Book Chapter
A draft commentary on 1 John 3, focusing on the themes of Christ-like love, the believer's identity as children of God, and the tension between realized and future eschatology. The text provides an exegetical analysis of verses 1-24, examining Greek terminology such as 'idete' (see/behold), 'potapēn' (lavished/massive), and 'tekna theou' (children of God). The author discusses the implications of divine initiative (prevenient grace) and the ethical obligations of those in God's family, concluding with reflections on the importance of living holily in anticipation of Christ's return.
1 John 3:1-24 · 1 John 1:7 · 1 John 1:10
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
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
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
Book Chapter
A draft commentary or study guide focusing on the greeting and opening of 1 Peter (1:1-2). The document provides a 'Behind the Text' analysis of the names associated with the apostle Peter (Simon, Peter, and Cephas), discussing their linguistic origins in Aramaic and Greek and their usage in the New Testament. The 'In the Text' section examines Peter's self-identification as 'an apostle of Jesus Christ,' analyzing the meaning of 'apostle' as a commissioned messenger and comparing Peter's lack of defensive self-justification to the style used in the Pauline epistles. The text also touches upon the nature of authority derived from Christ and concludes with a brief discussion on the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification and the believer's obedience.
1 Peter 1:1-2 · Matthew 16:13-16 · Mark 8:27-30
Bible Study 2014
Lecture notes and research fragments for a course on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The document contains various pedagogical elements, including theological reflections on the sacrificial death of Jesus, references to contemporary Jerusalem, and a collection of quotations from diverse sources such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul S. Minear, P. T. Forsyth, and A. B. Bruce. The notes include liturgical or devotional elements (hymns and prayers), references to biblical passages (Luke 24:45, John 14:7), and bibliographic citations intended for use in preaching or teaching regarding the nature of the New Testament and the role of the Bible in spiritual life.
Luke 24:45 · John 14:7 · John 14:9
Bible Study 2016
A study titled 'I AM COMING TO YOU: The Johannine Witness,' which explores the person and work of the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete) in the Gospel of John. The document includes an introduction in which the author reflects on the publication history and commercial failure of his 1996 book, 'When Jesus Said Goodbye: John’s Witness to the Holy Spirit,' citing issues with Nazarene Publishing House marketing and the text's perceived theological abstraction. The author also provides a preface that outlines the study's aim to examine the Johannine witness to the Spirit in relation to Jesus and the Church, referencing scholars such as B.F. Westcott, Robert Browning, and Amos Wilder.
John 1:1-21:25 · John 16:13-15 · John 20:31
Bible Study
This document is a lecture or study guide titled 'I AM COMING TO YOU: The Johannine Witness,' which serves as a continuation and revision of the first chapter of Carver's work, 'When Jesus Said Goodbye: John’s Witness to the Holy Spirit (1996).' The text examines the role of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on the themes of peace and the 'Advocate' (John 14:26-27, 16:13-15). The author addresses the theological tension between the 'Jesus of history' and the 'Christ of faith,' referencing historical scholarship including Albert Schweitzer, Reimarus, and Rudolf Bultmann to explore how the physical departure of Jesus necessitates the presence of the Spirit for the contemporary Church.
John 1:1 · John 13:31-38 · John 14:26-27
Book Chapter
This document contains the front matter, table of contents, and preface for Frank G. Carver's book, 'When Jesus said good-bye: John's witness to the Holy Spirit,' published by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City in 1996. The text includes copyright information, ISBN, and a list of Bible versions used in the work. The table of contents outlines eleven chapters focusing on various passages in the Gospel of John concerning the Holy Spirit (the Paraclete). The preface describes the book's aim to explore the Johannine witness to the Holy Spirit and recounts the author's personal inspiration for the study, which originated from a teaching assignment at Pasadena College. The document also includes a dedication to the author's wife, Betty, and fragments of bibliographic citations.
