1st Peter (2015)

When was our sin cancelled? When we trusted in Christ as our Savior or when Christ died on the Cross? Listen to this lesson to gain an understanding of the doctrine of atonement. Learn the meaning of how and when our debt was cancelled and its importance. Hear four components of this forgiveness. Marvel at all that Jesus Christ accomplished for the human race on the Cross and the opportunity we have to accept this great salvation.

What is the true nature of atonement? Listen to this lesson to learn about its myriad facets. Hear how the early church slowly came to understand these vital doctrines and what some of the earliest theories of atonement were. See the different meanings of the word kaphar and how cleansing is a vital element of it. Learn that atonement is not a biblical word but is made of three words: at- one- ment, to cover many aspects of it. Understand that learning this makes us appreciate much more fully all that Christ did on the Cross when He died for our sins.

Have you ever considered what it cost the Lord Jesus Christ to die for your sins as a substitute in your place? Listen to this lesson to hear many points on the meaning of substitutionary atonement. See how the sacrifices in the Old Testament were a picture of this and how an innocent lamb had to be sacrificed. Learn that Christ’s death on the Cross was a victory which He proclaimed to spirits after His crucifixion. See that when we suffer unjustly, our example on how we should handle it is Christ who died once for all, the just for the unjust.

What does it mean to have a good conscience before God? Listen to this lesson to learn that the only true standards for our conscience must come from the Word of God. Find out what a defiled conscience is and the difference between a passive and an active conscience. See the importance of not being intimidated by the opposition against Christianity in our culture but continue to walk by means of the Holy Spirit. Learn the difference between undeserved and deserved suffering. See how it is imperative that we replace our human viewpoint standards of conscience with divine viewpoint standards.

Do you feel you’re being picked on because you’re a Christian? Listen to this lesson to see that Christians are an object of persecution and this persecution is growing in our country. See that there are many parts of our culture that are opposed to anything relating to God. Learn that our example on how to handle this is how Christ handled His persecution. Find out that the Apostle Peter told people that it’s better to be persecuted for doing what’s right, rather than for doing what’s wrong, reminding them of the time when he had denied Christ. See that now is the time to get prepared for coming waves of persecution.

How do you think you would have reacted if you had been one of the witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ after His death on the Cross? Listen to this lesson to learn about the many witnesses who saw Jesus alive. See that it only takes two or three witnesses to confirm the truth of a matter. Hear the only two options for an explanation of the empty tomb. When witnessing to unbelievers remember there is ironclad proof that Jesus rose from the dead and that gives us confidence for our own resurrection someday. This lesson also references Mark 15:42-16:14; Luke 23:50-24:43; John 19:38-20:29. Dr. Dean referenced a document on the post-resurrection appearances of Christ during this class. You can download it here.

What evidence is there that Jesus was resurrected? Listen to this lesson to learn that there is evidence in the way the tomb was sealed by a large stone and a wax seal. Find out about the condition of the grave clothes that were found. See how we know the guards over the tomb were not just temple guards but a minimum of eight or more Roman soldiers. Learn the importance of the many witnesses. Realize that the reality of the resurrection is at the heart of the Christian message.

How much do we know about the burial of Christ after His crucifixion? Listen to this lesson to learn that we have more written evidence of this burial than of the burial of any other figure in ancient history. Hear the accounts in the four Gospels and learn who Joseph of Arimathea was. See that the spices and linen strips wound around Jesus made a tight body cast. Learn how the religious leaders insisted on securing the tomb and how large the stone was. Realize that there is overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ burial after His death erasing all doubts that He was truly dead. Includes references from the following passages: Matthew 27:57-28:8; Mark 15:42-16:14; Luke 23:50-24:43; John 19:38-20:29

Warning! This message describing the barbaric treatment of the Lord Jesus Christ is not for the faint of heart. See how it is overwhelming proof that Jesus actually died and did not merely swoon and was revived rather than resurrected. Hear a vivid description of His scourgings and the weapons that were used to deliver the blows. Learn the horrors of the cross and see photos of the various parts. Develop a deeper appreciation of how Jesus suffered all of these things because of our sins as described by the prophet Isaiah. The Transcript: notes link below is for the “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ” document that Dr. Dean referred to in the lesson.

Do you believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God? If not, then you have only two options to think about Him. Either He lied when He said He was the Son of God or He was unbalanced mentally. Listen to this lesson to see that the belief that Jesus was just a good, moral teacher cannot be true. Review the claims Jesus made about Himself and see that the religious leaders at that time understood that He was claiming to be God. Find out many things that this world would never have had if Jesus had not existed. Learn about the gospel accounts of the resurrection and understand that the resurrection is the central tenet of Christianity.

