1st Peter (2015)

Persecution of Christians is happening more and more frequently. What should we do to prepare ourselves and our families? Listen to this lesson to learn a number of biblical ways to ensure that you can stand firm in the face of unjust treatment. See what God’s glory and His dominion mean? As we come to the end of this epistle find out who Silvanus is and hear six points on whether Babylon is the actual geographical city or a code for another place. Accept that no matter what trouble comes our way, we are to remember that God’s power is greater than all His enemies and His grace will provide for us.

If you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that you had a tremendous inheritance in your future, would you panic when things were difficult now? Listen to this lesson to learn that all believers have a future of eternal glory beyond their wildest dreams. Find out that it is God’s manifold grace that enables us to have the strength we need so we don’t give up in the storms of life. Hear a number of verses describing this grace. See that God is our protector, our refuge, and our fortress. Accept that no matter what traumas we suffer now, once we are in Heaven it will all fade into insignificance as we receive our inheritance. The video Dr. Dean intended to show at the end of this Bible class can be found here.

Why is it important for us to study God’s Word and memorize parts of it? Listen to this lesson to learn that when Satan tested Jesus, Jesus resisted him by quoting Scripture. See that Satan used Scripture inaccurately and Jesus immediately corrected him. Find out that Jesus was being led by the Holy Spirit throughout His testing. See if Satan’s offer to give Christ the world’s kingdoms was something he could have delivered and hear Christ’s answer to that. Learn in your own life to take time to study and memorize the Bible so you can pass the tests you will face.

How do you know when you’re being attacked by Satan or just facing a normal problem? Listen to this lesson to learn how to understand testing in the Christian life. Review the spiritual weapons we have and how to utilize them. See that all of them rely on our submitting ourselves to God and understanding that God is defending us and we need to rest in Him. Follow the example of Christ as Satan tested Him. Find out whether or not fasting is ever a spiritual act. Hear Pastor Dean discuss his recent attendance at the AIPAC conference in Washington, D.C. and its importance of fostering American–Israeli relations that benefit both nations.

Do you panic and fall apart when bombarded with problems and adversity? Listen to this lesson to learn how to stand firm and be stabilized even when under demonic attack. Find out about the pieces of the whole armor of God and the spiritual truth that each represents. See that you must get rid of distractions in your life and concentrate on learning the truth that is revealed in the Word of God. Rest in the knowledge that it is God who is defending us and we can always trust His promises.

How can you defend yourself against an enemy you can’t see? Listen to this lesson to learn about the spiritual warfare we are engaged in as Christians. Learn why we are never told to engage our demonic enemies directly but that we are to resist by standing firm. We do this by relying on what we are learning from the Word of God which strengthens and stabilizes us. Find out about God’s mighty power that protects and defends us and see what the schemes of the devil are. During this lesson Dr. Dean referenced a couple of books by C. Gordon Olson: Beyond Calvinism and Arminianism and New Testament Translation The book by Dr. Bruce Baker entitled For Thou Art With Me. Biblical Help for the Termially Ill and for Those Who Love Them is available from Grace Acres Press as a paperback or ebook.

What does it mean to resist the devil? Listen to this lesson to learn what we are to do when we face adversity and suffering in our life. Find out that we need to have learned the Word of God so we are not caught off guard and that we are to walk in humility, submitting to God. Understand that the problems in our life are tests and they are designed to give us an opportunity to trust God. Be learning about God and His plans now so when we face a disaster we are prepared to stand our ground.

Watch out! If you’re a Christian you have a stalker who wants to destroy your faith. What should you do? Listen to this lesson to learn who the stalker is and what your response should be. See an example of a man of great faith who faced terrible undeserved suffering. Find out the importance of standing firm and enduring in adversity. Learn the purpose of testing and like Job, recognize that everything we have is a gift from God and things are not the reason for our happiness.

Why was Satan allowed to tempt Eve in the Garden of Eden and why was he permitted to test the Lord Jesus Christ? Listen to this amazing lesson that pulls back the curtain on the unseen spiritual war that rages around us so we get a glimpse of the larger picture behind world history. Hear twenty-two summarizing reasons that show a theme throughout the Bible of a trial that is occurring where Satan is the defendant and humans are the witnesses. Find out that since Satan has already been sentenced by God to the Lake of Fire why the sentence has not yet been carried out. With this knowledge gain an enlarged perspective on the tests and adversities that come into your life and how to handle them. The book by Dr. Bruce Baker entitled For Thou Art With Me. Biblical Help for the Termially Ill and for Those Who Love Them is available from Grace Acres Press as a paperback or ebook.

