Matthew (2013)

Is it necessary to feel sorry for your sins in order to be saved? Listen to this lesson to see how remorse and regret can lead to repentance or a change of mind, but that they are not necessary for salvation. Find out that the only condition in Scripture for salvation is faith alone in Christ alone. After salvation, the end goal of our life is spiritual growth, not feeling sorry about inning and then continuing to sin.

Why do we celebrate Independence Day when most in our country no longer cherish their independence but are willing to depend on the government for their needs? Hear a clear explanation for the significance of July 4th. See how the Bible emphasizes remembering the past. Hear how this country was begun on the basis of Judeo-Christian principles that it no longer adheres to. Find out that the path we are on leads to disaster but there is hope that is based on turning to God. Dr. Dean discusses a six-point action plan. See parallels between Israel at the time Jesus lived on Earth and the United States today and how both nations lost their focus on God.

How does Christianity differ from other world religions? Listen to this lesson to learn that all religions say mankind must do something to gain God’s approval, while Christianity teaches that God, in grace, does everything and man only has to trust in Jesus Christ. Hear how the religious leaders of Israel came into conflict with Jesus and tried to set a trap for Him. Learn that He turned the trap back on them. Also includes seven points on Replacement theology and how it can lead to anti-Semitism.

Will God grant anything we ask for in prayer as long as we believe enough? Listen to this lesson to see that this promise is for a future time. The kingdom Jesus offered Israel is being postponed because they have rejected Him as Messiah, but there will come a day when the human race will rule over the earth as God intended. As Christians we are to use the opportunity we have now to grow to spiritual maturity so we can rule and reign with Christ.

Men rushing around. Sheep bleating and doves cooing as money is changing hands. Jesus enters and takes total control of the chaos, turning over the money changers’ tables, scattering their profits, and releasing the lambs. Listen to this lesson to learn why Jesus is cleansing the Temple and how the religious leaders react. View detailed drawings of the Temple and find out that in the Church Age Christians’ bodies are a temple and are cleansed by confession of sin.

The book on the Temple that Dr. Dean mentioned during this Bible class is available from Rose Publishing: Rose Guide to the Temple by Dr. Randall Price.

Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey seems a strange entrance for the Messiah. Listen to this lesson to learn that this event was part of a split fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah. See that Jesus did not enter as a conquering king on a horse but as a peaceful king being presented for acceptance by the people. Find out that instead of seeing two comings of the Messiah in the Scripture, the rabbis thought there were two different Messiahs. Hear the remarkable prophecy in Daniel 9 which laid out an exact time frame of events to come. Be assured that everything is unfolding today exactly according to God’s plan and we can trust completely in it.

What part should history play in our lives? Listen to this message to learn that it is often through history that we can appreciate what God has done for us. See how the crowds singing Psalm 118:26 were praising what God had done for their nation. Find out that this is a type of what Christ accomplished on the cross for all of us. Learn the historical significance of the “stone that the builders rejected” and how Jesus applied it to Himself as the Messiah. Hear eight comparisons between Psalm 118 and Matthew 21. In our own lives, we need to realize that only God can resolve our personal and national problems when we trust in Him.

What should the people of a nation do when God delivers them from severe trouble? Listen to this lesson to see how Israel gave thanks for their deliverance in Psalm 118. Find out this is a Messianic psalm that was sung by a community being led to the Temple Mount by a religious leader. Hear how the word “Jehovah” came to be invented. See the five elements of thanksgiving. Apply this to your own life by realizing that when you’re in a fix or a tight place God is going to take care of you as He has promised in His Word.

What happened during the last week before Jesus was crucified on the cross? Listen to this lesson to gain an overview of these events and how they were prophesied and recorded in the Old Testament many years earlier. Go to one of these passages in Psalm 118. Find out why it is called a Hallel psalm and the meaning of the word hallelujah. While this psalm refers to a historical event, the New Testament applies this to God’s messianic plan of redemption. In times of difficulty in your own life, see the importance of giving public thanks for what God has done for you.

Imagine that you are blind and poor and sitting in filthy rags on the side of the road when Jesus is passing by. The crowds try to shush you from calling out because you’re just a nobody. Listen to this lesson to see Jesus’ great love and compassion to the most undesirable as He stops and calls them. Find out the miracle He performed.

See the significance of the blind men calling Jesus the Son of David and how only the Messiah could give sight to the blind. Learn that Jesus came to give light to all of us and we only have to trust Him to understand that light.

During this class Dr. Dean referenced Joel Kramer's (of SourceFlix.com) blog entitled Passover—Led Like a Lamb. While you're on his site, also view The Sacrifice video for additional information.

Another video related to today's class:

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