Lecture
A lecture transcript or personal reflection exploring the principles of a Wesleyan approach to biblical interpretation. The author addresses the challenges of interpreting Scripture within a postmodern culture that rejects the objectivity of knowledge, and contrasts the Wesleyan tradition with the Calvinistic influences found in much evangelical media. The document outlines three foundational principles for a Wesleyan hermenseutic: that the Scriptures are 'Incarnational' (requiring historical and literary study), 'Christological' (centered on the witness to Jesus Christ), and 'God-breathed' (functioning through the Holy Spirit). The author identifies as both a convinced evangelical and a critical scholar. The text also includes reflections on John Wesley's approach to Scripture, specifically referencing his 'Preface to Sermons,' and includes various biblical citations (Psalms, Luke, 2 Timothy, 2 Peter, Galatians) used to support the nature and function of the Word.
Psalm 119:9, 11, 105 · Luke 24:32 · 2 Timothy 2:8-9
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
An introductory essay concerning the First Epistle of Peter, discussing the prominence of the apostle Peter in the Gospel tradition and the historical 'neglect' of the Petrine epistles in modern scholarship. The document examines the debate over Petrine authorship, weighing early Patristic evidence (including Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria) against five modern scholarly objections: lack of familiarity with Jesus, theological development, Greek style, dependence on Pauline thought, and the post-apostolic time period. The text also touches upon the themes of suffering, communal holiness, and the importance of Christian virtues such as hospitality and humility in the face of societal opposition.
1 Peter · 2 Peter · Mark 3:13-19
Book Chapter
An introductory essay regarding the First Epistle of Peter, discussing the prominence of the Apostle Peter in the New Testament and the historical 'neglect' of his epistles in scholarship. The document examines the debate over Petrine authorship, presenting historical evidence for authenticity (citing Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria) alongside five modern scholarly objections, including arguments regarding theological development, Greek style, and Pauline dependence. The author provides rebuttals to these objections, specifically addressing the claim of a lack of familiarity with Jesus. The text also touches upon the themes of suffering, pastoral care, and communal holiness within the early church.
Mark 3:13-19 · Matt 10:1-4 · Luke 6:12-16
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
A lecture or study notes exploring the importance of literary genre in biblical interpretation. The author defines 'genre' and discusses the necessity of identifying historical, social, and literary frames of reference when reading ancient texts. Using examples such as the distinction between historical books and prophets in the Jewish canon, the nature of the Book of Revelation (apocalyptic vs. prophecy), the varying styles of the Gospels, and the creation narratives in Genesis, the text argues that correct genre identification is essential to determining the intended meaning and function of Holy Scripture.
James 1:1 · Jonah · Revelation 1:3
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
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
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
A personal reflection and lecture outline regarding the development of a Wesleyan hermeneutic. The author addresses the challenges of interpreting Scripture within a postmodern culture characterized by the rejection of objective knowledge, and critiques certain evangelical media approaches that diverge from the Wesleyan perspective. The document outlines three foundational principles for a Wesleyan hermeneutic: that the Scriptures are 'Incarnational' (requiring historical and literary study), 'Christological' (centered on the witness to Jesus Christ), and 'God-breathed' (functioning through the Holy Spirit). The author identifies as both a convinced evangelical and a critical scholar. The text also includes a quotation from John Wesley’s 'Preface to Sermons' regarding his personal approach to studying the Word of God.
Romans 1:1 · Psalm 119:9 · Psalm 119:11
Devotional 2000
An outline for a devotional presentation titled 'The Burning Heart: The Devotional Experience,' prepared by Frank G. Carver on January 8, 2000. The document explores the nature of the 'burning heart' as a remembering and renewing experience, centered on the biblical narrative of the road to Emmaus. Carver outlines methods for cultivating this experience through the study of Scripture (utilizing various translations), the reading of spiritual classics (including works by Augustine, Thomas à Kempis, Brother Lawrence, and others), and the practice of spiritual disciplines. The outline includes a detailed 'Rule of Devotion' structured in three movements: moving from the world to the Word through solitude and surrender; moving from the mind to the heart through meditation and contemplation; and moving from the inward to the outward journey through intercession and praise. The text cites various theologians and spiritual writers, including Henri Nouwen, Thomas Keating, and Thomas Merton.
Luke 24:26 · Proverbs 4:23 · Luke 11:13
Devotional
A presentation transcript or essay titled 'The Burning Heart: The Devotional Experience.' The author introduces the concept of a meaningful devotional life through the historical example of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, a 17th-century French lay-brother known for his practice of the presence of God. Drawing on the biblical narrative of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24), the author proposes that the devotional experience consists of two related perspectives: a 'remembering' experience and a 'renew Far' experience. The document begins to explore the 'remembering' aspect, linking it to the reading and meditation on Scripture.
Luke 24