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
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes titled "Reconciliation: A New Creation," dated March 25, 2007, focusing on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. The document outlines Paul's ministry of reconciliation and explores the theological implications of being a "new creation" in Christ. The author provides a detailed commentary on verse 16, discussing the shift from a worldly or "fleshly" (kata sarka) perspective to a spiritual one, specifically addressing how the death and resurrection of Christ transformed Paul's view of others and Christ himself. The text includes references to various Bible translations (NIV, NASB, NRSV) and scholarly works by authors such as Ralph P. Martin and Harris.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 · 2 Corinthians 4:1 · 2 Corinthians 1:12-7:16
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
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes dated July 23, 2006, focusing on an exegesis of 2 Corinthians 3:1–4:6. The document explores the concept of 'ministry' (diakonia), contrasting contemporary usages with biblical definitions. Carver discusses the work of John W. Wright and John N. Collins regarding the semantic shifts of 'ministry' and 'service.' The text provides a structural outline for a commentary on 2 Corinthians, specifically detailing the 'Apostolic Ministry' and the distinction between the ministry of the letter and the ministry of the Spirit. The excerpt includes a detailed examination of the glory of the new covenant versus the old covenant, supported by scriptural citations from 2 Corinthians 3:1–4:6.
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 1:12—7:16 · 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Bible Study 2007
A lecture or study guide prepared by Frank G. Carver for a series on 2 Corinthians, specifically focusing on 2 Corinthians 6:1-10. The document examines Paul's description of 'The Life of An Apostle' as a component of his broader defense of his apostolic ministry. Carver explores the motive, message, and manner of Christian life and service, emphasizing that the apostle's manner of life must be consistent with the message of reconciliation. The text includes an exegetical discussion of 2 Corinthians 5:11-15, focusing on the motive of 'fear of the Lord' and being 'compelled by Christ's love,' and references various models of modern ministry in contrast to the Pauline model.
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 1:12—7:16 · 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
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
Bible Study
A lecture or study notes focusing on Ezra 1:1-11, examining the theme of divine providence through the 'stirring' of spirits. The text analyzes the role of God in prompting both King Cyrus of Persia and the Jewish exiles (heads of families, priests, and Levites) to facilitate the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple. The author connects the historical return from Babylon to a 'second Exodus' and discusses the theological implications of God's involvement in the affairs of nations, contrasting the historical account with contemporary reflections on God's perceived 'hiddenness' in the modern world.
Ezra 1:1-11 · Ezra 1:5 · Isaiah 45:13
Bible Study
A study notes/lecture transcript titled "He Leadeth Me--How" (5) focusing on Ezra 2:59-63. The author discusses the difficulty of verifying genealogical records for returnees from Babylon and the subsequent exclusion of certain individuals from the priesthood due to lack of proof of descent. The text explores the use of the Urim and Thummim as instruments of divine discernment and revelation used by the high priest to determine cultic purity, referencing Exodus 28:30 and 1 Samuel 14:41-42. The document also touches upon themes of divine guidance, the distinction between authentic leadership and superstition, and includes scholarly references to Williamson regarding the timing of the use of Urim and Thummim.
Ezra 1:1 · Ezra 1:5 · Ezra 2:1-70
Bible Study
A teaching outline and lecture notes for a study on Hebrews 5:11–6:20, titled 'Priming the Pump!'. The document discusses the transition from the identity of Jesus as the Son of God to his work as High Priest. It includes a structured breakdown of the passage into themes: reproof concerning arrested spiritual development, the exhortation to maturity, a warning regarding irreversible apostasy, words of reassurance, and encouragement based on God's trustworthiness. The author seeks input on potential titles for the lesson, such as 'The Education of the Christian' or 'Christian Perfection,' and utilizes an outline provided by Kevin Anderson.
Hebrews 5:11-6:20 · Hebrews 1:1-4:16 · Hebrews 5:1-10
Bible Study
This document appears to be a lecture transcript or study guide, dated March 9, 2014, focusing on a theological examination of Hebrews 2:10-18. The author explores the concept of the 'atoning sacrifice' and the necessity of Christ becoming human to act as a merciful high priest. The text contrasts two visions of Christianity: one centered on the 'religion of Jesus' (life-imitation) and another centered on the 'gospel of Christ' (faith-participation). To frame this debate, the author utilizes the work of British theologian P. T. Forsyth, specifically discussing Forsyth's defense of the Apostolic Gospel and his theological transition from liberal theology. The document also incorporates reflections from Albert Schweitzer, the Apostle Paul, and the Apostle John, and includes scholarly citations regarding Forsyth's Christology and its relationship to the Chalcedonian formula.
Hebrews 2:10-18 · Hebrews 2:17 · 2 Corinthians
Bible Study
A sermon or Bible study transcript titled "GOD HAS SPOKEN: ‘mercy and . . .grace to help’" focusing on Hebrews 4:14-16. The author explores the theological significance of Jesus as the great high priest who has passed through the heavens, examining the text's function as both exposition and exhortation. The document discusses scholarly perspectives on the placement of these verses within the book of Hebrews, specifically referencing the views of Howard T. Kuist and Anderson regarding whether the passage serves as a conclusion to an earlier section or an introduction to a new one. The author emphasizes the 'because... therefore' nature of the Christian life based on the availability of Christ's high priesthood and touches upon the parallels between the text and the Lord's Prayer.
Hebrews 4:14-16 · Hebrews 1:3 · Hebrews 2:9
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
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
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 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