Articles
God Sets The Standard
GOD SETS THE STANDARD! If we listen and obey God's Word we easily can see He sets the standard in our lives. We know to FEAR HIM, is to respect and revere all He says in His Word. In this way we follow His Will and not our own. (Matthew 7:21)
One basic definition of the word STANDARD is: "an authorized measure by which the accuracy of all others is determined." So, since He sets the standard, we use His Word as a source for all we do. By gaining a knowledge of that Word, we make decisions in a way that pleases Him and not ourselves. The New Testament provides a standard for our lives today.
"He who rejects Me, and does receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the WORD I SPOKE is what will judge him at the last day." (John 12:48)
"For the WORD OF GOD is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the hears." (Hebrews 4;12)
God set the standard for all others: Jesus, His Son has been given ALL AUTHORITY by the Father. (Matthew 28:18). He is our example and authority during our lives on earth. (1 Peter 2:21)
"And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins."(Matthew 1:21)
"For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, "
(1 Peter 2:21)
After Jesus went back to heaven, He delegated authority to His apostles who would learn and record that authority in the New Testament. This being done by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this way, we have the divine authority by God's Word to know and live by today. What a wonderful blessing He has given us. Guidance for us now and a way to heaven! (John 14)
"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. " (John 14:16,17)
Jesus, and the life He lived on earth and the sacrifice He made for us now completes God's plan for us -- the GOSPEL OF CHRIST. (Romans 1:16)
By doing the Father's will, living without sin, and His death, burial, and resurrection, He has made that plan possible. He built His church by that blood shed on the cross. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2).
Our part in God's plan is to obey His Word, the Gospel Plan, just as they did in Acts chapter 2. On that day they were baptized after repenting of their sins and were added to the Lord's church. (Acts 2:47) We follow the same plan as they did. We do the same as they did many years ago, resulting in the same blessings---being added to His church to live a life of serving Him and obeying His Word. We take on ourselves that special name---CHRISTIAN. Are we being thankful for all He has done for us? I think we need to do that every day, and every hour. Thanks for a bit of your time.
Ross
