Romans (2010)

If there were a vitamin that would make us wiser, more content, and have a more fulfilling life, it would probably be the best-selling vitamin of all times. Listen to this lesson to learn that instead of swallowing a pill, making a habit of studying and applying what you learn in the Bible can do that and more for those who accept Christ as their Savior. Take this opportunity to review the entire book of Romans and see what major verses should be noted in each section. Learn more about two attributes of God: Righteousness and Justice. See the significance of Baptism by the Holy Spirit and the difference between inability and total depravity. Find yourself responding to God's Word as you daily apply its truths to the everyday events of your life.

Armchair travelling, anyone? If you can't visit Israel, then enjoy hearing recent travelers recount their insights into Biblical sites they visited. Then return to the book of Romans for a final wrap-up and hear about the people who sent greetings to the church in Rome. See the many references Paul made to the grace of God. Appreciate the majestic benediction that glorifies God the Father, His magnificent attributes, and all He has done for us.

It's great to be appreciated and nicer still if we thought people would still be reading high praise of us years later. Listen to this lesson to learn about Paul's commendations in his letter to the Romans. Although little is known about many of these people, there has been much speculation. Heed Paul's warnings about divisive people and allow this lesson to encourage us in our ministry to others

What is your vision of how the world works? More important, what is your view of God? Listen to this lesson to see how your views impact everything else, including your politics, your ideas of economics, and even how you view the differences between men and women. See how the Apostle Paul explains to Timothy what the role of women in the church should be. Find out what is meant by women not having authority over men or formally teaching them. Understand that Paul's views are based on the order of Biblical creation and the subsequent disobedience of mankind.

Are you a shrinking violet? Rationalizing that you are only keeping the peace as you wilt when faced with making a decision that puts you at odds with the current pagan culture? Listen to this lesson to see how important it is to have a Biblical viewpoint and be willing to stand firm no matter what the consequences. Realize this is a part of the angelic conflict and spiritual warfare and that we don't get to pick our battles. As the book of Romans draws to a close, see how the Apostle Paul mentions his Roman friends, giving us insights into these believers' lives.

Letters written by famous people give us insight into what mattered to them. The book of Romans is an inspired letter written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome in the 1st century. Listen to this lesson to see how Paul closes out the letter by taking six areas he wrote about in the beginning of the letter and referring to them again in the end. See how he describes a mature believer as someone filled with goodness from the knowledge of the Word of God so they can encourage others to go forward. Follow along as he asks for continual prayer as he faces opposition. Accept the priority he lays out that whatever we do in life we are to serve the ministry.

Do you know you're a priest? Yes, you! Whether you're a man or a woman, if you've trusted in Christ's death on the cross for your eternal salvation, the Bible says you're now a priest and the focus of your life should be on your priestly service to the gospel. If you're wondering what that means, listen to this lesson to gain a clear, in-depth explanation of the gospel. Understand the meaning of unlimited atonement. Arm yourself by learning the three steps of the Faith-rest drill as you face the troubling disasters on the horizon so you can experience the joy and peace of God in your life.

"Now, what?" you ask, throwing your hands in the air as a steady stream of bad news spews out of your TV. How should we handle all the threatening events in our lives and in our country? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is always in control and we can have confidence that all is working according to His perfect plan. Understand the ten spiritual skills available to believers in Christ that enable us to have this firm hope in God and the peace and joy that follows even in the midst of disaster. Focus daily on the many Scriptures that encourage us and take us out of the mire of despair.

Terrorists. Wars. Diseases. Violent weather. What can we do to be safe in all these disasters? Listen to this lesson to learn about God's promises of protection as we face whatever comes our way. See how Paul uses quotes from the Old Testament to point out that God's plan was always for Jews and Gentiles to worship God together. Understand that God the Holy Spirit gives us a confident hope as we grow spiritually with the result that we have joy and peace in our lives.

Do you know any troublemakers? Listen to this lesson to learn what the Apostle Paul has to say about people in the church who cause trouble by holding to false beliefs. Understand that there will be controversies and that some people may have to be excluded but this should be done with gentleness. Follow Paul's use of Old Testament scripture to explain that Christ came into the world to be a servant to Israel. See that His becoming a servant illustrates that the path to greatness is through humility, which is obedience to authority. Notice that Gentiles, too, have reason to praise God for all He has done for them.

Squabbling. Sparring. Bickering. Sounds like a scene from an action movie but it's too often a description of Church history. Listen to this lesson to learn how the Apostle Paul is urging Christians to unite and always treat others with respect. See that while we are to accept one another, true unity must be based on accurate doctrine. Apply the virtues of kindness, tenderheartedness, and humility in your dealings with others and never fight over unimportant issues which are not specifically mentioned in the Word of God. Understand that Christian fellowship is first a result of a right relationship with God and then with other believers.

