November 2010 - December 2014
Romans has always been one of the favorite books of thoughtful Christians. In this epistle, the apostle Paul logically delineates the foundation and structure of Christian doctrine. The righteousness of God has been accurately identified as the central message of this epistle. How the righteousness of God relates to a human history of suffering, pain, and injustice, has been a frequent question through the ages. In Romans, Paul's answer shows that this question cannot be addressed in a sound bite or executive summary. The character of God, the volition of man, the history of man's rejection of God, must form the backdrop to a serious discussion on the righteousness of God. But an accurate understanding of the righteousness of God also reveals to us the magnificence of God's grace and His gracious plan of justification available freely to all mankind.
But this does not stop with simple justification, but also explains God's righteousness in the life of the believer after salvation and how God's righteousness is vindicated in history as indicated through His faithful love for Israel.
Video DVDs of these lessons can be ordered here and here.
To view all video Bible studies in the Romans series, click here.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 12:3-4
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 32 secs
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.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 12:3-4 & 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 1 hr 4 mins 19 secs
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.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 12:6-9
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 57 mins 25 secs
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.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 12:10-16
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 58 mins 32 secs
"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.
Thursday, March 06, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 12:10-16
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 57 mins 18 secs
"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.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 12:17-18
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 49 secs
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.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 12:18
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 57 mins 32 secs
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.
Thursday, April 03, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 12:19-21
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 58 mins 19 secs
"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.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 13:1-7
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 58 mins 5 secs
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.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 13:1-7
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 1 hr 4 mins 44 secs
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.