Take a moment to visualize Satan. Do you see a devilish creature with red skin, horns, a tail, and a pitchfork? Listen to this lesson to learn that Satan (also referenced as Lucifer) was a magnificent angelic creature called a cherub who covered the throne of God. See that he was a skilled musician and ruled over the other cherubs. Hear the five arrogant statements he made which led to his condemnation and being cast out of his exalted position. Find out the identities of the prince of Tyre and the king of Tyre and how Satan is behind the throne of evil human leaders. Recognize that our lives are lived in the midst of this warfare and that at times we suffer for this reason.

Begin a riveting exploration of the unseen world that affects everything we do today. Listen to this lesson to hear about a prehistoric angelic creature in the Bible called Lucifer (as well as other names) who rebelled against God and the part he plays throughout human history. Hear three views of interpretation of Isaiah 13–14 and Ezekiel 28 and which one is supported by a literal, inerrant view of Scripture. See nine reasons why these passages are referring to Satan and whether Babylon’s final destruction is yet to come. Learn from this that Christians today still face Satanic attacks.

Are you aware that you have a target on your back that Satan is aiming at to get you to rebel against God? Listen to this lesson to learn about the invisible warfare all Christians are engaged in on a daily basis. Hear eleven biblical names for Satan and what these names teach us about him. See the commands we have been given on how to handle Satan’s attacks on us with an emphasis on standing our ground. Find out the categories of suffering and how all suffering can be turned into blessing in our lives. At the end hear a report from Jeff Phipps on his mission work in Brazil.

How do we cast all our cares on God? Listen to this lesson to learn that this involves submitting to authority and obedience to God’s Word. Find out that when we have genuine humility God will lift us up, but that going through the motions of worship must be accompanied by a humble mental attitude. See that our example is that Christ did not depend upon Himself to bear the suffering on the Cross but was totally dependent on God the Father and that should be our mindset when we face adversity and suffering.

What makes someone a fool? Listen to this lesson to learn about four categories of fools and see that at times believers act as fools. Hear about the facets of the sin nature and how we are affected by these when we are not walking by means of the Holy Spirit. See four contrasts between those that God abominates and those He blesses. As believers we are not to be under the control of our arrogance but we are to humble ourselves and be submissive to authority and to one another with Christ as our example.

Is it important for us to assert ourselves in order to be successful? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Bible teaches us that we are to humble ourselves. Find out the meaning of humility and its relationship to submission to authority. See that humility must be taught by parents when a child is young and may include corporal punishment. Accept that by nature we are all arrogant and that Christ’s submission to the Cross is to be our example.

What crowns can believers anticipate receiving at the Judgment Seat of Christ? Listen to this lesson to hear about four crowns that we are eligible to receive and what the qualifications are. For those who are spiritual leaders in the church, learn about a special crown and also the importance of preparation for the exercise of your spiritual gift. For all believers, make decisions to grow to spiritual maturity, remembering that salvation is a free gift but rewards and crowns are earned. Join in the celebration when our Savior graciously presents us with rewards and crowns.

Are you living a life of purpose or just drifting along with whatever the day brings? Listen to this lesson to see the importance of having the aim of spiritual maturity as you organize your time. Find out the difference between rulers’ crowns and crowns for believers. Hear seven points describing these stephanos crowns and see when they are awarded. When life becomes difficult and we grow weary, be reminded of the crowns that await those who are faithful servants of God.

How many church leaders are necessary for a church to be administered wisely? Listen to this this lesson to learn that as the early church began to increase in number, men were selected to meet the needs of each congregation. Learn about the role of elder and deacon and see which is always described individually and which is part of a group. See the qualifications and responsibilities for these leaders with an emphasis on teaching for the elder. Recognize that all of us in the body of Christ are gifted and these gifts are to be used to serve others.

Can teaching be an individual spiritual gift or is it always a part of the gift of pastor? Listen to this lesson to learn the technical Greek grammatical issues involved here that indicate that while all pastors are to be teachers, all teachers are not pastors. Find out if the Granville Sharp grammar rule applies here and what the “men ... de” construction is. Learn why pastor and teacher is linked by a hyphen. See that while the role of a pastor is leadership and guidance, it always includes teaching so that his hearers may be equipped to serve God.

Girls becoming boys? Boys becoming girls? As hard as that is to believe watch a video showing what Canadian schools are teaching their youth and how we must be alert as it spreads into our country. Continue a study of spiritual leaders such as pastors and shepherds. Hear Jesus’ conversation with Peter about his future ministry and the significance of the synonyms that are used. Find out why Jesus’ emphasis on love changes throughout His ministry. Understand that it is God who provides the hearers and the pastor is responsible for feeding his flock. If you'd like to watch the video Dr. Dean showed during class, you can view it here.