You love dancing and believe it's not forbidden in the Bible but a friend who is a new believer has been taught it's wrong. What is your responsibility toward him? Listen to this lesson to learn basic principles to apply that help us decide when to limit our behavior in order not to cause another believer to be offended or to stumble. Understand Paul's list of "dos" and "don'ts" that we can apply to our relationships with others. Keep in mind the importance of being patient and loving one another in all our actions. Gain an understanding of the meaning of the kingdom of God in this passage.

How could you do that and call yourself a Christian? If you're ever tempted to judge someone's behavior like that, you need to listen to this lesson to learn that only God has the right to judge us. Find out how to make wise decisions concerning things which are not forbidden in the Bible and welcome with open arms believers who don't see things just as you do. Be sensitive to your conscience and understand how it will change as you gain Biblical knowledge. Allow your thinking to be challenged in these areas as you apply grace orientation toward others.

Ever been puzzled over what you should do when the Bible isn't clear about whether something is wrong for a Christian to do? Listen to this lesson to learn that there are many decisions we have to make about things the Bible doesn't forbid. What is clear, though, is that we are not to quarrel with other believers about these things or do anything that causes them to stumble in their Christian life. See why we are told not to judge others but to accept them in love. Learn about the laws of love, liberty, expediency, and personal sacrifice. Accept that your spiritual life is not designed to operate in a vacuum.

"What's wrong with that guy? I don't see why I have to give up what I like just because it bothers him." Listen to this lesson to learn the difference between weak and strong believers. See what doubtful things are in the Christian life and ways we should deal with them. Understand that as we grow spiritually we demonstrate that we are disciples of Christ when we love one another and put their needs above our own.

How is it possible that Christians are called "sons of light" and then described as walking in darkness? Listen to this lesson to learn how the Bible uses light and darkness. See that at the moment we believe in Christ as our Savior we become sons of light permanently. Understand what happens when we sin after that. Accept the importance and necessity for confessing our sins so we can once again walk by the Spirit.

Time is short! Don't fritter away your life in the darkness! Listen to this lesson to see how Paul urgently emphasizes that before our life on this earth ends we have a mission to fulfill. See how all of us are born into Satan's kingdom of darkness but when we believe in Christ as our Savior we are qualified to live in God's kingdom of light. Understand the difference between being positionally in the light and the daily need to walk in the light. Appreciate Christ's role during His time on earth of illuminating the world and revealing the truth to mankind.

"I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows." Songs about what we believe are everywhere. But what does it mean to believe? That seems like a simple question but listen to this lesson to learn there are many different meanings given to belief. Does the Bible teach there is a difference between what we believe in our heart and what we believe in our mind? Learn about the four ways we come to know anything and which one is the only one we can trust. Understand that the belief that gives us eternal life is simply believing the Bible when it says Jesus Christ died for our sins.

If you found out you only had a short time to live, what would you do differently? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Apostle Paul says we should always live in the light of eternity because as each day goes by we are closer to the end of the Church Age. Understand what follows a believer's death and the issues related to cremation. Explore the meaning of imminency and its relationship to unfulfilled prophecy. Find out some of the many different ways the words faith and belief are used in the Scriptures.

Should Christians cut up their credit cards because it's wrong for them to go into debt? Listen to this lesson to learn what Paul means when he says not to owe anyone anything. Grasp the importance in the Scripture of loving one another. Review how Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount emphasizes love. Understand that when we treat others in love and do not repay evil for evil, we are fulfilling the Law. Accept the overwhelming obligation of the mandate by hearing the many passages in the Bible that repeat the commandment to love one another.

When the government commands us to do that which God forbids or forbids us to do that which God commands, what should Christians do? Listen to this lesson to see how Daniel was sent to the lions' den because he continued to pray publicly even though it seemed like certain death. Hear Peter's directions on this matter and learn about the Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate and the Magdeburg Confession. See that just because something seems unfair to us or we don't agree with it, we are not given the right to refuse to obey authority.

"I'm mad as can be and I'm not going to put up with it!" Is this how you feel about outrageous government actions? Listen to this lesson to hear about clear-cut examples in the Bible of people who found it necessary to disobey an authority. Learn about how the midwives in Egypt handled an order to kill Hebrew male babies. Understand the role of covert activities in opposition to evil. Admire how Daniel and his friends handled the issue of dietary laws in the royal courts. Be ready to choose your battles wisely and with humility in a pagan world.

