Dean Bible Ministries

• 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.

Is glorification just a heavenly bonus, or is it the goal toward which all of history moves? Find out how glorification completes the work God began at salvation. Study how sin corrupted more than just human nature and how God plans to restore everything from resurrected bodies to renewed creation. Learn why suffering now pales in comparison to the coming glory, and how we're being prepared to reflect God's majesty more fully than even Adam and Eve could. Sin's impact on creation • God's original design for man • Glory revealed through resurrection • The future hope of believers

As a believer, should we tithe, which means to give a tenth of our income, to Christian ministries? Listen to this illuminating message to begin a study of biblical giving. Begin at the Old Testament and find out how tithing was instituted in the Mosaic Law. Learn that it was only one of three offerings to be made by the Israelites. See the difference between mandatory and free will offerings. Find out how Christ abolished the Law and that in the present age we have a completely different standard for giving based on our thinking.

• Saved from the POWER of sin: sanctification • What happens to our sin nature when we are saved? • What IS sanctification? • What to do in the ongoing battle with our sin nature • Examples of "saved" from the power of sin • What about the person who never shows any spiritual growth? Do you understand the difference between justification and sanctification? Listen to this lesson to learn that justification occurs when someone trusts in Christ as their Savior and God declares them positionally righteous. Sanctification, on the other hand, follows justification and is a daily choice to study God's Word, confess sin, and pray in order to grow to spiritual maturity. We cannot accomplish this on our own but only by means of the Holy Spirit who indwells us. Learn all the details of this important blessing for all believers. At the end of this Bible class Rachel Musser gave a presentation for her ministry throughout the world. If you'd like to support Rachel financially, please visit the Ararat-Rainier East-West Fellowship website at www.arewf.org and indicate it is for the women's ministry.

How can we know of the existence of angels since they are invisible? If you have ever wondered about this, listen to this message. Find out if based on our human abilities we can reason what angels can and cannot do. See if experiences we or others have can reveal the nature and purpose of angels and spirit beings. Learn that it is only through God's revelation in the Bible that truth about angels is available.

Who is the devil and what is he doing in our world? Listen to this message to learn about how he was an anointed cherub but became our enemy and accuser before God. Find out that he is the leader of a rebellion against God led by his arrogance, and the Scriptures that detail this. Hear how believers are the trophies of God's grace and we are to stand fast against Satan.

Do you have a tough spiritual mental attitude that makes you determined to stick with spiritual growth no matter what the obstacles? Listen to this message to learn that this is developed by changing your thinking from human viewpoint to divine viewpoint. To do this you must spend time in learning the Word of God and applying what you learn. It is only possible when walking by means of the Holy Spirit. If you have been longing for more peace in your life, this lesson will go a long ways toward showing you the path to reach that goal.

Whether you know it or not, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are engaged in spiritual warfare. Listen to this message to learn what Scripture says about the role of Satan, demons, and demonic forces in this war. Hear an overview of the armor God has provided for us, how we are to engage, and our goal of standing our ground. Learn that believers have three options in this warfare.

You can view the inspiring documentary LIFTED: A Dying Tribe Encounters New Life on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DjyBZdHoxY). Then watch Thom Schoen's (one of the child missionaries) message in the video link. Don't forget to watch the other Lifted extra clips available on YouTube. You can contact Thom at: The Telos Foundation 1054 Highway 39 Ingram, TX 78025 or via email at: tschoen@twr.org

What is the significance of the resurrection? Listen to this message to learn that there is an order to the prophesied resurrections, beginning with Christ's, which occurred after His crucifixion. Hear the characteristics of His resurrection body, how He could talk, walk, eat, and perform amazing activities. Find out what He is doing now, including interceding on our behalf, controlling world history, and preparing a place for all believers in Heaven. As a believer, look forward to the day when you are face-to-face with the Lord and will receive your resurrection body.

What is walking used to illustrate in the Christian life? Listen to this lesson to see that walking describes our forward movement in our spiritual growth. Hear an overview of Ephesians with its emphasis on unity, humility, and loving one another. Learn the importance and the means of growing spiritually. Deepen your understanding of what God expects of believers.

Are you grappling with the concept of man's free will and God's sovereignty? Listen to this message to learn that mankind is free to choose to accept or reject God's provision of the finished work of Christ on the Cross. See that all who believe in Christ are elected. Find out what passages are referring to an individual's salvation and which are referring to nations which are fulfilling His plans. Understand that God's sovereignty and man's free will are both truth.

Do you wonder what the will of God is for your life? Listen to this message to learn that God's will for your life is plainly laid out in the Word of God. It is God's will that we obey authority even when it is unfair. Understand that Christ in His humanity is to be our example or pattern. This is not something we want to do but when we suffer unjustly with the right mental attitude, God is pleased. We must learn to pray and put unfair treatment in God's hand.

At times are you a little unsure how you should pray? Listen to this definitive message on the subject of prayer to learn that you should first confess any personal sins to God so you are in a right relationship with Him. Following confession, express your gratitude to God for all He has done for you, naming His divine attributes. Last, pray for yourself and others using the categories listed here. For examples of effective prayers, read the book of Psalms and Paul's prayers in the New Testament epistles.

Are you curious about what your resurrection body will be like? Listen to this lesson to hear characteristics of Christ's resurrection body to get some hints. Explore the differences between resuscitation and resurrection. Find out about the human spirit and how it is related to what happened when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. Hear the order of resurrections, beginning with Christ. Find out that hundreds of people saw the resurrected Christ.

Should believers obey authorities without questioning? Listen to this message to learn that believers should obey legitimate authorities except in two cases. Find out what those exceptions are and understand that they are specific, not general. Discover the meaning of discipleship and the reward of the inheritance. Realize that it is our decision whether we will adjust our thinking to align with the Word of God by studying and applying it.

Would you like to be challenged in your prayer life by hearing an Apostolic prayer in Acts 4? Listen to this message to hear how Peter and John were told not to preach the gospel by the Jewish leaders. In their prayer they call on the God of creation and ask for focus to do His will. Near the end of the message hear three examples of perseverance in prayer and the reasons why these prayers weren't being answered.

• How can God be so cruel to "send people to hell?" • Patterns from the Old Testament on how God saves • The Bible talks about "election." Does this mean God alone decides who gets saved and who does not? Does it bother you that people who reject Christ's substitutionary death on the Cross spend eternity in the Lake of Fire? Listen to this message to learn that all of us are born under a sentence of death and destined to go to hell, but that God, in His grace, has provided a solution. God initiates His love and provides for those sins. People have to decide if they are going to accept or reject God's provision. Hear that the elect are all those who possess God's righteousness, which is a free gift for all who believe.

What is the biblical viewpoint of slavery? Listen to this message to learn that slavery is mentioned frequently in the Bible and was practiced by conquering armies throughout history. See that all of us are born slaves to the sin nature, but that God has provided redemption for us through the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Find out why the abolition of slavery in England did not require a civil war like it did in the United States. Hear seven observations about slavery. During this lesson Dr. Dean recommended the book What the Bible Says About Child Training by Richard Fugate to assist with child training.

Did Christ die for everyone on the Cross? This question has caused controversy since the crucifixion. Listen to this message to hear many passages throughout the Bible that state that He died for all mankind. Trace the timeline of redemption beginning in Genesis through the Flood and to the Incarnation that show that Christ's death was for all. Recognize that God has provided salvation for all but that only those who accept this free gift receive His righteousness.