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 exploring the theme of 'darkness of faith' through the lives of Mother Teresa and Georgia Harkness. The document examines Mother Teresa's spiritual experience of 'interior darkness' and her identification with the Cross, referencing Brian Kolodiejchuk’s biography. It also discusses the transition from a faith of human spiritual victory to a faith dependent on divine grace, as exemplified by Georgia Harkness's experience of the 'dark night.'
Hebrews
Bible Study
A sermon transcript or study notes prepared for January 19, 2014, focusing on Hebrews 3:1-6. The text explores the themes of Jesus as the 'apostle and high priest' and the comparison between Jesus and Moses. Carver discusses the identity of believers as 'holy partners' and 'family' of God, emphasizing the imperative to 'consider Jesus.' The document includes exegetical commentary on the Greek word order in Hebrews 3:1, the significance of Jesus' titles, and personal reflections on the nature of preaching.
Hebrews 1:1-4 · Hebrews 1:4-14 · Hebrews 2:1-4
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
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
Bible Study
A sermon or Bible study transcript titled "GOD HAS SPOKEN: ‘mercy and . . .grace to help’" focusing on Hebrews 4:14-16. The author explores the theological significance of Jesus as the great high priest who has passed through the heavens, examining the text's function as both exposition and exhortation. The document discusses scholarly perspectives on the placement of these verses within the book of Hebrews, specifically referencing the views of Howard T. Kuist and Anderson regarding whether the passage serves as a conclusion to an earlier section or an introduction to a new one. The author emphasizes the 'because... therefore' nature of the Christian life based on the availability of Christ's high priesthood and touches upon the parallels between the text and the Lord's Prayer.
Hebrews 4:14-16 · Hebrews 1:3 · Hebrews 2:9
Bible Study
A sermon or Bible study transcript focused on Hebrews 2:1-4, exploring the relationship between theological revelation and hortatory exhortation. The author discusses the necessity of paying attention to the Gospel to avoid 'drifting away' and examines the author of Hebrews' designation of the epistle as a 'word of exhortation' (Hebrews 13:22). The text incorporates scholarly references to T. W. Manson on Johannine theology, W. E. Sangster on the importance of doctrinal preaching, and Alexander B. Bruce on the interweaving of theology and counsel in Hebrews. The document also includes exegetical notes on the warning passages in Hebrews and the significance of the 'therefore' in Hebrews 2:1.
Hebrews 2:1-4 · Hebrews 2:1 · Hebrews 2:3a
Bible Study
A sermon or Bible study transcript dated September 22, 2013, focusing on the theme of angels and 'ministering spirits' as described in Hebrews 1:14 and Hebrews 4. The document includes scriptural comparisons between the NRSV and NASB translations, a reflection by Thomas Merton regarding an angelic intervention during a woodcutting accident, and two anecdotal accounts of providential encounters: one by Keith Pagan involving a mysterious 'Man in the Gray Suit' who facilitated a bus repair, and a partial account by Ron Benefiel regarding a medical emergency. The text also contains scholarly citations and references to the Epistle to the Hebrews, including works by Anderson and F. F. Bruce.
Hebrews 1:5-14 · Hebrews 1:14 · Psalm 110:1
Bible Study
A lecture or study guide titled 'Paul and the Wrath of God: The Dark Side of the Gospel,' focusing on Romans 1:18-32. The document begins with a retrospective on Romans 1:8-15, discussing the 'ministry of presence' and the mutual encouragement of faith, referencing Mother Teresa's approach to finding Jesus in others. The primary focus is an exposition of the 'human predicament' as described in Romans 1:18-32, examining the parallel Greek structure between the revelation of God's righteousness and the revelation of His wrath (apokalyptetai). The text explores the concept of God's wrath being revealed through the gospel and the consequences of humanity suppressing the truth, leading to moral depravity.
Romans 1:8-15 · Romans 1:11-12 · Romans 1:16-17
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
Lecture
Inductive lecture notes for a course on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The document outlines a structural approach to studying the text, referencing H. T. Kuist’s structural chart and discussing various methods of dividing the epistle (e.g., 1:1–7:28, 8:1–10:18, 10:19–13:25). The notes include prompts for students to identify topic sentences, themes, and literary forms, citing scholars such as Feine-Behm-Kuemmel, Filson, Attridge, Puskas, and Kennedy to explore whether the text is an epistle, sermon, or oration. Additionally, the notes provide specific study questions regarding the author's style, the use of Old Testament imagery, and the theological implications of the warning passages.
Hebrews 1:1 · Hebrews 1:1-14 · Hebrews 1:1-3
Lecture 2004
A lecture transcript by Bruce McCormack, Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, delivered to a class taught by Sam Powell on November 19, 2004. The lecture, titled 'Called unto Holiness: The Doctrine of Sanctification,' explores the definition of sanctification as the transformative work of the Holy Spirit to destroy the dominion of sin. Drawing on Karl Barth's 1919 commentary on Romans, McCormack describes the 'sin nature' as a state of autonomy and alienation from God and others resulting from the Fall. The text discusses the transition from a 'being-with' to a 'being-over-against' God and others, and posits that sanctification involves the overcoming of this 'old self' to create a redeemed self.
Hebrews 12:14 · Galatians 5:16-18 · Ephesians 2:3