Have you ever wondered why God allowed evil rulers like Nero and Adolph Hitler to come to power? Listen to this lesson to understand God's role in raising up rulers and removing them. See how the purpose of all authority, whether in the home, at school, on the job, or in the government is to bring peace and order into our lives. Don't be surprised to learn that it's not okay to disobey an authority just because we think they're unjust or we don't agree with them. Find out two Biblical reasons why we should be obedient to those over us and how our submission does not make us a doormat but glorifies God for all eternity.

When does a Christian have a right to revolt against his country? Listen to this lesson to learn Biblical principles of how we should respond to authority, whether good or evil. Contemplate the tyrannical government that Jesus Christ submitted to when He was crucified on the Cross for our sins. Understand that when this passage in Romans was written by the Apostle Paul, one of the cruelest leaders in history was ruling. Resist the sin nature's urge to rebel against authorities we don't agree with and recognize that our contribution to changing our country lies in spiritual growth, prayer, and fulfilling our obligations as citizens.

Surely you don't expect me to obey my unreasonable boss, or play second fiddle to my clueless husband, or pay every penny of my taxes to an out-of-control government? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is the One who instituted all authority and it's the believer's responsibility and privilege to submit to those in charge. Examine the meaning of submission and see the rare exceptions when we are to "obey God rather than man". Understand that these authorities are designed for our benefit and that humbling ourselves in obedience will bring rich rewards in time and eternity.

"Just wait. You're going to pay for hurting me!" Have you ever fantasized about some really nasty ways to get even with someone who has treated you awful? Listen to this lesson to learn that God has promised to handle all the wrongs committed against us. His justice may not come just when we want it to or in the exact way we want but we can be assured He is working behind the scenes on our behalf. Hear several illustrations of times when God worked out justice in the Old Testament. Be shocked to learn that instead of seeking our own vengeance, we can love our enemies, treat them kindly, and be rewarded by God.

Whoops! In spite of all your best intentions you flew off the handle again? You hurt someone's feelings? You insisted on getting your own way? Listen to this lesson to learn that God commands Christians to live at peace with all others. The result will be that we will have inner peace even in the midst of all kinds of chaos in our lives. Discover this peace is not something we can produce in ourselves but requires staying in fellowship with God, the source of all peace. Determine to pursue the ten spiritual skills and make them a part of your daily life, as you study God's word and walk by means of the Spirit.

Where's your comfort zone? Do you find it easy to dislike that obnoxious neighbor? Listen to this lesson as the Apostle Paul teaches us that the purpose of learning Biblical truth is to be changed. As we walk by means of the Holy Spirit we can learn to love one another, no matter how unlovable someone is. See the command not to demand justice and pay people back for what they do to us. Discover that our greatest enemy is what we think, considering ourselves to be better than others and deserving to get our own way. Examine the basic spiritual skills we need to employ in order to resolve problems with one another.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who's the fairest of them all?" This little snippet from a famous fairy tale shows us that we all love ourselves and think we're the best. Listen to this lesson to learn that our greatest need is to learn to love others, no exceptions even for those who mistreat and hate us. Impossible, you say? Discover the different kinds of love described in the Bible and which one we are commanded to have for others. Don't be discouraged by the lofty Christian character traits listed here. Instead realize that these virtues are developed in us by the Holy Spirit when we hang in there, not giving up but persevering through confession of sin, daily Bible reading, and a passion for obedience and for prayer.

"I love you." Who doesn't enjoy hearing that but what does it really mean? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Biblical meaning of love is not just a tingly, electrifying feeling but a desire to do what is best for the one you love. Discover absolute standards for the functioning of your spiritual gifts, including teaching, mercy, encouragement, and giving. Examine the many examples of evil in the Bible and see how we should detest evil in ourselves and others and seek that which is good.

Should churches today try to be like the early Church in the 1st century? Listen to this lesson to learn that the early Church lacked information before the canon of Scripture was completed.and had to rely on the temporary spiritual gift of prophecy. Get an accurate explanation of prophecy in both the Old Testament and New Testament. See what tests were necessary to verify that someone was a prophet and how to tell false prophets. Take to heart the importance of interpreting our personal experiences, no matter how dramatic, in the light of the Word of God. Learn to never interpret the Scripture on the basis of these experiences. Note: Following this Bible class, Dr. Dean sent out this supplemental information: Should we interpret our experiences by the Word of God? Or interpret the Word of God by our experiences? In our experience-based world, this question apparently confuses even many Christians. A case in point are so-called near death experiences, like those described in various books where people allege that in a state of anesthesia or near death they were transported to heaven and relate their experiences. One of the most popular of these books is "Heaven is For Real." For a helpful, biblical analysis of these types of claims I recommend an article from The Berean Call.

