Dean Bible Ministries

Why do we think Joel was probably written before the exile of the Jews from the land? Listen to this message to hear nine reasons for this belief. Learn about the debates concerning the phrase "Day of the Lord." Review definitions of the timing of this period offered by theologians with agreement that it refers to a period when God intervenes in human history. Realize that God will bring judgment of evil so there is justice in the universe.

• The Early Years: AD 100–600 • AD 300–400 • AD 400–500 • AD 500–600 • The Middle Ages: AD 500–1517 • Early Middle Ages: AD 500–1054 • AD 600–700 • AD 700–1054 • Late Middle Ages: Dawn of the Reformation: AD 1300–1517 How did the Church start dividing into many denominations? Listen to this message to learn that there were a number of issues that had to be resolved by the church leaders following the apostles' deaths. Hear fascinating anecdotes that have come down through history describing events in these years which included councils, church splits, and the gradual rise of church officers called bishops who became more powerful than emperors in Rome. Learn about the first emperor who embraced Christianity and ended the persecution of Christians. See how all of this was guided by the Holy Spirit.

Are you aware that as a believer you don't have to sin? Listen to this message to learn that in order not to sin we must align our thinking with the Word of God and realize that at the moment we accepted Christ's death on the Cross as the substitute for our penalty to sin, we were buried with Christ in His death and have been raised to a new life. Our challenge is to not allow our sin nature to rule over us any more by studying and applying Scripture.

After the apostles died and new leaders arose to guide the Church, what events occurred? Listen to this message to hear about the years following the first century until where we are today in 2025. Hear about the number of issues facing the early church Fathers as they were faced with questions such as what is the authority for truth, who was Jesus, and what does baptism mean. Hear about four important church councils that were held to determine these things. Find out how they decided which books should be considered part of the Canon of Scripture and hear about the leading church fathers, beginning with Ignatius. Learn about a number of heresies that developed and problems facing the church today.

Psalm 27:7-14 - Part 2

How do we gain control over our sin natures? Listen to this message to learn that Christ paid the penalty for all sins on the Cross. When anyone believes in Christ as their Savior they receive the baptism by the Holy Spirit and are identified as a new creature in Christ. This frees us from the power of our sin nature as we face temptations. See that Jesus performs the action by means of the Holy Spirit. We need to orient our minds to this new reality and think differently because we have broken with our past.

When was the book of the prophet Joel written? Listen to this message to learn that no one is certain of the exact period and there are many views whether it was in the pre-exilic, exilic, or post-exilic period. Begin a study of chapter one of Joel which includes a devastating account of a severe historically based event and involves a comparison of locusts with the people of Israel. Find out many interpretations of the term "Day of the Lord" and see that while the context determines the meaning, all include a time of judgment from God. Remember that God is also involved in the affairs of our lives in the Church Age.

• How God helped the church grow and mature over four time periods • First period: The time of the Apostles • The church and Judaism no longer share beliefs • The Apostles write the New Testament • Six characteristics of God's revelation • What the Apostles wrote in their epistles • The church recognizes the New Testament canon as the Word of God • Sign gifts become less significant How did the early church continue to expand in different time periods? Listen to this message to learn that the Holy Spirit was used by Jesus to unite all believers into the body of Christ. Learn the details of how God revealed His Word throughout the period when the New Testament was being written and the characteristics of that revelation. Give thanks to God for the Canon of Scripture which He preserved for us to read in our lifetimes.

Do you believe people are either inherently good or that they are inherently evil? Listen to this message about the sin nature that each of us receives at the moment of our physical birth. After we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior we must then make decisions to walk in our new way of life in order to grow spiritually. Hear five points explaining the baptism of the Holy Spirit and be challenged to no longer walk under the power of sin.

If you want to understand the Old Testament you need to learn about the prophets. Listen to this message to gain a comprehensive knowledge of all the prophets, their differing classifications, and the roles they played in Israel. Learn about the two tests for a prophet and what happened to them if they made false claims. Hear three different jobs they performed and the connection between music and prophesy. Understand the divisions of the Canon of Scripture and where the prophets, major, latter, and minor, belong.

• Stage 3: Gentiles become part of the church (Acts 8–11) • Mini-Pentecost #3: "Old Testament" believers • Stage 4: The Gentiles are officially recognized as part of the church (Acts 15:1–32) • Stage 5: The church grows within the Gentile nations (Acts 16, 21, 28) • The Holy Spirit directs the church into Asia Minor, Europe, and then Rome • The church today Will we see the same signs and wonders occurring in churches today as they did in the beginnings of the Church Age? Listen to this lesson to learn that unusual miracles occurred then in order to establish the apostleship of the disciples and that a definite change took place that is operational today. Hear about those early days and see how it formed the unity of all believers in the body of Christ as followers of John the Baptist, other Old Testament saints, and Gentiles became officially accepted. Learn about how the Holy Spirit distributed spiritual gifts that differed according to the focus needed at the time. Be encouraged that God always fulfills His plan for all believers.