What proof is there that Jesus really existed? Is He only mentioned in the Bible? Listen to this lesson to learn about many historical sources written in the early first century that mention Christ, including Gentile and Jewish sources. See how there is confirmation of the period of darkness on the day of the crucifixion and how there are attempts to explain it away as an eclipse. Hear and underline in your Bible a number of references where Jesus claimed to be the Son of God so you can locate them when talking to unbelievers.

Does the Bible predict what will happen in the future? Listen to this not-to-be-missed lesson on the amazingly accurate prediction made by Daniel over two thousand years ago. See that this shows that God is a God of precision. Find out that Daniel’s prophecy predicted to the day when Christ would be crucified and that much of his prophecy has been fulfilled but there is still seven years remaining. Learn that these seven years will be triggered by a specific event in the future and will be called the Tribulation. When talking to unbelievers use the many fulfilled prophecies concerning Jesus to show them that the Bible can be trusted.

How can prophecies help us to show unbelievers that the Bible can be trusted? Listen to this lesson to hear about three specific prophecies that were fulfilled just as predicted. Find out about a king who was named over three hundred years before he was born. See that Tyre was changed just as foretold in the Bible and that Nineveh was destroyed in the exact manner described in Nahum. Become familiar with these prophecies so you can share them with unbelievers.

Why is it important to have different strategies to use when presenting the gospel? Listen to this lesson to learn three basic questions that people often ask and four answers for them. Hear eight things about the uniqueness of the Bible as God’s revelation to mankind and the amazing story of its preservation. Hear about instances where archaeology has corroborated biblical events. Learn these answers so you will be ready when someone questions your belief in the Bible.

Ready for a practice session on using apologetics? Listen to this lesson to apply what you’ve been learning by the use of a transcript from the movie God's Not Dead 1. Listen as the transcript for the movie scenes is read and follow along as Pastor Dean quizzes us so we can test what we’ve been learning. During tonight's class Dr. Dean took us through three apologetics scenes from the movie God's Not Dead. See the transcript of the Three Arguments Used in the God's Not Dead available on this website. You can view the movie God's Not Dead online or purchase it from Amazon.com

Should we have differing approaches when discussing the gospel message to various audiences? Listen to this lesson to see how the background of unbelievers needs to be considered when witnessing to them. See how we can determine what they believe by asking questions and carefully listening to their answers. Hear examples of different audiences and the messages for each in the book of Acts. Find the points of common ground and always remember to discuss the Creator God. Dr. Dean referenced a new document, Three Arguments Used in the God's Not Dead movie, during this class, which will be discussed in next week's class. This class also discussed Acts 14 and 17.

What are you willing to risk to defend what you believe about God? Listen to this lesson to learn how Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal about their beliefs by setting up a test for the them. See how he was pointing out that what they were depending on for their happiness and prosperity was not working. Find out the importance of knowing your own ultimate reality as a believer in order to help others change their minds. Hear eight things to learn from this event in Elijah’s life that will help us in witnessing to unbelievers. To help clarify some of the terminology used in the study of apologetics, Dr. Dean has begun developing an Apologetics Glossary, which he updated 5/19/17.

Does the Bible use apologetics in its teaching? Listen to this lesson to learn that apologetics are seen throughout the Bible and differ depending on the times in which events occur. Find out the differences between apologetics and Christian evidences. See how Elijah’s ministry was designed to show the superiority of God’s truth over the pagan beliefs. Hear the essential elements of different worldviews and the importance of understanding your own worldview and the influences that have been involved. To help clarify some of the terminology used in the study of apologetics, Dr. Dean has begun developing an Apologetics Glossary.

How should we confront unbelievers about their pagan beliefs so they can change their minds about the gospel? Listen to this lesson to see how Moses confronted Pharaoh with the plagues which mirrored the gods and goddesses Pharaoh worshipped. Hear about useful strategies and how evidence is important. Understand that it is God the Holy Spirit who is working in the unbeliever and understand that we are the visible representation of God to those we witness to. Learn how we need to have the courage to question those who are lost to see what they are thinking so we can have appropriate biblical answers for them. Also includes information on Exodus 8-11. To help clarify some of the terminology used in the study of apologetics, Dr. Dean has begun developing an Apologetics Glossary.

Why do all peoples in the world have some form of religion with a generally common set of beliefs? Listen to this lesson to learn that creation itself proves the existence of God. See that where mankind goes wrong is assuming they can determine what facts mean rather than accepting that everything is what it is because God has determined it. Find out that everyone can understand enough about God to make them accountable before Him. Hear thirteen implications from Genesis 3 when God is questioning Adam and Eve after the Fall. Also includes Genesis 3:8-13 To help clarify some of the terminology used in the study of apologetics, Dr. Dean has begun developing an Apologetics Glossary.