Matthew (2013)

Are we in the Kingdom today? Listen to this lesson to learn this prevalent belief is not biblical and puts a false emphasis on social justice. See how Matthew explains the reason for the postponement of the Kingdom until Jesus’ Second Coming. Find out why Jesus began to teach in parables and relive the vivid moments of Jesus’ arrest, six trials, and crucifixion culminating in His triumphant resurrection. Accept the challenge of the Gospel of Matthew for all Church Age believers to become students of the Word of God and to grow to spiritual maturity, resting in Jesus for all our needs.

If someone asks you about the Gospel of Matthew, how would you describe it? Listen to this lesson to gain an overview of the Book beginning with the author and three reasons why he wrote it. Learn that the key words are king and kingdom. Hear a six-point outline of the book and begin a study of the first parts of the outline. If you’ve followed throughout this in-depth study of Matthew, the takeaway should be a greater appreciation of Christ’s life and death and the necessity for not only being a believer but also a disciple of His.

Church. What should a church be doing for its members? Teaching topics that will help them lead successful lives in finance, parenting, and marriage? Providing fun and friendship with like-minded people? Entertaining them with music? Listen to this message to see that Jesus’ last words on earth to His disciples told them that their mission was to teach. See that they were to teach the Word of God and learn the methodologies that best accomplish this. Find out that verse-by-verse teaching of both the Old and New Testament is what helps Christians grow to spiritual maturity. Learn that Jesus promises that He would always be with them and that promise applies to all of us also.

What is distracting you from fulfilling the mission you have been given as a Christian? Listen to this lesson to hear Christ’s mandate before He ascended to Heaven and how that should set the priorities in your life. Learn the meaning of the word “disciple” and see that not all believers are disciples. Find out what Jesus meant concerning baptism and how it teaches an important spiritual truth for Church Age believers. Take time after hearing this message to determine if you are managing your time so you can concentrate on growing to spiritual maturity.

Does the New Testament teach that meeting in small groups is the best way to make disciples? Listen to this lesson to hear the meaning of discipleship and whether all believers are disciples. Find out the four key terms we need to understand that Jesus gave in His last instructions. Hear the fallacy of “lordship” salvation and understand that the apostles, Paul and Peter, taught the importance of teaching the Word of God to all believers as the means to spiritual growth.

What did Jesus mean when He said that all authority had been given to Him in heaven and on earth? Listen to this lesson to see that Jesus was not referring to His future kingdom authority but that He was now the head of the Church in this new Church Age. Hear several New Testament passages about Christ’s headship. Find out that when the Bible says some doubted Him, it was not doubts about His resurrection but they were confused about what their mission was to be now. Hear various views on millennialism, and see which is Biblical.

What character trait does the Apostle John stress is the most important in his books? Listen to this lesson to see that love is the one that is emphasized. See how the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated His love for us by not only laying down His life but by supplying all our needs, both physical and spiritual. Hear how Jesus used four synonyms in asking Peter if he loved Him. Understand that it is only by learning God’s Word and obeying it that we can grow spiritually and love God.

What is the role of evidence and proof in our faith? Listen to this lesson to learn that we are not expected to take a “leap of faith” because God has provided abundant evidence of what He has revealed in His Word. Hear how Luke explains that he carefully researched and reported eye witness accounts of all he proclaims in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Find out that Paul says the risen Christ appeared to him the same way He appeared to the others. Hear that our feelings are to be subordinated to the evidence God gives us and that after salvation we need to daily continue to know God and to serve Him with our whole hearts.

As a believer are you looking forward to receiving your resurrection body at the Rapture? Listen to this message to learn that our new bodies will have special abilities as illustrated by Jesus’ resurrection body. Find out the evidences Jesus presented to His frightened disciples that He was now alive. Find out what apostolic succession means and five explanations for what it means when the disciples received the Holy Spirit at this time. Let this lesson remind you that Jesus paid the price on the Cross for our sins and all we have to do is simply believe in Him.

