A resource written from a distinctively Pentecostal perspective, primarily for pastors, lay persons, and Bible students, based upon the best scholarship, written in popular language and communicating the meaning of the text with minimal technical distractions.In keeping with the ethos and spirituality of the Pentecostal tradition, to which at least 400 million Christians belong, the writers explore how their scholarship might be contextualized within their own local church body and strengthened by the dynamic interaction between the Holy Spirit, the body of Christ, and the Word of God. The series is conceived of as part of the ministry of the body of Christ, for the glory of God.The structure of the commentaries reflects the dialogical way in which the tradition tends to approach the biblical text. Each volume begins with a series of questions designed to identify corporate and individual issues illuminated in the biblical book. An introduction proper then discloses the need, process, purpose, time, and place of composition, and a detailed discussion of the genre and structure of the book forms the basis of organization for the exposition that follows.This commentary on the Johannine Epistles, by a leading Pentecostal scholar and editor of the commentary series, provides a running exposition on the text, extended comments on texts of special significance for Pentecostals, and acknowledges and interacts with major options in interpreting individual passages. It also provides periodic opportunities for reflection upon and personal response to the biblical text.
These essays form on the one hand an exploration of the Spirit in the New Testament, and on the other hand a demonstration of the spirit of the NT. The emphasis is on the Johannine literature, but there are also studies in Matthew and Luke.
In this commentary, Pentecostal biblical scholar John Christopher Thomas offers a fresh reading of the Apocalypse informed by three decades of research and writing devoted to the Johannine literature. While engaging the best of critical scholarship he avoids simply recounting the views of other scholars on a variety of interpretive issues. Rather, he gives priority to the world of the text by means of literary, intertextual, and theological analyses, as he seeks to discern the effect of this visionary experience upon the hearers (both implied and actual) of this text. The most extensive reading of the Apocalypse offered by a Pentecostal scholar to date, this commentary is shaped by the Pentecostal and wider communities via times of engagement with local worshipping communities, scholarly audiences at academic conferences, and academic settings at a variety institutions around the globe. Thomas' distinctive literary and theological hearing of the Apocalypse, which adheres closely to the final form of the text and reflects the heart of Pentecostal theology and spirituality, marks a major transition in Pentecostal approaches to the Apocalypse and may well assist, along with others, in the reclamation of this canonical book for the Pentecostal community and beyond.
In this published form of the 1997 Staley Lectures delivered at Southeastern College in Lakeland Florida, John Christopher Thomas explores the Farewell Materials in the Gospel according to John. Following a brief discussion devoted to the nature of biblical narrative, the concentric structure of this text is explored. Individual lectures are devoted to the signs of cleansing with which the Farewell Materials begin and end (the Foot washing and the Prayer of Jesus); the passages devoted to the themes of Departure, Betrayal, and Provision; teaching about the Paraclete; and those that underscore the solidarity the believers have with Jesus. The book concludes with the implications of the Farewell Materials for Pentecostal Theology and Ministry.
In this monograph, Pentecostal New Testament scholar John Christopher Thomas offers a constructive, critical reading of the Book of Mormon that focuses on a variety of issues often under-represented in the literature currently available. Utilizing narrative analysis Thomas begins with an investigation of the book's overall structure detected by means of literary markers in the text. He next presents an extended reading of the narrative contents of the book focusing on its literary and theological dimensions. This close reading enables the construction of a 'Theology of the Book of Mormon' that explores the major theological emphases that emerge from a narrative analysis of the book. The study next traces the book's reception amongst followers and opponents alike, as well as its impact in the areas of music, art, and disastrous interpretations of the book. The Book of Mormon and Pentecostalism are then placed into dialogue through historical analyses of early Pentecostal thought on the book and the movements it spawned, before a comparison of the theological heart of Pentecostalism and the book is given. Finally, issues of origins are discussed by an examination of the earliest story of the book's origins, the major complications of this story, and the proposal of a taxonomy of various reading strategies offered in the light of these complications. Seeking to maintain an irenic and constructive tone throughout, this work should serve both to acquaint interested readers with the Book of Mormon and to encourage candid, thoughtful, and respectful conversations about the book between those who hold it to be Scripture and those who do not.
The relationships between the Devil and disease, sickness and sin, healing and forgiveness, and exorcism and deliverance form an intriguing and controversial set of issues. This monograph brings some clarity to the topic by offering the first full-length examination of the origins of illness in New Testament thought. In an attempt to respect the diversity of thought within the New Testament, the author employs a method that allows the distinctive contributions of each New Testament writer to be appreciated on their own terms. These readings are followed by an attempt at the construction of a New Testament theology of the Devil, disease and deliverance where the distinctive New Testament voices on this topic are heard in relation to one another. The monograph concludes with a chapter devoted to the implications of this study for Pentecostal theology and ministry."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The book of Revelation is perhaps the most theologically complex and literarily sophisticated — and also the most sensual — document in the New Testament. In this commentary John Christopher Thomas’s literary and exegetical analysis makes the challenging text of Revelation more accessible and easier to understand. Frank Macchia follows up with sustained theological essays on the book’s most significant themes and issues, accenting especially the underappreciated place of the Holy Spirit in the theology of Revelation.
Filled with helpful charts, appendixes, and study aids, this essential guide explores the detailed and often perplexing conversations concerning Paul's view of the divinity of Christ, bringing guidance and clarity to scholars' various articulations, including Larry Hurtado, Chris Tilling, N. T. Wright, and more.
