All Current Classes From Dean Bible Ministries

What makes the church truly unique in God's plan? Discover why Scripture distinguishes the church from Israel and the coming kingdom, and rejoice in your identity as part of Christ's body. Stand firm on a biblical understanding of the church's foundation, purpose, and unity. Grow in appreciation for Christ as the Head who joins believers together for His glory. Let this truth deepen your commitment to serve, mature, and build up the body of Christ.

Can you know with certainty that you are one of God's elect? Discover that the assurance of salvation rests in faith alone in Christ alone, not in works, perseverance, or human effort. Let Scripture speak for itself as you examine difficult passages in their proper context. Reject distorted views that cloud the simplicity of the gospel. Rejoice that all who trust in Christ are justified by grace and equipped to serve Him with confidence.

Why does God's judgment begin with His own people? Hear the Lion of Judah roar as Amos declares the Lord's righteous authority over every nation. Measure every message by the unchanging standard of God's Word, refusing the deception of false teaching. Turn from spiritual compromise and remain faithful to the God who has graciously revealed Himself. Rest in His sovereign rule, knowing His warnings are meant to lead His people to repentance and steadfast trust.

How well do you really know what God is saying in His Word? Slow down and observe the text before rushing to application. Seek God's intended meaning rather than your own impressions or preferences. Let Scripture define the church and keep God's Word at the center of its ministry. Grow in biblical discernment through careful study, and be equipped with a faith that is rooted in truth instead of shaped by shallow ideas.

What happens when centuries of theology obscure the simplicity of God's Word? Lay aside philosophical systems and let Scripture define election, predestination, and foreknowledge on its own terms. Rejoice that your assurance rests in faith alone in Christ alone, not in your works or perseverance. Follow Paul's teaching in its biblical context and discover the confidence every believer can have in God's saving grace. The graphic for the Flow Chart of Life is available in the notes link below.

What does it truly mean to belong to the church of God? Discover why Scripture defines the church by Christ's purpose rather than human programs or traditions. Embrace the importance of faithful, verse-by-verse teaching that equips believers with truth and spiritual stability. Recognize that Christ alone builds His church and calls His people to grow, encourage one another, and stand firm against error. Deepen your appreciation for the privilege and responsibility of being part of His body. Strengthen your appreciation for the privilege of belonging to the church that Jesus Himself is building.

The phrase "God has a plan for your life," is often taken to mean some detailed, precise plan for each individual and we have to search to find it. There are times in our lives when the plan is more specific, but if we are trusting God, He will direct our paths. We won't need to search for it. The reality is God has a blueprint for spiritual growth—from the moment we are saved until the Judgment Seat of Christ. In this lesson you will learn what the plan looks like from beginning to end. Discover how salvation by faith alone becomes the foundation for a lifetime of spiritual growth. Learn to walk by the Spirit instead of the sin nature as you endure trials with confident hope. See how God uses suffering to mature your faith and prepare you for eternity. Live today in light of the Judgment Seat of Christ and pursue the lasting rewards that come from faithful obedience. During this message Dr. Dean mentioned the American Minute website by William Federer.

The ancient world around Israel was saturated with the idol worship representing gods of sex, money, power, and war. Both the Southern Kingdom of Judah and the Northern Kingdom of Israel succumbed to these temptations, but the worst was the Northern Kingdom of Israel. What happened when God's people confused outward success with spiritual faithfulness? Hear Amos expose the false security of prosperity and the deadly pull of idolatry. Measure justice and righteousness by God's standard, not the changing values of the culture. Listen to the Lion who roars before judgment falls and respond while His grace is still extended. Rest in the hope that the God who warns His people also promises future restoration through the Messiah.

What does it mean to be part of the Church of God? Understand that the Church is not merely an organization or social gathering but the very body of Christ, established and sustained by Him. Recognize that Christ alone is the head of His Church and defines its nature, purpose, structure, and worship through His Word. These facets of the Church are not determined by psychology, sociology, or demographics, which is the modern and non-biblical approach popular today. Distinguish carefully between the Church and Israel as you study Scripture with precision. Embrace your identity as a saint, set apart for God's purposes. Think deeply about the privilege and responsibility of belonging to Christ's Church.

Why does God allow suffering and adversity in the lives of His people? Rest in the certainty that eternal life is found only in Jesus Christ and refuse to measure God's faithfulness by your circumstances. Learn to endure trials by relying on His Word and applying His promises day by day. Embrace suffering as God's training ground for developing endurance, character, and hope. Fix your eyes on eternity and pursue spiritual maturity rather than settling for spiritual infancy. Comfort others with the same grace and truth that have sustained you. During this Bible class Dr. Dean mentioned the film Benjamin Rush: The American Revolution's Indispensable Doctor available on Amazon Prime.