You’ve wronged someone and you confess and are forgiven. Does that mean there are no more consequences? Listen to this message to hear about the importance of forgiveness in all our lives and the results of being forgiven. Find out that Jesus appeared to Peter in private after His resurrection and forgave Peter for having denied Him three times. Hear details on how Cleopas and the other disciple that Jesus joined on the road to Emmaus recognized Him when He gave thanks for the bread and broke it. Learn what it means to “bless God”. The combined Scripture reading for this lesson is available in the Notes link below.

Have you ever wished you could overhear what people were saying about you? Listen to this message to learn about the time when two of the disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus discussing what had just happened at the crucifixion and Jesus joined them but was not recognized. See how Jesus began to question them and then taught them about the Old Testament prophecies concerning Himself. Learn how surprised they were that this “stranger” hadn’t heard about the astonishing events that had upset them. Hear ten vital facts that you can explain to unbelievers to give them a panoramic view of the fulfilled prophecies concerning Jesus Christ.

Have you ever had doubts about some things in the Bible? Listen to this lesson to learn that Jesus’ friends and disciples had a hard time at first in believing in His resurrection. Hear about the events that happened with these people as they found His tomb was empty. Find out about the angels that were at the tomb and what they said and learn that Jesus had told His disciples to meet Him in Galilee after His resurrection. Rejoice that objective evidence is there for Jesus’ resurrection and we can have great confidence and hope in the truth of the Scriptures. Also includes Mark 16:4-11 and John 20:11-17

On which day of the week was Jesus’ crucifixion? Listen to this lesson to hear the meaning of Jesus’ quote from the book of Jonah saying “three days and three nights”. Hear supporting examples from the Old and New Testaments to learn how the Jews counted days. Understand that when God enters human history there is an intersection between the physical and the spiritual realms which sometimes involves earthquakes and other phenomena. See examples of this at Sodom and Gomorrah, Mount Sinai, and Elijah’s experiences along with prophecies of future events in Zechariah and Revelation.

Can you name the most incredible event in human history? If you said the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, then you are correct. Listen to this lesson to hear a lucid and compelling overview of the events that happened between the time of Christ’s death on the Cross and when His friends and followers realized that He was no longer dead, but was alive! Learn about a number of Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled during this time. Understand that there were many witnesses to the resurrection, including Roman guards and over five hundred people. Since Christ is risen from the dead, we who believe are compelled by His love to live for Him and not for ourselves.

How many supernatural events can you name that occurred the day of Christ’s crucifixion? Listen to this message to learn about these events, including complete darkness in the area and dead people leaving tombs and walking in the streets. Learn the meaning of Christ’s propitiation on the Cross and how it satisfied God’s Righteousness and Justice. See how the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant spoke of this and of unlimited atonement for all mankind. Learn that the issue at salvation is now belief in Christ’s work alone. The combined reading for today's class is available on the Notes link below.

Think about opening an envelope and expecting a big bill you owe and instead you read, “Paid in Full”. How happy you would be! Listen to this lesson to learn about a much larger sin debt that Christ paid for you on the Cross. Find out that the sin debt has been cancelled and hear four categories of forgiveness including legal forgiveness for all mankind, application of that forgiveness at the moment you believe in Christ, and confession afterwards when you commit sins. Understand that sin is no longer the issue but that the focal point is believing that Christ paid for all your sins. Since He is capable of solving the sin problem, we can trust Him to solve all our problems in life. Also includes Colossians 1:14.

Why is Christ called our Redeemer? Listen to this lesson to learn that Christ redeemed us by paying our debt on the Cross. See that just as the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, every human born is a slave to their sin nature. Hear eight points how Christ paid the penalty for our sins. See that we can add nothing to gain our freedom because it was already paid in full so sin is no longer the issue. When we trust Christ as our Savior we are to live for Him in a way that brings glory to God.

Are you ready to explore the astonishing substitutionary atonement of Christ on the Cross? Listen to this lesson to learn that Christ’s death on the Cross was the payment for our sins and the concept was first introduced in the Bible when God clothed Adam and Eve in animal skins. See how we can do nothing to gain fellowship with God because we are unrighteous, but the Lord Jesus Christ cleansed us through His sacrifice. While Christ paid the price for the three problems facing the human race, it is only when we trust in Him as our Savior that these solutions are applied to us personally.

