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
Academic Paper
A draft of a commentary or sermon manuscript regarding 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1, titled "We have this ministry" and "perfecting holiness." The document includes a cover note to "Bill" explaining color-coded revisions (blue, black, and red text) and mentions the text was previously used for a Sunday School lesson. The content features an anecdotal introduction about identity and recognition, followed by an exegetical discussion of Paul's exhortation to holiness, the separation from unbelief, and the church as the temple of God. The author explores the theological significance of holiness as the foundation for mutual openness and trust within the congregation. The text also contains references to Wesleyan Holiness heritage, a comparison to Mark 10:46-52, and a note regarding a missing diagram.
2 Corinthians 6:4-7:16 · 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 · 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes titled "Reconciliation: A New Creation," dated March 25, 2007, focusing on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. The document outlines Paul's ministry of reconciliation and explores the theological implications of being a "new creation" in Christ. The author provides a detailed commentary on verse 16, discussing the shift from a worldly or "fleshly" (kata sarka) perspective to a spiritual one, specifically addressing how the death and resurrection of Christ transformed Paul's view of others and Christ himself. The text includes references to various Bible translations (NIV, NASB, NRSV) and scholarly works by authors such as Ralph P. Martin and Harris.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 · 2 Corinthians 4:1 · 2 Corinthians 1:12-7:16
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
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes dated July 23, 2006, focusing on an exegesis of 2 Corinthians 3:1–4:6. The document explores the concept of 'ministry' (diakonia), contrasting contemporary usages with biblical definitions. Carver discusses the work of John W. Wright and John N. Collins regarding the semantic shifts of 'ministry' and 'service.' The text provides a structural outline for a commentary on 2 Corinthians, specifically detailing the 'Apostolic Ministry' and the distinction between the ministry of the letter and the ministry of the Spirit. The excerpt includes a detailed examination of the glory of the new covenant versus the old covenant, supported by scriptural citations from 2 Corinthians 3:1–4:6.
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 1:12—7:16 · 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Bible Study 2007
A lecture or study guide prepared by Frank G. Carver for a series on 2 Corinthians, specifically focusing on 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. The document examines Paul's description of 'The Life of An Apostle' as a component of his broader defense of his apostolic ministry. Carver explores the motive, message, and manner of Christian life and service, emphasizing that the apostle's manner of life must be consistent with the message of reconciliation. The text includes an exegetical discussion of 2 Corinthians 5:11-15, focusing on the motive of 'fear of the Lord' and being 'compelled by Christ's love,' and references various models of modern ministry in contrast to the Pauline model.
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 1:12—7:16 · 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Bible Study
A lecture or presentation transcript dated May 27, 2007, concerning 2 Corinthians 6:11–7:16. The author situates the biblical text within the context of the Day of Pentecost and the Wesleyan Holiness tradition, specifically addressing the relationship between the experience of the Holy Spirit and the doctrine of entire sanctification. The document includes a structural outline of 2 Corinthians, a detailed examination of specific biblical passages (including an appeal for fellowship, an exhortation to holy living, and the arrival of Titus), and references contemporary theological discussions from the 2002 Global Theology Conference in Costa Rica and the 2007 'Conference on Revisioning Holiness' at Northwest Nazarene College.
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:17 · 2 Corinthians 3:1-6:10
Bible Study
A study of 1 Peter 1:1-2 by Dan Powers, focusing on the Trinitarian foundations of salvation and the identity of the early Christian community. The text examines the roles of the Father's foreknowledge, the Spirit's sanctifying work, and the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Key themes include the concept of Christians as 'resident aliens' or 'scattered strangers,' the application of Israelite covenant imagery to Gentile believers, and the nature of sanctification (hagiasmos) as both a process and a result of the Holy Spirit's activity. The document also contains editorial notes/correspondence regarding the refinement of theological terminology (e.g., 'historic Christian theology' vs. 'basic') and suggestions regarding eschatological themes.
