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.