Griffith Baptist Church

Raising the “Standard”

 

Isaiah 59:19

 

Abraham - Faith

 

Moses – Law

 

David – Praise and Worship

 

Jesus – Mercy and Forgiveness

 

Each set a standard for the people of God.  He has set a similar standard for His people today. Thru the Church!

 

Pictures of Standards and Banners

 

Standards give instruction and provide organization:

            When Moses was set to lead the people out of bondage, Joshua had the people set the tribal standards to the north, east, south and west of the Tabernacle;

 

            Romans used standards to give battle instruction to it’s armies.

 

            Modern American military use Patches on uniforms to establish the standard that organizes them into units and battalions.

           

            We frequently use the same idea of standards now to inform people in there travels…Signs giving direction and signs directing us to malls gas stations and the like.

 

God sets the standard for us here in the Holy Scriptures, giving instruction.

 

 

Faith – Abraham:          Leaving Ur for the Promised Land. Gen 12                              

                                    Going to Egypt with Sarah was a faith failure.  Gen. 12

                                    Entering into covenant with God about his future son.  Gen. 15

                                    Having a child with hagar was a failure of Faith.  Gen 16

                                    Taking Isaac to be sacrificed.  Gen 22

                                    Finding a wife for Isaac taught Isaac about faith. Gen. 24

 

Law – Moses               Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are filled with ordinary and

Extraordinary examples rules and laws God’s people were to follow in order to be healthy, responsible, just, effective in there relationships.

 

Praise and Worship -  David in Ps. 23

                                    Notice the first half of this song that was probably sung to Saul to help him find peace in his soul.  Remember he was paranoid and disturbed by Samuel leaving him and losing God’s favor.

Then in the second half watch what happens.

 

Mercy and Forgivness – Jesus:  Love your neighbor, Love your enemies, Turn the other cheek,

 

Now:  I don’t believe that God intended us to  forget Faith when the law was given.  Don’t foget Faith and Law when Praise and Worship is given.

Don’t forget all three when He delivers to us the concept of forgivness!

 

The Church has done this in the church age:  God has sent us revelations about the church, standards to help guide and organize our church but we throw one away when the latest comes along.

 

We were given structure and formality, and organization by the first church, the catholics.

We were given a greater focus on relationship with the Protestant movement.

We given freedom to worship and enjoy that relationship when the Apostolic and Pentacostal movements were given to us. Vocal, active, demonstrative praise!

We are given a new way to reach modern families who have different dynamics when we were given the non_denominational movement and mega churches.

 

I would encourage us not to be hasty in dismissing our history.  There is much to learn from the standards that God brings us in our faith. Christianity is the whole package, not just one or two who think they are the only ones who are right.  I know many pastors from many denominations very well.  I am glad to say that they all express to me the desire for all to know Christ and fellowship together someday in Heaven.  I want that too.  I want to see each one of you in Heaven!  Don’t let deviciveness destract us from the mission.  There is room for all of these standards.  Each Tribe had a different standard in Israel, but they all were directed to ONE TRUE GOD!

 

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, learn from all that God has given us and use what we learn to find the best ways to lead people to saving knowledge of Christ! Let’s join with all who love Christ and Raise a new Standard in the Church.  We are all the Church. Let’s work together with our neighbors.

 

God Bless you all