What does God do when his people continually bear bad fruit? More hopefully, what can we learn from this prophecy of Isaiah to help us bear good fruit for God in appreciation for all his love for us? Text: Isaiah 5
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — A strange bit of an otherwise standard prophetic poem of praise to God draws our eyes to the great promises of God in which we put our hope: that God will swallow up death forever, wipe away all tears, take away his people's disgrace, and celebrate his ultimate victory with his people. Text: Isaiah 25:1-9
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Isaiah saw a vision of the holy God and was overwhelmed with a sense of his own sinfulness and knew he, a sinful man who had seen the Lord, was doomed! But God forgave him and sent him to join in God's work in Judah. For us also, God saves us not just so we can rest in our salvation, but also so that he can send us to join him in the work of his kingdom. Texts: Isaiah 6, Ephesians 2:1-10
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In his final days, David showed his true devotion to God by giving his resources in support of the construction of God's temple, by praising and worshiping God, by praying for those who would continue after him, and by handing off the baton of life and leadership to his son, Solomon. David finished his life well and set us an example of how to finish well. Text: 1 Chronicles 29
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — David wanted to build a house, a temple, for God. It was a great dream, a way to honor God—but God told David, "No." Instead, God would have David's son build that "house". In David's response, and in his preparations for the temple that his son would build, we learn how to manage our disappointment and how to avoid the distraction of sin as we serve God, whether he says "Yes" or "No" to our dreams for how we want to serve him. Texts: selections from 1 Chronicles 17, 22, 28 -- www.summitviewchurch.net
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — David was a master of the art of speaking to God in prayer, and from his psalms we learn words to bring to God when we're not sure how to express ourselves in prayer: in times of deep distress, tremendous joy, daily stress, and so on. David's psalms help us learn how to pray continually, in every kind of situation. Texts: Psalms 63, 13, 131, 65
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The consequences of our past sin—guilt, shame, broken relationships, and so on—can weigh heavily on us for a long time. David's sin produced tragic consequences that became very difficult for him to bear. Yet God walked with David through those consequences, and he does the same for us, bringing us back into a full relationship with him and into true hope. Texts: selections from 2 Samuel 13-19, Psalm 3
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — David, who never seemed to do anything small, sinned big. He took another man's wife, then killed that man so he could marry her. He tried to hide his sin, but God knew what he had done and sent Nathan the prophet to confront David. David was immediately broken by his sin, and he repented wholeheartedly. He still had to face the consequences of his sin, but God did not leave him; God forgave him, just as God also forgives us when we turn from our sin and seek him. Texts: 2 Samuel 11-12, Psalm 51
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — David, furious, his honor offended, pursued bloody revenge—until Abigail stepped in to assuage his wrath, undo the offense, and keep him from sinning. Each of us needs an Abigail in our lives—someone who is both a wall to keep us from proceeding into sin and a peacemaker to help repair our broken relationships; and most of all, to help us do what is right in the sight of God. Text: 1 Samuel 25
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — David, pursued by King Saul, had a chance to kill the king, free himself from the threat of death, and take the throne God had promised him. But he didn't; he merely cut off a piece of the king's robe, and then felt guilty for that act. David provides us with a lesson about trusting in God when we're angry or afraid, waiting for God to do what we need at the right time and in the right way. Texts: Psalm 57, 1 Samuel 24
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — There were surely many Israelite warriors mightier and better-trained than David when Goliath appeared and threatened Israel—but none had more faith! The story of David and Goliath calls us to ask ourselves, "Will I, like David, put my faith in God today?" Text: 1 Samuel 17
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Like ancient Israel, Jesus experienced an "exodus": God gave him escape from the power of sin and death. By his death and resurrection, Jesus offers us an "exodus" too, setting us free from sin and the fear of God's judgment and leading us to the promised land of life in God's kingdom. Texts: Luke 9:28-36 and selections from Luke 23-24
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall, Summit View Church of Christ — Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, so he climbed up a sycamore tree to spot him over the crowd. Like Zacchaeus, if we will seek the Lord, God will let us find him. Texts: Matthew 7:7, Luke 19:1-10
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall, Summit View Church of Christ — Guest lesson on the importance of keeping a spiritual focus as we follow Jesus. Text: Matthew 16:1-12
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In his final address to Israel, Joshua challenged Israel to choose whom they would serve: the Lord or some other gods. But then he warned them not to serve the Lord! Why? Because the commitment to serve God is a demanding commitment. The apostle Paul similarly calls Christians to a high level of commitment to God, giving up whatever sins we must put to death in order to follow Jesus. Texts: selections from Joshua 24:1-28, Colossians 3:1-17
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When Joshua asked the strange man with his sword drawn, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" the answer was, "No." Is God on our side or our enemies' side? That's the wrong question. The better question is, Are we on God's side? Text: selections from Joshua 2 & 5-6
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — In Deuteronomy, Moses' final addresses to Israel, he calls Israel to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to obey God's commands because they love him. We love God, too, and out of love for him who has been so generous to us we obey him, remember him, and tell the story of all he has done for us. Text: Deuteronomy 6
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Through a talking donkey, God confronted the hidden motives of Balaam's heart, changing his life that day. To help us keep our motives pure, we all need a talking donkey. Text: Numbers 22
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Of all the twelve spies sent to explore the promised land, only Joshua and Caleb trusted God to lead them into that wonderful but dangerous place successfully. What made them different from the other ten spies? They kept their focus on God, remembering all he had done for Israel. Text: Numbers 13-14
