Greetings from the TRUE NORTH STRONG AND FREE...
Got this from a fellow canadian pastor, Dave Harness, Victory Baptist in
Alberta.
It was in his Sunday's Pastor Pen --
UNDERSTANDING STANDARDS
¦lift up a standard for the people (Isaiah 62:10)
If you think that standards are arbitrary dos and donts, you dont really
understand standards.ÿ Standards that are properly derived and properly
applied are a great benefit to the people of God.ÿ Twenty-two times the words
standard or standards are found in the Bible.ÿ There are three thingsabout
standards we need to understand:
A STANDARD IS A PLACE TO STAND
The Hebrew word for standard is also translated banner or ensign.ÿ In the
wilderness, each tribe of Israel had an ensign, a standard, set up where
they were to camp.ÿ Also in battle, a standard, or flag, would lead the
troops into battle.ÿ The root word of standard is stand; hence, a
standard is a place to stand.ÿ Jesus is the Christians standard.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews
12:2).ÿ Our standard is not some denomination, movement, or mortal
man only Jesus. ÿHe it is that has been lifted up for us. And as Moses
lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be
lifted up (John 3:14).ÿ Let us rally around our Lord Jesus and exalt His
glorious name!
A STANDARD IS A LEVEL OF QUALITY
In our English language, the word standard is also used as a measure of quality
or goal to strive for.ÿ It is like a measuring stick to determine the level of
quality.ÿ The Cadillac automobile advertises itself as the standard of
excellence.ÿ Jesus is the Christians level of quality to be strived for.ÿ We
are ¦to be conformed to the image of His Son[Jesus] (Romans 8:29).ÿ
Standards are not to be measuring sticks to condemn others or
commend ourselves.ÿ For ¦ they measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not
wise (II Corinthians 10:12).ÿ Jesus Christ is our measuring stick. At
what level is our godliness, holiness, and righteousness?ÿ Lets not be
mediocre as Christians, rather ¦ approve things that are excellent
(Philippians 1:10).
STANDARDS HELP KEEP US ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Just as train tracks allow a train to move ahead in the right direction, Biblical
standards allow us to move ahead in Christian growth.ÿ Standards are like
guardrails that keep us from slipping into error or reproach.ÿ Biblical
standards are solely based upon the commands and principles of Scripture.ÿ
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm
119:105).ÿ We dont need pharisaical standards, which are man-made
traditions (Mark 7:7-13), which actually lead astray.
In this day of confusion and error, let us not cast off standards, as some have,
but, rather lift up a standard for the people.ÿ Ill camp there, brother!
Pastor Harness
Pastor Jeff Hallmark SPRUCELAND BAPTIST CHURCH
~~~Presenting the Prince of Peace to Prince George~~~