July 2013 - October 2018
Note: Classes in this series are arranged with the most recent class appearing first.
1 Thessalonians covers a period from roughly from November of AD 50 to January of AD 51. What marks Paul's ministry in Thessalonica is this opposition from the Jewish community and the persecution and oppression that rises out of that opposition. It is important to understand when we look at 1 Thessalonians because of part of Paul’s primary message there has to do with the reality of opposition, persecution and suffering in the life of the believer in the Church Age.
As we look at the epistle in terms of its basic structure and outline, it seems that there are two basic divisions. The first three chapters are very personal and intimate, and they seem to focus around the idea that the apostle Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians in terms of their response to the gospel, that they are indeed believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and this has brought forth evidence that is undeniable of their salvation. Then in chapters four and five we get a focus on the future, on the Lord’s return, and the implication of that for our walk with the Lord.
Video DVDs of these lessons can be ordered here and here.
To view all video Bible studies in the 1 Thessalonians series, click here (Vimeo) or here (YouTube).
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 13 secs
"Help! O, God, help!" When things in your life are spinning out of control, is this what you pray? Listen to this lesson to learn that there's a better way to prepare for disasters. This better way is called the faith-rest drill. Understand what this means and how to apply the 3 stages. See the importance of learning Biblical promises to mix with faith. Anticipate the results as we meet the pressures and promises of life without falling apart.
Thursday, November 06, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 59 mins 56 secs
Sit on the floor. Cross your legs. Clear your mind of all thoughts and hum "OHM". Is this what the Bible means when it says to meditate? Listen to this lesson to learn that Biblical meditation is based on thinking and the content of that thinking is the character of God. See that as we understand who and what God is we find that we can always trust Him with every aspect of our life. Gain a clear understanding of what waiting on the Lord means.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8 & Isaiah 40:31
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 53 mins 18 secs
Accept Christ as your Savior and you'll never have any problems or times of suffering again. Not so fast! Listen to this lesson to learn why all Christians will suffer at times. See how bad things happen because we have sin natures and live in a fallen world. Learn that sometimes God disciplines us in the same way earthly parents discipline their children. Gain an understanding of this by learning how God brought four-fold suffering on David for his sin with Bathsheba. Accept that God is always there to help us when we are suffering and that it is for our ultimate good.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8 & Isaiah 40:12-22
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 14 secs
Since Christ died for all sins on the Cross, does it mean we can sin without any consequences? Listen to this lesson to learn that one of the reasons Christians suffer is because God is disciplining us for the sins we commit after our salvation. Review five reasons Christians suffer and learn about five more. See that belief in the Bible no longer unifies western civilization causing suffering as society breaks down. Find out that angels are observing us to see how we handle our suffering. Take the opportunity to comfort others who are suffering with the same comfort God gives us during our times of suffering.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8 & Isaiah 41:10
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 1 hr 0 mins 11 secs
Does God ever forget about us and our little problems because He’s so busy with the big concerns of the world? Listen to this lesson to learn that God knows each of us by name and never ignores us. Learn some methods and materials that will help in our personal Bible study and learn about anthropomorphisms which are used to describe God. Understand the Creator/creature distinction and how we cannot fully understand everything about God but we can rely on His promises. Accept that God always does the right thing and we can trust Him at all times.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8 & Isaiah 41:10
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 59 mins 1 sec
When’s the last time you caved into fear or anxiety? The Bible tells us over and over not to fear. If you’re wondering how this is possible, listen to this lesson to find the only surefire solutions to fear. See that the first thing we must do to live fearlessly is to accept Christ as our Savior. Then, as a Christian, we have to focus on the character of God. Learn about the many promises that tell us God will always take care of us no matter what is happening. Learn to relax and face life by moving toward spiritual maturity and have the assurance that we have nothing to fear in this life or the next.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8 & 1 John 4:18
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 58 mins 39 secs
Stop! Don’t hit that panic button when life seems to be spinning out of control. Listen to this message to gain a clear understanding of fear, its origins, and the results of succumbing to fear. See how fatalistic and pagan cultures are dominated by fear that destroy motivation. Understand how an existential mindset results in dread and hopelessness. Accept that the only answer to fear is dependence upon God and trusting in His promises so you can move beyond fear with confidence and courage.
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8 & Psalm 55:22
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 44 secs
Help! My problems are too much for me. If this is how you feel at times, listen to this lesson to find out Biblical ways to cry out to the Lord for the help you need. Learn the importance of not focusing on the problem but to turn your attention to God’s promises. Understand the tremendous power of fear in in your life and how to move from fear to confidence in God. Remember you always have a choice when you are facing troubles, either you can surrender to fear or you can cast your care on the Lord, who promises to sustain you.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8 & Psalm 37:1-5
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 57 mins 23 secs
What do you mean saying I shouldn’t get upset? Don’t you see all the awful things that are happening in our country? Listen to this lesson to learn that Psalm 37 tells us not to get worked up over evil and injustice. Find out that we’re to accept that God has everything under control and that, although things may look bad now, God’s plan will triumph and justice will be done in God’s time. The wicked will end up getting their punishment and those who delight in God will receive the desires of their heart. Appreciate that this psalm is written in a deliberate manner with each verse beginning with a letter of the alphabet and its very cadence calms us and helps us stay focused on the assurances of God.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:8 & Psalm 37:4-5
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 57 mins 24 secs
Over and over like a dog gnawing on a bone, our minds chew on problems and the evils we see all around us. Sometimes it makes us angry and at other times we envy those who seem to sail through life as they ignore God. Listen to this lesson to see how David’s Psalm shows us God’s solution to this condition. Find out how important it is to turn your focus off your troubles on to God and His promises. See what the results of committing your way unto the Lord are and find out what it means for God to give you the desires of your heart.