The Holy Spirit

a Wesley Sermon 138 grieving the Holy Spirit

A transcript of John Wesley's Sermon 138, 'On Grieving The Holy Spirit,' originally written in 1733. This version is an abridged and revised edition of the 1872 Thomas Jackson edition, edited by George Lyons with minor corrections by Ryan Danker for the Wesley Center for Applied Theology at Northwest Nazarene University. The sermon provides an exegetical commentary on Ephesians 4:30, exploring the nature of God's 'grief' as a disposition of His will arising from love and abhorrence of sin. Wesley outlines how sins offend the Holy Spirit through His immediate presence in the believer, as acts of contempt toward divine love, and as a failure to achieve the sanctification intended by the Spirit's work.

Ephesians 4:30 · 1 Corinthians 6:19 · 2 Corinthians 1:22

A Wesleyan Understanding of the Fullness of the Spirit

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

Darkness -- M Teresa - Georgian Harkness - Palmer

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

Ezra-Nehemiah 6--A Holy People I

A lecture or study guide titled 'A Holy People I,' focusing on the books of Ezra and Nehemiah (specifically Ezra 3:1—7:10). The document explores the theme of holiness within the restored community of Israel, examining Ezra's role as a scribe skilled in the law of Moses and his mission to establish a holy people. The text traces the historical context from the decree of Cyrus to the arrival of Ezra under King Artaxerxes, discussing the rebuilding of the altar and temple foundation, the opposition from Samaritans and local inhabitants, and the theological tension between 'law and gospel.' It includes references to the 'vertical' God-ward dimension of worship and mentions scholarly themes regarding the definition of law and the role of the Church.

Ezra 3:1 · Ezra 7:1-10 · Ezra 7:6

John and the Holy Spirit--SS

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

Mother Teresa

An article by David Van Biema, originally published in Newsweek (September 10, 2007), discussing the publication of the book 'Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light' edited by Rev. Brian Kolodiejchuk. The text explores the discrepancy between Mother Teresa's public persona as the 'Saint of the Gutters' and her private spiritual struggles, as revealed in her correspondence with spiritual confidants like Rev. Michael van der Peet. The article details her experiences of 'spiritual darkness,' 'dryness,' and a perceived absence of God's presence that lasted for nearly half a century, while also noting the theological context of the 'dark night of the soul.' The piece concludes with a critical perspective from Christopher Hitchens regarding the use of her private anguish for religious purposes.

Steinmetz on Mother Teresa

An article by David C. Steinmetz, published in Christian Century (October 30, 2007), discussing the spiritual implications of Mother Teresa's reported periods of spiritual desolation. Steinmetz compares her experience of feeling abandoned by God to Martin Luther's 'Anfechtungen' (spiritual trials) and St. John of the Cross's 'dark night of the soul.' The author argues that increased sensitivity to sin and the perception of a lack of progress are often indicators of spiritual growth, suggesting that sanctity involves persevering in duty and prayer even during periods of emotional or spiritual dryness.

John's Witness revised mss

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

Peter From the Text Revision

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

Communion First Church 11-2-14

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

M Teresa and T. Kelly - Ron B

This document appears to be a section of a larger work, possibly a series of book reviews or lectures, discussing the spiritual lives of Mother Teresa and Thomas Kelly. The first portion examines Brian Kolodiejchuk’s biography, *Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light*, focusing on the parallels between Mother Teresa’s experience of 'dark faith' and the mysticism of John of the Cross. It details her early life, her 1942 vow of obedience, and her 1946 mystical encounter that led to the founding of the Missionaries of Charity. The latter portion of the text, indicated by citations, references the spiritual writings and biographical memoirs of Thomas Kelly, including his works 'The Gathered Meeting' and 'A Testament of Devotion.'