1st Peter (2015)

How should a pastor of a church spend his time? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is the ultimate pastor or shepherd and is the example for what church pastors are to do. Hear eight ways God shepherds us in Psalm 23. Find out human examples of both true and false Old Testament shepherds. Learn that the primary focus of a pastor should be to teach his congregation the Word of God and they, in turn, are to learn it and apply it in their daily lives.

Who should choose the pastor of a church? How many deacons should there be? If questions like this interest you, you should listen to this lesson to learn that the Bible emphasizes the spiritual qualifications of church leaders but does not give specific directions on how churches should be governed or administered. Hear about the three main forms of church government today and how they differ. Find out the trajectory of administering churches as it developed from the first century in many countries around the world, including our own. See how this influenced other areas of government in the United States.

Elders. Bishops. Pastors. How did these positions for church leaders begin in the early church? Listen to this lesson to learn which leader is mentioned first in Acts and what their role was. Hear about the rapid growth of the church and how provision had to be made for administering to the needs of the congregation. See how a progression of leadership began to develop and what plurality of elders means. Understand that what is important is that there be a shepherd to teach the flock and those who can support him with all the other functions that must be provided.

After Christ’s ascension to Heaven, many believed in Him and on the day of Pentecost received the Holy Spirit and became the body of Christ. Now what? How would this new entity called the Church be administered? Listen to this lesson to hear a lucid and compelling overview of how the Apostles began to organize these believers. Learn that the term elder is the most-used term in the New Testament for the leader of a local church and why pastor is now conventionally used instead. Find out the difference between a descriptive and a prescriptive view of the Book of Acts. During this class Dr. Dean referenced the Textual Criticism course (taught by Ron Minton) available on the Dean Bible Ministries website.

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of the church is and when it began? If so, listen to this lesson to begin an absorbing study of ecclesiology and the perspective it gives us of our world today. Find out many uses of the word ekklesia and that it has different meanings in the Old and New Testament. See that the Apostle Paul refers to the church as a mystery that was not known in ancient times but has been revealed after Christ’s resurrection. Learn that there is only one church but many local groups that all belong to the body of Christ.

If you have a leadership role in your church, then you’ll want to listen to this lesson to learn the meaning of elders, shepherds, and overseers. See what the motive should be for being a leader and what the motive should not be. At the end of the lesson, listen to Ralph LaRosa, a missionary to the Philippines, as he presents some of his many ministries and how the Lord has always cared for all his needs.

Is the Bible talking about judgment of believers or unbelievers in this passage? Listen to this lesson to see the context and to understand the meaning of judgment beginning with the house of God. When believers are suffering adversity see three different ways God may deliver them. As we encounter persecution we are to not be surprised and reorganize our priorities as we walk by means of the Holy Spirit and relax and trust God.

How is it possible to do good deeds that don’t result in bearing fruit in the Christian life? Listen to this lesson to learn the importance of walking by means of the Holy Spirit rather than being controlled by your sin nature. Find out the meaning of abiding in Christ. See that we can either suffer because we deserve it or because it is not based on something we have done. Come to appreciate that undeserved suffering is designed to train and bless us and to bring glory to God. Dr. Dean's opening comments included a reference to the upcoming Pre-Trib Rapture Study Group Conference, December 3-5, 2018. More information is available at www.pre-trib.org. He also mentioned a book entitled The Hymnal: A Reading History by Christopher N. Phillips.

Do you stay relaxed in times of adversity? Listen to this lesson to learn what the Bible teaches about trusting God and glorifying Him in times of turmoil. Find out the only thing you can take with you when you die. Hear about the Judgment Seat of Christ for Church Age believes and what will be evaluated there. Be challenged to walk by means of the Holy Spirit in your daily life so you will receive eternal rewards.

Why are Christians hated, not only in other countries but increasingly in our own? Listen to this lesson to learn why unbelievers hate the name of Jesus. Find out that someone’s name doesn’t just mean what they’re called in the Bible but has far more significance. Hear examples of the names of God and what they teach. See how God’s name is our assurance of eternal security and learn if praying in Jesus’ name is necessary to get our prayers answered.