How should a pastor of a church spend his time? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is the ultimate pastor or shepherd and is the example for what church pastors are to do. Hear eight ways God shepherds us in Psalm 23. Find out human examples of both true and false Old Testament shepherds. Learn that the primary focus of a pastor should be to teach his congregation the Word of God and they, in turn, are to learn it and apply it in their daily lives.

Who should choose the pastor of a church? How many deacons should there be? If questions like this interest you, you should listen to this lesson to learn that the Bible emphasizes the spiritual qualifications of church leaders but does not give specific directions on how churches should be governed or administered. Hear about the three main forms of church government today and how they differ. Find out the trajectory of administering churches as it developed from the first century in many countries around the world, including our own. See how this influenced other areas of government in the United States.

Elders. Bishops. Pastors. How did these positions for church leaders begin in the early church? Listen to this lesson to learn which leader is mentioned first in Acts and what their role was. Hear about the rapid growth of the church and how provision had to be made for administering to the needs of the congregation. See how a progression of leadership began to develop and what plurality of elders means. Understand that what is important is that there be a shepherd to teach the flock and those who can support him with all the other functions that must be provided.

After Christ’s ascension to Heaven, many believed in Him and on the day of Pentecost received the Holy Spirit and became the body of Christ. Now what? How would this new entity called the Church be administered? Listen to this lesson to hear a lucid and compelling overview of how the Apostles began to organize these believers. Learn that the term elder is the most-used term in the New Testament for the leader of a local church and why pastor is now conventionally used instead. Find out the difference between a descriptive and a prescriptive view of the Book of Acts. During this class Dr. Dean referenced the Textual Criticism course (taught by Ron Minton) available on the Dean Bible Ministries website.

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of the church is and when it began? If so, listen to this lesson to begin an absorbing study of ecclesiology and the perspective it gives us of our world today. Find out many uses of the word ekklesia and that it has different meanings in the Old and New Testament. See that the Apostle Paul refers to the church as a mystery that was not known in ancient times but has been revealed after Christ’s resurrection. Learn that there is only one church but many local groups that all belong to the body of Christ.

If you have a leadership role in your church, then you’ll want to listen to this lesson to learn the meaning of elders, shepherds, and overseers. See what the motive should be for being a leader and what the motive should not be. At the end of the lesson, listen to Ralph LaRosa, a missionary to the Philippines, as he presents some of his many ministries and how the Lord has always cared for all his needs.

Is the Bible talking about judgment of believers or unbelievers in this passage? Listen to this lesson to see the context and to understand the meaning of judgment beginning with the house of God. When believers are suffering adversity see three different ways God may deliver them. As we encounter persecution we are to not be surprised and reorganize our priorities as we walk by means of the Holy Spirit and relax and trust God.

How is it possible to do good deeds that don’t result in bearing fruit in the Christian life? Listen to this lesson to learn the importance of walking by means of the Holy Spirit rather than being controlled by your sin nature. Find out the meaning of abiding in Christ. See that we can either suffer because we deserve it or because it is not based on something we have done. Come to appreciate that undeserved suffering is designed to train and bless us and to bring glory to God. Dr. Dean's opening comments included a reference to the upcoming Pre-Trib Rapture Study Group Conference, December 3-5, 2018. More information is available at www.pre-trib.org. He also mentioned a book entitled The Hymnal: A Reading History by Christopher N. Phillips.

Do you stay relaxed in times of adversity? Listen to this lesson to learn what the Bible teaches about trusting God and glorifying Him in times of turmoil. Find out the only thing you can take with you when you die. Hear about the Judgment Seat of Christ for Church Age believes and what will be evaluated there. Be challenged to walk by means of the Holy Spirit in your daily life so you will receive eternal rewards.

Why are Christians hated, not only in other countries but increasingly in our own? Listen to this lesson to learn why unbelievers hate the name of Jesus. Find out that someone’s name doesn’t just mean what they’re called in the Bible but has far more significance. Hear examples of the names of God and what they teach. See how God’s name is our assurance of eternal security and learn if praying in Jesus’ name is necessary to get our prayers answered.

Okay, so things in your life are horrible. What’s your first reaction? Throw a pity party? Listen to this lesson to learn that all of us suffer and that some suffering we bring on ourselves and other is undeserved but God can use both for our spiritual growth when we walk by means of the Spirit. Find out that Peter was talking about people who suffer for their Christian beliefs much as we see happening in our country today. Learn how it is possible to have joy in the midst of even the most intense adversities because of what we know about God and understand about the purpose of suffering in our lives.