Why can believers have hope even in adversity? Listen to this message to understand that biblical hope is a confident expectation based on God's promises and our eternal destiny. Hear why God allows trials in the believer's life and how endurance produces spiritual maturity. See the connection between hope, perseverance, and the Judgment Seat of Christ. Find out why living in light of eternity changes how we face suffering.

What did Jonah do when God gave him a second chance to go to Nineveh and deliver His message? Listen to this lesson to learn that Jonah obeyed this time, but that he didn't change his mental attitude toward the Ninevites. See what it means when it says crossing the city was a three-day journey in extent. Find out what the Ninevites response was and four things the King of Nineveh did. Be challenged to see God's grace and understand His desire to give all a chance to change their mind.

What was Paul's purpose in writing 2 Corinthians? Listen to this message to learn that it was the Apostle Paul's fourth letter to the church in Corinth and its purpose was to address them personally and comfort them. See that the Corinthians were mostly Gentiles and like their culture, many were sexually immoral and arrogant, liking oratory and philosophical wisdom. They had turned the Lord's Table into a drunken orgy. It was written in AD 50, based on Gallio's rule. Find out this Epistle was written after Paul's 3rd missionary journey.

Why do believers have a need for endurance? Listen to this message to understand that once we have trusted in our Savior for salvation we need to trust in God's promises as we grow to spiritual maturity. Hear a definition for hope and the Hebrew and Greek words translated for biblical hope. See the role waiting plays in our spiritual lives as we have confident expectation that Christ will solve all problems in His right timing.

Pastor Arnold challenges the Calvinist doctrine of Limited Atonement. Drawing from Scripture, he argues that Christ died for all people, not only the "elect," and that Christ's atonement is unlimited in its provision, yet conditioned upon faith for its application. The presentation examines key biblical passages often used in debates over the extent of the atonement and contrasts Calvinist interpretations (TULIP) with a Free Grace perspective (LOTUS). Arnold contends that the doctrine of "Total Atonement" better reflects God's love, justice, and universal offer of salvation.

What priorities should we emphasize in our spiritual lives? Listen to this message to hear a discussion of eternal security and understand that our assurance of salvation is based on the promise of God and not our perseverance. See that endurance is a key quality of the Christian life, but is not a part of salvation. Hear a definition of hope and the part it plays in our growing to spiritual maturity.

Can you imagine the pressure Jonah felt when he was swallowed by the great fish? Listen to this message to see that Jonah turned to God in prayer during the time he was in the belly of that fish. Find out if it was possible that Jonah may have died while there, but see there are psalms by others who did not die that said some of the same things. Hear a number of habits that will help with your prayer life and see the importance of studying prayers in the Bible, especially the psalms. Be challenged to have a daily time for prayer and expand your prayer life to include the different kinds of prayers we should pray. You can access Dr. Constable's Notes that Dr. Dean referenced during this class at https://soniclight.com/constable/.

We've come to the end of our study of the Interlocked Series, so what's next? Listen to this message to hear how believers need to continue studying the Word of God and walking by means of the Holy Spirit in order to grow spiritually. If you are a parent or Sunday School teacher teaching this to children, emphasize the fact that everyone has a worldview. Show them the difference between the biblical worldview and pagan worldviews. In this message hear many questions you can ask to get children to think on this matter and be challenged to commit to the Word of God as the place where truth can be found.

How would you describe biblical love in the Church Age? Listen to this message on the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 to see that nothing else you do to exercise your spiritual gift is worthwhile unless it is done in love. See that love is a mental attitude, not an emotion and that hypothetical language is used in the first three verses. Find out that we cannot produce this love on our own, but only when we are walking by means of the Holy Spirit is it developed in our lives. Be challenged to take the focus off of yourself and consider those around you.

How was it possible for Jonah to be swallowed by a whale and emerge in Israel three days later? Listen to this message to hear all the fascinating details that are mentioned in the Bible. Learn that God prepared a sea creature for this and no one knows exactly which one it is although many have speculated it was a sperm whale. See how time was counted in those days to make up the three days and three nights. Hear arguments concerning whether Jonah died and was brought back to life. Learn that in Jonah's distress he called out to the Lord using many phrases from the Book of Psalms. During this lesson Dr. Dean mentioned a book by Dr. Michael Vlach, "Philosophy 101".

