Sermon
A transcript of John Wesley's Sermon 138, 'On Grieving The Holy Spirit,' originally written in 1733. This version is an abridged and revised edition of the 1872 Thomas Jackson edition, edited by George Lyons with minor corrections by Ryan Danker for the Wesley Center for Applied Theology at Northwest Nazarene University. The sermon provides an exegetical commentary on Ephesians 4:30, exploring the nature of God's 'grief' as a disposition of His will arising from love and abhorrence of sin. Wesley outlines how sins offend the Holy Spirit through His immediate presence in the believer, as acts of contempt toward divine love, and as a failure to achieve the sanctification intended by the Spirit's work.
Ephesians 4:30 · 1 Corinthians 6:19 · 2 Corinthians 1:22
Devotional
A liturgical program and instructional outline for a Communion service held at SD First Church of the Nazarene on November 2, 2014. The document includes scripture readings from Matthew (26:17-20, 26-28, 30), John (16:13-15), 2 Corinthians (5:17, 19, 21), Hebrews (10:10), and 1 John (1:2, 1:9), as well as a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). The text provides specific liturgical instructions for both the 'Both Services' and 'Classic Service' formats, including the distribution of elements, the lifting of the bread and cup, and administrative notes regarding transitions between speakers (Ron Benefiel and Justin) and the collection of the offering.
Matthew 26:17-20, 26-28, 30 · John 16:13-15 · 2 Corinthians 5:17, 19, 21
Bible Study
A study guide or lecture outline focused on 2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15, titled 'The Grace of Christian Giving.' The document examines the theological and practical implications of Paul's collection for the Jerusalem saints. It includes a linguistic analysis of Greek terminology used in the passage—such as charis, haplotēs, koinōnia, and diakonia—and compares the vocabulary in 2 Corinthians with 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. The text also provides a commentary outline on the liberality of the Macedonian churches and includes comparative notes on various Bible translations (NASB, NRSV, NIV) regarding specific Greek phrases.
2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15 · 2 Corinthians 8:9 · 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Book Chapter
A theological reflection and sermon outline regarding the themes of 2 Corinthians. The author discusses Paul's use of Old Testament scripture to shape his theology, specifically focusing on the concept of 'God in Christ' and the transformative power of the Spirit. The document outlines the first two points of a proposed ten-part sermon series: first, proclaiming the pre-eminiment of Christ in Christian faith and Christology; and second, proclaiming the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as central to life in God. The text includes references to contemporary hermeneutics and various theological scholars.
2 Corinthians 1:1 · 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 · 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
Bible Study
A sermon manuscript titled 'A Wesleyan Understanding of the Fullness of the Spirit,' likely delivered on Pentecost Sunday in 2011. The text explores the theological significance of Pentecost, tracing its biblical roots from the Jewish 'feast of weeks' to its role in the New Testament as the marking of a new covenant and the empowerment of the Church. The author discusses the historical nomenclature of the Church of the Nazarene, provides a brief biblical theology of the 'Spirit of God' (referencing Genesis, 1 Samuel, and the Psalms), and incorporates Wesleyan perspectives on holiness, including a quote from John Wesley. The document concludes with reflections on the invitation of the Holy Spirit and the lyrics to a Methodist hymn.
Acts 2:1-41 · Luke 11:13 · Acts 2:1
Book Chapter
A theological commentary and analysis of 2 Peter 1:1-11, focusing on the themes of equality among believers, the divinity of Christ, and the integration of cognitive and emotive faith. The author examines the concept of participating in the divine nature (1:4) not as Greek philosophical essence, but as a gift of Christ that enables godliness. The text further explores the balance between God's initiative in salvation and the believer's responsibility to grow in virtue and knowledge (epignōsis and gnōsis) to ensure effectiveness and security in the faith.
2 Peter 1:1-2 · 2 Peter 1:3-11 · 2 Peter 3:15
Bible Study
A lecture outline or study guide titled 'Paul and the Wrath of God: The Dark Side of the Gospel (Part IIa),' dated May 4, 2008. The document examines Romans 1:18-32, focusing on the theological implications of divine judgment and the contemporary controversy surrounding homosexuality. The author intends to present how Romans 1:26-27 is interpreted by proponents of same-sex committed relationships and provides commentary from William Greathouse and George Lyons regarding the human condition, natural theology, and idolatry. The text includes scriptural citations from the NIV and NASB, and references scholarly works by Hays, Rogers, and others.
Romans 1:18-32 · Romans 1:26-27 · 1 Corinthians 6:9
Bible Study 2011
This document is an adaptation of an essay and workshop presentation originally prepared for the February 2011 Northwest Nazarene University Wesleyan Center Conference, titled 'The Bible Tells Me So.' The author explores theological themes in 2 Corinthians, specifically focusing on the 'Pauline gospel' in contrast to other interpretations of Jesus. The work is structured around a '10 and 5' format: ten theological or homiletical points to include in a sermon series and five things to avoid. The text discusses the tension between biblical authority, the influence of Enlightenment-era historical criticism, and the Wesleyan approach to Scripture. The introduction emphasizes Paul's use of Old Testament scripture to shape his theology and his passionate concern for the integrity of the gospel within the Corinthian church.
2 Corinthians · 1 Corinthians 15:3 · 2 Corinthians 11:4
Lecture
A white paper discussing the integration of Wesleyan theology and academic pursuit within the context of Point Loma Nazarene University. The document includes the university's mission statement and a preface outlining a theological framework for higher education. It explores the application of the Wesleyan quadrilateral—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—to the pursuit of truth and the various academic disciplines. The author intends to examine specific Wesleyan themes, including prevenient grace, the means of grace, Christian perfection, and catholic spirit, as foundations for institutional excellence and faithful learning.
1 Corinthians 13:12