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The apostle Peter writes that we who follow Jesus are a holy priesthood in service to God. What does it mean to be a priest in God's kingdom? Instructions for Israel's priests in the book of Leviticus give us insight into our holy, priestly calling. Texts: 1 Peter 2:4-12, selections from Leviticus
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The two most profound, defining moments of Israel's early history—at the water and the mountain—point us to our two most profound, defining moments as followers of Jesus...for we, too, share in the water and the mountain. Text: Exodus 14:5-31 & 20:1-21, Hebrews 12:18-25
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — In this time of difficulty, we need to know God: the God who forgave Israel, the God who is far greater than all idols, the God who comforts us, the God who gives us strength. Text: Isaiah 40
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — God spoke to Moses at the burning bush and sent him to lead Israel out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses didn't want to go! God sent him anyway, and gave him a promise that encourages us, too, when God sends us to do his work: God would be with him. Text: Exodus 3:1 to 4:17
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers was not easy. But God always works to bring people back together, and his people do the same. So Joseph forgave his brothers and worked out a clever plan to find out if their hearts had changed so that he could indeed be reconciled to them. Text: selections from Genesis 42-45
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Whatever Joseph did, it seemed to be answered with unjust suffering. He obeyed his father and was betrayed by his family. He served and honored his master well and resisted temptation, and was thrown into prison for it. Sometimes it seems like "no good deed goes unpunished." But God was with Joseph, and he is with us—and will lift us up in due time—when we suffer for doing good. Text: selections from Genesis 37-41 and 1 Peter
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Abraham (Abram) and Sarah (Sarai) were people of great faith—eventually. Like us, they had to grow in faith. Sometimes, at first, their faith was wobbly. Yet in time they came to trust God completely. We do well to grow in faith as they did. Text: selections from Genesis 12-22
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — There is a great mystery in prayer. As we ask, God gives us wisdom. He helps us understand his ways. And he sometimes says "No" to our requests. But in every situation, as we pray, God gives us his peace and helps us. Texts: Proverbs 2:1-8, Habakkuk 1-2, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Sometimes it's scary when God calls us to join him in his glorious and meaningful work in the world. It was certainly scary for an older man, a young woman, and a group of guys at work when God called them to share in his work and joy of bringing Jesus into the world. But angels told them, "Do not be afraid"—and they worked through their fear and shared in one of God's most glorious accomplishments. Text: selections from Luke 1-2
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — It's difficult to think about our mortality. But Jesus, who is God in human flesh, was born to die for us so that he could defeat the power of death by his resurrection. And God promises to also raise those who follow Jesus. This gives us perspective and hope in the face of death. Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Hebrews 2:14-15
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — How should we think about one of the scariest things in human existence: the end of the world? Jesus foretold that heaven and earth will indeed pass away, and Peter prophesied that the heavens and the earth will be destroyed by fire on the day of the Lord, when Jesus comes again. But we actually look forward to that otherwise terrifying day, because we know what comes next. And so we live for God as we await that great day. Texts: Luke 21:25-36, 2 Peter 3:3-14
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — People who believe in our God often fear the Judgment Day, and rightly so. How does God want us to think about the final judgment? First, he calls us to accept its reality and take warning that it is coming. Then he urges us to turn away from our sin, so that we will be ready when the judgment comes. Finally, he reminds us that if his love is perfected in us, we do not need to fear the judgment, because we are living like Jesus. Texts: Hebrews 10:26-31, 1 John 4:16b-18
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When we're afraid that we might not get the things we need in life, we tend to either become greedy and grab more than we need or worry about whether we'll have what we need tomorrow. Jesus warned us against both of these responses and called us to fix our eyes on God, so that we don't run after the things of this world—which God will provide as we look to him—but after his kingdom. Text: Luke 12:13-34
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — We tend to fear our sin—what it says about us, and how God might condemn us because of it. How should we deal with our fear of sin? Psalm 103 models how we should think about our sin: by remembering God's vast love and how he forgives us if we reverently fear him and obey his commands. Text: Psalm 103
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — What do you do when you are afraid? In a moment of national crisis, King Jehoshaphat turned to God, leading his nation in fasting and prayer. God responded with a promise that he would be with his people—and his presence made all the difference. Text: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
This episode covers the fourteenth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). Glimpses of that in-between realm between human beings and God appeared shortly before and after Jesus' crucifixion: angels, holy people who had died but now returned to life, and the question of what Jesus himself experienced after he died and before his resurrection. Recording date: October 27, 2021
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — What does it mean to fear the Lord? In Scripture it is clearly more than merely trembling at God's wrath. It also means obeying God, honoring him, and even loving him. Text: Deuteronomy 6
This episode covers the thirteenth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). Jesus, speaking to his disciples, calls Satan "the prince of this world." Why? And what does it mean that Satan entered into Judas Iscariot before Judas betrayed Jesus? Recording date: October 20, 2021
This episode covers the twelfth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). Jesus, in teachings about the end times, speaks about angels, especially the role they will play when he comes again. He also speaks about the spirits of the dead, particularly in regard to a question about the role of marriage in the life to come. Recording date: October 13, 2021
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Some fears are healthy, others are unhealthy. And to have no fear at all can be dangerous! Jesus taught us not to fear human beings and what they might do to us, but to fear God—and he also assuaged our fears by teaching us to have confidence in God's love. Texts: Luke 12:1-12 & Philippians 4:4-7
