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
Book Chapter
A scholarly commentary and review of the prologue of 1 John (1:1-10). The document analyzes the linguistic features of the text, specifically the use of first-person plural Greek verbs and pronouns to establish the author's connection to a community of faith. It examines the relationship between 1 John and the Gospel of John, discussing themes of light, life, and the 'beginning' (archēs). The text explores the sensory language of the prologue (hearing, seeing, and touching) and the theological implications of the Greek perfect and aorist tenses. Additionally, the document addresses the debate regarding apostolic authorship and concludes with a reflection on the concept of 'catholic spirit' in relation to theological disagreement, referencing John Wesley.
1 John 1:1-10 · John 1:1-18 · John 1:14
Book Chapter
A working draft of a commentary or study guide focusing on the prologue of 1 John (1:1-10). The text provides a linguistic and theological analysis of the section, examining the use of first-person plural Greek verbs and pronouns to establish the author's connection to a community of faith. It discusses the relationship between 1 John and the Gospel of John, specifically regarding shared vocabulary such as 'beginning,' 'word,' and 'light.' The document explores scholarly interpretations of the term 'beginning' (archēs), the significance of the Greek perfect and aorist tenses in describing the sensory experience of Christ, and the implications of the author's use of the collective 'we' versus the singular 'I.' The text concludes with a reflection on Christian fellowship and theological steadfastness, referencing John Wesley's sermon 'Catholic Spirit.'
1 John 1:1-10 · John 1:1-18 · John 1:14
Bible Study
A teaching outline and lecture notes for a study on Hebrews 5:11–6:20, titled 'Priming the Pump!'. The document discusses the transition from the identity of Jesus as the Son of God to his work as High Priest. It includes a structured breakdown of the passage into themes: reproof concerning arrested spiritual development, the exhortation to maturity, a warning regarding irreversible apostasy, words of reassurance, and encouragement based on God's trustworthiness. The author seeks input on potential titles for the lesson, such as 'The Education of the Christian' or 'Christian Perfection,' and utilizes an outline provided by Kevin Anderson.
Hebrews 5:11-6:20 · Hebrews 1:1-4:16 · Hebrews 5:1-10
Lecture
Lecture notes outlining a survey of Old Testament interpretation throughout history. The document covers the concept of the Old Testament interpreting itself through canonical hermeneutics and inner biblical exegesis. It traces interpretive methods from early Jewish exegesis (including Hillel, Yohannan b. Zikkai, and Philo of Alexandria) and the use of the Old Testament by Jesus, through the early New Testament church (notably Paul) and the early second-century church (Clement, Ignatius, Barnabas, and Justin). The notes further detail the development of allegorical methods in the Alexandrian school (Clement and Origen) in response to Gnostic dualism, the natural/genre-based approach of the Antiochene school (Theodore of Mopsuetia), and concludes with a discussion of post-critical exegesis, referencing Brevard Childs, von Rad, and Bultmann.
Isaiah 40 · Amos 3 · Daniel 9
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes dated September 1, 2001, focusing on Job 1:1-5 and the concept of 'perfection.' The document begins with an outline of the Book of Job's structure and includes a discussion of a Newsweek article by Kenneth Woodward regarding the modern decline in the doctrine of hell. The author explores the biblical meaning of the word 'perfect' (tam/teleios), drawing connections between the character of Job, the Wesleyan doctrine of 'entire sanctification' as defined in the Church of the Nazarene Manual, and various New Testament uses of the term. The text also references scholarly commentary by Hartley and Fokkelman, and compares the KJV translation of 'perfect' to 'blameless' or 'guiltless.'
Job 1:1-5 · Job 1:11 · Job 2:5
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes prepared by Frank G. Carver, dated October 27, 2002, focusing on Job 3:1–26. The document begins with an outline of the first cycle of dialogue in the Book of Job (Job 3:1–14:22). Using an analogy of a 2002 World Series baseball play involving Steve Kline, Carver explores Job's 'self-curse' and his desire to reverse the day of his birth. The text examines Job's use of 'counter-cosmic incantation'—language that seeks to undo the stages of creation to achieve death—and compares his lament to the prophetic language of Jeremiah. The document concludes by discussing Job's transition from a quest for death to a quest for meaning through a series of 'why' questions.
Job 3:1-26 · Job 2:10 · Jeremiah 20:14-18
Devotional
A devotional study titled 'From Bethel to Peniel: A Study of Jacob (Genesis 25:19--35:29),' specifically focusing on 'Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:1-22).' The text examines Jacob's reaction to his dream at Bethel, analyzing his sense of awe, fear, and the recognition of the site as the 'house of God.' The author draws parallels between Jacob's experience and Moses at the burning bush, references Rudolf Otto's concept of the 'mysterium tremendum,' and incorporates personal reflections on experiencing the holy in a small church in Valentine, Nebraska. The document also discusses Jacob's transition from verbal realization to physical ritual through the setting up of a stone pillar.
Genesis 25:19-35:29 · Genesis 28:1-22 · Genesis 28:16-17