Okay, so things in your life are horrible. What’s your first reaction? Throw a pity party? Listen to this lesson to learn that all of us suffer and that some suffering we bring on ourselves and other is undeserved but God can use both for our spiritual growth when we walk by means of the Spirit. Find out that Peter was talking about people who suffer for their Christian beliefs much as we see happening in our country today. Learn how it is possible to have joy in the midst of even the most intense adversities because of what we know about God and understand about the purpose of suffering in our lives.

When you’re “under fire” in the circumstances of your life, are you surprised or wonder why God would let that happen to you? Listen to this lesson to hear the many reasons that believers can expect adversities and suffering. Find out that some of our trials are deserved because of our own actions but that many are underserved. See that unbelievers have two ways of handling their problems, one by pretending they don’t exist and the other by enduring them with gritted teeth while Christians have been given the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures so they can rejoice in the midst of trouble.

Would you like to know the secret to handling problems in life without panicking or falling apart? Listen to this lesson to learn that the answer is to “stand in grace”. See what it means to be holy and to fear God. Find out the importance of obeying authority and how this applies in marriage, raising children, and in the workplace. Accept that this is not something we can do on our own but as we walk by means of the Holy Spirit and study God’s Word we will be given the power from God to ignore distractions and live in light of the glorious future promised to us.

How can we glorify God? Listen to this lesson to learn that we are to either teach or serve others with the spiritual gifts that we have been given by God the Holy Spirit. Those with a speaking gift are to treat this gift in a responsible manner as they properly handle the Word of God. Those who have a serving spiritual gift are not to rely on their own talents but on the abilities God gives them. Hear a number of biblical doxologies in Scripture honoring God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Are you spending time wondering what your spiritual gift is? Listen to this lesson to learn that as you serve other Christians under the filling of the Holy Spirit your spiritual gift will become evident over time. Follow a fascinating exploration of spiritual gifts in the Word of God and learn the difference between temporary and permanent gifts and why some gifts ceased. See that spiritual gifts are not the means to maturity but are a result of spiritual growth which comes through walking by means of the Spirit and studying God’s Word.

Why is every believer given a spiritual gift or gifts at the moment of salvation? Listen to this lesson to learn the reason and how it applies to each one personally. Learn the fundamental meaning of the Greek word “charisma” and how it is not just limited to spiritual gifts. See that the gift given to us is not based on our merit or accomplishments but is a grace gift bestowed by God the Holy Spirit. Hear facets explaining these gifts and understand that we only activate our spiritual gifts as we mature spiritually.

Is love some kind of magical, exciting, tingly feeling that sweeps over us? Listen to this lesson to learn the astonishing manifestations of Biblical love. Find out both positive and negative traits of love for everyone, including those who cause us problems and even grief. See that love is active and not just an absence of mental attitude sins toward others. Hear the nasty traits that show we lack love, all of which are products of the sin nature. If this picture of love leaves you feeling challenged, remember that Biblical love is never a result of our own efforts but the Holy Spirit produces it in us when we walk by the Spirit, learn God’s Word, and mature spiritually.

You’ve got to be kidding! Does God really expect me to love everyone? Listen to this lesson to learn that this love is not something we have to manufacture on our own. See that this is supernatural and is based on God’s righteousness and justice. Find out that it can only be produced in us when we are walking by the Spirit. Learn what the Old Testament teaches about love. See how parents show Biblical love to their children by setting boundaries and how rearing good children is a way of loving your neighbor. Hear Paul show us that without love, everything we do in the Christian life is worthless.

“What is this thing called love?” Listen to this message to hear that the Bible teaches that love is not an emotion but a mental attitude. Hear a number of principles that define biblical love and see that it is never permissiveness. When we are tempted to wonder why a loving God allows suffering, see that we need to redefine our concept of love and that God’s righteousness, justice, and love work together. Find out the distinction between believers and disciples.

Unlock the meaning of Christian love with this lucid message as the Apostle Paul emphasizes a command to love fervently. Find out that love is not an emotion but is intentional and proactive. See that we cannot produce this love on our own but it is a result of being filled by the Holy Spirit and maturing spiritually. Learn the meanings of two Greek words used in the Bible for love and see that the command is to love everyone whether we find them attractive or not.