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Galatians 5:16-23 teaches that at any moment we are either walking by the Holy Spirit or according to the sin nature. Walking by the Spirit, enjoying fellowship with God, walking in the light are virtually synonymous. During these times, the Holy Spirit is working in us to illuminate our minds to the truth of Scripture and to challenge us to apply what we learn. But when we sin, we begin to live based on the sin nature. Our works do not count for eternity. The only way to recover is to confess (admit, acknowledge) our sin to God the Father and we are instantly forgiven, cleansed, and recover our spiritual walk (1 John 1:9). Please make sure you are walking by the Spirit before you begin your Bible study, so it will be spiritually profitable.

Messages with tag - Divine institutions

248 - The Problem of Rebellion [B]
Sunday, October 13, 2024
by Robert Dean
Passage: Ephesians 5:21
Series: Ephesians (2018)
Duration: 52 mins 56 secs
Why does the Bible spend so much time describing the sin of rebellion? Listen to this message to learn that rebellion is a part of our sin nature and was the sin of Satan. See that the Bible compares rebellion to the sin of witchcraft. Hear a number of biblical examples of rebellion beginning with Adam and Eve and including the rebellion of the Israelites. Find out that respect for authority is inherent in having a culture that works.

During this message Dr. Dean recommended "The The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations" by Christopher Lasch.

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18.1 - Spiritual War within Ourselves - Part 1
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
by Robert Dean
Passage: Psalm 35 & Romans 7:7-8:30
Series: Interlocked (2023)
Duration: 1 hr 7 mins 34 secs
What does the conquest of the Land and the destruction of evil in the Old Testament teach us about the spiritual growth of believers in the New Testament? Listen to this lesson to hear how the Israelites were told to destroy evil as they possessed the land. Learn that this is not something we can do in our own power, but the battle is the Lord's. See the importance of learning the Word of God so we can learn obedience and to trust in God.
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06.2 - Lesson 06, Part 2: The New World Covenant: Reinstalled Divine Institutions
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
by Robert Dean
Passage: Genesis 9
Series: Interlocked (2023)
Duration: 1 hr 10 mins 48 secs

Is the death penalty morally right? Listen to this message to learn that capital punishment is mandated by God and is necessary to provide safety for people. Understand that it was delegated by God to humans in government after Noah’s flood. Learn if people can eat meat or if vegetarianism is necessary. See that the Divine Institutions of personal responsibility, marriage, and family are still part of God’s plan for humans.

Links to the articles that Dr. Dean mentioned during this class are as follows:

When The Thames Froze Over: The ‘Little Ice Age’ Thames Frost Fairs

Science proves kids are bad for Earth. Morality suggests we stop having them.

The French nationals going 'childfree' to save the planet

Why this professor's climate-crisis solution is rankling Twitter: 'The worst thing you can do is have a child'

Climate Changes Endanger World's Food Output

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01.3 - Lesson 01, Part 3: Origin of the Divine Institutions
Tuesday, July 04, 2023
by Robert Dean
Passage: Genesis 1-2
Series: Interlocked (2023)
Duration: 1 hr 16 mins 2 secs
When God created mankind, did He design social structures so they would prosper? Listen to this lesson to learn about the first three social structures God decreed to help the human race know how to live the right way. Find out that when mankind follows these Divine Institutions they live fulfilling lives, and when they disobey them and try to create their own rules, they live in chaos and turmoil. See the importance of submission and authority and the Creator-creature distinction.
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96 - Anatomy of National Collapse [B]
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
by Robert Dean
Passage: Judges 19-21
Series: Judges (2021)
Duration: 1 hr 1 mins 48 secs
What leads to lawlessness in a nation? Listen to this lesson to learn that when individuals depart from God they become involved in the arrogance skills with disastrous results for their nation. See how failure to honor God and love your neighbor as yourself is a road to ruin and violence. Find out that when absolutes break down it can result in the destruction of a nation and civil war.
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Independence Day 2022 - Thanksgiving for Liberty
Sunday, July 03, 2022
by Robert Dean
Passage: Psalm 146
Series: Holiday Specials
Duration: 1 hr 38 mins 10 secs

Have you ever considered what a lot of courage it took to be a signer of the Declaration of Independence? One of the signers is remembered by the size of his signature. Listen to this message to learn he was not only brave, but a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and expressed his belief in his last will and testament. Study one of the praise psalms, #146, and see that many of the characteristics of God it details concern the Messiah. Note the warning in the psalm that we are not to put our hopes on any government or man to solve problems that can only be solved by God.

This message includes the cowling ceremony for Dr. Mark Musser.

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14 - Divine Institution #4: Government
Thursday, August 13, 2020
by Robert Dean
Series: How Should We Then Vote? (2020)
Duration: 1 hr 18 mins 18 secs
Why should we have a government? Can’t people just be trusted to do what’s right? Listen to this lesson to learn about the necessity for the fourth Divine Institution, human government. Find out that in order to have a productive civilization it is necessary to restrain evil and sin. See how the first two thousand years of history played out as man’s evil increased, resulting in demons trying to pervert the human race. Understand that it is only through laws and a righteous justice system that mankind can live in peace and prosperity.
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12 - Divine Institution #3: Family
Thursday, July 30, 2020
by Robert Dean
Series: How Should We Then Vote? (2020)
Duration: 1 hr 7 mins 23 secs
Can any group of people band together and become a family? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Bible defines a family as a marriage of one man and one woman and the children that result. Find out that the biblical purpose of a family is to train the children to fulfill God’s mandates. Hear a review of the principles of marriage, four enemies of this Divine Institution, and how it affects the family. As a parent accept that it your responsibility to teach your children to think biblically and to become responsible, productive adults.
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11 - Divine Institution #2: Marriage
Thursday, July 23, 2020
by Robert Dean
Series: How Should We Then Vote? (2020)
Duration: 1 hr 14 mins 52 secs
Is marriage whatever people want it to be or is there a biblical structure for marriage? Listen to this lesson to learn that God set the parameters and design for marriage and government cannot override that. Find out God’s purpose for marriage and its significance. See the authority structure in marriage and the necessity for it. If you want stability in your life and in your nation instead of chaos, follow God’s plan for marriage.
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09 - Divine Institution #1: Personal Responsibility – Part 2
Thursday, July 09, 2020
by Robert Dean
Series: How Should We Then Vote? (2020)
Duration: 1 hr 15 mins 5 secs

Why is life so hard and such a struggle? Listen to this lesson to learn that these problems are a result of the Fall. See a list of the consequences of sin and how the first Divine Institution of Personal Responsibility requires hard work even in the face of discomfort, disappointment, and disillusionment. Understand that no matter what we are going through, we are to understand that God is in control and He gives us the resources to handle whatever comes our way.

During this lesson Dr. Dean mentioned an article by Victor Davis Hanson regarding antifa.

He also commented on a book by Elisabeth Elliot entitled Through Gates of Splendor.

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