How did God prepare the human race to understand Jesus Christ paying the price for our sins? Listen to this lesson to hear four Old Testament pictures that portray Christ’s sacrificial death. See the emphasis of the furniture and articles in the tabernacle, especially the bronze altar and the laver. Find out the necessity for substitutionary blood sacrifices as depicted in the furniture in the Holy of Holies. As you understand the Old Testament types, realize that only Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross could solve the sin problem once and for all.

Why did Jesus go to the Cross and die? Listen to this message to hear about the significance of Jesus’ spiritual and physical deaths. Understand what it means when the Bible says we need to have faith in Christ’s death on the Cross. See that it’s not a special kind of faith but the simple act of believing and that it’s the object of our faith that is important. Hear about some Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled about Christ’s death. See how the illustration of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the bronze snake, and Christ saying He is the Bread of life all portray the simplicity of salvation and that it is for every member of the human race.

If someone freely paid a debt you owe, think how grateful you would be. Listen to this lesson to hear about the second three hours when Jesus was on the Cross and the unique suffering He endured on our behalf. Hear about the four women who witnessed Christ’s crucifixion. Find out about the three hours of darkness that veiled Jesus while God the Father imputed the sins of all mankind to Him and the meaning of a judicial separation that takes place between the Father and the Son. Because of what Christ accomplished on the Cross we can put our faith in Him for our salvation. This lesson also includes Mark 15:33-36 and Luke 23:44-45a.

How do you react when people mock what you believe and make fun of you? Listen to this lesson to hear how Christ handled the ones who mocked, reviled, and taunted Him at His Crucifixion. Find out that there are seven different mocking events, both on the way to the cross and when Jesus was hanging on it. See that He did not answer them back when they ridiculed Him and spit on Him and hit Him. Learn that mocking someone means you feel disdain for that person and when you’re mocking the Creator of the universe you become a fool. See that the way Jesus handled His treatment led to others believing on Him as the Messiah. Only when your soul has been strengthened daily by learning the Word of God can you have joy, stability, and contentment when suffering. The Jesus' Hours on the Cross chart Dr. Dean referred to during this class is available for download from Rose Publishing.

Do you find it difficult to listen to the excruciating events of the first three hours Jesus hung on the cross? Listen to this lesson to hear the epic true story as Jesus’ hands and feet were in horrific pain as the nails pierced the skin. Understand that it was not this physical suffering that paid the penalty for our sins. Learn about the two others who were crucified at the same time and see that they were probably rebels like Barabbas. Hear the first saying of Jesus from the Cross which emphasized His forgiveness for those who did not truly understand what they were doing. Learn that the sign they put over Him identified what the charges were against Him. Realize that Jesus was able to rest in God’s provision as a demonstration that we should have a like mental attitude when we are suffering. The Joel Kramer videos Dr. Dean mentioned in today's Bible class are available here: The Praetorium The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Salvation is a free gift from God, isn’t it? Listen to this lesson to learn the intense and deeply disturbing price the Lord Jesus Christ paid when He took the punishment for our sins. Follow as Jesus struggles to carry His cross on the road to Golgotha and hear how He gave a compassionate warning to the “daughters of Jerusalem”. Find out what horrors transpired as He was nailed to the cross and how our response should be to live for Him to bring Him glory.

Was Pilate as guilty as the religious leaders for sending Jesus to be crucified? Listen to this lesson to learn that Pilate allowed himself to be influenced by the angry mob because of fear of Caesar. Find out why he ordered Jesus to be scourged and what a cruel and painful punishment that was. See why the Roman soldiers put a crown of thorns and a purple robe on Jesus. Learn the meaning of the mob saying that Jesus’ blood was on them and on their children’s heads and how that verse has been wrongfully used to lead to Christian anti-Semitism through the ages. Marvel at the love Jesus displayed when He allowed Himself to be put to death in such a violent manner in order to take our punishment.

Choices! Life is filled with choices and what you choose determines your future. Listen to this lesson to learn that today everyone faces similar choices to the ones facing religious leaders, Roman rulers, and an unruly crowd the night Jesus was arrested and taken to court. Pilate tried desperately to release Jesus because he couldn’t find that He had committed any crimes but under political pressure Pilate offered the people the choice of releasing Jesus or BarAbbas, a false messiah. Today all of us face that same choice. Will we choose one of the many false messiahs or choose Jesus Christ, the only true Savior? The combined Scripture reading for this class is available in the Notes link below.

