Dean Bible Ministries

John 3:16 Illustrated

How is God sufficient for every trial and difficulty we face? Scripture teaches that God has provided everything believers need through the sufficiency of His Word, the cross, His grace, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Because Scripture is God-breathed, it thoroughly equips us for every good work and must remain our standard for truth. Christ's work on the cross is likewise complete and needs nothing...

One of the most ignored and perhaps compromised biblical assertions is related to God's sufficiency. What exactly does this mean, God is sufficient? What specific sufficiencies are there in relation to God's provision to us? There are five of these: Sufficiency of Scripture; Sufficiency of the Cross; Sufficiency of Grace; Sufficiency of Christ; Sufficiency of the Holy Spirit. Too often we are incl...

What is the Holy Spirit's role in sharing the gospel? Dr. Robert Dean, senior pastor at West Houston Bible Church, shares that the power in evangelism comes from the Word of God. The Holy Spirit uses that truth to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Our responsibility is to communicate clearly that salvation is a free gift received by faith alone in Christ alone. We don't have t...

Why did God judge Israel in the book of Amos? Dr. Robert Dean, senior pastor at West Houston Bible Church, shares how Israel rejected God's gracious provision, silenced His prophets, and rebelled against His covenant. Their privilege brought accountability, and military strength could not protect them from divine discipline. Through Amos, God sounded a warning like a roaring lion. These passages r...

What does "comfort" mean in the Bible? Dr. Robert Dean, senior pastor at West Houston Bible Church, explains that biblical comfort includes encouragement, exhortation, and consolation that focus us on trusting the Lord through adversity. Our relationship with God and His Word is the source of that comfort. Looking closely at 2 Corinthians 1:3, we also discover the significance of the Father's rela...

After learning first that eternal salvation, justification by faith alone, is only by faith alone in Christ alone, the question arises: doesn't this understanding of grace mean that we can sin all we want with impunity? The answer is no. This raises the question of accountability. What accountability is there? We are mandated in Scripture to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Chris...

Recently, a well-known political pundit has made the claim that he was "attacked by a demon" while he slept one night. He claimed he was "clawed" by this demon. No picture or other attempt to document this was provided. This has given rise to speculations about demon-possession especially regarding several other pundits who have shifted to a strong anti-Israel and anti-Semitic stance in recent yea...

What is the difference between a believer and a disciple of Jesus Christ? Dr. Robert Dean, senior pastor at West Houston Bible Church, states that every disciple of Christ is a believer, but not every believer in Jesus is a disciple. After hearing the gospel of Jesus and believing by faith alone in the Person and work of Christ alone, God gives a person salvation as a free gift. Jesus paid the pen...

How should believers understand God's judgment when a nation turns from His truth? Recognize God's sovereign authority over Israel and the nations and His righteous standard for every judgment. Submit your thinking to Scripture rather than human philosophies or cultural assumptions. Remember Israel's unique covenant relationship with God and the consequences promised for disobedience. Examine your...

What does Scripture mean by "comfort one another?" What is the ultimate source of comfort? How does comforting one another relate to God's methods of maturing believers? How should we mentally and spiritually handle these "tests of faith"? In this lesson we begin to explore what the Scriptures teach regarding how we face the adversities of life and how we should be comforted and comfort others. We...

What gives life lasting meaning when everything under the sun is fleeting? Remember your Creator and recognize His authority over every season of life. Trust His sovereignty, walk according to His Word, and receive His gifts with thanksgiving. Fear God and keep His commandments, knowing that your works and opportunities matter for eternity. Make the most of the brief "dash" you have been given, li...

Why does God allow trials in my life? Ecclesiastes 6:10–11:10 teaches believers how to live wisely in an uncertain, upside-down world. Trials can produce humility, wisdom, and spiritual growth, while prosperity should be enjoyed as God's gift. Because life is short and unpredictable, we should guard our character, accept correction, avoid foolish extremes, submit wisely to authority, and trust God...

Ecclesiastes 3:16–6:9 reveals the realities of life in an upside down world. We cannot control injustice (Ecc. 3:16–22), and we cannot escape the world's brokenness (Ecc. 4), including oppression, envy, loneliness, and the fleeting nature of success. We cannot manipulate God through careless worship or empty promises (Ecc. 5:1–7), nor can we find lasting satisfaction in wealth (Ecc. 5:8–6:9). Huma...