This book is a collection of essays produced by a New Testament scholar and a seasoned pastor-teacher. Each chapter represents reflection on relevant issues of ministry and theology facing the church and its leaders.
An introduction and evaluation of contemporary approaches to theology, 'Postmodern Theologies' sets out to discern movements shaping the postmodern study of religion in a unique collaborative venture born of a postgraduate seminar at Florida State University. While some might say that theology after the death of God is like biology after the end of life - a discipline without a subject - 'Postmodern Theologies' identifies four general patterns of postmodernisms in theology today: constructive theologies (with Helmut Peukert, David Ray Griffin, and David Tracy cited as examples); postmodernisms of dissolution (Thomas J. J. Altizer, Mark C. Taylor, and Edith Wyschogrod); postliberal theologies (George Lindbeck); and communal praxis (exemplified by Gustavo Gutierrez and other Latin American theologians, and James Wm. McClendon and Sharon Welch among North Americans). These theologies eschew debates on traditional religious foundations to define true religion as the result of - rather than the impetus to - living one's beliefs. As these disparate approaches to theology are not directly comparable, the final chapter of 'Postmodern Theologies' instead analyzes how each one accounts for the plurality of religions. Exploring the postmodern strategies for coping with one of the most difficult questions in any theological age offers a fascinating way to assess their inherent strengths and weaknesses.
The Digital Puritan is a quarterly digest of carefully selected Puritan works which provides a steady diet of sound Puritan teaching. The language has been gently modernised to render it more readable, while still retaining much of the flavour and character of the original text. Hundreds of helpful notes and Scripture references (in the English Standard Version®) are included as end-notes; no internet connection is needed. The following articles appear in this winter 2014-2015 edition: 1. Anger Not to Be Sinfully Indulged – Thomas Boston 2. Hope and Comfort Usually Follow Genuine Humiliation and Repentance – Jonathan Edwards 3. The Brevity of Life—A Call to Improve It – Andrew Gray 4. The Character of a Complete Evangelical Pastor, Drawn by Christ – John Flavel 5. To Be Light in a Dark Place is Commendable – Christopher Love.
The book of Revelation is perhaps the most theologically complex and literarily sophisticated text in the New Testament. In this commentary John Christopher Thomas and Frank Macchia make the brilliant but challenging text of Revelation more accessible and easier to understand on its own terms, rather than as a futuristic prophecy. In addition to their literary, exegetical, and theological analysis of the text, they offer sustained theological essays on the book's most significant themes and issues, accenting especially the underappreciated place of the Holy Spirit in the theology of the book.
In contrast with the U.S. Constitution, which has been amended only 27 times since it was drafted in 1787, the Virginia Constitution has been the subject of many revisions since its adoption by the Convention of 1776. Significant changes have been brought about at the recommendation of revision commissions. On a number of those occasions, Virginia constitution makers have engaged in significant debates about fundamental questions. In fact, few states have had more opportunities to engage in constitutional revision and to debate fundamental principles. In The Virginia State Constitution, John Dinan analyzes the history and development of the Virginia constitution and undertakes a detailed treatment of the evolving interpretation of each section. In it, he contends that few states have had more opportunities than Virginia to engage in constitutional revision, and, in the process, to debate fundamental political questions about the role of state government. Previously published by Greenwood, this title has been brought back in to circulation by Oxford University Press with new verve. Re-printed with standardization of content organization in order to facilitate research across the series, this title, as with all titles in the series, is set to join the dynamic revision cycle of The Oxford Commentaries on the State Constitutions of the United States. The Oxford Commentaries on the State Constitutions of the United States is an important series that reflects a renewed international interest in constitutional history and provides expert insight into each of the 50 state constitutions. Each volume in this innovative series contains a historical overview of the states constitutional development, a section-by-section analysis of its current constitution, and a comprehensive guide to further research. Under the expert editorship of Professor G. Alan Tarr, Director of the Center on State Constitutional Studies at Rutgers University, this series provides essential reference tools for understanding state constitutional law. Books in the series can be purchased individually or as part of a complete set, giving readers unmatched access to these important political documents.
(Screen World). John Willis' Screen World has become the definitive reference for any film library. Each volume includes every significant U.S. and international film released during that year as well as complete filmographies, capsule plot summaries, cast and characters, credits, production company, month released, rating, and running time. You'll also find biographical entries a prices reference for over 2,000 living stars, including real name, school, place and date of birth. A comprehensive index makes this the finest film publication that any film lover could own.
From acclaimed historian John Ferling, the story of how Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and James Monroe championed the most radical ideas of the American and French Revolutions. Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and James Monroe were in the vanguard of revolutionary ideas in the 18th century. As founding fathers, they risked their lives for American independence, but they also wanted more. Each wished for profound changes in the political and social fabric of pre-1776 America and hoped that the American Revolution would spark republican and egalitarian revolutions throughout Europe, sweeping away the old monarchical order. Ultimately, each rejoiced at the opportunity to be a part of the French Revolution, a cause that became untenable as idealism gave way to the bloody Terror. Apostles of Revolution spans a crucial period in Western Civilization ranging from the American insurgency against Great Britain to the Declaration of Independence, from desperate engagements on American battlefields to the threat posed to the ideals of the Revolution by the Federalist Party. With the French Revolution devolving into anarchy in the background, the era culminates with the “Revolution of 1800,” Jefferson's election as president. Written as a sweeping narrative of a pivotal epoch, Apostles of Revolution captures the turbulent spirit of the times and the personal dangers experienced by Jefferson, Paine, and Monroe. It reminds us that the liberty we take for granted is ours only because we, both champions and common citizens, have fought for it.
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