What do you think about Jesus Christ? C.S. Lewis said there are only three choices. Either He’s the Lord, or He’s a lunatic, or He’s a liar. Listen to this lesson to learn about how the religious leaders of His day plotted to come up with a crime to convince a Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate, that Jesus had committed treason. See how Pilate tried to get out of making a judgment call by sending Jesus to Herod Antipas. Just as the people in those days had to choose where they stood in the case of Jesus Christ, each of us must make a decision now. Also includes Mark 15:1-5 and Luke 23:1-12.

When Judas was remorseful over his betrayal of Jesus, did that mean he was saved? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Bible says salvation comes by faith alone in Christ alone and not by regretting or feeling sorry for our sins. Find out the differences between remorse, regret, and repentance. See that Judas admits his guilt to the Chief Priest but not to God. Find out the significance of Judas’ throwing the pieces of silver in the temple and how this was a fulfillment of prophecy. Hear about some alleged contradictions in this incident and how they are resolved. Learn that suicide is like all sins and has been paid for by Christ on the Cross.

How would you like the low point of your spiritual life to be recorded in the Bible so all generations can read about it? Listen to this message to learn that the lesson here is that our failures as believers can always be forgiven by God’s grace. Hear Jesus’ prediction to Peter and Peter’s arrogant boasting about how he would never deny Christ. See that, in effect, Peter and the other disciples are denying that Jesus is omniscient. Hear about spiritual vampires and decide if you share any of their traits. Remember that this incident shows that there’s no sin we can commit that can’t be forgiven by the grace of God so we can be restored and continue our spiritual growth.

What should you do when you are accused of something unfairly? Listen to this lesson to learn that no one has ever been treated more unjustly than Jesus Christ when He was arrested and put on trial on trumped-up charges. Hear who was on the “kangaroo court” who wanted to kill Him and were seeking people willing to lie against Jesus. See His example of a relaxed mental attitude which shows confidence that God is always in control even when injustice is taking place. Get a clear picture of Christ’s love for us as He allowed Himself to be spat on, hit, and ridiculed on our behalf. Also included in this class is Luke 22:54, 63–65. Click on the Notes link below to view the list of 22 Rules Broken at Yeshua’s Trial.

What arrogance! It’s hard to comprehend how people could have put the Son of God, Jesus Christ, on trial, but it happened! Listen to this message to hear how Christ’s first trial was held by the high priest, Annas, who was the leader of a crime family who sought witnesses to prove the innocent Christ’s guilt. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, stood in the presence of the darkness of religious leaders, confident and unafraid. Today He challenges each of us in the same way. What is your response to Him? This lesson also includes John 18:19–24

When is it justified to defend yourself against government authority? Listen to this lesson to learn that there are instances when defense is legitimate but that Jesus Christ chose to submit to unfair authority. Find out how Jesus identifies Himself as God and how His voice affected the crowd. See how Peter reacted and hear what Jesus meant by His warning to Peter. Find out five prophecies that were fulfilled which gives us the confidence today that we can always depend on the Word of God. This lesson also includes Luke 22:47–53 and John 18:2–11. The notes link below includes “The Betrayal and Arrest” chronological reading of this event that Dr. Dean developed at the beginning of this class.

Listen to this lesson to be transported to a time in the Garden of Gethsemane when Satan, having possessed Judas Iscariot, believes he has triumphed over God and won the angelic conflict at last! See how Jesus shows that God is in control when He identifies Himself as “I AM” and goes toward the mob. Find out there were many illegalities in Jesus’ arrest. Learn the nature of Judas’ kiss of betrayal. Understand that when we face our own adversities we can be confident that God is always in control. This lesson also includes Luke 22:47–53 and John 18:2–11. The notes link below includes “The Betrayal and Arrest” chronological reading of this event that Dr. Dean developed at the beginning of this class.

“Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder.” If that old gospel song sounds like your life lately, listen to this lesson about how Jesus handled His tremendous unique testing on His way to the Cross and during His crucifixion. See the solution that Jesus always used when tested. Find out that the Cross was not Satan’s plan so he attacked Jesus to try to get Him to avoid and reject it. Learn that we are not to engage Satan but are to follow Jesus’ instructions to the disciples to watch and pray. Hear five things we need to learn to apply the prayer solution in our life as we realize that God has given us the assets we need to pass our tests when we are walking in the Spirit.

Includes a remembrance of West Houston Bible Church organist Sally Davis. Click the notes link below to view Dr. Dean's “Harmony of Jesus in Gethsemane” document. Have you ever wondered what Jesus was referring to when He fervently prayed that God would take the cup from Him in Matthew 26? Listen to this lesson to understand that the cup is a frequent figure of speech throughout Scripture. See how it refers to judgment in the Old Testament. Find out that in this instance it has a deeper meaning than references to Jesus’ general suffering and mission on the Cross. Learn how it is a challenge to discipleship for believers. In addition, discover an appreciation of the value of art from the Middle Ages and renaissance, which portrays the content of the Bible.

What are the worst problems you have ever suffered in life? No matter how horrendous, none compare with what Christ faced in the Garden of Gethsemane. Listen to this lesson to learn how Jesus prayed during His adversities. Hear about the hypostatic union and how Jesus has two natures in one Person eternally. Learn the answer to the question of whether Jesus had a will of His own in His humanity. Recognize that in order for us to know God’s will we must study God’s Word. Click the notes link below to view Dr. Dean's “Harmony of Jesus in Gethsemane” document.

Is there a pattern we can follow when we find ourselves in severe pressures and adversity? Listen to this lesson to learn that Jesus set the pattern for believers in the Garden of Gethsemane. Find out that even though Jesus was impeccable, without sin, He still had human emotions. Learn that He never chose to go against God the Father’s will. Realize that we face a choice like His. Will we operate independently of the Father’s will or will we trust God and apply His Word? Also includes Luke 22:39-46 Click the notes link below to view Dr. Dean's “Harmony of Jesus in Gethsemane” document.

Do you wonder why Jesus was so overwhelmed with sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane? Listen to this lesson to learn what the cup means in this passage. Find out that when Jesus was going to be made sin for us it affected His humanity in a deeply emotional way that did not involve sin. See that all believers stumble at times, even strong ones like Peter. Learn that if any of us deny Christ we will be denied rewards but not lose our salvation. Allow this lesson to teach us the importance of organizing our lives around learning and applying the Word of God. This class also includes parallel passage Luke 22:39-46.

Can we do something so terrible that God can never forgive us? Listen to this lesson to learn that every sin mankind has ever committed or will commit was nailed to the Cross without exception. Because of God’s grace we are never without hope for forgiveness. See how the disciples were concerned about who would be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus’ surprising answer about serving others. Just like the disciples all of us are going to fail, but there is always forgiveness by God’s grace when we confess our sins.

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be at the Last Supper, as it’s frequently called, with Jesus and His disciples? Listen to this lesson to hear the actual events that took place that evening. See that this was the Passover Seder meal commemorating Israel’s departure from Egypt. Find out that all leaven had to be removed and the cleansing that was required. Learn about the symbols of the Seder meal and some of their origins. See that Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet spoke of His love and forgiveness. Learn that the 4th cup still has a future fulfillment.

Are you a failure as a parent? Listen to this lesson to see that nothing you do in life is more important than taking time to teach your children the Word of God and living it in front of them. See that it is the father who has the primary responsibility for this. Hear a number of principles to apply about true biblical worship and parenting skills. Review the incident where the unknown woman anointed Jesus’ head with an expensive oil and how the disciples were told by Jesus three reasons why her work was good. Learn that ultimately all of our decisions focus on our volition and we need to prioritize our time according to the Scriptures.

Why did the Lord Jesus Christ come to this earth as the Son of Man? Was it to feed the hungry, heal sick people, or teach His disciples? Listen to this lesson to hear His overriding purpose was to be crucified as our Redeemer. Find out the many contrasts in this passage including contrasts between the anonymous woman, Judas, the religious leaders, and the disciples. Hear the chronology of the events in these last few days before Jesus died on the cross. Today's message includes a presentation by Jeff Phipps regarding his recent trip to teach the Word of God in the Natal, Brazil area.

