1st Peter (2015)

Be happy and full of joy when all these troubles are staring me in the face? Impossible! Listen to this lesson to learn that faith is the means of this seemingly impossible rejoicing. Learn the meaning and the purpose of the trials that all Christians endure. See that happiness is a choice. Find out two things absolutely necessary for us to handle our trials with joy and what we must not base our happiness on. Prepare for the many tests that are sure to come your way by learning the Word of God and being motivated by love for the Lord Jesus Christ.

On guard! Are you prepared to engage in hand-to-hand combat against three vicious enemies of the Christian? Listen to this lesson to learn who these enemies are and the solution that God provided in eternity past. Understand that spiritual warfare demands that we learn the Word of God and walk by means of the Holy Spirit. Find out what our living hope is and how it gives us courage as we accept our personal sense of destiny. Instead of giving in and crawling into a hole, learn to love the battle that God has designed for us. The book Dr. Dean references in this class is called The State of the American Mind: 16 Leading Critics on the New Anti-Intellectualism. Dr. Dean also quoted from Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America by Robert Whitaker.

“Nobody knows the troubles I’ve seen. Nobody knows but Jesus.” Is this one of those times in your life when trials and troubles seem to multiply daily? Listen to this lesson to learn that God has provided for just such difficulties as these. Find out that not only can we handle adversity, there’s an added bonus. God has promised that if we go through these times trusting in Him and utilizing His power, we will earn rewards for all eternity. Learn what the last times of this passage refer to and understand six important ways to face our problems God’s way.

“I won’t have to cross Jordan alone.” Have you sung songs about crossing the Jordan River when you die? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Jordan River has nothing to do with death. Understand that only two Israelites who left Egypt crossed into the Promised Land as a reward for their obedience to God. See that salvation is always a free gift but rewards are earned. Hear the example of Moses as someone who lost that portion of his inheritance. Decide whether you want to live in obedience to God and press on to spiritual maturity to receive the rewards of eternity.

Do you like incentives? Do promises of rewards motivate you? Listen to this lesson to learn that all believers have a basic inheritance but that the Bible teaches that there are special rewards for those Christians who grow to spiritual maturity in this life. See the example of Abraham and the Royal Grant covenant in the Old Testament as the first mention of inheritance. In light of these incentives, organize your life in such a way as to grow spiritually and receive the incredible rewards that are promised. Includes a presentation by Paul Miles of boldgrace.org at the end.

Are you looking forward to a tremendous inheritance? One that lasts forever? Listen to this lesson to find out that God has prepared one just for you, with your name on it. Find out that all believers receive an inheritance but that there are also rewards that can be earned. Learn four characteristics of this inheritance and the words in the Bible that describe it. See that we receive this inheritance because we are the sons of God and that God, Himself, is our inheritance. Resolve to wake up each day remembering that when we walk by means of the Holy Spirit we will receive the rewards that are meant for us.

What do you see in your future? Listen to this lesson to learn that you don’t need to go to a psychic to find out because the Bible makes it plain what believers can anticipate. Find out that our present life is not where our focus should be since it is only a prelude to eternity. Learn the Biblical meaning of the word hope and a number of passages where the word is used. See that we can’t fail to be optimistic when we grasp all that we have to look forward to and never lose sight of the fact that we should not spend our time on hopes and dreams that can’t last.

Is everyone who says they’re a Christian saved or only those who have been born again? Listen to this lesson to learn the meaning of spiritual regeneration. Find out what the cause of being born again is. See that when Jesus was talking to Nicodemus there were six kinds of events called being born again but Jesus was referring to something new. Understand that we are born with a body and a soul but it is only when we trust in Christ as our Savior that our human spirit is regenerated so we can have fellowship with God and be thankful for our new birth.

Have you been born again? If this question seems a bit weird to you, you’re in good company. Listen to this lesson to learn about an important religious leader who was puzzled when Jesus told him he had to be born again. Find out the meaning of regeneration and how there is a sin barrier between every person and God. Learn that we sin because we are sinners. See that being born again means we have a living hope and we don’t need to be overly concerned about what happens in our country because we can focus on our eternal future.

How much do you know about God, the Holy Spirit? Listen to this lesson to learn that He is a person and is divine just as God, the Father and God, the Son. Hear passages in the New Testament that mention all three Members of the Godhead in the same verse. Find out about two people who lied to the Holy Spirit. See how the Holy Spirit is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent and prays for us. Understand that the Holy Spirit is our helper and encourager, the same as Jesus Christ.