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — At the close of the book of Acts, Paul suffers a shipwreck, a snakebite, rejection by many of the Jews in Rome, and continuing limitation of his freedom as a Roman prisoner. Yet, as throughout the book of Acts, every time time (and the church overall) is beaten down by Satan, God lifts him (and them) up! This God is also our God, who demonstrates his power by continuing to work through us and lift us up in spite of all the devil's attacks. Text: Acts 28
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — God transforms our lives. Phil Robertson (of "Duck Dynasty" fame) lives as an example of God's transforming power. The apostle Paul's life is an even greater testimony to the power of God, by which he brings us out of darkness and into his light, turns us from the power of Satan to God, and gives us forgiveness, hope, and direction. Text: Acts 26
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Paul, on trial, presented his defense speech to Governor Felix, mixing into it a brief introduction to the good news of Jesus. Felix, intrigued, met with Paul again, but was afraid and cut off the conversation when Paul spoke of the proper response to the gospel, and of the coming judgment. Many today are like Felix—interested in Jesus, but afraid. And sometimes we are like Paul—longing to share the message of Jesus. How can we best minister to those who might follow Jesus, but are hesitant or afraid? Text: Acts 24
This episode covers the eleventh segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). Once again, Jesus and his disciples drive out demons, dealing a blow to Satan. In this lesson, we cover four texts from the gospel of Luke, including two stories of Jesus' power over demons and Satan, Jesus' teaching on why angels in heaven rejoice, and the parable of the rich man and Lazaurs, which hints—maybe—at what happens to our spirits when we die. Recording date: October 6, 2021
This episode covers the tenth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). As Jesus' ministry continues, the Jews are confused about who he is. Is he really from God? Or is he actually possessed by a demon? As he responds, Jesus gives us some of our most insightful teaching about the character of the devil. Recording date: September 29, 2021
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The name of Jesus is powerful. It changed the city of Ephesus when Paul proclaimed the good news of Jesus there. It changes our lives. It changes our communities. It changes our world. Text: Acts 19:1-41
This episode covers the tenth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). What does the Bible say about guardian angels? Do children—or any other people—have guardian angels? Do demons still possess people today? We cover these questions and more in this study of a few more miracles and teachings of Jesus that impact our study of the in-between realm. Recording date: September 22, 2021
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — How do you begin to share the good news of Jesus with someone who does not yet know our God? The apostle Paul did just that while he was in Athens: he introduced the Athenians to a deity they knew only as "The Unknown God". From his example we learn five techniques for sharing the gospel with a friend who needs to know our God. Text: Acts 17:10-34
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When the jailer saw the power of God, the mercy of God, and the exceptional character of the people of God, he believed in God and was filled with joy! What is it about God that fills us with such joy as we come to know him? Even in our most difficult times, his power and mercy and the transformation he works in us amaze us, help us, and give us hope. Text: Acts 16:1-40
This episode covers the ninth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). In this lesson's texts, Jesus drives out more demons and actually calls two of his disciples "devil" and "Satan". Why would he do that? What can we learn from these stories about Jesus and Satan? In these texts we also get two hints about the situation of the spirits of the dead as they await the great resurrection.
This episode covers the eighth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). This week we dive deeply into the story of the demons who called themselves "Legion," who controlled a man until they encountered Jesus and then fled, with Jesus' permission, into a herd of pigs. Recording date: September 8, 2021
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — A dispute in the church led Paul and Barnabas to travel to Jerusalem, where they met with the apostles and elders there about the issue. The way the church handled this argument models how we, too, should deal with disagreements and arguments in the church: first by always seeking the will of God, then by working to guard and affirm our relationships with one another. Text: Acts 15:1-35
This episode covers the seventh segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). In this lesson we examine what Jesus tells us about the devil and angels in three of his parables. Recording date: September 1, 2021
This episode covers the sixth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). We look at more that Jesus says about the devil and demons, what demons are, and a little bonus material about angels on the day of judgment. Recording date: August 25, 2021
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The apostle Paul helped to launch a new church in the city of Pisidian Antioch. When persecution came, it could have crushed the new disciples of Jesus—but it didn't. Instead, they were filled with joy! Why? Because of God and all he had done—as Paul explains in his first recorded gospel sermon. Text: Acts 13:13-52
This episode covers the fifth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). It examines connections between Jesus' disciples and demons: some had been possessed by Jesus, then healed; others were given power to drive out demons. This lesson was recorded August 11, 2021.
This episode covers the fourth segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). What does demon-possession look like? What can demons do to the people they possess? Is demon-possession actually merely an old name for mental disorders? We discuss these questions in light of Jesus' encounters with demon-possessed people.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The church prayed diligently for Peter, and God saved Peter from prison. Even so, as this story reminds us, prayer is difficult: even when we pray, we don't know exactly what God will do. Yet we pray, trusting that God will do what is best, and confident in his power. Then, having prayed, we wait expectantly, ready to receive God's blessings when he sends them. Text: Acts 12:1-24
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Through an angelic message to a Gentile, a mysterious vision, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter learned that God does not show favoritism to Jews or to any other people, but accepts—and cleanses—all those who fear him and do what is right. Text: Acts 10
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — Jesus described the human heart in terms of soils of varying quality. The kingdom of heaven is in your heart—but is the soil of your heart well-prepared to receive the seed of God's kingdom? Text: Matthew 13:1-23
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — Thoughts on the theme of thanksgiving in Paul's letter to the church in Colossae. Text: Colossians
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — Another lesson from the life of the great prophet Elijah.
