A challenge that has faced Christians throughout the ages is the understanding and coming to grips with the “how-to” of Christ-likeness. We are fortunate in that we not only have the written word but numerous translations and transliterations. Accordingly, the task of this submission is to explore and bring illumination to passages of scripture, which on the surface, appear to conflict with some contemporary Christian tenets of faith. Thus the following questions are ascribed for discussion as put forth by individual sections.
How do the statements of Jesus in texts such as Matthew 5:17-20, 6:14-15, and 7:1-2 align with the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ?
This passage in Matthew displays Christ’ juxtaposition
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How do the ethics of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount differ from the values of our culture today? Give at least three specific examples. This next question highlights the stark contrast of Kingdom Living, as Jesus defined in the Sermon on the Mount, and the conforming spirit that places self in the center of one’s existence. In Jesus’ teaching he demonstrated man’s positional relationship with God, himself and humanity. On the whole, it could be said that Jesus was defining both the requirements and consequences of choosing a kingdom lifestyle (Matthew 16:24-26). Among the requirements that the Sermon on the Mount puts forth are; humility (vs. 3), meekness or submission (vs.5) have a desire to do the right things in life (vs. 6), merciful (vs. 7) and “pure in heart” (with integrity, moral courage, and godly character (vs. 8, Amplified). Conversely, the choice of lifestyle is also fraught with contests that war with many entrenched modern paradigms of self-preservation and esteem building. Jesus instructs that if one chooses to live counter to the acceptable patterns of culture in exchange for Godly pursuits then one will expect to endure persecution (vs. 10) …show more content…
Admittedly, I have read these passages numerous times and yet the study that I undertook for this assignment, has put me in an awkward place of having to chose the “right thing”. Paul wrestled with a similar conundrum and said the, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate…For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out” (Romans 7:15 & 18b, English Standard Version). And while this is true the Bible also says, “ So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). Consequently, I face a test. My wife and I are embroiled in the throws of divorce. I bear responsibility for not being and doing as I ought and although I have repented she still wants a divorce. We have been separated since May and it has had an emotional toll. We are both Christians and while I oppose the divorce, yet, when she asked me recently would I share the cost of a non-contested divorce, I said I would. In fact, we notarized a statement to that effect and she fully acknowledged that divorce was her
The crucifixion of Christ is one of the central defining moments in human history. The revelation of God in the cruciform Christ is the central defining image for Christians. This is at the very heart of the case being made by Michael Gorman in Inhabiting the Cruciform God. Gorman, examining Paul's soteriology, makes the argument that for Paul justification is centered on theosis. Gorman thesis centers around defending his definition of this theosis in Paul's writings. Gorman writes, “Theosis is tranformative participation in the kenotic, cruciform character of God through Spirit-enable conformity to the incarnate, crucified, and resurrected/glorified Christ.”1 The following will examine Gorman's defense of this thesis focusing especially
‘What are we to make of Christ?’ There is no question of what we can make of Him, it is entirely a question of what He intends to make of us. You must accept or reject the story,” (Lewis, 8).
The first portion of Jesus teachings were made up of blessings known as beatitudes. Beatitudes are a set of teachings by Jesus. The word beatitude stimulates from a Latin adjective beatitudo which means happiness, fortunate, and blissful. The beatitudes are mainly located in versus 3 to 6. According to Wilkins, “They apply in an almost, “upside down” reality and this vision that should be adhered to life in operating the kingdom life among God’s people.” If an individual decided to disobey or decided to not follow the rules of the pattern of this world, God would considered that type of behavior as an upside down life style. If you are an authentic discipline you would follow the guidelines of the beatitudes. “Jesus was looking to set goals in the beatitudes and the whole Sermon on the Mount. These goals should not be seen as impossible ideals, rather a new kind of life that strives,permeats and change lives”(Robinson, et al.).
N.T Wright (2008) stated that “When we read the scriptures as Christians, we read it precisely as people of the new covenant and of the new creation” (p.281). In this statement, the author reveals a paradigm of scriptural interpretation that exists for him as a Christian, theologian, and profession and Bishop. When one surveys the entirety of modern Christendom, one finds a variety of methods and perspectives on biblical interpretation, and indeed on the how one defines the meaning in the parables of Jesus. Capon (2002) and Snodgrass (2008) offer differing perspectives on how one should approach the scriptures and how the true sense of meaning should be extracted. This paper will serve as a brief examination of the methodologies presented by these two authors. Let us begin, with an
...between the ways of God and the ways of Satan. We cannot trust society, or others to tell us differently. Paul writes, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5). A Christians, we must dedicate our lives to obeying God and our way of life, our Christian ethical code. We must live our lives with great dignity and moral character.
