Do Christ’s commands in Matthew 5:38 – 48 preclude a follower of Chris resisting injustice with force?  Tim Edwards shares that he believes the breadth of scripture does not assume all Christians are to be pacifists.

This week Tim reminds us that we must examine our hearts and seek forgiveness before we receive communion. 

In this teaching by Larry Nigh we look at  the history of military service by Christians from the first century to the present and the “Just War Theory” with Scriptures used to support it. We look at examples of how to actively respond to injustice without the use of violence. We also deal with some “but what about…?” issues. This message is Part 2 of 2.

This sermon by Larry Nigh discusses the topic of Enemy Love and Christian Pacifism. Starting with the differences between the OT and NT, we go on to discuss the qualities of Agape Love and it’s importance in the Christian walk. We cover NT passages from the Sermon on the Mount, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and Romans 12. This message is Part 1 of 2.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is exposing the need for a righteousness that surpsses that of the Pharisees, a righteousness that addresses not just the Letter of the Law but also its Spirit. In speaking about claims and commitments bolstered by oaths or vows, He calls for integrity over theatrics.

This week Tim reminds us that Jesus humbled Himself to pay the price for our sin.  We must set aside our pride to follow him.

Jesus is continuing to address the concept of a righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees…a true righteousness that is only found in Him. The shallow “righteousness” of the Pharisees allowed for a diluted understanding of marriage and consequently the issuance of certificates of divorce.

This week Andrew Pauls shares from the book of Nehemiah about rebuilding and dedicating the wall around Jerusalem.  The joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar as their sense of God’s presence was restored.  Through communion we also celebrate the symbol of our restoration with God.  With joy we celebrate our coming into His presence.

Red Letter Jesus:

Because we know that there is no threat of condemnation once we are in Christ, we can be free to be vulnerable and authentic in addressing the concealed sins of the heart.

It would be easy to misconstrue Jesus’ teaching that the Kingdom of Heaven is only available to those whose righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees’. He is not teaching that we need to be better, more disciplined, less hypocritical than the religious leaders of the day. He is suggesting that a righteousness that is attained by some means other than human effort is required.