What do you believe about God and why do you believe it? Every generation must decide this for itself. Listen to this lesson to see that many today are questioning whether the Bible is accurate and without error. Understand that when Jesus was on earth He made many claims that He was God and was equal with God the Father. Hear a number of references to God in the Old Testament that are applied to Jesus in the New Testament. Take time to think about your core beliefs about God and study the Word of God so you can explain what you believe.

Want a sure cure for discouragement over all the evils in the world? Try centering your attention on the Godhead. Find out that all three persons share the same attributes, including justice, and will someday right the wrongs that are being committed. Learn that the Holy Spirit is shown to be a person, the same as God the Father and God the Son. See how His names and acts reveal Him to be divine. Appreciate that there is no problem you have that is too great for the members of the Godhead.

What difference does it make whether I understand the Trinity? To tell the truth, it gives me a headache just to try to think about it. If this is how you feel at times, listen to this lesson to learn all the rich benefits that come from understanding the Godhead. See that the first person is God the Father and the second person is God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Understand they are identical, co-equal, and co-infinite. Explore passages in the Old Testament where Jesus Christ is called the Angel of the Lord and learn what that means. Find out the significance of names in the Bible. See that the more you know about God, the more you can praise and appreciate Him.

One God. Three Persons. If this sounds confusing, listen to this lesson to come to a greater understanding of the important doctrine of the Trinity and the plurality of the Godhead. See that beginning in the first book of the Bible, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are present. Learn who the Angel of the Lord is. Begin to understand the role of God the Father and His relationship to Israel. See how His Son, Jesus Christ as the Son of Man, fulfilled the destiny of the human race. As you come to know more about God, let it lead to a greater appreciation of Him and all He does for us.

Do you ever use the Bible as a how-to book by trying to find quick solutions to your problems in it? Listen to this lesson to learn that what you need to do is study the Bible and learn everything you can about God. Learn what the phrase “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” means and about the Granville Sharp Rule that explains it. See how praise refers to naming actual events and things that God has accomplished rather than merely saying the words. Decide to study God’s Word on a regular basis so you are prepared for all the difficult circumstances that may come your way.

Quick! What is the end goal of your life? What comes to your mind instantly? To be successful? Rich? Happy? Listen to this lesson to see how Peter emphasizes that we should have the end of our life in mind as we set priorities. Gain an overview of the first twelve verses in chapter one that are filled with key doctrines to be learned to enrich our spiritual life. Learn some Bible study methods to help us master these concepts. Find out about believers’ inheritance. Learn how to enjoy fellowship with God as we prepare for eternity.

Why does God call us choice ones, based on what He knows from eternity past? Listen to this lesson to see the importance of understanding election and foreknowledge. See that it is those who trust in Christ as their Savior who have imputed righteousness or the right garments to wear to the wedding feast. Gain an understanding of sanctification in its three phases. See that being holy does not mean we are morally pure but that we have been set apart. Relax knowing that since we do nothing for positional sanctification, we can do nothing to lose it and can confess our sins which are covered by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

Time to put on your thinking cap! Some truths are so foundational but technical, that they must be studied many times until they become clear. Divine election and foreknowledge are two of those concepts. Listen to this lesson to gain a comprehensive understanding of how Christians are God’s choice ones designed to be conformed to His Son through obedience. See how God’s foreknowledge encompasses all that will happen, could happen, and should happen. Find out that God brings order out of chaos to fulfill His plan, giving us complete peace when we put our trust in Him.

Does God override our volition in terms of our eternal destiny? Did He arbitrarily choose certain people to be saved or did He know ahead of time who would choose to accept Christ as their Savior? Listen to this lesson to get Biblical answers to these important questions about God’s election and His foreknowledge. Accept the many Scriptures that teach that all who trust in God’s plan are in Christ and have His perfect righteousness.

When the Bible talks about someone being elected, does it mean that they are chosen to be saved? Listen to this lesson to see that election does not refer to salvation or justification but it concerns being selected for God’s purpose in history and refers to serving God. In the Old Testament, see that Abraham was selected after He was saved. Understand that election means the choice one just as Christ was the Choice One of God. See that when we accept Christ as our Savior, we possess His righteousness and are qualified to have a mission and a purpose in God’s plan.