Are you trying to puzzle out what your spiritual gift is? Listen to this lesson to learn that it's not necessary to identify your gift in order to grow spiritually. See how as we mature in the spiritual life we will begin to function in our spiritual gift or even gifts. Revisit the difference between permanent and temporary spiritual gifts and the importance of the completion of the Canon of Scripture. Allow this lesson to encourage you to utilize your spiritual gift to build up the body of Christ in your local church and not for what you can get out of it for yourself.

Would you like to know more about "speaking in tongues"? Listen to this lesson to learn what it means, the history of the "tongues" movement, and whether this is a legitimate spiritual gift today. Find out the difference between permanent and temporary spiritual gifts. Discover if prophecy in the Old Testament is the same as the temporary gift of prophecy in the New Testament. See how Paul indicates love is permanent but prophecy, knowledge, and tongues are temporary. Understand that the deaths of all the apostles and the completion of the canon of Scripture abolished the temporary gifts. Note that the video is incorrectly labeled as Romans Lesson #132 on the opening screen.

What do you want to do when you grow up? This isn't just a question for children, but all believers are given a spiritual gift at the instance of salvation which is to be used to benefit other believers. Listen to this lesson to see how, as we mature spiritually, we gain the resources to use our spiritual gift. Find out how to evaluate a local church to attend or see if your only choice is to participate in electronic messages where you still have options for exercising your spiritual gift. Learn that Christ took a victory ascent to Heaven after His resurrection and distributed spiritual gifts. Ask ourselves if we are willing to go through the process God has designed for us so we are prepared to rule and reign with Christ.

Me! Me! Gimme a gift! Who doesn't love to get a gift? Listen to this lesson to learn about an extraordinary gift, a spiritual gift, graciously bestowed on each of us by God when we trust in Christ as our Savior. See that the purpose of this gift is not for bragging rights or to make us look good in the eyes of others but to be used to benefit other believers in our local church. Learn the different words used to describe these gifts and how these gifts are for Church Age believers only. Understand that through spiritual growth and the transformation of our thinking we come to exercise our spiritual gift fully in service to God.

Who can tally all the months, years, and centuries the academic chattering class have wasted trying to figure out what the universe is all about when God has revealed the truth in the Bible? Listen to this lesson to learn about the history of ideas that appeal to man's sin nature but lead to a life of depression and despair. See how these philosophies have impacted everything in life from morality to law and social studies and music. Step up to the challenge of having your mind transformed from the inside out and marvel at the omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence of God who is always in control and has a perfect plan for mankind.

Mission impossible? According to the Apostle Paul, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to submit to the radical surgery of the Word of God to have your thinking completely overhauled from the inside out. Come face to face with the two basic worldviews and explore the "Worldview Mix-Master" to see the four elements that go into it. Engage in the fierce spiritual battle for your mind with its major challenge between evolution and creation. Learn how the garbage in your soul can be ejected and the fantasy castles in your mind torn down. Listen to the life-changing questions that come out of various worldviews and how only the Word of God and the Holy Spirit can completely renovate your thinking.

What's on your bucket list that you hope to do before you die? Listen to this lesson to learn how our sin natures and the culture around us make us want to satisfy our every whim and desire but God's plan is to totally overhaul us and our thinking. Recognize that our aim should be to become committed disciples which is a decision we have to renew over and over throughout every day. Learn the true meaning of presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice to God and its connection to authority. Determine to respond to the challenge to be transformed from the inside out by putting God and His Word first in our lives.

Who says you need a crystal ball to foretell the future? Listen to this lesson to hear a summary of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture Study Group Conference held in Dallas this week with its emphasis on the reality of Bible prophecy. Learn how to access the papers read at the conference. Find out the soaring, triumphant conclusion to Romans, chapters one through eleven, and revisit an overview of what has been taught on justification, sanctification, and the righteousness of God. Thrill to the security of knowing that God with His infinite knowledge and wisdom is in control no matter what dark forces we face in our world today.

God's thoughts are not our thoughts so no wonder we're full of questions. Listen to this lesson to learn answers from the Apostle Paul to two burning questions. Find out how God opened the floodgates of blessing to the world through the Gentiles and understand the illustrations of the lump of dough and the root of the olive tree. Hear how Christians and Jews were both involved in the Zionist movement to return the Jews to the land and rest in the knowledge that the gifts and the promises of God are irrevocable.