1 Peter 1:1-2 · Matthew 28:19 · 2 Corinthians 13:14
Book Chapter
An essay exploring the theological themes of 2 Corinthians, focusing on Paul's Christology, hermeneutics, and the role of the Holy Spirit. The author examines Paul's use of Old Testament scripture to interpret the work of Christ, the concept of 'freedom' in the Spirit, and the transformative power of the Word within the church community. The document also outlines the first two points of a proposed ten-part sermon series on the epistle: proclaiming the pre-eminence of Christ and centering Christian life on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:1 · 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 · 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
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
Lecture
Lecture handouts from a session on Greek Exegesis taught by Tom Phillips on November 23, 2009. The document provides a content and functional outline of 2 Corinthians, focusing on apostolic ministry, suffering, and reconciliation. It includes a detailed grammatical and syntactical analysis of 2 Corinthians 5:16–21, posing specific exegetical questions regarding Greek particles (e.g., hōste, oun), lexical choices (e.g., kainē ktisis, katallagēte), and theological implications for the doctrine of atonement and the 'new creation.' The document concludes with the full text of 2 Corinthians 5:16–21 and a reference to 2 Corinthians 5:14–15.
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 1:12-7:16 · 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:13
Article
Lecture handouts or study notes prepared by Frank G. Carver regarding the interpretation of 2 Corinthians. The document provides a structural and exegetical analysis of 2 Corinthians 1:1-2 and 4:7–5:10. The first section examines Paul's salutation, discussing its roots in Near Eastern epistolary traditions and its adaptation into a 'Christianized' form. The second section focuses on Paul's characterization of ministry as a 'ministry of suffering,' analyzing the tension between physical frailty and spiritual renewal, and comparing Paul's catalogs of affliction to the rhetorical traditions of Stoic and Cynic sages. The document includes scriptural citations, scholarly references (including Doty, Murphy-O'Connor, and Thielicke), and concludes with a reflection on the power of the Resurrection.
2 Corinthians 1:1-2 · 2 Corinthians 2:14-6:10 · 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Bible Study
This document appears to be a lecture transcript or study guide, dated March 9, 2014, focusing on a theological examination of Hebrews 2:10-18. The author explores the concept of the 'atoning sacrifice' and the necessity of Christ becoming human to act as a merciful high priest. The text contrasts two visions of Christianity: one centered on the 'religion of Jesus' (life-imitation) and another centered on the 'gospel of Christ' (faith-participation). To frame this debate, the author utilizes the work of British theologian P. T. Forsyth, specifically discussing Forsyth's defense of the Apostolic Gospel and his theological transition from liberal theology. The document also incorporates reflections from Albert Schweitzer, the Apostle Paul, and the Apostle John, and includes scholarly citations regarding Forsyth's Christology and its relationship to the Chalcedonian formula.
Hebrews 2:10-18 · Hebrews 2:17 · 2 Corinthians
Book Chapter
A scholarly discussion of Pauline hermeneutics, specifically focusing on the Apostle Paul's use of the Septuagint (LXX) in 2 Corinthians. The text examines how Paul's 'biblical spirituality' was shaped by the Law, Prophets, and Wisdom literature, including specific allusions to the Psalms (notably the Hallel Psalms), Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. The author explores Paul's method of scriptural exegesis as a 'dynamic hermeneutic of the Spirit' that interprets the fulfillment of the old covenant through the person and work of Christ. The document also references E. Earle Ellis's concept of 'grammatical-historical plus' exegesis and includes a bibliography of works by scholars such as Young, Ford, Hays, and Eugene Peterson.
2 Corinthians 2:2 · 2 Corinthians 3:6 · 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Book Chapter
This document appears to be a draft or instructional outline for a scholarly introduction to the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. The text begins with a narrative introduction characterizing the letter as a deeply personal and authentic piece of Pauline correspondence, citing C. S. Lewis, Hanson, and Matera. It discusses the theological significance of Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and the relationship between the gospel message and the nature of his ministry. The document includes a section on the destination of the letter, specifically describing the geography, economic importance, and history of the city of Corinth. The latter portion of the document serves as a structural template or syllabus, outlining required sections for a complete introduction, including 'Literary Features,' 'Theological themes' (with a note on Wesleyan theological concerns), 'Hermeneutical Issues,' and a 'Bibliography.'