When you’re “under fire” in the circumstances of your life, are you surprised or wonder why God would let that happen to you? Listen to this lesson to hear the many reasons that believers can expect adversities and suffering. Find out that some of our trials are deserved because of our own actions but that many are underserved. See that unbelievers have two ways of handling their problems, one by pretending they don’t exist and the other by enduring them with gritted teeth while Christians have been given the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures so they can rejoice in the midst of trouble.

Would you like to know the secret to handling problems in life without panicking or falling apart? Listen to this lesson to learn that the answer is to “stand in grace”. See what it means to be holy and to fear God. Find out the importance of obeying authority and how this applies in marriage, raising children, and in the workplace. Accept that this is not something we can do on our own but as we walk by means of the Holy Spirit and study God’s Word we will be given the power from God to ignore distractions and live in light of the glorious future promised to us.

How can we glorify God? Listen to this lesson to learn that we are to either teach or serve others with the spiritual gifts that we have been given by God the Holy Spirit. Those with a speaking gift are to treat this gift in a responsible manner as they properly handle the Word of God. Those who have a serving spiritual gift are not to rely on their own talents but on the abilities God gives them. Hear a number of biblical doxologies in Scripture honoring God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Are you spending time wondering what your spiritual gift is? Listen to this lesson to learn that as you serve other Christians under the filling of the Holy Spirit your spiritual gift will become evident over time. Follow a fascinating exploration of spiritual gifts in the Word of God and learn the difference between temporary and permanent gifts and why some gifts ceased. See that spiritual gifts are not the means to maturity but are a result of spiritual growth which comes through walking by means of the Spirit and studying God’s Word.

Why is every believer given a spiritual gift or gifts at the moment of salvation? Listen to this lesson to learn the reason and how it applies to each one personally. Learn the fundamental meaning of the Greek word “charisma” and how it is not just limited to spiritual gifts. See that the gift given to us is not based on our merit or accomplishments but is a grace gift bestowed by God the Holy Spirit. Hear facets explaining these gifts and understand that we only activate our spiritual gifts as we mature spiritually.

Is love some kind of magical, exciting, tingly feeling that sweeps over us? Listen to this lesson to learn the astonishing manifestations of Biblical love. Find out both positive and negative traits of love for everyone, including those who cause us problems and even grief. See that love is active and not just an absence of mental attitude sins toward others. Hear the nasty traits that show we lack love, all of which are products of the sin nature. If this picture of love leaves you feeling challenged, remember that Biblical love is never a result of our own efforts but the Holy Spirit produces it in us when we walk by the Spirit, learn God’s Word, and mature spiritually.

You’ve got to be kidding! Does God really expect me to love everyone? Listen to this lesson to learn that this love is not something we have to manufacture on our own. See that this is supernatural and is based on God’s righteousness and justice. Find out that it can only be produced in us when we are walking by the Spirit. Learn what the Old Testament teaches about love. See how parents show Biblical love to their children by setting boundaries and how rearing good children is a way of loving your neighbor. Hear Paul show us that without love, everything we do in the Christian life is worthless.

“What is this thing called love?” Listen to this message to hear that the Bible teaches that love is not an emotion but a mental attitude. Hear a number of principles that define biblical love and see that it is never permissiveness. When we are tempted to wonder why a loving God allows suffering, see that we need to redefine our concept of love and that God’s righteousness, justice, and love work together. Find out the distinction between believers and disciples.

Unlock the meaning of Christian love with this lucid message as the Apostle Paul emphasizes a command to love fervently. Find out that love is not an emotion but is intentional and proactive. See that we cannot produce this love on our own but it is a result of being filled by the Holy Spirit and maturing spiritually. Learn the meanings of two Greek words used in the Bible for love and see that the command is to love everyone whether we find them attractive or not.

In light of the fact that the end is near, how should we react? Wringing our hands and running scared? Listen to this lesson to learn that a high priority in our life should be our prayers. See that these prayers are to be based on clear thinking, being disciplined, and be Bible-based, all of which are a result of growing spiritually. Hear the progression of the order of events in the end times, including Jesus bringing all demonic powers into subjection. When events in the world start to overwhelm us, realize that prayer is designed to handle the problems of life.

“Beware! The End of the World is Near!” Signs like that are usually ridiculed or ignored but listen to this message to learn what the Bible has to say about the end of the world. Find out that believers are to be watchful and clear minded as they live their lives. Hear the mandate to pray when we face troubles and persecutions, knowing that our opposition comes from Satan. Learn what the “end of all things” refers to and what it means that it is “at hand”. As believers be aware of the importance of living today in the light of eternity.

