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
Sermon
A sermon or lecture transcript exploring the development of Christological thought from the patristic period through the Reformation and into the modern era. The author argues that the apostolic Gospel serves as the foundational hermeneutic for all subsequent theological contextualization, including the Trinitarian Creeds and the Chalcedonian Definition. The text examines the shift in Western theology toward an individualistic and anthropocentric focus under the influence of Augustine, contrasting it with the more Christocentric approach of the Eastern Church. The document further discusses the Reformation's recovery of the 'euangelion' and traces the development of Kenoticism, specifically addressing debates regarding the sinlessness of Christ's human nature and the implications of the 'fallen humanity' concept in the Scottish Calvinist tradition.
Romans 1:1-3
Bible Study
A study guide or lecture outline focused on 2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15, titled 'The Grace of Christian Giving.' The document examines the theological and practical implications of Paul's collection for the Jerusalem saints. It includes a linguistic analysis of Greek terminology used in the passage—such as charis, haplotēs, koinōnia, and diakonia—and compares the vocabulary in 2 Corinthians with 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. The text also provides a commentary outline on the liberality of the Macedonian churches and includes comparative notes on various Bible translations (NASB, NRSV, NIV) regarding specific Greek phrases.
2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15 · 2 Corinthians 8:9 · 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Devotional
A collection of excerpts from H. L. Sidney Lear's presentation of the writings of Jean Nicolas Grou (1731-1803) regarding the interior life. The text includes a biographical preface of Père Grou, detailing his Jesuit education, his exile in England during the French Revolution, and his approach to spiritual writing. The document outlines theological principles for spiritual growth, specifically addressing the importance of a 'childlike spirit,' the dangers of refined self-love, and the definition of true devotion as a fixed habit of mind rather than passing emotion. It further provides practical methods for attaining holiness, including the use of a daily rule, the recollection of God's presence, and the practice of mental prayer.
Romans 11:35 · Romans 11:29
Article
Lecture handouts or study notes prepared by Frank G. Carver regarding the interpretation of 2 Corinthians. The document provides a structural and exegetical analysis of 2 Corinthians 1:1-2 and 4:7–5:10. The first section examines Paul's salutation, discussing its roots in Near Eastern epistolary traditions and its adaptation into a 'Christianized' form. The second section focuses on Paul's characterization of ministry as a 'ministry of suffering,' analyzing the tension between physical frailty and spiritual renewal, and comparing Paul's catalogs of affliction to the rhetorical traditions of Stoic and Cynic sages. The document includes scriptural citations, scholarly references (including Doty, Murphy-O'Connor, and Thielicke), and concludes with a reflection on the power of the Resurrection.
2 Corinthians 1:1-2 · 2 Corinthians 2:14-6:10 · 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Bible Study
A teaching outline and study guide focused on Romans 6:1-10, titled 'PAUL: “GOD FORBID”'. The document examines the transition from the theological foundations of Romans 5 (the comparison of Adam and Christ) to the practical implications of sanctification in Romans 6. It explores the concept of being 'dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus,' utilizing the Greek conjunction 'oun' (therefore) to trace the logical progression of Paul's argument regarding baptism, death to the old self, and new life in Christ. The text includes scripture quotations from the NRSV and NASB, references to scholars such as Greathouse, Lyons, and Robert Jewett, and outlines structural components of the Epistle to the Romans.
Romans 1:1-15 · Romans 1:16-17 · Romans 1:18-3:20
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
Lecture
An instructional guide for conducting an exegesis of a Pauline passage, specifically using Romans 12:1-2 as a working example. The document outlines a multi-stage methodology for biblical interpretation, including quoting standard English versions, analyzing literary genre and historical setting, determining literary placement and role within the book, constructing structural and form analyses, performing detailed interpretation of syntax and literary devices, and synthesizing the theological intention and contemporary witness of the text. The guide also provides specific instructions on bibliography requirements (Turabian style), source selection, and stylistic formatting.
Romans 12:1-2 · Mark 1:29-31 · Galatians 5:13-15
Book Chapter
A theological commentary and analysis of 2 Peter 1:1-11, focusing on the themes of equality among believers, the divinity of Christ, and the integration of cognitive and emotive faith. The author examines the concept of participating in the divine nature (1:4) not as Greek philosophical essence, but as a gift of Christ that enables godliness. The text further explores the balance between God's initiative in salvation and the believer's responsibility to grow in virtue and knowledge (epignōsis and gnōsis) to ensure effectiveness and security in the faith.
