Bible Study
A theological reflection on the Wesleyan concept of being 'filled with the Holy Spirit.' The document traces the biblical development of the Spirit, from the 'ruach' in Genesis to the Pentecost event in Acts. It explores a twofold meaning of the Spirit's fullness: first, as the fulfillment of prophetic promise marking the birth of the Church; and second, as a necessity for the daily renewal of disciples facing challenges. The text incorporates quotations from John Wesley regarding the Spirit as the fountain of holiness and the life of God in the soul, and concludes with a focus on the transformative power of the Spirit as described in the Pauline epistles.
Genesis 1:2 · Psalm 51:11 · Luke 11:13
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
This document contains a draft introduction to a commentary on the Second Epistle of Peter. The text provides an overview of the book's reception, noting its historical neglect due to its argumentative tone and concerns regarding its authenticity. A significant portion of the document is dedicated to the debate over Petrine authorship, presenting a structured list of arguments against the traditional view (such as stylistic differences from 1 Peter, Hellenistic language, and the delay of the Parousia) alongside corresponding counterarguments (such as the potential use of an amanuensis or the existence of early first-century concerns regarding Christ's return). The document concludes with editorial notes and queries regarding bibliography, word choice, and the author's theological stance on pseudepigraphy.
2 Peter 1:1 · 2 Peter 1:16-18 · 2 Peter 3:15-16
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
Bible Study 2008
A study of Romans 1:1-7 focusing on Paul's Christology, specifically the identity of Jesus Christ as the 'Son of God.' The document includes a personal narrative by Frank G. Carver regarding his theological transition from Methodism to the Church of the Nazarene and his early interactions with William M. Greathouse. It also incorporates biographical information about the Apostle Paul, drawn from Greathouse's commentary, detailing Paul's Jewish heritage, Roman citizenship, and linguistic abilities.
Romans 1:1-7 · Philippians 3:4-6 · Acts 16:37-39