• What is the church? • God the Holy Spirit supernaturally started the early church • The growth of the church • Stage 1: Spiritual separation from Israel at Pentecost (Acts 2) • Stage 2: Believers realize God's worldwide plan (Acts 6–7) • Stage 3: Gentiles become part of the church (Acts 8–11) What is the church? Is it a building? Is it a local assembly of believers? Listen to this message to learn that the church began on the day of Pentecost and is composed of everyone who trusts in Christ as their Savior. See how the Holy Spirit was involved in the formation and development of the early church. Hear what fellowship means and follow the growth of local churches throughout the Book of Acts. Find out how Gentiles became part of the church.

Are you struggling with the sin nature within you? Listen to this message to learn how to diagnose and find a solution to this problem. See the importance of the pastor in helping you learn what the Word of God says about sin. Hear how temptation works and the consequences of giving in to it. Learn the solution and how to consider yourself dead to sin.

One of the outstanding believers in the first century is the Apostle Paul. What do you know about this man? Listen to this message to hear a combination of historical records, art work, and biblical references describing his early years and dedication to following the Mosaic Law. Then came his amazing conversion on the road to Damascus and subsequent preparation for the work God had for him. End with his first missionary journey where he was beaten and stoned as he brought the gospel message to the world. Marvel at how all these pieces of his life fit together to bring glory to God.

• Dan Inghram tribute • How the Holy Spirit worked in Old Testament times: Prophets, Leaders, Craftsmen, Judges, Kings • How the Holy Spirit works in New Testament times: New life, Indwelling What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church Age and how does it differ from His role in the Old Testament? Listen to this lesson to begin a thorough study of God the Holy Spirit. Hear about various events in the Old Testament involving the Holy Spirit and understand that it involved a temporary gift given only to certain individuals for specific purposes. Find out the distinct differences of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament beginning with regeneration that occurs when someone trusts in Christ as their Savior and a human spirit becomes a part of them. Be thankful for this Helper who brings to memory what you have learned of Scripture when you need it.

Why do you worry about what the world thinks of you? Listen to this message to hear the characteristics of the devil's thinking which he is using to blind or deceive all who will listen. Understand the meaning of adulterers and adulteresses. Ask yourself if you are pursuing spiritual growth or if you are friend of the world.

• Church Age: Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to battle on earth • What happened at Pentecost? • The coming of the Holy Spirit • The response to Peter's sermon • The nation of Jews confirmed its rejection of the Messiah • Two parables • The Church Age begins • Are Old Testament believers part of the church? Is Jesus ruling as the King now? Listen to this message to learn that Jesus is never referred as the King during the Church Age. Hear what miracle of languages occurred on the Day of Pentecost when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a helper for believers. Find out what Peter meant when he quoted the prophet Joel. Understand the meaning of two parables Jesus told His disciples. As believers in the Church Age, concentrate on fulfilling the mission God has given us.

Are you comfortable in the culture of this world? Feeling at home with its philosophies, entertainment, and thinking? Listen to this message to learn that means you are an enemy of God because those come from the devil. Hear a biblical definition of worldliness and how Christ overcame the world. Realize that believers should not care what unbelievers think of them but should become true students of the Word of God to learn its solutions to all their needs.

"To God be the glory, great things He has done." Listen to this last message on Paul's letter to the Philippians to summarize the principles taught in it. Hear Scriptures about God's glory in the New Testament and the meaning of calling upon the name of the Lord. Find out about God's unique essence, including His unique power to perform all He plans. Give God credit for all He has done and is doing for you daily and be encouraged to step up and take your stand in a wicked and perverse world which needs the glorious good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Preparation for the start of the church: Jesus ascended to Heaven • In Heaven: Jesus raised above all authorities of the universe • The battle for the lives of people • Church Age: Jesus rules and directs the battle from Heaven Are you discouraged some days wondering what your purpose in life is? Listen to this tremendous message describing a panorama of events awaiting every believer. Beginning with what happened at Christ's ascension to Heaven after His resurrection and the arrival of the Church Age, see how God's plan is moving forward. Christ is seated at the right hand of God waiting as the Priest-King. When He returns to earth at the end of the Tribulation He will set up His kingdom with a role for us in that. Be encouraged as you learn more about the destiny that awaits all believers.

Is your thinking pressed into the mold of this world? Listen to this message to learn how the thinking of the world presses us into its mold called the "spirit of the age". See that following their salvation every Christian has the mission of renewing their thinking to align with the Word of God. Find out that the culture around us is from the Devil and hear 10 lies about it that are prevalent today. We must rely upon divine strength which only comes from studying God's Word and walking by means of the Holy Spirit.