How can you communicate with people with different knowledge backgrounds so they understand the gospel message? Listen to this message to learn that the Apostle Paul had different approaches in his sermons. To Jewish-background believers he went to the synagogues and taught from the Old Testament about the Messiah. To those with pagan backgrounds he frequently taught through the philosophies of four different thinkers they were generally familiar with. As believers we, too, should sharpen our thinking and match our messages to the presuppositions of our listeners to be more effective witnesses.

Why is it difficult to love others as Jesus commanded us? Listen to this message to learn our sin nature causes the struggles we encounter in this area. Find out the meaning of moral degeneracy and the necessity to walk by means of the Holy Spirit. In conclusion, because we have confidence to enter the throne room of God and we have an High Priest, let us meet with other believers to encourage and show our love for them.

If you think you have troubles, consider what happened to Jonah when he rebelled against God. Listen to this message to learn the details of the events that occurred when Jonah went to Joppa and got on a ship to Tarsus, including a massive storm that almost drowned all the sailors until they threw Jonah overboard. Learn about the great fish God had prepared that swallowed him and how God preserved him in the fish's belly and returned him to Israel. Like Jonah, every believer has to choose daily if he will obey God's will or run to escape it.

What is the Lamb's Book of Life and is it the same or different from the Book of Life? Listen to this message to hear the details of the Lamb's Book of Life and the meaning of being "blotted out of it." Hear a number of views about that and one that explains it as a figure of speech called a litotes. Be challenged to be an overcomer and receive praise and rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

What is the parable of the good Samaritan teaching? Listen to this message to understand Christ's answer to the Pharisee lawyer. Find out how Jesus explains who his neighbor is using questions and a story. See that the victim of the roadside mugging was considered an unlovable person to the Samaritan but he showed unconditional, impersonal love to him. Hear six lessons we can learn from this parable.

Why does Jonah run the opposite direction when God tells him to go to Nineveh to preach to the people there? Listen to this message to learn about the ancient city of Nineveh. Hear how wicked it was and how its “stink” had come up to Heaven. Hear that Jonah was a successful prophet to Israel and that God loved Jonah too much to let him get away with trying to disobey and hide from Him. Hear two applications: one to the people in Israel and one to all believers. You can view Joel Kramer's Expedition Bible website here. Joel's book, "Where God Came Down," is also referenced on their site. It's a great read! Dr. Dean also mentioned Douglas Petrovich's book, "Nimrod the Empire Builder: Architect of Shock and Awe" available from Amazon here.

What is meant by a new heaven and a new earth? Listen to this message to learn about eight judgments and four resurrections. Find out why there are so many unbelievers at the end of the Millennial Kingdom. Begin a study of two books: the book of Man's Works and the Lamb's Book of Life. See that there is only light (i.e., no darkness) in the Eternal State. Hear a description of the New Jerusalem. Marvel at what is coming in the future for those who put their trust in Christ.

What is the meaning of the term “labor of love?” Listen to four categories of love and learn which one is referred to in this biblical passage. See that believers are to have unconditional love for others that only is produced by walking by means of the Holy Spirit and learning the Word of God. After trusting Christ as our Savior we have to make volitional decisions to grow to spiritual maturity so the Holy Spirit will change our thinking.

Are you ready to hear about a prophet of the Northern Kingdom of Israel who not only refused to obey God, but as fast as he could he caught a ship to go as far away from God's instructions as possible? This is Jonah, one of the earlier prophets to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. By refusing to obey God, he had an adventure he would never forget. God had directed him to go east to Israel's most-hated enemy, the Assyrian city of Nineveh. Jonah could not escape God's plan, for God prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah and return him to the shore. In this lesson you will learn that Jonah was an actual historical person and find out the significant themes of this small book. Learn that God loves all people and had a strong evangelistic plan for the world, even in the Old Testament.

What is the "75-year gap" between Christ's second Coming and the Millennial Kingdom? Listen to this message to hear that it is a preparation time for the coming Kingdom of God with a number of predicted events. It is mentioned in Daniel 12:11–12. Find out the Kingdom of God started when God chose Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and gave them the land of Israel. See Satan's role and how He will be chained in the Abyss during the Millennial Kingdom, only to be released for a short time. Understand that God is teaching that sinful man can never succeed on his own merit but must trust in the Messiah's sacrificial death on the Cross for salvation.

What does justify mean? Listen to this message to hear two examples that help explain a second kind of justification. The first is Abraham who obeyed God when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Learn that Abraham had already believed God years before and been justified, receiving imputed righteousness. What then is this second justification? The second example is Rahab whose trust in God led to her sending the spies away so they would not be caught. Understand the two ways justification is described, if the first is for eternal salvation, what is the second?