2 Peter 1:1-2 · 2 Peter 1:3-11 · 2 Peter 3:15
Bible Study 2008
Lecture notes or study materials for a session on Romans 1, dated January 6, 2008. The document introduces a study of Paul's letter to the Romans, primarily referencing William M. Greathouse's two-volume commentary (New Beacon Bible Commentary) with contributions from George Lyons. The text outlines the historical setting of the letter (likely written from Corinth, 53-59 AD), discusses the theological shift from a traditional Lutheran/Reformed understanding of justification to a 'new perspective' that emphasizes God's righteousness as a power for ethical transformation—a view shared by Ernst Käsemann, John Wesley, and N. T. Wright. The document also includes a structural outline of Romans provided by Greathouse, covering the letter's prescript and the thesis of the gospel, and concludes with brief, unrelated fragments regarding Augustine's conversion and Karl Barth.
Romans 1:1-15 · Romans 1:16-17 · Romans 1:18-32
Bible Study 2008
A study of Romans 1:1-7 focusing on Paul's Christology, specifically the identity of Jesus Christ as the 'Son of God.' The document includes a personal narrative by Frank G. Carver regarding his theological transition from Methodism to the Church of the Nazarene and his early interactions with William M. Greathouse. It also incorporates biographical information about the Apostle Paul, drawn from Greathouse's commentary, detailing Paul's Jewish heritage, Roman citizenship, and linguistic abilities.
Romans 1:1-7 · Philippians 3:4-6 · Acts 16:37-39
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes document dated February 3, 2008, focusing on Romans 1:8-15 and the theological themes of Romans. The author begins with an introduction contrasting the value systems of professional sports (referencing an article about Tomlinson) and the ministry of Mother Teresa. The text discusses recent Pauline scholarship, specifically reviewing Robert Jewett’s Hermeneia commentary on Romans and Luke Timothy Johnson’s critique of it in Christian Century. The author compares the scholarly approach of Jewett to the more 'passionately engaged' theological exposition found in Greathouse and George Lyons, particularly regarding the Wesleyan perspective on sanctification and obedience to the gospel. The document also mentions various scholars and former students of Emory University.
Romans 1:8-15 · Romans 1:5-7 · Colossians 3:10
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 lecture outline or study guide titled 'Paul and the Wrath of God: The Dark Side of the Gospel (Part IIa),' dated May 4, 2008. The document examines Romans 1:18-32, focusing on the theological implications of divine judgment and the contemporary controversy surrounding homosexuality. The author intends to present how Romans 1:26-27 is interpreted by proponents of same-sex committed relationships and provides commentary from William Greathouse and George Lyons regarding the human condition, natural theology, and idolatry. The text includes scriptural citations from the NIV and NASB, and references scholarly works by Hays, Rogers, and others.
Romans 1:18-32 · Romans 1:26-27 · 1 Corinthians 6:9
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes titled 'Paul and the Wrath of God: The Dark Side of the Gospel (Part IIb),' dated May 18, 2008, focusing on Romans 1:18-32. The document examines the theological implications of Romans 1:26-27 regarding homosexuality, specifically addressing the tension between biblical text and contemporary interpretations of same-sex relationships. The author explores the concept of 'God giving them over' to sexual perversion as a consequence of idolatry and reviews various scholarly perspectives, including those of Richard Hays, Walter Wink, Jack Rogers, and William Greathouse, regarding whether the passage refers to sexual orientation or specific behaviors.
Romans 1:18-32 · Romans 1:24 · Romans 1:26
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
Article
An article discussing the relevance of biblical interpretation within a Wesleyan context, specifically addressing the challenges posed by postmodernism and certain evangelical traditions. The author outlines the necessity of a Wesleyan hermeneutic and examines John Wesley's approach to Scripture as presented in his 'Preface to Sermons,' emphasizing themes of humility, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the primacy of love. The text also begins to outline foundational principles of biblical authority, describing the Scriptures as both 'incarnational' and 'christological.'
Romans 1:1 · Galatians 2:20
Article
This article, part of a seven-lesson series titled 'Our Hymnic Heritage,' provides a biographical study of Charles Wesley (1707-1788). The author examines Wesley's role as a prolific hymnist, his education at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford, and his involvement in the Holy Club. The text details his spiritual conversion in May 1738, influenced by Martin Luther's commentary on Galatians 2:20, and discusses his itinerant evangelism in Bristol and London. The author also compares Charles's ministry and theological emphasis on 'faith alone' with that of his brother, John Wesley.
Galatians 2:20 · Romans