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 5:19 · 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16
Book Chapter
Notes and ideas for an introduction and exegesis of a joint study by Frances Young and David F. Ford regarding 2 Corinthians. The document outlines a discussion on the tension between historical-critical philology and theological interpretation, arguing against a dichotomy between the 'text itself' and 'dogma.' It addresses the 'hermeneutical gap' between the historical context of the letter and its contemporary application, suggesting that the search for original meaning is a necessary starting point for discovering latent meanings. The notes also touch upon the themes of God's glory (doxa) and Paul's reputation, the crisis of confidence in the Corinthian church, and the use of Buber’s 'I-It' and 'I-Thou' frameworks. The document concludes with references to the authors' translation of the text and recommendations for reading it alongside Greek text and previous chapters.
2 Corinthians
Book Chapter 2007
Draft notes and reflections for a potential theological essay regarding the 'holiness tradition' in 2 Corinthians 6:4–7:16. The document contains excerpts from a commentary 'from the text' section, including an analysis of the 'sandwich character' of the passage (interspersing appeals for fellowship with an exhortation to holy living). The author outlines themes of separation from unbelief, the church as the temple of God, and the dual nature of holiness as both a decisive 'crisis' and a 'patient laborious' process. The text also includes preliminary research questions, references to scholars such as William Barclay and James Denney, and notes on future work related to global conference papers.
2 Corinthians 6:4-7:16 · 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 · 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Book Chapter
An essay by Frank G. Carver exploring the theological themes and hermeneutical approach found in 2 Corinthians. The author examines Paul's use of Old Testament scripture, his emphasis on the transformative power of the Spirit, and the relationship between biblical theology and Christian homiletics. The text discusses Paul's interpretation of Exodus 34:29-35 and posits that a contemporary approach to 2 Corinthians should center on Paul's Spirit-empowered witness to the person and work of Christ, emphasizing a Christological-ethical imperative.
2 Corinthians 1:1 · 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 · 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Book Chapter
A draft or revision of a commentary on 1 Peter 1:1-2, focusing on the theological implications of the text. The author discusses the presence of Trinitarian foundations in the opening verses, noting the roles of the Father's foreknowledge, the Holy Spirit's sanctification, and the atoning death of Jesus Christ. The text explores Peter's use of Israelite imagery to describe Gentile Christians as 'elect' and 'scattered,' and examines the concept of believers as 'resident aliens' in the world. Additionally, the document provides a theological analysis of sanctification (hagiasmos) as both a result and a process of the Holy Spirit's work, and concludes with a discussion on resisting spiritual opposition from the devil through the strength of God.
1 Peter 1:1-2 · Matthew 28:19 · 2 Corinthians 13:14
Sermon
A sermon transcript titled 'The Easter Witness of 2 Corinthians' delivered by Frank G. Carver. The document discusses the theological themes of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, specifically focusing on Christology as the lens through which Paul views God, the gospel, and ministry. Carver draws parallels between the theological dynamics of 2 Corinthians and the spiritual life of Mother Teresa, particularly regarding the connection between suffering and Christ's passion. The text explores the concept of the 'God who raises the dead' and the 'glory of God' revealed in the face of Christ, as well as the nature of the gospel as being centered on Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:9 · 2 Corinthians 1:20 · 2 Corinthians 2:12
Bible Study
A study titled 'The Essence of Wesleyanism,' originally delivered as a talk at a 1993 Wesley Festival at Point Loma Nazarene College and later published in The Preachers’ Magazine (1996). The author explores the theological foundations of Wesleyanism, focusing on the concept of 'free grace.' The text examines John Wesley's dual understanding of grace: as God's undeserved favor and as the power of the Holy Spirit enabling human participation and renewal. Key theological themes include prevenient grace (described as 'free in all and free for all') and the relationship between grace, faith, and holiness. The document includes references to Wesley's sermons, the 1745 Conference Minutes, and H. Ray Dunning's work on Wesleyan systematic theology.
Ephesians 2:8 · 2 Corinthians 8:9 · Hebrews 4:16
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
Book Chapter
An essay by Frank G. Carver exploring the theological themes of 2 Corinthians, focusing on Paul's use of Old Testament Scripture and his Spirit-led hermeneutic. Carver examines how Paul interprets the Law and the Prophets through the lens of the new covenant in Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of the Spirit and the interconnectedness of Scripture and the community of faith. The document includes a hymn-like poem regarding the cross and references various theological perspectives, including those of Wesley, Richard Hays, and Joachim Jeremias.
2 Corinthians 1:1 · 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 · 2 Corinthians 5:17