Lecture
A lecture transcript or course chapter discussing contemporary Christology. The text emphasizes a 'dialogical' approach to theology, arguing that Christology should not be a purely theoretical academic exercise but a response to the 'present Christ' within the context of worship and confession. The author references Dietrich Bonhoeffer's focus on the 'Who?' question and uses Charles Wesley's hymns to illustrate the link between dogmatics and doxology. The document provides a summary of previous studies, tracing the development from the 'historical Jesus' research (the first and second quests) to the 'third quest,' specifically noting N.T. Wright's work on Jesus within the context of Israel's story and the historical credibility of the resurrection.
Matthew 4:4 · Matthew 28:20 · Galatians 1:4
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 of 1 Peter 1:1-2 by Dan Powers, focusing on the Trinitarian foundations of salvation and the identity of the early Christian community. The text examines the roles of the Father's foreknowledge, the Spirit's sanctifying work, and the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Key themes include the concept of Christians as 'resident aliens' or 'scattered strangers,' the application of Israelite covenant imagery to Gentile believers, and the nature of sanctification (hagiasmos) as both a process and a result of the Holy Spirit's activity. The document also contains editorial notes/correspondence regarding the refinement of theological terminology (e.g., 'historic Christian theology' vs. 'basic') and suggestions regarding eschatological themes.
1 Peter 1:1-2 · Matthew 28:19 · 2 Corinthians 13:14
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
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
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
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
A personal study note dated August 25, 2002, regarding the Book of Job. The author, writing alongside 'Art,' explores the literary and theological dimensions of Job, referencing it as 'The Shakespeare of the Old Testament.' The text discusses the intersection of Bible as literature and Bible as scripture, citing scholars such as Bernard Anderson, David J. A. Clines, and J. Gerald Janzen. Key themes addressed include the problem of suffering (theodicy), the distinction between practical and reflective wisdom literature, and the existential questions of human identity and relationship to God. The document includes a bibliography of referenced works by Barbara Brown Taylor, William Safire, Clovis G. Chappell, Susannah Ticlement, David F. Ford, and others.
Job · James 5:11 · Isaiah 51:1-6
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
Book Chapter
A draft or revision of a commentary on 1 Peter 1:1-2, focusing on the theological implications of the text. The author discusses the presence of Trinitarian foundations in the opening verses, noting the roles of the Father's foreknowledge, the Holy Spirit's sanctification, and the atoning death of Jesus Christ. The text explores Peter's use of Israelite imagery to describe Gentile Christians as 'elect' and 'scattered,' and examines the concept of believers as 'resident aliens' in the world. Additionally, the document provides a theological analysis of sanctification (hagiasmos) as both a result and a process of the Holy Spirit's work, and concludes with a discussion on resisting spiritual opposition from the devil through the strength of God.
1 Peter 1:1-2 · Matthew 28:19 · 2 Corinthians 13:14
Devotional
A preface and introductory section to a collection of prayers titled 'God Heard That! 31 Prayers that the Lord Heard and I Overheard' by Thomas E. Phillips. The author discusses the challenges of establishing a consistent prayer life, particularly among young Christians, and posits that learning to pray often occurs through 'overhearing' the prayers of others. The text includes a table of contents categorizing prayers by theme (e.g., Daily Life, Repentance, Guidance, Intercession, Praise, Strength, and the Unspeakable), a preface detailing the author's motivation and the use of various biblical translations, and the inclusion of 'The Lord’s Prayer' (Matthew 6:9-13) as a foundational model. The document concludes with advice on maintaining a prayer life and an invitation for readers to submit their own written prayers.
Matthew 6:9-13