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"Put on the Lord Jesus Christ": A Study of Clothing Metaphors in Paul's Ethics
No full textThis work is embargoed by the author until 06/12/2027.This dissertation explores the meaning and cognitive function of Paul’s clothing metaphors in his ethical teachings, employing select concepts from modern metaphor theory. I argue that Paul’s clothing metaphors in three key passages (Rom 13:14; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10) demonstrate that Christ is the source and goal of Paul’s ethics. By viewing metaphors as having both textual and cognitive dimensions, I show that these metaphors serve as conceptual frameworks that shape and structure Paul’s ethical exhortations, facilitating the communication and internalization of his moral vision in the minds of his recipients. For Paul, believers’ ethical conduct is rooted in their union with Christ and is expressed through a way of life that reflects Christ’s character and example, as revealed in his life, death, and resurrection. The clothing metaphors serve as a particularly fitting vehicle for conveying the Christological foundation of Paul’s ethics and affirming its coherence. While these metaphors consistently express the theme of imitating Christ grounded in union with him, they also take on distinct meanings within the specific context of each letter. In Romans, the metaphor highlights the adoption of Christ’s resurrection power in ethical living, set within the eschatological reality of believers’ present lives. In Colossians, it foregrounds Christ’s sovereignty as the governing principle of ethical conduct. In Ephesians, it emphasizes the total renewal of the believer’s whole person as the basis for ethical transformation. Each metaphor functions as a cognitive framework that structures Paul’s moral instruction. In Romans, it recapitulates earlier ethical teachings and lays a foundation for those that follow. In Colossians, it is elaborated through familiar clothing metaphors to articulate a new ethical identity and conduct. In Ephesians, it serves as a generalizing concept that anchors the specific ethical exhortations that follow. Taken together, these metaphors reveal the inseparability of Paul’s theology and ethics, with the risen Christ as the center of their relationship. In sum, Paul’s clothing metaphors are crucial for understanding his ethics, as they are integral to his ethical discourse, reflect his theological and moral reasoning, and provide a vivid and structured framework for conveying concrete ethical instruction
The Treasury of Solomon: A Retrieval of Charles H. Spurgeon’s (1834–1892) Spirituality of the Song of Songs
Full text linkIn this dissertation, I argue that Charles H. Spurgeon, in light of his Christ-centered hermeneutical and homiletical convictions, practiced the spiritual, christological interpretation of the Song of Songs, and that his interpretive model of the Song is one to be retrieved. Chapter 1 examines the essential elements of the study, sets forth the thesis of this work, and establishes Spurgeon’s Christocentric view of the Song of Songs. Chapter 2 presents a biography of Spurgeon’s life with the Song of Songs in view and also establishes what influenced Spurgeon’s hermeneutic and homiletic to see communion with Christ as the central theme of the Song. Chapter 3 explores what Spurgeon termed as “spiritualizing,” seeing how this practice from Spurgeon is essential to understanding his spiritual interpretation of the Song. Chapter 4 analyzes and considers the variety of spiritual benefits and enjoyments Spurgeon discovered in the Song, with special attention on mutual affection and enjoyment with Christ, friendship with Christ, and the biblical spiritual disciplines. Chapter 5 narrows in focus by examining how Spurgeon preached one verse, Song of Songs 2:16, and the spiritual comfort he saw in the text, namely, the doctrine of assurance. Chapter 6 concludes the study with a summary of key findings and arguments, and it provides spiritual and practical reflections for recovering a Christoaromatic spirituality of the Song for today
Pneumatological Ecclesiology: The Holy Spirit and the Church in Trinitarian Perspective
No full textAt the request of the author or degree granting institution, this graduate work is not available to view or purchase until January 14 2028.This study constructs a Reformed pneumatological ecclesiology by examining the person and work of the Holy Spirit within the biblical and classical Trinitarian framework. Without according priority to the Spirit over the Father and the Son, this dissertation demonstrates that the Spirit—coeternal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son—plays an indispensable role in the economy of salvation and in the creation and life of the church. As “Love” and “Gift,” the Spirit is the principle of the church’s origin and abiding life, uniting Christ the head with his body, regenerating and baptizing believers into union with Christ, and joining them to one another through his indwelling presence and diverse gifts. Given at Pentecost as the Gift of the Father and the Son, the Spirit constitutes the church as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, sustains it throughout history, and directs it toward the consummation of these attributes at Christ’s return. Thus, the Spirit is not only the bond of union between Christ and his people but also the one who actualizes in the church the very life of the Triune God until the eschaton. Chapter 1 introduces the study. Chapter 2 surveys contemporary developments in pneumatological ecclesiology, particularly Third Article Theology and other related approaches. Chapter 3 establishes the Trinitarian foundation for a Reformed pneumatological ecclesiology by situating the Spirit’s active and distinctive work within the unity of the divine essence and the personal distinctions of the Triune God. Chapter 4 expounds the Spirit’s particular work as “Love” and “Gift,” by which he establishes communion between God and believers and among believers, thereby constituting the church as the new covenant community and the dwelling place of God. Chapter 5 explores the Spirit’s work in the creation of the church, with attention to how his hypostatic property as the bond of love and communion between the Father and the Son is reflected in his formation of communion between God and his people and in the unity of believers. Chapter 6 examines the Spirit’s role in shaping the nature of the church by actualizing its unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity as revealed in Christ and by sustaining these attributes until their eschatological consummation
Training College Students at Candeo Church of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Toward a Biblical Understanding of Sexuality
