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.

Sunday Sermon by Jim Mendenhall — A 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