Boyce Digital Repository (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)
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Training ESL Ministry Leaders for Effective Cross-Cultural Evangelism at Farmdale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky
Full text linkThe purpose of this project was to train ESL ministry leaders for effective cross-cultural evangelism at Farmdale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, through an eight-week training course. The project aimed to strengthen the teachers and volunteers of the C.O.F.F.E.E. ESL ministry by addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in cross-cultural gospel engagement. Chapter 1 introduces the project and discusses the methodology of how the research was conducted. Chapter 2 discusses the theological basis for cross-cultural evangelism and provides a biblical and theological framework for this project. Chapter 3 engages with sociological considerations concerning the populations in which this research was conducted. Chapter 4 addresses the specifics of how this project was implemented in the context of Farmdale Baptist Church with the ESL ministry. This chapter concludes with a detailed explanation of the data garnered from this research and an in-depth analysis of the data from this research project. This project contributed to the missional effectiveness of Farmdale Baptist Church’s ESL outreach through this cross-cultural evangelism training
Discipling Young Adults at the Heights Baptist Church in Chesterfield, Virginia
Full text linkThe purpose of this project was to develop a Disciple Making Pathway for the Young Adults Ministry at The Heights Baptist Church. Chapter 1 outlines the ministry context, rationale, purpose, goals, and research methodology for the project. Chapter 2 establishes the biblical and theological basis for discipleship by examining God’s design in Deuteronomy 6, Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28, and Paul’s model of multiplying disciples in 2 Timothy 2. Chapter 3 explores theoretical, cultural, and historical issues related to discipling young adults, focusing on challenges such as loneliness, identity confusion, and deconstruction, while also tracing effective relational models from church history. Chapter 4 details the design and implementation of the Disciple Making Pathway, which became known as The Essentials, a six-session pathway covering the gospel, holy living, evangelism, Scripture reading, prayer, and community. Chapter 5 evaluates the effectiveness of the project through surveys, testimonies, and reflections, demonstrating measurable growth in gospel fluency, spiritual disciplines, and disciple-making among participants, while also offering theological and practical insights for ongoing ministry
Sermons on Jesus’s Fulfillment of the Old Testament in John’s Gospel, Presented at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Full text linkThe Gospel of John has a timeless message to churches that serves to establish them in the centrality of Jesus Christ in Scripture and demonstrates to them the divine nature of the Holy Scriptures. Biblical theology is an essential tool in helping Christians fully dive into the message of John and appreciate the wonder and beauty of the book. Chapter 1 provides an explanation of what biblical theology is and lays the groundwork for the chapters ahead by overviewing the passages that will be covered and analyzing the literature that will be utilized in the following sermons. Chapter 2 examines the fact that Jesus, during his incarnation, became the true temple of God and his dwelling place with mankind (John 1:1–14, 50–51). Chapter 3 portrays Jesus as the provider of the messianic wine (John 2:1–11). Chapter 4 places Jesus in a pattern of notable biblical characters who met their wives at a well (John 4:1–30). Chapter 5 considers Jesus as the provider of living water (John 7:37–53). Chapter 6 explains what it means for Jesus to be the light of the world (John 8:12). Chapter 7 explores Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11–18). Chapter 8 conveys that Jesus is the true vine (John 15:1–8)
Equipping Young Parents in the Basics of Gospel-Centered Parenting at GraceLife Beachside Church in Ormond-By-The-Sea, Florida
Full text linkThis project’s purpose is to equip the young parents of GLB in the basics of Gospel-Centered parenting. Chapter 1 introduces the history, philosophy of ministry, and context of GLB as well as the goals of this project. Chapter 2 supplies strong biblical support and exegesis of three passages of Scripture (Deut. 6:1–8; Ps. 78:1–8; Eph. 6:4) that establish that parents ought to raise their children in a clear knowledge of the gospel. Chapter 3 demonstrates that spiritual maturity, emotional health, and a fundamental understanding of how people change are needed to parent children effectively. Chapter 4 details how the project was prepared and implemented at GLB. Chapter 5 concludes with an evaluation of the project’s overall efficacy based upon its intended purpose and goals
God and Nature: Retrieving Herman Bavinck's Approach to Natural Theology
No full textThis work is embargoed by the author until 06/12/2027.This dissertation offers a constructive and Christian theological account of the project of natural theology, especially by putting Herman Bavinck in dialogue with contemporary alternatives today. In its methodology, the study aims to further the recent trend in Bavinck studies of moving beyond the “two Bavincks” thesis into an integrated, consistent, and holistic approach to understanding Bavinck’s trajectory, and particularly his mature thought, by taking into account not only the Reformed Dogmatics, but also Christian Science, Christian Worldview, and Philosophy of Revelation, among others. Bavinck’s particular contribution to the doctrine of natural theology is at least threefold. First, Bavinck understands an organic unity between general and special revelation. Second, Bavinck sharply distinguishes general revelation, offering a peculiarly neo-Calvinist account of it, from the “second moment” of natural theology. Third, it will be shown, from the recent and undervalued work of Sudduth, that Bavinck holds to a distinction between the project of natural theology and specific models of natural theology. This work is distinguished especially by its attempt to curate the best of Bavinck studies along with key insights from Herman Bavinck himself all integrated into the ongoing proliferation of natural theologies today.