This episode covers the third segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). In this lesson, we consider the first recorded encounters of demons with Jesus as he began his ministry, including discussion of what demons are and do. Lesson date: July 7, 2021
This episode covers the second segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). We examine the story of the devil tempting Jesus, with its implications for our understanding of the devil himself, how he works, and how we should respond to his temptations. Lesson date: June 30, 2021
This episode covers the first segment of Section 8 (The Spiritual Realm in the Time of Jesus). In it, our Senior Adults and Friends Bible Study considers the appearances of angels surrounding the birth of Jesus.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Our God is able to do more than we can ask or even imagine, and he did the unimaginable when he transformed Saul from persecutor of the church to proclaimer of the Christian faith, and when he called Ananias to courageously go to Saul to assist with his transformation. Like Saul and Ananias, we who follow Jesus must also believe God can do the unexpected and more, put our faith in him, and respond in obedience when he calls us to join him in his amazing work. Texts: Acts 9:1-31, Galatians 1:21-24
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — We don't know his name, but God did, this man to whom God sent Philip the Evangelist. Though the man was a foreigner and to some degree an outcast, God loved him and wanted him in his family and kingdom. God knows our names, too, and wants us in his family and kingdom whether we are foreigners or natives, insiders or outsiders, near to God or coming from a place far from him. Text: Acts 8:26-40
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — When Philip proclaimed Jesus in a certain Samaritan city, that city was full of joy! The message of Jesus fills us with joy as it connects us to God. But to keep that joy, we must keep our faith sincere, focused on pleasing God rather than ourselves. Text: Acts 8:4-25
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — The first movement of the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is all about the terrible evil in this world, the evil that brought about Stephen's death. But in the second movement, Jesus was there! And Jesus' presence when Stephen was killed made all the difference. Text: Acts 6:8 to 8:4
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — When the first ethnic division arose in the early church, the apostles appointed seven men to address it—men who were prototypes of deacons, who in turn help the church and its elders carry the glorious, heavy burden of church leadership and ministry. Texts: Acts 6:1-8, 1 Timothy 3:8-13
This episode covers the sixth and final segment of Section 7 (The Spiritual Realm During and After the Jewish Exile), exploring a few final references to angels as we wrap up the Old Testament portion of our study of The In-Between.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — Jesus said peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called children of God. In a tense moment, the great Jewish teacher Gamaliel was a peacemaker, speaking up to warn the Sanhedrin against executing the apostles. God calls us to be, like Gamaliel, people who act out of wise humility to bring peace. Texts: Acts 5:27-42, Matthew 5:9, James 3:13-18
This episode covers the fifth segment of Section 7 (The Spiritual Realm During and After the Jewish Exile). We examine appearances of heavenly beings, sometimes in surprising forms, in the prophetic visions of Zechariah 1-6, including an appearance of Satan in Zechariah 3.
This episode covers the fourth segment of Section 7 (The Spiritual Realm During and After the Jewish Exile), studying appearances of angels in Daniel 6, 10, and 12. Of special interest in this lesson are an angel's involvement in the story of Daniel and the Lions' Den, glimpses of spiritual warfare at the national and international level, and the Bible's first clear prophecy of the resurrection of the dead.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — When should Christians refuse to obey the government? When should they submit and obey? This study explores the New Testament's basic teachings and principles that help us determine how best to respond to government authorities in a way that brings honor to God. Texts: Acts 5:12-42, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:11-17, Mark 12:28-31
This episode of "The In-Between" covers the third segment of Section 7 (The Spiritual Realm During and After the Jewish Exile), studying mysterious angelic beings—and a bizarre appearance of a human hand—in Daniel 5 and 8-9.
This episode of "The In-Between" covers the second segment of Section 7 (The Spiritual Realm During and After the Jewish Exile), studying angelic appearances and involvement in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 4 and in Daniel's 7 in Daniel 7.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The Bible's book of Acts is often called "The Acts of the Apostles," but perhaps it would be better titled "The Acts of the Holy Spirit." The Spirit drives the action in Acts, building God's church, guiding it, spreading the good news of Jesus, convicting people's hearts, and growing God's kingdom. This same Holy Spirit who worked so powerfully in the time of Acts still works powerfully in God's church today. Text: Acts 2:1-21 and selections from Acts
This episode covers the first segment of Section 7 (The Spiritual Realm During and After the Jewish Exile). It focuses on two sections of Ezekiel: one (from chapter 28) that describes a "guardian cherub" sometimes thought to be Satan, and another (from chapters 40-47) in which an angel serves as a sort of tour guide for Ezekiel through a vision.
Guest lesson by Jim Mendenhall — A lesson on how the congregation's appointment of a new elder on this day fits in with God's overarching plan of salvation. Text: selections from Ephesians 3-4
This episode covers the fourth segment of Section 6 (The Spiritual Realm in Judah after the Fall of Israel). We examine the "men," especially the "man clothed in linen," in Ezekiel 8-10, and also the mysterious "man" who appeared in the blazing furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3.
This episode covers the third segment of Section 6 (The Spiritual Realm in Judah after the Fall of Israel), focusing on Ezekiel's vision of four bizarre "living creatures" in Ezekiel 1-11.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — As we consider appointing a new elder for our church, we look at what the apostles Paul and Peter taught about what it means for elders to serve as shepherds over God's flock. Texts: Acts 20:17-38, 1 Peter 5:1-5
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — A tragedy in the young church became the best bad news it could have heard and a source of strange hope: God loves his church enough to discipline us so that we may receive eternal life. Text: Acts 4:32 to 5:16.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — When the first great persecution hit the young church, it must have discouraged the believers. But they responded in the best possible way: they prayed. And so they became a model for us whenever we face discouragement in our faith. Text: Acts 4:23-37.
This episode covers the second segment of Section 6 (The Spiritual Realm in Judah after the Fall of Israel). This class looks especially at occurrences of, and warnings against, attempts to communicate with the dead. We delve deeply into why people might seek to speak with spirits of the departed and how we might minister to them. We also examine the story of an angel saving Judah from an enemy army and a prophecy foretelling that God will one day punish "the powers in the heavens above."
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — What is the good news (the "gospel" of Jesus? In this third of three lessons on the good news, we look at the glorious fellowship shared in the very early church. Through our rich fellowship with one another, we live out the good news of Jesus. Text: Acts 2:36-47.
