Date

11-2021

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Daryl F. Rodriguez

Keywords

Kingdon, Heaven, Matthew's, Gospel

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to clear up the misunderstanding that exists in Matthew’s Gospel. This project focuses on clarifying how a better understanding of the differences between the “kingdom of heaven” and the “kingdom of God” in Matthew’s Gospel which in turn will impact the lives of Christians today. As this study will reveal, each phrase has a unique usage that was important to the original audience. Matthew’s aim in writing his Gospel were, not only to strengthen the spiritual disposition of his church, but also to assist his readers in rediscovering their true identity. The Jewish setting of Matthew also explains his preference for the term “kingdom of heaven” rather than “kingdom of God,” while in the other synoptic Gospels, Jesus regularly employed the phrase “the kingdom of God” addressing their Gentile audience. The usage of the two phrases has implications for those who seek to live out the teachings of Matthew’s Gospel today. This project focuses on developing this area of research within a group of participants from Word Warriors Ministries to gain insight into the importance of evangelism, seeking the kingdom of heaven, and deepening one’s relationship with Christ.

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