45408 total results

Abstract reads : "This thesis examines a form of action that is observed in 25 separate passages in the NT but has received virtually no significant theological attention in the Christian tradition: the ‘one-another edifying speech’ (OES) of the Christian community. This form of speech-act is defined as one in which the speaker is a general member of the Christian community (not a recognized or authorized teacher or leader), the hearer is a fellow member (or members) of the community, the content concerns some aspect or application of Christian revelation, and the purpose is to bring spiritual benefit or growth to the hearer. Ethics is an appropriate discipline of thought within which to examine OES, since it entails exploring the theological nature, purposes and practice of morally significant forms of action in the world (of which OES is one, according to the way that it is portrayed in the NT). The method followed is firstly to trace key apostolic trains of thought regarding OES in 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and Hebrews; then to synthesize and explore three significant theological themes that emerge from this exegetical analysis (the relation of OES to the word of God, to the moral transformation of believers, and to the nature of Christian community); and finally, to construct a coherent theological framework to inform the deliberation of contemporary Christian communities. The main findings are threefold. Firstly, OES shares with more recognized forms of congregational teaching and preaching (CTP) a close relation to the apostolic gospel, in source, content and purpose. OES and CTP are, in this sense, different species of the one genus of speech-act—one which by the power of the Spirit seeks to bring the christocentric word of God to bear on the lives of its hearers. Secondly, the key differences between OES and CTP are to be found in the particular functions they serve in the Christian community, in relation to the moral learning and growth of believers. OES is both itself a form of sanctified human speech, and also a means by which moral transformation and growth proceeds in the lives of believers. OES plays a particularly important role in speaking with practical immediacy to the moral deliberations and actions of fellow believers. Thirdly, the Christian community is not only created and constituted by Christ’s word and Spirit, but continues to live and grow as its members encounter one as ‘bringers of the message of salvation’ (in Bonhoeffer’s words). Bonhoeffer’s Life Together provides a theologically compelling picture of OES as the highest form of Christian service. The thesis concludes with an integrated theological understanding of OES, to serve as a framework for the practical deliberation of contemporary Christian communities." Part I: One-another edifyingspeech (OES) as a subject fortheological investigation Part II: Apostolic trains of thought Part III: Synthesis and interaction Part IV: Conclusions, A thesis submitted at Moore Theological College in fulfillment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Payne and Shead discuss how to apply the book of Psalms to our lives. They discuss the different types of psalms, and the themes within them. Shead explains the structure of the book, and how it progresses. He speaks on the importance and benefits of reading the psalms as part of corporate worship.

Payne and Lynch discuss the tension of enjoying the good things that God has given us, and giving up those things for the sake of the kingdom of God.

Tooher and Payne speak on Matthew Zell's wife, Catherine. Tooher gives an account of Catherine's life, and Catherine's critique of the Roman Catholic church's teaching on clerical marriage. Tooher highlights Catherine's encouragement of women to have Abaraham as their model of faith. Tooher highlights some key points from Catherine's eulogy at Matthew's funeral, including that he died a 'good death', and to not forget the gospel that Matthew taught. Tooher shares some of the aspects of Catherine's life which she finds encouraging.

Payne and Foord explore the motivation for living a good life in light of a good gospel. Foord outlines the existing catholic medieval theology. He contrasts this with the Reformation gospel. Foord shows that grace completes repentance. He shows that we need both Jesus death to change our position before God, and his resurrection to change our condition before God - that is, having our hearts changed. Foord highlights the change the perspecive on works brought by Luther an Calvin in preaching the Reformation gospel.

Payne and Windsor discuss the question of how to be in the world but not of the world. He looks at the idea of viewing our life in this world as exile, and how much we should or should not engage with it. Windsor explains the notion of exile in the bible - facing God's judgement and away from God's land. They investigate what Jesus teaches us about exile, and what being in Christ means for exile. Payne and Colgan expound Jeremiah 29:7, including Israel's historical context, and how this is different to our context. Colgan then highlights and explains passages from the New Testament that use the theme of exile. Colgan looks at the application of exile to the New Testament, post-resurrection context.

Payne and Hohne discuss the place of the bible within our small groups, and what it means for the bible in our small groups. They consider whether or not this is applied in the groups.

Payne, Kuhn and Orr discuss the role and value of secular work. They begin with the effect of over-valuing work, and the value of the work in the new creation, with some of the biblical ways that this is being supported. They then look at the opposite, of under-valuing work. Payne and Orr discuss the tension between these two positions of continuity and discontinuity of work. They then discuss how God is working in the world, and that viewing our work as part of that.

Payne explores our aspirations to be our best selves. Hohne expounds Bonhoeffer's thoughts on the self and identity, including the role of the mind and the world. They discuss the problem of being focused on ourselves and where both the thinking and choosing self are not satisfied. Hohne explains Bonhoeffer's solution to the problem of self - that Christ is how God wants us to be, so that we can meet God's standards. They show that Christ answers who and where we find this in - Jesus and the church. Hohne explains what Bonhoeffer means by the church, and the importance of meeting with other believers. They stress that who we have a relationship with (Christ) rather than what we do, and that this sets us free from self construction.

Payne and Trueman discuss the impact of the Reformation for the common man in their everyday lives. They examine the shift away from British Reformed Evangelicalism towards American Reformed Evangelicalism. Trueman explains the impact of Luther on the sacred-secular divide, and what it meant to perform family worship. Trueman stresses the essenial aspect of assurance, and that this assurance must be focused on the cross. He warns against confusing assurance with self-confidence.