This episode covers the fourth segment of Section 5 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's Divided Kingdom) and the first segment of Section 6 (The Spiritual Realm in Judah after the Fall of Israel). In three passages from the book of the prophet Isaiah, we examine the Bible's sole text describing seraphim, another warning against consulting mediums and spiritists, and the text that spawned our culture's identification of Lucifer as Satan.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — What is the good news (the "gospel" of Jesus? In this second of three lessons on the good news, we focus on forgiveness—what it means, how it works, and how it blesses our relationship with God. Text: Acts 2:22-41
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — What is the good news—the gospel—of Jesus? The book of Acts describes this good news in a few ways, beginning with the good news of the Messiah, Jesus, whom God sent to address the mess that the world is in, including the messes that we ourselves have caused. Through Jesus, God brings us forgiveness and hope in this broken world, and fills us with joy. This lesson launches a new sermon series, Filled with Joy, from the book of Acts. Text: selections from Acts 1-2
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — In this Easter Sunday sermon, we consider how Jesus' suffering and resurrection remind us of a great truth in life and, more importantly, in God's purposes in our lives: First comes suffering, then comes glory. Text: Luke 24
This episode covers the third segment of Section 5 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's Divided Kingdom), focusing on two stories from 2 Kings involving the appearance of chariots and horses of fire to the prophet Elisha as symbols of angelic power from God to accomplish his will in Israel.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — Even on the cross, at the end of his life, Jesus trusted God. Because he trusted God, he forgave, he showed mercy, and he entrusted his spirit to God. In his death, Jesus showed us how we should live. Text: Luke 23:32-56
This episode covers the second segment of Section 5 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's Divided Kingdom). We look at glimpses of the in-between realm in three stories from 1 & 2 Kings during the time of the prophet Elijah: an angel provides sustenance to Elijah, the prophet Micaiah recounts his vision of God's heavenly throne room and the conversation he witnessed there, and the angel of the Lord gives instructions to Elijah.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — When he shared the sacred bread and cup at the Last Supper and linked them to his body and blood, Jesus taught and modeled three ways in which sharing in the Lord's Supper should transform our relationships with one another. Text: Luke 22:1-30
This episode covers the final segment of Section 4 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's United Kingdom) and opening segment of Section 5 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's Divided Kingdom). From Section 4, we cover two references to angels in Psalm 78 and two brief explorations of the state of the human spirit after death in Ecclesiastes. Beginning Section 5, we consider the story of a prophet in Israel who lied about a supposed appearance of an angel.
Jesus’ Parable of the Tenants called the ancient Jews to consider whether they were giving God what he was due as the rightful Lord of Israel. In the same way, it calls us today to consider whether we are giving God the fruit due him as Lord of our lives—and especially whether we are showing proper honor to Jesus, the Son whom God sent to reconcile us to himself. Text: Luke 19:45 to 20:19
In this fourth segment of Section 4 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's United Kingdom), David faces the angel of the Lord, who brings punishment on Israel for David's sin. Also, we consider what some of David's psalms say about angels, including cherubim.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — Faith in different people can express itself very differently: as people bringing babies to Jesus, as a rich ruler wanting to be saved, as a blind man begging for sight, as a tax collector ready to turn his life back to God. But in all its odd shapes, faith in God always involves pursuit of Jesus. Then it faces a question: When we come to Jesus, will we follow him? Text: Luke 18:15 to 19:10
In this third segment of Section 4 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's United Kingdom), we examine three recurring themes that arise in the stories and psalms of David and continue elsewhere in Scripture: (a) similarity to angels used to describe character or power; (b) angels praise and exalt God; and (c) not much goes on in the realm of the dead (or does it?). Download worksheets for "The In-Between" at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — With three parables, Jesus explained how God feels about sinners who turn to God and are saved. How does God feel about them? He is filled with joy! Jesus calls us to share in that same joy, and to come to him trusting that he will rejoice over us, too. Text: Luke 15
In this second segment of Section 4 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's United Kingdom), Israel's King Saul does what God has forbidden: he consults a medium in order to speak to the spirit of a deceased person. And it works! Can human beings really speak to the dead? Why does God prohibit such an act? What does this tell us about the situation of people who have passed from this life? Find the Section 4 worksheet at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — Responding to a dispute over an inheritance, Jesus warned his listeners to be on guard against greed, and to seek what makes one rich toward God. Then we will not be selfish or scared, but—trusting in God our good Father—we will be generous to use what God gives us to bless others. Text: Luke 12:13-34
In this first segment of Section 4 (The Spiritual Realm During Israel's United Kingdom), an evil spirit from God comes upon King Saul. Does God have evil spirits? Does he send evil spirits upon people to punish them? What does this tell us about the spiritual realm? And what warnings and encouragement does this story offer us today? Download the Section 4 worksheet at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — In explaining who we should consider our neighbor, Jesus told the shocking story of the most unexpected person modeling godly behavior for us by not choosing who his neighbor should be, but by choosing to be a neighbor to a person in need. (This lesson was shared over Zoom because in-person services were closed due to weather.) Text: Luke 10:25-37
The angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and then to the soon-to-be parents of Samson. In both cases, he brings prophecies of God's work to rescue Israel from its enemies. And in both cases, the recipients of the message seem not to understand at first who it is that is speaking to them. Their responses remind us to diligently and wisely seek God's will, testing the messages we receive to find what is true and what God really does desire of us. Download worksheets for The In-Between at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — Following Jesus requires a cross-centered attitude, an attitude of selflessness. This attitude sets the self aside, rejects pride and practices humility, and gives full devotion to Jesus as Messiah and King. Texts: Luke 9:18-26 & 9:43-62
The commander of the army of the Lord appeared to Joshua. Who was this being—God, Jesus, or an angel? What do his words mean for us today in politics, war, and any kind of conflict? Also, the angel of the Lord speaks to Israel, and Deborah refers to the angel of the Lord in her song. Download the Section 3 worksheet at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — In this lesson, we examine three teachings of Jesus from his Sermon on the Level Place and consider how obedience to the teaching of Jesus builds a solid foundation for our lives, so that we can withstand every storm of life. Text: Luke 6:17-49
In this week's class on the spiritual realm between God and human beings, our focus is the fascinating story of Balaam, the angel who confronted him, and (of course) Balaam's donkey. Can animals see angels? Do angels need swords? And why does God send angels in the first place? Download the Section 2 worksheet at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — Three times in Luke's gospel, Jesus heals someone on the Sabbath, knowing that doing so would arouse criticism. Yet he did so intentionally, to show his love for people and to help us learn how to prioritize the commands of God. Texts: Luke 6:6-11, 13:10-17, 14:1-6
In this week's class on the spiritual realm between God and human beings, we study prohibitions in the Law of Moses against attempts to communicate with spirits of the dead and against involvement in sorcery and divination. Download the Section 2 worksheet at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — In three consecutive stories in Luke's Gospel, Jesus commits an offense against the Jewish religious establishment. Who did he think he was, doing such things? He thought he was a doctor sent to heal the spiritually sick—and he thought of them as people God loves and wants to help. Text: Luke 5:12-32
In this week's class on the spiritual realm between God and human beings, we consider the representation and significance of cherubim in Israel's decoration of the ark of the covenant, the tabernacle, and the temple. Download the worksheet for Section 2 at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html. Images used in this lesson are found at https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bs-ark-covenant/ (images 3 & 12) and https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/solomon-temple/ (images 8 & 11).