How can we glorify or give glory to God? Listen to this absorbing message on the glory of God, beginning with a number of definitions which include its many facets. Hear Scriptures where the Apostle Paul ascribes glory to God in doxologies which have been incorporated in some of the hymns we sing. Listen to principles about the glory of God, focusing on its manifestations in the Old Testament in this lesson. Understand that nothing we do adds to the glory of God, but by describing God's essence and His deeds we can gain comprehension of it.

Are you in a dark place, filled with worries over your financial and material needs? Listen to this encouraging message to hear that God has promised to supply all your needs from His wealth if you have trusted Christ as your Savoir. Hear specific details of the faith-rest drill and examples from both the Old and New Testaments of people whom God supplied their needs. Be reminded of God's care for you and learn to trust Him and relax.

• Parables 4–8 about the intervening period • The mystery: The church • The end of the interim period • Is there really a Rapture? Isn't that the same as the Second Coming of Christ? • Differences between the Rapture and the Second Coming What is the mystery concerning the Church Age? Listen to this message to learn that it is previously unrevealed information that there would be a delay in the Kingdom due to the rejection of Christ as the Messiah by the nation of Israel. Hear the interpretation of the eight parables where Jesus discussed this with His disciples. Learn about the end of this period, which is the Second Coming of Christ and how it is not the same as the Rapture, which occurs first and removes Church-Age believers from coming judgment. See when we receive our resurrection bodies.

What is biblical demon possession and how was it exhibited in the New Testament? Listen to this message to hear a real life incident of a man Jesus encountered who was violent and uncontrollable because he had an unclean spirit. Find out how Jesus healed him. Hear about the difficulty in determining his location and what actions he displayed. Learn a definition of demon possession and who it can affect. Instead of fearing demons, believers today need to rely on the power of the Savior as they study the Word of God. For more information on the archaeology of the area discussed in this Bible study, visit the Associates of Biblical Research YouTube channel, specifically the Digging for Truth episode 245. Also check out the ABR website at biblearchaeology.org, and search on "Gordon Franz," author.

What did the Philippians do for Paul? Listen to this message to learn that they gave him an offering when no one else did. Find out that he thanked them, not for the money, but for for the evidence of their spiritual growth. Hear his discussions on how pastors are to receive care as the Holy Spirit directs people. Hear about Hudson Taylor and some of his experiences in trusting God for his needs and the needs of the China Inland Mission. All believers should be challenged to learn to walk by faith and not by sight since God has promised to supply all our needs.

• John the Baptist announces the return of the Kingdom of God • Jesus offers to restart the Kingdom • The Kingdom is rejected • Jesus explains the interim period in eight parables When Jesus began His ministry on earth He announced that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. Why didn't that occur? Listen to this lesson to learn that when the leaders of Israel rejected Him, an interim period called the Church Age happened instead. Hear an explanation of the first three of Jesus' parables where He explained this. Find out how God always achieves His goals for mankind even when they reject His plan, and why it was important that Jesus cast a demon out of a man who was both blind and mute.

Why and how did Satan attack Christ when He lived in this world? Listen to this message to hear about an event in the Bible when the Holy Spirit led Christ to the wilderness and Satan tempted Christ by offering rewards if He would worship him. Learn how Christ handled these tests by quoting Scripture. Christ's use of Scripture to resist the devil (James 4:7) is the pattern we are to follow. See that God's grace is always sufficient when we need it if we stand firm against the Devil's strategies.

Would you like to learn the secret of being happy and satisfied no matter the circumstances of your life? Listen to this message to find out how the Apostle Paul could say he was content no matter what horrendous circumstances he was in, which included beatings, ship wrecks, and imprisonment. See that when our happiness is built on God's Word and not depending on our own self-sufficiency we, too, can find this contentment. Be challenged to diligently pursue contentment which is a result of walking by means of the Holy Spirit and trusting God's promises to provide your needs.

• Examples of "saved" meaning glorified • How can I be careful about reading the Bible, so I don't confuse myself or misunderstand God's Word? • What about works? • The judgment seat of Christ: Review • The judgment seat of Christ: Rewards • Jesus: The generous judge • Consequences of failure The Bible emphasizes the necessity of our studying and applying the Word of God, but when we try to read it, sometimes we find it's not easy to understand. Listen to this lesson to learn a number of ways to read the Bible in meaningful ways. Hear vital questions to ask of the the passages we are reading. Attend church and hear messages from a pastor-teacher to help us to see how Scripture builds on Scripture. Learn about the Judgment Seat of Christ where each believer will be evaluated and be challenged to see your life as training for your roles and responsibilities in the Kingdom of God.