Natural theology functions like a bridge discipline between philosophy and theology. It must be distinguished from metaphysics, since the latter is the study of being as such while the former treats such first principles only as they find their unity in the mind and works of God. Additionally, getting natural theology right remains crucial as it forms at least one substantial part of the theoretical foundation for Christian practice in both the field of apologetics to engage non-Christians in conversation about the faith and political theology, particularly such as in appeals to natural law. In doing natural theology today, older distinctions must be retrieved to maintain biblical fidelity
At the Crossroads: John Fawcett, Anger, and the Shift From Passions to Emotions
Full text linkThis thesis examines John Fawcett’s Essay on Anger (1787) as a distinctive contribution to eighteenth-century evangelical theology, situating it within the broader intellectual, pastoral, and emotional currents of his time. Fawcett, a Particular Baptist pastor and theologian, offered a moral-theological framework for understanding and regulating anger—one that stood in contrast to both classical Stoicism and emerging Enlightenment psychology. Through detailed analysis of the Essay, this study demonstrates that Fawcett rooted his theology of anger in the affections rather than the passions, framing anger not as a disruptive force to be suppressed or pathologized, but as a morally formative response to be disciplined under the influence of Scripture, reason, and the Spirit.This thesis unfolds across seven chapters that collectively examine Fawcett’s theology of anger within the context of eighteenth-century evangelical thought. Chapter 1 introduces the thesis, methodology, and background of Fawcett’s work. Chapter 2 offers a more detailed biography, exploring Fawcett’s evangelical influences, relationships with leading ministers, institutional efforts such as church planting and theological training, and his engagement with social reform and hymn writing. Chapter 3 traces the intellectual and theological history of the passions, contrasting the classical and Christian realist tradition with the emerging non-realist psychological framework of the late eighteenth century, and situates Fawcett in conversation with thinkers like Jonathan Edwards and Isaac Watts who shaped evangelical theologies of the affections. Chapter 4 compares Fawcett’s theology of anger with those of his contemporaries—Watts, Beddome, Rippon, and Hall—demonstrating both his alignment with and divergence from broader evangelical efforts to discipline the passions under Christian virtue. Chapter 5 examines Fawcett’s theological corpus, showing how his sermons, devotional writings, hymns, and commentary consistently reflect a coherent vision of emotional regulation grounded in the gospel and aimed at forming Christian character. Chapter 6 offers a close reading of Essay on Anger, exploring Fawcett’s use of classical sources alongside biblical theology to diagnose sinful anger, affirm righteous anger, and offer practical remedies rooted in humility, meekness, and gospel transformation. Chapter 7 concludes the thesis by giving possible further areas of research
The Biblical Design Purpose of Sex Applied to Issues of Personal Sexuality
Full text linkThis dissertation argues that the Bible provides a clear, inherent design purpose for human sexuality and that this design serves as the measure for determining ethical sexual activity. Historically, both Western civilization and the church have largely condemned autoeroticism, often referred to as masturbation, viewing it as immoral due to perceived causes (e.g., insanity, immaturity) or adverse effects (e.g., “spilling the seed,” feminization). While these historical, consequentialist arguments frequently lacked compelling theological or scientific support and have been largely discarded, their abandonment has left the contemporary church without a framework for addressing this.A survey of modern Christian ministry and counseling voices reveals arguments in favor of a limited permissibility for masturbation. This thesis engages these views, demonstrating their inconsistency with biblical teaching and highlighting the potential negative consequences, such as sexual challenges in marriage, lust, irregular marital intercourse, increased selfishness, and enslavement to other sexual sins. Chapter 3, the core of the thesis, outlines and expands on the Bible’s six design purposes for sexuality: consummation of marriage, procreation, unity in marriage, expression of affection, abatement of temptation, and the giving and receiving of mutual pleasure. These purposes are exclusively fulfilled within the covenantal union of one male and one female. By systematically applying this six-fold framework, the dissertation demonstrates that autoeroticism fundamentally deviates from God’s design purpose for human sexuality. Consequently, it should not be promoted, encouraged, or condoned as a healthy practice within the church, but rather abstained from. Finally, the dissertation offers practical suggestions for equipping local churches and educational settings to utilize this theological argument. By understanding the biblical design purpose of sex, the church can confidently address not only the ethics of autoeroticism but also a broader range of complex sexual issues confronting believers today
In Terms of an Open Sky: Hans Rookmaaker's Reformed Approach to Art and Culture
