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Kingdom Relationships Anger and Reconciliation

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:21:00 GMT

Anger and Reconciliation

In this series on Kingdom Relationships, we turn our attention to a foundational passage on human relationships found in the Gospel of Matthew. The Sermon on the Mount is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance, and this morning, we delve into a significant segment of this sermon, focusing on anger, reconciliation, and the heart. This sermon by Jesus, the greatest preacher who ever lived, serves as a profound guide for us to navigate the intricacies of human relationships.

**Recap: Fulfilling the Law**

In our previous discussion, we explored how Jesus did not come to abolish the Old Testament law but to fulfill it. His life and ministry were the embodiment of the intended purpose of the Old Testament Scriptures. The law finds its fulfillment in Christ, as he is the ultimate focus to whom the Scriptures point. In essence, Jesus laid the foundation for his Sermon on the Mount in verses 17-20, emphasizing the enduring significance of God's law.

**The Sixth Commandment: "Thou Shalt Not Murder"**

Today, we begin to unpack six examples presented by Jesus to serve as his authoritative interpretation of God's Law. He challenges and refines our understanding of the law, beginning with the sixth commandment, "Thou shall not murder."

One might wonder, "What does an exposition on murder have to do with me?" The answer is everything, as this morning's text is one of the fundamental passages on human relationships in the Bible. Our goal is to understand the true intention behind the law, going beyond mere external observance to examine the condition of our hearts.

**The Principle Proclaimed: Matthew 5:21**

The prohibition against murder is one of the most universally accepted moral principles. The gravity of taking another person's life is deeply ingrained in our societal conscience. However, it wasn't until later in the biblical narrative that God explicitly addressed and outlawed murder. After the flood, which was a response to humanity's rampant violence, God established the penalty for murder in Genesis 9:6. It was here that God declared that "whoever sheds human blood, by humans his blood will be shed, for God made humans in his image." The severity of the penalty underscores the sanctity of human life, as each person is created in the image of God.

Likewise, the Jewish audience listening to Jesus would have been familiar with the sixth commandment from the Old Testament, "Do not murder" (Exodus 20:13). This commandment encapsulated the gravity of taking another person's life. However, as Jesus unfolds his interpretation of the law, he reveals that the law is not merely concerned with external actions but also with the underlying attitudes and emotions that lead to those actions.

**The Principle Defined: Matthew 5:22**

In this section of the sermon, Jesus contrasts his teaching with the traditional interpretation of the law by the Jewish religious authorities. He emphasizes the importance of the heart and motives. The verse, Matthew 5:22, states, "But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire."

Jesus clarifies that the prohibition against murder is not solely about the physical act of killing someone. Rather, it extends to the internal attitudes and emotions that precede the act of murder. He teaches that harboring anger, insults, or contempt for another person is equivalent to committing murder in one's heart. This interpretation is a profound shift from mere external compliance with the law to an examination of the inner disposition.

It's crucial to understand that Jesus is not advocating for a life devoid of righteous anger. There is a place for righteous indignation when confronted with sin and injustice. In those cases, anger is directed at sin, not the sinner. However, Jesus emphasizes that personal offenses and grudges should not be the cause of anger. He underscores the need to distinguish between righteous and unrighteous anger.

**Dealing with Anger**

As we consider Jesus's teaching on anger, it leads us to reflect on our own lives. Have we allowed anger, bitterness, and hatred to fester in our hearts? The gravity of Jesus's words should not be underestimated. He equates harboring anger and contempt for others with the act of murder. The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart, and we all stand guilty in the light of Jesus's words.

Anger is an emotion we have all experienced at some point in our lives. While righteous anger has its place, it should not consume us. It is essential to differentiate between righteous and unrighteous anger. The Bible offers guidance on managing anger and ensuring it does not lead to sinful thoughts and actions. Verses like Psalm 37:8, Proverbs 14:29, Ecclesiastes 7

Are There Apostles Today? A Biblical Answer.

