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