Full text linkIn his work as an art historian, Hans Rookmaaker approaches art and culture from a reformed perspective. The research question asks what theological, philosophical, and aesthetic commitments contributed to Rookmaaker’s distinctive approach to art; the thesis argues that Rookmaaker’s approach to art is a synthesis of Dutch Calvinism and the Dutch Christian philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd, which results in an integrative evaluation of art and culture from a Christian worldview. Following his conversion to Christianity and exposure to the work of Herman Dooyeweerd, Rookmaaker committed his life to helping people understand and evaluate art from a Christian perspective. He often worked apologetically, incorporating art in a defense of the Christian faith and the inherent value it affords humans created in the image of God. I establish Rookmaaker as a Reformed Christian within the Dutch Calvinist tradition and examine the theological and philosophical commitments that inform his Reformed approach to art. I illustrate his approach using a three-layered landscape diagram of his aesthetic, working primarily from recorded lectures and the six volumes of his Complete Works. The first part of the dissertation builds the foundation for the thesis and supports it with primary source material. I show that Rookmaaker worked from Reformed theological commitments in his work as an art historian. As a Reformed Christian, he demonstrated an enthusiastic concern to awaken people to the dangers and dehumanizing effects of Enlightenment philosophies. His Complete Works contain an array of examples that demonstrate his defense of the biblical view of human value in the visual arts, cultural commentary, and his refutation of Enlightenment philosophies. In the second part of the dissertation, I respond to critiques spanning from 1971 to 2024. Responses are given to scholars Nicholas Wolterstorff, James Romaine, Jeremy S. Begbie, William A. Dyrness, and Jonathan A. Anderson. These scholars suggest Rookmaaker’s approach is lacking in various areas, including his aesthetic theory, his Reformed theology, and his interpretation of modern art. I defend Rookmaaker’s work in each of these areas. Following engagements with Rookmaaker’s critics, I provide a landscape diagram as a visual aid to understand Rookmaaker’s approach to art and culture. The landscape consists of three “layers” corresponding to Reformed theology in the background, Dooyeweerdian philosophy in the middle ground, and his integrative evaluation of art in the foreground. Each of these areas is examined for its contribution to Rookmaaker’s approach. Rookmaaker’s aesthetic landscape uniquely orients art under an open sky, open to God’s revelation and redemption. After examining Rookmaaker’s reformed approach to art, the dissertation concludes by demonstrating how his work remains relevant and worthy of emulation. His defense of human value, worked out through his aesthetic landscape, is helpful for Christians in the twenty-first century as issues surrounding human value increase in number and complexity. As a Reformed Christian and art historian, Rookmaaker provides us with a creative and orthodox approach to art and culture, which should be recaptured and implemented
Sin and Emotion in the Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Full text linkIn this dissertation, I argue that a major aim of Martyn Lloyd-Jones’s preaching was to make sin felt. This is done by showing that his theology demands, his specific goals confirm, and his methods fulfil the aim of preaching to make sin felt. In chapter 1, I discuss the past research on MLJ, as well as the argument and methodology of this dissertation. In the next two chapters I look at how MLJ’s theology demanded him to make sin felt in his preaching, focusing on his views on sin in chapter 2, and his views on the emotions in chapter 3. MLJ’s thoughts on the four doctrines of man, salvation, the Christian life, and the Holy Spirit are investigated in both chapters. In chapter 4, I argue that MLJ specifically aimed to make sin felt in his preaching. I explore not only his overt statements throughout his work, but also show how his preaching philosophy is connected to such an aim. In chapter 5, I show that MLJ actually preached in a way that made sin felt, and discuss a wide array of methods that he used to achieve this aim. The extensive nature of these methods strongly suggests that making sin felt was a major aim for MLJ. Lastly, I offer some concluding remarks in chapter 6
Preparing the Saints at North Park Baptist Church in Van Buren, Arkansas, for Personal Bible Study
Full text linkThis project seeks to prepare the saints of North Park Baptist Church for personal Bible study. Chapter 1 presents the contextual dynamics that make this project necessary, along with the stated goals for the project. Chapter 2 provides an exegesis from three main passages of Scripture (2 Tim 3:14–16; 2 Pet 1:16–21; Gen 1:6; 3:1) that teach us the importance of exercising personal Bible study for Christians. Chapter 3 presents that the Bible can and must be interpreted in the context of its overarching themes and in light of its literary distinctives within the church. Chapter 4 describes the project itself, covering the content and methodology of the specific course curriculum. Chapter 5 evaluates the effectiveness of the project based on the completion of the stated goals. My prayer is that this project makes much of Christ and will continue to be used by God’s people for years to come