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen — Why would the people of Jesus’ own hometown try to throw him off a cliff? At first, they seemed delighted by him and his teaching. But when his teaching became too demanding—when he called them to turn their hearts to God—his townspeople turned against him instead. Text: Luke 4:14-44
This week's class on the spiritual realm between God and human beings examines the appearance of an angel in the burning bush, the "destroyer" sent by God at the first Passover, and the angel who led Israel from Egypt to the promised land. Worksheet available at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Guest Sermon by Jim Mendenhall. In Thessalonica, the apostle Paul reasoned with the Jews from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that Jesus was the Christ. What might Paul have shown them from Scripture? Scripture continues to persuade us of the truth about Jesus today, and it strengthens us as we continue in faith through a difficult time. Text: Acts 17:1-4
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Mary wasn't expecting to be expecting. Joseph wasn't expecting to be a father so soon. The shepherds of Bethlehem weren't expecting to encounter angels. But our God does the unexpected—in the life of Jesus, and often (more subtly) in our lives today. Text: Luke 1-2
In this week's class, we study an important appearance of Satan in the opening of the book of Job and what that appearance tells us about this evil, enigmatic person. We also examine a few references to angels and to the realm of the dead in Job. Bible texts in this episode come from the book of Job. Find a link to the class worksheet in the episode notes at www.summitviewchurch.net/podcast.html.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When the angel Gabriel delivered wonderful messages to Zechariah and to Mary, both individuals questioned him; both had doubts. Gabriel responded to them very differently, striking one mute but explaining God's plan to the other. Why the difference? Zechariah and Mary demonstrated different types of doubt. And from Gabriel's responses to them we learn not to be afraid of doubt, but to let it prompt us to pursue the truth. Text: Luke 1
In this week's class, we study angelic appearances to members of the family of Abraham, guiding that family and communicating God's deep concern for them as God works to fulfill his promises to Abraham. This episode is a recording of our Senior Adults & Friends Bible Study via Zoom in their study of "The In-Between," an exploration of the Bible's teaching about angels, demons, the devil, heavenly and dark spiritual powers, and the state of the dead between death and resurrection. Bible texts in this episode come from Genesis 21-48. Download the worksheet at www.summitviewchurch.net/podcast.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — What does God teach us to do when we're anxious? This strange year, 2020, has been a year filled with anxiety. But God helps us, in part by teaching us how to navigate anxious times. This lesson takes us through seven bits of instruction from the apostle Paul—five commands and two promises of God—to help us live godly lives without being anxious. Text: Philippians 4:4-9
In this week's class, we examine the story of a lengthy angelic visit to Abraham and his nephew, Lot. Abraham met two angels and a third, mysterious being. These heavenly beings bring prophecy for Abraham's wife Sarah, foretell God's intentions concerning Sodom and Gomorrah, and then carry out God's judgment on Sodom. This episode is a recording of our Senior Adults & Friends Bible Study via Zoom in their new study of "The In-Between," an exploration of the Bible's teaching about angels, demons, the devil, heavenly and dark spiritual powers, and the state of the dead between death and resurrection. Bible text in this episode comes from Genesis 18:1 to 19:29. Worksheets are available at http://www.summitviewchurch.net/class-materials.html.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — God is at work in us when we suffer. From Peter's first letter, this lesson draws out three purposes of God behind our suffering and three responses Peter calls us to have to our suffering. Texts: selections from 1 Peter
This episode is a recording of our Senior Adults & Friends Bible Study in their new study of "The In-Between," an exploration of the Bible's teaching about angels, demons, the devil, heavenly and dark spiritual powers, and the state of the dead between death and resurrection. This episode delves into the first appearance of the devil in Scripture, the first appearance of cherubim, and the first appearance of the "angel of the Lord" to a human being. This lesson was recorded on December 2, 2020. Texts include selections from Genesis 3-16. Worksheets are available with the episode notes at www.summitviewchurch.net/podcast.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The Jews who rebuilt the temple in the 500s BC pressed on in spite of troubles and did not lose heart because they believed God was with them. When the church faces troubles, we do not lose heart, but cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving, which reminds us that the God who has helped us in the past will help us again. In every difficulty—even today—we look to God to help us, and we are thankful. Texts: Colossians 3:15-17 and selections from Ezra 4-6 & Colossians
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Like the Jews who watched as the foundation of the second temple was laid—some of whom rejoiced while others wept—we too sometimes experience both joy and sorrow at the same time. This is appropriate before God, and the ability to express both joy and sorrow simultaneously will help us navigate this pandemic-plagued Thanksgiving holiday. Text: Ezra 3
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Touched with sudden grief, the Shunammite woman neither gave up on God nor ran away from God. Instead, she pursued God. In her pursuit of God in the midst of her anguish, she is a model for us when we pray. Text: 2 Kings 4:8-37
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Lament gives us language out of which to cry out to God during our times of grief and pain. This lesson describes the typical structure of a lament psalm and takes us through three examples. Texts: Psalms 13, 12, and 6.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — The apostle Paul prayed that, short time or long, those hearing him speak about Jesus would become a follower of Jesus, as he himself was. This is our perspective as Christians, whether we're dealing with a pandemic or working to share our faith: short time or long, like Paul and Jesus and God himself, we will endure, praying and keeping our eyes on our long-term goal. Text: Acts 26:12-32
Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall, Summit View Church of Christ — A certain woman performed an act of great kindness for Jesus at great cost to herself. Others objected, but Jesus commended her, saying, "She has done what she could." We cannot do everything, but we can do what we're able. And like this woman, we honor the Lord when we show kindness or serve at some cost to ourselves. Text: Mark 14:1-9
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ — We've learned, over the past several months, that we need to keep our plans flexible, because life can change quickly. The Bible's book of James reminds us that we don't know what will happen tomorrow—so we need to submit our plans to God. We practice Faithful Flexibility when we say, as James teaches us, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." Text: James 4:13-17
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ — This pandemic has reminded us that just because all is well with us does not mean that all is well with everyone else. Followers of Jesus are called to see and to notice the difficult situations others are experiencing, and to respond with compassion. And when we help others in need, we help Jesus himself. Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ — We are one body, the body of Christ, and each person is a part of it just as every member of the body is a part of the body. God himself has put the members of the body together as he intended, granting honor to each part, so that each part may care for every other part. Even during the pandemic, we are one body, caring for one another, and working together for the kingdom of God. Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
There's a word from God for us in the Bible today, if only we'll take a look. Thoughts presented by Jim Mendenhall.
This new sermon series, "Lessons from a Virus," examines lessons we can learn from the current pandemic and apply to the Christian life. To begin with, we learn to never say something will never happen: We may have thought a pandemic would never strike us, but here it is! Similarly, Peter warns the church not to say the Lord's judgment will never come. We need instead to remember that God has judged the earth before and has promised to judge it again. Then, taking God's warning seriously, we can live holy and godly lives as we look forward to the Lord's coming. Text: 1 Peter 3:1-14
When we're feeling bitter, it's helpful to know God is near. Thoughts from Jim Mendenhall.
So many great heroes of faith have gone before us—so many more than Hebrews 11 could list! They witness to what we cannot see with our eyes, that God is faithful. Jesus, most of all, witnesses to the faithfulness of God and models how we can run the race of faith. With our eyes on Jesus, who endured through suffering and opposition, we can run our race well until we, like him, receive a glorious reward from God. Text: Hebrews 12:1-3
Kevin Jensen explains why Revelation was written to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia and how their situation calls us to stay away from every "god" that might compete for our devotion to Christ today. Text: Revelation 1-3
Sunday Sermon by Jack Campbell, 9:00 a.m. service at the Summit View Church of Christ • To Christians tempted to go back on their faith in Jesus, Hebrews 11 speaks a message urging them forward in the faith that many before them have kept, doing what seemed impossible and accomplishing it by the power of God. Texts: Hebrews 11:32-40, Judges 6:14-16
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ • So many people of faith have gone before us that if we tried to remember them all, we would run out of time. Some were strong and accomplished great things; others suffered greatly, yet left us a great testimony to the faithfulness of God. Text: Hebrews 11:32-40
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ • Rahab became a model of faith when she, a Caananite prostitute, put her faith in God and helped the Israelites. As a result, God transformed her life—and he does the same for us when we put our faith in him. Texts: Hebrews 11:31, Joshua 2:1-16 & 6:20-25
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ • Anything is possible for God, and everything is possible for those who believe. Israel believed in the power of God, and by faith the new nation crossed the Red Sea on dry land and conquered Jericho. Texts: Hebrews 11:29-30, Exodus 14:5-31, Joshua 6:1-20
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ • Moses, like his parents, braved danger and refused to be deterred by distraction or fear as he pursued the will of God. Considering disgrace for Christ’s sake greater than anything Egypt had to offer, he focused his vision on his future reward, served God boldly, and, by faith, saved the people of Israel. Texts: Hebrews 11:23-28 and selections from Exodus 1-12
The Bible's morals teachings sometimes upset us—but we need them! A perspective from one of our shepherds, Jim Mendenhall.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, patriarchs of Israel and heroes of faith, each demonstrated their faith by leaving one last blessing to the next generation when they died. What blessing did they leave? Assurance and instruction in the faith, so that those who followed after them might carry on the faith and be blessed by God. (Texts: Hebrews 11:20-22, selections from Genesis)
Jim Mendenhall challenges us to consider how we too often push God away even as God yearns to have us turn to him for help. When will we ever learn?
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen. How did Abraham pass the impossible test of faith? He passed it by faith—faith that reasoned that God can even raise the dead. Faith in God’s power to raise the dead is faith that can overcome every obstacle and pass every test. (Texts: Hebrews 11:17-19, Genesis 22:1-19)
Does God have to accept us just the way we are, or does he have a higher purpose for our lives? Jim Mendenhall brings us a brief thought from the Bible.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Why do the men always get all the credit? Sarah, too, was a person of great faith, just like her husband, Abraham. True, she laughed when she first heard God’s promise—but we don’t always start off strong in faith. Her faith grew and held, though, and she became a model of the faithful person who remains faithful even when they do not receive all of God's blessings this side of eternal life. (Texts: Hebrews 11:11-16, selections from Genesis 11-21)
Jim Mendenhall reminds us to keep our focus on Jesus as our goal while we run the race of life.