Would a loving God send unbelievers to never-ending punishment in the Lake of Fire? Listen to this lesson to learn the characteristics of God with emphasis on His sovereignty, righteousness, and justice. Find out for whom the Lake of Fire was created. See what the Bible says abut eternal fire and whether it is a metaphor or literal. Hear biblical terms referring to what happens after death. Let the reality of the future motivate all of us to witness and pray for unbelievers.

If you’re truly saved, does it always mean you’ll perform good works? Listen to this lesson to hear three views on how to get into Heaven and which is the correct one.. Learn about three gospels and how all include belief in the Messiah and are on the basis of faith and grace. See that faith plus works is a false gospel. Understand that in James 2, he is talking to believers and urging them to apply what they believe to their lives. Learn what being “swift to hear” means. When talking to unbelievers, let them know they need to believe in Christ as their Savior in order to go to Heaven.

Is faith in Christ sufficient for eternal salvation or are good works also necessary? Listen to this lesson to hear about the Sheep and Goat Judgment. Understand that this is not a gospel message but is referring to a future time when Jesus comes to establish His Kingdom on earth. Learn what the gospel is and the three variants which depend on the dispensation of each. See that all versions depend on faith alone in Christ alone and the meaning of justification.

Does this passage teach us that good works are required to enter into the Kingdom? Listen to this lesson to learn that the term “my brethren” is a key to understanding this. See reasons why this is not a parable but a narrative describing a judgment at the end of the Tribulation. Find out this event takes place at Christ’s Second Coming and the “throne of His glory” refers to His earthly throne. Learn five differences between the Sheep and Goat Judgment and the Great White Throne Judgment.

Who is Jesus talking about that will “weep and gnash their teeth”? Listen to this lesson to learn that this parable of the talents is directed to Jewish people in the Tribulation. See how this parable is connected to the last two parables during the Olivet Discourse and how they differ from one another. Find out who the servants are and whether or not all three of the men entrusted with talents are believers. Learn how much a talent was worth in Jesus’ day. One implication of this parable for Church Age believers is that we have been given incredible blessings and resources and will be held accountable for how we utilize them.

Do you consider yourself wise or foolish? Listen to this lesson to learn about Jesus’ parable about 10 bridesmaids, five who were wise and 5 who were foolish. Find out who the bridesmaids represent and what is the significance of the oil for their lamps. See that the context of this parable, like the others in the Olivet Discourse, is referring to Jews and not to the Church Age. Learn that the whole point of this parable is to warn the Jews of coming judgment at the end of the Tribulation which they need to be prepared for. By implication, see that today we should believe in Christ and be prepared for the coming Rapture.

How do we know what date Easter comes each year? Listen to this lesson to learn that not all Christians celebrate on the same day. Find out the reasons and how the controversies separated churches. Hear the parable of the wicked and righteous servants which Jesus told to His disciples. See that the imagery is of a homeowner who is trying to keep his family safe. Since he doesn’t know when danger will occur he has to always be prepared. Learn that the thief refers to unbelievers who will be judged at the Second Coming of Christ which will surprise them because they are not prepared.

Is the Rapture going to happen during this generation? Listen to this lesson to learn that in the parable of the fig tree Jesus is not talking to Church Age believers but is referring to Jews in the Tribulation. See the fallacy of trying to set dates for the Rapture and the Tribulation. Learn the meaning of “day and hour” and how Jesus was referring to His humanity when He said He didn’t know the timing. Find out how Jesus compares the circumstances of His Second Coning to Noah’s Flood as they were both times of judgment.

Nearly everyone is interested in what will happen in the future but there is little agreement on the subject. Listen to this lesson to hear about two future events, one only for believers and the other for all the inhabitants of the earth at the time. Find out that Jesus is talking about His future return to earth in the Olivet Discourse. Hear the distinctions between the Rapture and the Second Coming and that our response should be a reminder that all believers should be living their lives in light of eternity.