John 1:29-34 · John 1:33 · John 14:12
Book Chapter
This document contains editorial revisions and suggestions for a commentary or study text focusing on the greeting in 1 Peter 1:1-2. The text discusses the etymology and usage of the names Simon, Peter, and Cephas, noting the transition from Aramaic to Greek nomenclature. It provides an analysis of Peter's self-identification as 'an apostle of Jesus Christ,' comparing his lack of self-justification to the Pauline epistles. The text also explores the definition of 'apostle' as one sent with authority and concludes with a theological discussion on the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification and the believer's obedience, referencing Wesley and Wynkoop.
1 Peter 1:1-2 · Matthew 16:13-16 · Mark 8:27-30
Article 2009
Lecture notes and course outlines for Carver's 'Life of Holiness' classes, dated February 23–24, 2009. The document details class procedures, including readings from Henri Nouwen’s 'The Way of the Heart' and Carver's own work, 'The Cross and the Spirit: Peter and the Way of the Holy.' The notes include a personal 'Morning Resolve' prayer, reflections on Carver's personal 'Rule of Devotion' developed from the influence of Kenneth Leech and Reuben Welch, and theological discussions regarding prevenient grace, the 'hidden Christ,' and Wesleyan understandings of participation in grace. The text also contains references to scholarly works by Raymond Brown, H. Ray Dunning, and Albert C. Outler.
John 5:39-47 · John 8:39-43 · John 8:46-47
Article
An article draft or lecture outline titled 'The Biblical Concept of the Holy,' focusing on perspectives from biblical theology. The text explores the concept of holiness through various theological lenses, including the works of Dennis Kinlaw, A.W. Tozer, Rudolf Otto, and Evelyn Underhill. It examines the 'mysterium tremendum' and the 'wholly other' nature of God, the Hebrew concept of 'qodesh,' and the tension between the incomprehensibility of God's essence and the knowability of His attributes. The document includes scholarly notes, references to hymn writers like Charles Wesley, and discussions on holiness as a fundamental religious category.
John 6:63
Sermon
An autobiographical presentation delivered by Frank G. Carver at Eastern Nazarene College on October 10, 2001. The sermon, titled 'A Miracle Speech—73 Years in 20 Minutes!', reflects on Carver's spiritual development through various life stages. Key themes include the influence of 1 John 1:5-7, memories of his grandfather's Methodist preaching in Nebraska, his upbringing on a cattle ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills, and his eventual conversion at Taylor University in 1947. The text also touches upon his transition from teaching at Point Loma Nazarene College to teaching at European Nazarene Bible College in Germany.
1 John 1:5-7 · John 3:16 · Exodus 2
Sermon 2001
A sermon delivered by Frank G. Carver at Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) Chapel on October 10, 2001. The speaker reflects on his spiritual journey through various life stages, including his childhood in Nebraska, his time at Taylor University, and his transition to living in Quincy, Massachusetts. Using 1 John 1:5-7 as a theological foundation, Carver discusses themes of 'dry faith,' the process of enculturation, and the development of his ministry, while referencing his family history and early religious experiences.
1 John 1:5-7 · John 3:16 · Exodus 20:21
Academic Paper
In this presentation, Frank G. Carver explores the theological concept of 'the darkness of God' as a lens through which to understand the Wesleyan and Church of the Nazarene holiness heritage. Drawing on Exodus 20:18-21, Carver examines the Hebrew term 'arafel' (thick darkness) to discuss the presence and hiddenness of the Divine. He connects Old Testament motifs of divine darkness to the spiritual writings of figures such as T.S. Eliot, St. John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, and Henri Nouwen. Carver uses this metaphor to reflect on his personal religious upbringing in the Methodist and Nazarene traditions and to pose a question regarding the contemporary Church's ability to encounter the transcendent presence of God.
Exodus 20:18-21 · Exodus 28:18-21 · Psalm 97:2