Has every person who has ever lived had a chance to know God? Listen to this lesson to hear that all people inherently know there is a God and that God’s creation is proof of it. See that God has set up a nonverbal testimony of His existence. Understand the difference between general and special revelation. Realize that those without the capacity to understand the gospel will be saved. Find out there are no second chances to believe after death and learn about Hades from the story of Lazarus and the rich man. Be motivated to share the gospel with unbelievers when possible.

What does it mean when the Bible says that everyone must give an account of themselves to God? Listen to this lesson to see that every person born into this world will face an evaluation by God. For the believer this is called the Judgment Seat of Christ where we will be evaluated in order to determine our rewards and responsibilities. For the unbeliever, there is the Great White Throne of God. Hear what aspects of a person’s life will be judged there to see whether or not they are qualified to live with God forever. Hear about the Lamb’s Book of Life and the Book of Works. Understand that sinful man cannot perform righteous deeds. Realize that the Lake of Fire is a reality. When talking to unbelievers help them to see that sin is no longer an issue since Christ cancelled the sin debt on the Cross but the focus is on belief in Christ. This lesson also includes Revelation 20:11–15.

Are you ready to think about something that can change your life? Listen to this lesson to learn what the Bible says about how everyone of us, believer and unbeliever, will stand before God one day and give an account of our time on earth. Find out that there are nine judgments mentioned in the Bible and that Jesus Christ, who became a man and lived on earth, will be the judge. See what takes place at the Bema Seat of Christ and learn that this judgment is for believers only to determine their rewards. Find out that the issue at the Judgment Seat of Christ is how faithful a believer was. Accept the challenge of living each day in the light of eternity so you will receive the promised rewards.

Are you living your life like a foolish person or a wise person? Listen to this lesson to learn what Peter is saying to new believers as he describes the Christian lifestyle as compared to their former ways of debauchery and reckless living. Understand the contrast between being drunk with wine and walking by means of the Holy Spirit. See how he warned them to expect to be ridiculed, falsely accused, and persecuted by those who don’t believe in Christianity. Understand that while it may not seem fair or just they are not to worry or seek revenge. God will hold everyone accountable and judge them someday.

Once we’re Christians sin isn’t much of a problem, right? Wrong! Listen to this message to hear about the sins that Christians face that war against their souls. See that when we succumb to those sins we develop “black holes” in our soul that destroy our stability and contentment. Hear about the six sins that Peter describes which are caused by our own lusts and corrupt our thinking and distort our values. Find out that the solution to these sins is confession, studying the Word of God, and walking by means of the Spirit.

What does it mean when the Bible says that believers are to be a “distinct people”? Listen to this lesson to learn that it’s our thinking that needs to be different from those around us. See that when we study the Word of God and walk by means of the Holy Spirit our thinking is transformed from human viewpoint to divine viewpoint. Find out what Peter means when he refers to the Gentiles. See the importance of not being influenced by the “spirit of the age”. Hear a report on the missionary work that took place in Brazil last fall when Jeff Phipps and Ray Mondragon went there.

Do you realize you have to “get over yourself” if you want to lead a spiritual life that gives you happiness on this earth and rewards in eternity? Listen to this lesson to learn that all of us have a sin nature that causes us to be self-absorbed and self-indulgent. Also, we are surrounded by demonic thinking which feeds our lust patterns. See that the answer lies in immersing ourselves in the Word of God as we walk by means of the Holy Spirit. Hear nine points on how we can grow spiritually and become mentally tough and ready to face the challenges that come our way.

Did you know that what goes on between your ears is what shapes your life? Listen to this lesson to learn that you are fighting mental battles daily. See that your sin nature or human viewpoint is warring against God’s revelation in His Word which is Divine viewpoint. Learn about eight lust patterns that want to run amok in your soul and find out what God has designed for Christians to counter them through means of the Holy Spirit. Realize that the solution is always focusing on our mental attitudes and using our volition to choose to walk with God.

If your life needs to change, your thinking needs to be changed. Listen to this lesson to hear the truth that will open your eyes and change your life. Find out that having the right mental attitude is of supreme importance. Learn that it is by studying the Word of God and walking by means of the Spirit that we learn the standard of God’s thinking called Divine viewpoint. See that Jesus Christ is our example and it is by arming ourselves with Scriptures that we are trained and begin thinking about the things God wants us to think about. Understand that we are to demonstrate in our lives that God’s viewpoint is right and resolve that we are no longer going to handle our problems by sinful thoughts and actions.