Here's a riddle for you: What do an olive tree and a lump of dough have in common? Listen to this lesson to learn how the Apostle Paul uses these two illustrations to show how God's sovereignty selects groups for certain purposes. Learn about the cause of the blindness of the Jewish nation and how this opened the door for Gentiles to become a temporary channel of blessing to the world. Be warned that this should not lead to pride on their part.

"Lonely, I'm so lonely." Is this the refrain you're singing when you look around at all the people who reject God in the world today? Listen to this lesson to learn about a time when most of the Jewish people were heading down a path of self-destruction and laughing at God's messengers. At the same time there was a remnant of those who decided to prepare their hearts to follow Him. Even though they were ignorant of many of the commandments, God dealt with them graciously. Learn the difference between grace and works and listen to other examples of the Jewish remnant.

Just because you're a powerful warrior for God one day doesn't mean you can't become a whining, sniveling, namby-pamby coward the next. Listen to this lesson to find out how God came to the rescue of this prophet of Israel and interrupted his pity party. Follow Paul's argument for why the Jews should trust that God will keep all His promises to them in spite of their rejections of Him. Gain courage in your own life with the assurance that God is just as faithful to us and see how we can't second guess the methods God uses to fulfill His Word.

Feeling a little dizzy as you struggle to comprehend Romans, chapters 9 and 10? Seize this chance to take another run at understanding the vital concepts before arriving at Romans 11. Put yourself in the Apostle Paul's place as he finds pagan Gentiles believing the gospel message in droves while his own Jewish nation stubbornly believes that being Abraham's descendants give them an automatic ticket to heaven. As their jealous anger boils over, Paul, using Old Testament passages, carefully lays out proof that God will fulfill all His promises. End up ready to tackle the challenging conclusion to this section in Romans 11.

Ancient prognostications about the future of the world splash across the news from time to time. Are any of them worthy of our attention? Listen to the Apostle Paul as he reminds the Jews of their remarkable prophets who laid out the steps they must take to call on the Name of the Lord. Find out how they promised physical deliverance from the wrath of God during the explosive end times and how this applies to both Jews and Gentiles. Gain assurance that what God promises, He will always fulfill.

Will we go to heaven when we die if we've never told anyone that we believe in Jesus Christ for salvation? Listen to this lesson to learn what "confess with the mouth" means in Romans 10:9 with its special emphasis on the Jewish nation. Find out the three phases of salvation and how only one assures us of our eternal destiny and happens the instant we believe in Christ. Learn about the prophesied two returns of the Jews to the land and striking details of the coming Armageddon Campaign. Dr. Dean wrote a paper entitled "Believe and Confess: Does the Bible Teach a Two-Step Way to Salvation" for a book to be published by Bold Grace Ministries on Difficult Passages for a Free Grace Gospel. Click the Notes link to view this paper.

Are you willing to take your chances that your good deeds are enough to satisfy the perfect righteousness of God? For thousands of years many people have chosen this flawed belief rather than God's plan. Listen to this lesson to learn how Paul stresses that our salvation can never be dependent on what we do but on Christ's death. Learn what the role of the Mosaic Law was and what Paul means when he says, "Christ is the end of the law." Find out how after we are justified by faith in Christ, we receive the imputation of perfect righteousness and are free to learn to walk in obedience to God.

Are we puppets being manipulated to bring about God's plan for history or can we freely make our own choices? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is powerful enough to allow us free will but is nevertheless always bringing about His plans. Follow along to see that in spite of a pause because of the nation Israel's spurning of the Messiah, God's plan for them is still on track. Listen to a quick assessment of what has been covered so far in Romans and learn the difference between salvation and justification with the emphasis on righteousness.

Insistent questions swirl around God "hardening Pharaoh's heart." Could it mean God made Pharaoh do the evil things he did to the Jews? Paul tackles this question by going to Old Testament scriptures. Learn four ways Old Testament scriptures are used in the New Testament. Review the three Hebrew words for "hardened". See how God's sovereignty is expressed in the destiny of nations but that everyone has the free will to choose or reject God's plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

One of the most spine-chilling people in ancient history is the cruel Pharaoh of Egypt who allowed appalling disasters, including the death of his own son, rather than free the Jewish slaves. When we read that God "hardened" Pharaoh's heart, does it mean God forced His will on him? Listen to this lesson to learn about God's foreknowledge and man's free will. Find out four ways God used this event to bless the Jews and display His glory to all the nations.

Can we figure out how God thinks and acts by using our human logic? Listen to this lesson to learn that God says His thinking is not our thinking. Learn how God has the right to decide what He will do and that we can rely on His faithfulness. See how each individual can use his free will to seek God and that God does not determine who will believe in Him. Listen in on a conversation between Moses and God to understand how Moses passes the test God gives him.