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On-Going Mini-Series

Bible Studies

Codes & Descriptions

Class Codes
[A] = summary lessons
[B] = exegetical analysis
[C] = topical doctrinal studies
What is a Mini-Series?
A Mini-Series is a small subset of lessons from a major series which covers a particular subject or book. The class numbers will be in reference to the major series rather than the mini-series.

Messages with tag - Joy

Colossians (2011)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
by Robert Dean
Passage: Colossians 1:24
Series: Colossians (2011)
Duration: 48 mins 8 secs
In our continuation of the Sufficiency of Christ segment of this study, there is much Paul has to say about suffering, and includes some very interesting comments about joy and happiness. Many questions are raised.

What is the true meaning of joy and happiness? How can you rejoice in your sufferings, as the Bible instructs us to do? Can a believer actually have joy in the midst of adversity? These questions cause us to look back to the suffering and afflictions Christ endured. What did He rely upon? Our attitude should be one focused upon the sufficiency of Jesus Christ in all areas. He didn't leave anything out, did He? To have that joy we keep our eyes on the end game - on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. And through that, we learn to love the battle!
Colossians (2011)
Sunday, September 04, 2011
by Robert Dean
Passage: Colossians 1:24
Series: Colossians (2011)
Duration: 53 mins 43 secs
Can believers truly find joy in the midst of adversity? Does the Bible spell out the mechanics of joy? As we continue to study this verse in Colossians, we learn that true joy is a process, a culmination of growth which is only fully realized when we reach spiritual maturity. Until then, our life is really sub-normal. Spiritual joy differs from the joy we think of coming from circumstances or our own personalities.

In this lesson, we learn the difference between Christ's sufferings on the cross and His afflictions. We learn that His afflictions, while not redemptive, did set a pattern of how we are to face adversity in our own lives. As we grow and apply learned doctrine and walk and abide in Him, spiritual joy results from the Holy Spirit producing character qualities above and beyond personality or circumstances, which is why believers can have joy in the midst of the adversities of life.
1 Thessalonians (2013)
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4
Series: 1 Thessalonians (2013)
Duration: 1 hr 8 mins 13 secs
When an old-fashion teakettle whistles, we need to turn down the heat. The same is true when we find pressures building up in our lives and we feel ready to blow. Listen to this lesson to learn how to handle the adversities of life from a Biblical framework. See the importance of practicing the basic habits that lead to spiritual growth. Move on to advanced spiritual practices and discover the importance of grace orientation so that even in the most tense situations in life we can have peace and calmness as we express our gratitude to God.
Romans (2010)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 15:9-13
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 51 mins 48 secs
Terrorists. Wars. Diseases. Violent weather. What can we do to be safe in all these disasters? Listen to this lesson to learn about God's promises of protection as we face whatever comes our way. See how Paul uses quotes from the Old Testament to point out that God's plan was always for Jews and Gentiles to worship God together. Understand that God the Holy Spirit gives us a confident hope as we grow spiritually with the result that we have joy and peace in our lives.
Romans (2010)
Thursday, September 25, 2014
by Robert Dean
Passage: Romans 15:13-16
Series: Romans (2010)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 30 secs
"Now, what?" you ask, throwing your hands in the air as a steady stream of bad news spews out of your TV. How should we handle all the threatening events in our lives and in our country? Listen to this lesson to learn that God is always in control and we can have confidence that all is working according to His perfect plan. Understand the ten spiritual skills available to believers in Christ that enable us to have this firm hope in God and the peace and joy that follows even in the midst of disaster. Focus daily on the many Scriptures that encourage us and take us out of the mire of despair.
1 Peter (2015)
Thursday, September 17, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Peter 1:6-7
Series: 1 Peter (2015)
Duration: 54 mins
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.
1 Peter (2015)
Thursday, September 24, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Peter 1:6-7
Series: 1 Peter (2015)
Duration: 59 mins 50 secs
How can a Christian have joy and rejoice when everything in their life seems like a disaster? Listen to this lesson to learn that it’s not something we can do on our own. Find out that we can only have joy in suffering and disappointment and grief when we are learning God’s Word and walking by means of the Spirit. Learn about two words used for joy in the New Testament and the significance of each. Hear six aspects of joy and that it is supernatural. See similar passages in 1st Peter and James as they deal with joy. Understand that even if we face persecution for our faith in Christ, we can rejoice because we know about the eternal rewards we will receive.

At the beginning of this class Dr. Dean showed a video on Mormom missionaries.

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 mentioned Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America by Robert Whitaker.

1 Peter (2015)
Thursday, October 15, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Peter 1:7-9
Series: 1 Peter (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 4 mins 13 secs
Have you ever been so happy you were almost ecstatic? Maybe you got that raise you've been wanting or got accepted into the college you had dreamed about. It's easy to be happy when things are going your way. Listen to this lesson to learn about a true joy believers can have in the middle of unimaginable disasters. See that God has a training program tailored for each of us to develop the spiritual skills we need to experience this joy. Find out that this requires choices on our part so that even when it's hard and uncomfortable we can apply the Word of God to guide our actions.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
by Robert Dean
Passage: Luke 1:1-2:20
Series: Holiday Specials
Duration: 54 mins 46 secs
“Joy to the World. The Lord is Come!” What makes the birth of Christ so unusual? Listen to this lesson to see that not only was His mother, Mary, a virgin but many remarkable things attended His birth. See two different Greek words used to explain that Jesus’ birth was a blessing to Mary and all mankind. Find out that the response to this event was rejoicing. Go through the details of what happened in Bethlehem and how it differs from the traditional versions. Learn that Jesus’ entrance into the world is still a reason for joy and gladness because He came to save us from our sin.
2 Peter (2019)
Thursday, August 15, 2019
by Robert Dean
Passage: 2 Peter 1:1-3
Series: 2 Peter (2019)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 42 secs
If you’ve ever had questions about how to be happy when there’s so much sadness and sorrow around, this message will give you biblical answers. Find out that Jesus promised joy no matter what our circumstances. Learn how to achieve this joy and have peace and contentment. Discover that psychology is not the answer to our problems. See that it is by studying Scripture that we learn everything necessary to deal with life and that happiness lies in a fulfilling relationship with God.