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:06:30 GMT

Are There Apostles Today? A Biblical Answer.

One question that occasionally arises in Christian circles is whether apostles still exist today. In fact, I have conversations regarding this topic multiple times a year. If this is something you have been mulling over, I hope the following article helps.

Some claim that the office of apostle continues and that modern leaders can hold this title. Others point out that the New Testament (NT) refers to more than just the Twelve as apostles, suggesting a broader application of the term.

But what does Scripture actually teach? Did God intend for the office of apostle to continue, or was it unique to the first-century church?

1. The Biblical Qualifications for an Apostle

When the apostles replaced Judas, Peter laid out specific qualifications:

“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21–22, ESV)

These qualifications tell us that an apostle had to:

Be an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ
Have followed Jesus from His baptism to His ascension

Clearly, no one today meets these criteria. While Paul was an exception (1 Cor. 15:8–9), his apostleship was validated by a direct and unique appearance of Christ (Acts 9:3–6).

2. The Apostles Had a Unique Role in the Church’s Foundation

Paul describes the church as:

“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20)

A foundation is laid once, not repeatedly. The apostles were given unique authority to establish the doctrine of the church (John 14:26; Acts 2:42). Since this foundation was laid in the first century, the need for apostles ceased.

3. The Twelve Were a Limited and Closed Group

Revelation 21:14 gives a striking image of the New Jerusalem:

“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

This shows that the number of “Apostles of the Lamb” was fixed at twelve—not an ever-expanding group.

4. What About Others Called “Apostles” in the NT?

It is true that the NT refers to others (e.g., Barnabas in Acts 14:14) as apostolos (Greek: ἀπόστολος), but this term can mean “sent one” or “messenger.” For example, in 2 Corinthians 8:23, Paul calls certain individuals “messengers” (apostoloi) of the churches.

This broader use does not mean these individuals held the same authority as the Twelve. The office of Apostle of Christ was unique to those personally chosen and commissioned by Jesus.

5. No Instructions to Appoint Successors

Unlike elders and deacons (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1), there are no NT instructions for replacing apostles beyond the original Twelve and Paul. When the apostles died, their role was not transferred to others.

Conclusion: The Apostolic Office Has Ceased

Based on Scripture, the apostolic office was unique to the first-century church. Here’s why:

Apostles had to be eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ (Acts 1:21–22).
They laid the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20), which is a one-time event.
The Twelve were a fixed and closed group (Rev. 21:14).
The broader term apostolos was used for messengers, not authoritative church leaders.
The NT never commands appointing new apostles.

Because of these biblical truths, we can confidently say that there are no apostles today. Anyone claiming this title misunderstands the qualifications and purpose of the apostolic office. Instead, we look to Scripture, which the apostles left us, as the final authority for faith and practice.

What Should We Focus On Instead?

Rather than seeking modern apostles, we should focus on what the apostles taught—God’s Word. Their writings, preserved in the New Testament, are sufficient to guide us in faith, doctrine, and life.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

God has already given us everything we need. Let’s stand firm on His Word.

The Apostles Creed

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:04:30 GMT

Last week, when we recited the Apostles' Creed, I noticed some confusion regarding the line, "We believe in the Holy Catholic Church." This confusion is understandable because the word "Catholic" has long been associated with a specific denomination: the Roman Catholic Church.

However, in the first two centuries of Christianity, this term was used to convey that the church is universal. This means that the Church is present all over the world and includes people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.

The Creed’s language expresses this universality. The church is not confined by ethnicity, geography, culture, or era. It speaks to the worldwide people of God throughout the ages. It does not imply that everyone on earth is part of the church, but rather that anyone who repents of their sin and trusts in Christ will be saved, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what they have done (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9–13).

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary;
suffered under Pontius Pilate;
was crucified, dead, and buried;
he descended into hell;
the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there, he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit;
the holy catholic church [universal church];
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.

Amen.