Kevin Jensen presents a key to understanding the book of Revelation: noticing how Jesus' identity and appearance challenge the authority of the Roman emperor, calling Christians enduring social pressure and sometimes persecution to choose between the emperor and Jesus himself as the object of their ultimate allegiance. (Text: Revelation 1)
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — When God calls us to follow his leading into strange, new paths in our lives, we recall the faith of Abraham, who obeyed God’s command to go to the promised land, though Abraham did not know where he was going. There he served God faithfully, and his children and grandchildren—and even we today—were blessed because of his faith. (Texts: Hebrews 11:8-10, Genesis 12:1-9)
Jim Mendenhall brings us a thought from Matthew 7. "Authority" seems like a bad word to many people, but for us who listen for the word of Jesus, the authority of Jesus a blessing.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen — Noah demonstrated his faith by taking seriously God's warnings of things not yet seen, and in doing so he saved his family from the great flood. He is a model of faith for us who, like him, have received warnings from God concerning judgment to come and are called to act in faith to save ourselves and many others. Texts: Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:9 to 7:12
Jim Mendenhall brings us a thought from the book of Acts, where a man named Felix is frightened by Paul's teaching on self-control. Is self-control something you're afraid of today?
As we resume in-person worship services for the first time in four months, we remember Paul's concern for the young church in Thessalonica when he was separated from it suddenly—and his prayer for their well-being until he and they could be together again. Lesson by Kevin Jensen, from 1 Thessalonians 2:17 to 3:13.
Fairness is so important to us today, but another virtue is even better: mercy. We are eternally grateful whenever God and other people show us mercy. Thoughts shared by Jim Mendenhall.
Sunday sermon by Kevin Jensen - We know very little about Enoch. Yet what we do know inspires us to grow in faith, to walk with God, and to look ahead to God's rewards for those who seek him. From Hebrews 11:5-6 and Genesis 5:1-24.
The Israelites heard that God would help them, and they were encouraged. Then circumstances got tough, and they despaired. Don't let circumstances keep you from listening to God. A devotional thought for today from Jim Mendenhall.
It's hard to make plans right now. The COVID-19 virus throws all schedules and agendas awry. So this is a great time to practice the spiritual discipline of "faithful flexibility": being flexible because we acknowledge God as sovereign over our schedules and plans. Thoughts by Kevin Jensen from James 4:13-17, Proverbs 16:3, and Psalms 20:4 and 33:10.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ — Faith is not blind. It is built on the evidence of God’s great actions in the past, evidence so convincing that it persuades us to imagine that God will be faithful again, as he has always been. Abel was a model of faith for us, even though he was killed by his brother. His faith still speaks to us today, for he resisted sin and gave his very best to God. From Hebrews 11:1-4 and Genesis 4:1-16.
Timothy was a man the church could respect as genuine in his faith and love—and he is a model for us to follow. Jim Mendenhall brings us another instructive devotional thought in this continuing series.
Conversation with Johnny Gallegos, teacher, student, husband, and father of three young children on the challenges of teaching, studying, and parenting during the pandemic. Includes thoughts on the message of Ecclesiastes for helping us keep our focus on God during this difficult time.
Sermon by Kevin Jensen, Summit View Church of Christ — God's presence and rule in our lives is like a mighty river that brings life wherever it flows. God offered humanity this river in the beginning, will restore it to his people at the end, and offers to let us drink deeply of it today. Texts: Genesis 2:8-15, Ezekiel 47:1-12, Revelation 22:1-5 & 22:17
Jim Mendenhall offers another brief word of instruction, this time from Hebrews 6:19-20 on the anchor that keeps our souls firm and secure.
Third-grade teacher Caralee Thomason and college professor Bill Wayenberg join Kevin Jensen for an in-depth conversation on their experiences as educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics range from teachers' learning curve in online communication technologies to how the pandemic has highlighted the gap between the haves and have-nots in the public school system, and from there to the latest expectations for what education might look like next fall. Recorded June 11, 2020.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, June 14, 2020 — As God's breath (his Spirit) renewed the life of Israel after the nation's destruction by the Babylonians, and as God breathed new life into Jesus to raise him from the dead, so God also breathes new life into us by his Spirit. Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Jim Mendenhall continues this series of short messages from the Bible with the story of a family's 200-year-old Bible. But it's not a Bible's age that makes it valuable.
Two ministers from our neighborhood—Curt Still from the Church of Christ in Grandview, Washington, and Derrick Allen from the Church of Christ in Ellensburg, Washington—join Kevin Jensen for a discussion on what it's been like to minister to churches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversation ranges from how they're doing personally to how their churches are handling social-distancing requirements to what we can do to keep one another encouraged. Recorded on June 8, 2020.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, June 7, 2020 — Many of us must worship alone in our homes for now. But we are not alone. We stand in a long heritage of people who have worshiped God alone or in small groups, because of isolation or perhaps because of persecution. Even today, many believers can only display their faith in hiding, lest they be discovered. Through the Holy Spirit, we are linked to them—and not only to them, but also to our ancestors in the faith and to one another.
A brief message from Jim Mendenhall on the fairness of God as he treats us all equally, and how we should do the same. The first message in a new series, "Thoughts from an Open Bible."
Kevin Jensen interviews two members of our church, Beth Luke and Onyi Amanari. Both are Family Nurse Practitioners and Doctors of Nursing Practice, and both are on the front lines of caring for the sick in the Yakima community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss what it's like to be a medical worker during this time, what we can and shouldn't do to fight the spread of the virus, and the people who they see are being impacted the most by the virus.
Sunday Sermon by Kevin Jensen, May 31, 2020 — As we encounter uncertain economic times, and as the threat of a loss of income and even bankruptcy looms for many, how should we who follow Jesus think about wealth and poverty?
Welcome to Cross Section! Listen to hear our plans for this brand new podcast from the Summit View Church of Christ in Yakima, Washington, USA.