Jesus, however, has many different beliefs. He believes there is a certain way to live in order to achieve the greater things in the afterlife. For doing the right thing for god is the way we all need to live. At times it can seem very radical. For example, Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount "Whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery," and "If you say, 'You fool, ' you will be liable to the hell of
There are several aspects to consider when exploring the Christian worldview. There are many facets or denominations and they each have their own distinct beliefs and practices, but they all share the same fundamental beliefs. In this Paper we will explore the character of God, His creation, humanity and its nature, Jesus’ significance to the world, and the restoration of humanity, as well as my beliefs and the way that I interact with Christianity and my personal worldview.
As we have looked in to the Christian worldview of God, our humanity, the Son of God, and the restoration of our lives back into God’s purpose. Now we have a better understanding of what it means to be a member of the Christian community. God wants believers to dwell in union and in community having the same mind that is in Jesus Christ (Phil 2:1-11). This paper showed how God and Jesus Christ are at the fundamental core of all Christian beliefs regardless of the countless differences many Christians may
Lloyd-Jones, David M. Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans, 1976. Print
God’s written law is something that is and should be continuously turned, to not only when Christians find themselves in need, but also throughout in one’s daily life. The four gospels tell to story of Jesus’ life and his teachings he gave while on the earth making it possible for there to be a true example of Christ-like faith. The proposition that there are differences in the story of Jesus and in his teachings seems to question the basis upon which the Christian faith is found upon. Rather than proclaiming the gospels as falsehoods because on the differences they possess, by analyzing the differences in the context of the particular gospel it can be understood that the differences are not made by mistake, rather as a literary device. While the four gospels have differences and similarities, they cannot be regarded as an argument against the faith because their differences are what point to the many aspects of Christ.
Jesus however, has much different beliefs. He believes there is a certain way to live in order to achieve the greater things in the after life. For doing the right thing for god is the way we all need to live. At times in the story “Sermon on the mount,” it can sound very radical. Saying things such as "Whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery," and "If you say, 'You fool, ' you will be liable to the hell of
Loving people unconditionally was another aspect of Jesus’ worship lifestyle. The Gospels depict countless examples of Jesus interacting with people. Every interaction was filled with love. He met people’s needs when he healed the sick and the blind and the dumb. He met the needs of the hungry thousands. The marginalized of society were always on His mind. From the women to the children, the aliens and the outcasts, He was a...
His book presents three main perspectives on Christology (biblical, historical, and contemporary). He attempts to combine classical views and contextual views of Christology.
The Messiah left the people hopeful by explaining how easy it is to enter the kingdom of Heaven. According to Matthew 5:3-12, the people with righteous hearts will definitely inherit the kingdom of Heaven. Jesus inspires everyone to be humble, merciful, peaceful, and kind to one another, and he also mentions the importance of forgiveness and love several times, portraying his loving nature. Christ warns the nations to not fear persecution, because their reward in heaven will be great. Jesus mentions that Christians are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. However, salt without saltiness is worthless; hence, Christians without spiritual knowledge won’t get far in life. Christ motivates Christians to stand out by being loving, kind, compassionate; a reflection of Jesus so that unbelievers are eager to become Christians as well (New International Version, Matt.5:13-17). Additionally, he mentions the consequences of murder, adultery, and divorce. He talks about the sincerity of oaths and the importance of loving your enemies and giving to the poor. Jesus preaches about the importance of prayer because it is the way of communicating with the Lord. The Lord favors intimate and personal prayers over hypocritical prayers in public (New International Version, Matt.5.21-33,43, 6.1-5,25). Christ mentions the
According to a survey by one research group, there are more “born again Christians” getting married than any other group. Nevertheless, 26% of those surveyed were “Evangelical Christians,” who indicated that their marriage had ended in divorce. It is unfortunate that today’s culture has “grown comfortable with divorce.” In America, divorce is commonly accepted as well as becoming “a natural part of life.” Moreover, most materials found today on divorce and remarriage are not based on Scripture, but “life experience and opinions.” Unfortunately, getting a divorce is definitely a modern-day tragedy. Nevertheless, as pointed out by many authors, “the concept of divorce is biblical.” Therefore, it is imperative to establish a solid view on divorce and remarriage. Therefore, a correct view is one that is grounded on the Bible, rather than personal opinion.