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.

“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.