What happens in the 75 days after the Second Coming? Listen to this final lesson on Joel to understand the seven key events of that interval, including the casting of the Antichrist into the lake of fire and the binding of Satan. Find out who the Judgment of the Gentiles specifically targets and why. Discover the miraculous river flowing from the Temple Mount that will transform the Dead Sea in the Millennial Kingdom. Be assured that every promise God made to Israel will be completely fulfilled. The video Dr. Dean mentioned during this class entitled Three Scientists on the Origins of Everything is available here.

What happens at the time of Jesus' Second Coming? Listen to this message to learn the details of the prelude to His coming again and what is happening in Heaven. Hear how the Church Age saints accompany Him and how He arrives at the end of the Tribulation. Learn about the birds being invited to clean up the battlegrounds of Armageddon. See how Jesus regathers Israel. Hear of an earthquake that divides the Mount of Olives. Look forward to the day when God judges evil.

What is the relationship between biblical faith and works? Listen to this message to understand that in this passage faith is not faith for justification-salvation, but primarily has the idea of either the ongoing act of trusting God, or the body of beliefs which we have. Also, we learn what a "dead" faith is, and understand that "works" describes the application of what we believe. Find out how we can apply what we believe in our daily walk. Hear examples from Scriptures and listen to the objections given with the answers. Be challenged to apply what you learn in the Word of God.

What does the Bible teach about the blackouts of the heavens? Listen to this message on the end times when the sun is darkened and blood dims the moon. Hear the details and when the controversy that accompanies when they occur in the Tribulation, probably part of the campaign of Armageddon. Find out about the army of “locusts” and what comes after that. See that fire is used throughout Scripture as a symbol of destruction. At the end of Pastor Dean's message listen to Pastor Rui, a missionary from Brazil and part of Artios Brazil, and the work going on there that is supported by West Houston Bible Church.

How will the kingdom of man ultimately be destroyed? Listen to this message to get a panoramic view of the total destruction. Understand that you do not have to guess at the meaning of the symbols found in these chapters of Revelation because they are explained in other contexts. Find out who the “harlot” is and what evils she has committed. Learn about the seven kings and ten horns. Rejoice that evil on Earth will be judged.

What is the difference between biblical faith and works? Listen to this message to find out works are not the basis for salvation but a result that can follow when we grow spiritually. Understand the grammar of the passage to see that works are not inevitable but are the application of what we learn when walking by means of the Holy Spirit.

When does Jesus return to earth as the Son of Man? Listen to this message to hear what the term means and when Jesus told His disciples it would occur. Find out how God is going to judge the Gentiles in the Tribulation and that Jerusalem will be the focal point of history. See the sequence of events in the end times and who the Judgment of the Goats and Sheep is for. Be encouraged to bring the gospel message to people now in light of all the suffering in the Tribulation.

Why do the "earth dwellers" refuse to turn to God even when all the judgments are being poured out on the earth? Listen to this message to learn about the negativity of unsaved mankind. Find out who the three angels are and what they announce. See a comparison of the exodus plagues and the seven bowl judgments. Hear about the campaign of Armageddon when the Messiah reaps with His sickle. See what a massive earthquake does to Jerusalem and realize that even though God's judgments are horrific, He always does what is right.

“Up from the grave He arose! With a mighty triumph o'er His foes!” Jesus' resurrection happened. What is the evidence? Listen to this Resurrection Day message to hear five accepted facts that actually validate the Resurrection including the amazing transformation of the people who believed as they spread the good news. When witnessing to unbelievers share these facts and rejoice that we serve a living Savior. During this message Dr. Dean referenced a book by Dr. Gary Habermas entitled On the Resurrection: Evidences (Voume 1). This link is to one of four volumes.

What does the Bible teach us about God's plan for history and specifically His plan for the Jews? Listen to this message to gain an understanding of how God chose Abraham and made an everlasting covenant with him, and later made a temporary covenant with Moses, which included promises for obedience and cursing for disobedience. Hear about the horrific periods of punishment, including cannibalism, and follow a timeline for the persecution of Jews throughout the ages. Understand that Israel has a future of blessing promised it and it will be fulfilled at the end of the Tribulation. Find out the origin of the term “Palestinian” and rejoice that we can trust in the grace of God to fulfill His promises to us.

Who are the Antichrist and the False Prophet? Listen to this message to learn the Antichrist will rule the Earth during the Tribulation. Find out what he does at the midpoint which reveals his evil demonic nature. See that the False Prophet is religious. To understand these two you must know about Daniel 7 where the kingdoms of the world are described. Learn about the Revived Roman Empire and the mark of the beast. Realize that the Tribulation is when God removes all evil from the universe.