Full text linkThis project sought to train college students at Candeo Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa, toward a biblical understanding of sexuality. Chapter 1 presents the ministry context of Candeo Church as well as the rationale and goals of this project. Chapter 2 provides an exegesis of three passages of Scripture (Gen 1–2; Rom 1:18–28; Eph 5:22–33) to show that sexuality is determined by God, given to humans for a specific purpose, and its distortion is a symptom of spiritual unhealth. Chapter 3 presents the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the secular Western approach to sexuality and the unavoidable shortcomings and inconsistencies of such an approach. Chapter 4 describes the implementation of the project while describing the content and teaching methodology of the course curriculum. Chapter 5 evaluates the efficacy of the project against the specified goals using the developed assessment tools. Ultimately, this project sought to train college students toward a biblical understanding of sexuality so they can confidently evangelize and minister within their university context
Leading Gracelife Church in Decatur, Alabama, to an Understanding of Healthy Church Membership
Full text linkThe purpose of this project was to lead GraceLife Church in Decatur, Alabama, toward an understanding of healthy church membership. Chapter 1 provides details of the ministry context at GraceLife Church as well as the need to teach on the subject of church membership. Chapter 2 provides a biblical framework for church membership through sound exegesis of various Scripture passages, including Hebrews 10:19–25, Matthew 18:15–20, Acts 2:37–41, Ephesians 3:7–10, and Ephesians 4:1–3. Chapter 3 demonstrates the importance of a membership process and identifies various aspects of meaningful church membership. Chapter 4 describes the implementation of the project at GraceLife Church. Chapter 5 concludes the project by evaluating the project in light of the outlined purposes and goals
Equipping Ministry Leaders in Discipling at Quidnessett Baptist Church in North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Full text linkThis project aimed to equip leaders in the local church with the necessary competence, tools, and motivation to make disciples effectively. Chapter 1 describes the ministry context, rationale, goals, and means of measuring such goals. Chapter 2 is the biblical and theological argument for the necessity of discipleship in the local church. Chapter 3 focuses on psychological, historical, and practical issues and barriers in discipleship. Chapter 4 describes the implementation of the project in the ministry setting. Chapter 5 evaluates the project and includes an assessment of strengths and weaknesses and a personal and theological reflection. An overall conclusion is offered as a summary of the entire project
Promoting Biblical Literacy at Commerce Community Church, Commerce, Texas
Full text linkhis project is designed to promote biblical literacy at Commerce Community Church of Commerce, Texas. The promotion process involves preaching a series of messages on the doctrine of Scripture and a teaching a series of lectures on the story of Scripture to increase competence and confidence in Scripture for greater gospel engagement and community outreach in the city.
Chapter 1 introduces the ministry context of C3, along with the rationale, purpose, goals, research methodologies, definitions, and delimitations of the project. Chapter 2 provides the biblical and theological basis for promoting biblical literacy in the church. The doctrine of Scripture’s authority, sufficiency, necessity, and clarity are presented. Chapter 3 addresses the historical, theoretical, and practical reasons for promoting biblical literacy in the church. Chapter 4 details the preaching, teaching, and assessment process for the project. Chapter 5 concludes with an overall evaluation of the project and suggestions for improvement and further development
Educating Women at the First Baptist Church of Brooksville, Florida, on Women’s Leadership Roles in Accord With Complementarianism
Full text linkThe purpose of this project was to educate the women of the First Baptist Church of Brooksville on their biblically-designated leadership roles as outlined by complementarianism. The first chapter introduces the theology and rationale behind complementarianism, setting the stage for deeper conversations and exploration. The second chapter explores the scriptural qualifications for elders, deacons, and women, as outlined in 1 Timothy and Titus, and sheds light on their significant roles in the church. The third chapter navigates the contemporary discourse of evangelical feminism and complementarianism, juxtaposing them with the scriptural stance on church leadership and the integral roles women play. Chapter 4 outlines the methodology behind the research, detailing the curriculum’s development, instructional strategies, and the analytical approach used to analyze the data gathered. Chapter 5 provides a comprehensive assessment of the project, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses and determining its overall impact and efficacy in educating women at FBC Brooksville on women’s leadership roles within the context of complementarianism
Training Leaders for Biblical Masculinity Formation in Small Groups at the International Baptist Church
No full textThis work is embargoed by the author until 01/01/2027.Esta tesis busca demostrar la importancia y la necesidad de desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento para líderes de Grupos Pequeños, acerca de cómo entrenar a los hombres de sus grupos en lo que respecta a la masculinidad bíblica en la Iglesia Bautista Internacional (IBI) en Santo Domingo, República Dominicana. El capítulo 1 presenta el contexto ministerial del IBI, junto con la justificación, el propósito, los objetivos, las metodologías de investigación, las definiciones y las delimitaciones del proyecto. Los capítulos 2 y 3 proporcionan la base bíblica y teológica con relación a lo que es la masculinidad bíblica reflejada tanto en el Antiguo como en el Nuevo Testamento. El capítulo 4 presenta los ejes de desarrollo, las características de un líder de Grupo Pequeño, así como el diseño del programa, y el capítulo 5 establece la evaluación de la propuesta, evidenciando su eficacia al mostrar resultados verificables en su aplicación práctica
Teaching the Significance of the Lord’s Day to the Members of the Gospel of Christ Church of Pasadena, California
Full text linkThis project aimed to equip members of the Gospel of Christ Church in Pasadena, California, with biblical knowledge about the significance of the Lord’s Day in the life of the local church. Chapter 1 presents the history and ministry context of the Gospel of Christ Church, as well as the project’s goals. Chapter 2 provides the exegesis of three passages of Scripture (Rev 1:10; Acts 20:7; Col 3:16) to show the normative pattern of local churches gathering on Sundays to disciple one another with the Word.
Chapter 3 will emphasize the meaningful role that the Lord’s Day played in the life of the Patristic church, along with the responsibility members have to disciple one another.
Chapter 4 will describe the project by recounting the material from the sermon series.
Chapter 5 will assess the project’s efficacy