Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Setting Your Standard Too Low? Until May 6, 1954, the four-minute mile was thought to be impossible. On that date, Roger Banister did the impossible. And, within just a few weeks, several others had also run the mile in less than four minutes. We had set the standard for distance races too low. The record for the “high jump” back then was 6 feet 10 inches, and the height at which the “bar" was set for the beginning of international competition was usually 6 feet 4 inches. A brash young man came on the scene declaring that competition should begin at the official record height of 6 feet 10 inches. He did not get his wish, but for the next eight months, national and world records were broken, some by that brash young man. Today we look upon those old records as an indication that, with proper training, athletes were capable of more than we had realized. We had set their standard too low. Jesus set a standard of spirituality for us that has been largely ignored. When men and women discuss their “religion,” it is apparent that they have set the “bar” far too low. It appears that being a Christian consists of merely believing in God, attending a religious service three or four times a year, not abusing their children or stealing from their neighbor. Surely, no one can look at where Jesus set the “bar” for righteous living and compare modern man’s standard favorably. Lest we forget, note in your mind and your Bible that Jesus set a standard that is much higher than man’s: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth,” 1 Peter 2:20-22. Did you see the words? Do you get the picture? Jesus “did no sin,” and we are to “follow his steps.” How does that standard compare with man’s “standards?” Someone may suggest that God never expected man to reach such a high standard. However, just as in the “high jump,” man does not excel until he sets his sights on a standard that is higher than it has been in the past. Jesus lived a life that is worthy of our imitation, and the following traits He possessed should also be ours: He was obedient to His Father "I do always those things that please him,” John 8:29. “As the Father gave me commandment, so I do,” John 14:31. His love was as great as the Father’s love “Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him…be thou clean,” Mark 1:41. “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him!” Mark 10:21. He possessed moral courage “Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? But, lo, he speaketh boldly” John 7:25-26. “[He] was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” Hebrews 4:15. He did not shrink from responsibility “He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? know ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” Luke 2:49. “Jesus saith unto them, My food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work,” John 4:34. He was focused “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. “Jesus said, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God,” Luke 9:62. He spoke plainly “Jesus…Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,” John 3:3. “I said that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins,” John 8:24. He was willing to serve “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many,” Matt 20:28. “He rose from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. and began to wash the disciples' feet, and wipe them with the towel,” John 13:4-5. These and many other qualities serve as a role-model for us, giving us an example worthy of following. And we are given the task of doing just that. Where have you set the “bar” in reference to your life and your example. Are you content to be just a “pew-warmer”? Do you truly believe that in giving just your leftovers to Christ that you are “follow[ing] his steps”? Are you focused on your Christian influence? Are you willing to serve? Or do you expect everyone else to do the work? Can you, with a good conscience, say you are following in His steps? The words of Isaiah sound so familiar in these times: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,” Isaiah 55:8-9. Is it not time for us to “count the cost” of being His disciple, and then get busy with the work He has given? Jesus needs workers. He needs you! Carl B. Garner

"Does It Really Make a Difference? (Part 2 of 4 parts) “WHICH CHURCH MAKES A DIFFERENCE” – The whole fabric of denominationalism is like that of competitive advertising. A denomination is “joined” because it offers something that appeals to certain people. Another offers something different and appeals to different people. All this has given rise to another popular saying, “Join the church of your choice.” But the real question should be: “Do these denominations exist by the authority of Jesus Christ?” Jesus promised, “I will build my church,” Matthew 16:18. If that church were one among many authorized by God, that would leave us with a choice. But Jesus never built “churches”, and He never authorized denominations. The church which Jesus built is His body: “He is the head of the body, the church,” Colossians 1:18. How many bodies does Jesus have? That church is His bride, His wife, Ephesians 5:21-32. How many brides does Jesus have? Listen to the prayer of Jesus to the Father. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me,” John 17:20-21. Surely no one would contend that denominations are the answer to that prayer! Jesus prayed for unity of all believers, not for believers to be separated into warring denominations. When the Christians at Corinth divided into denominations over 1900 years ago, it was condemned by the Lord and the folly of it was clearly shown. “Let their be no divisions among you…Is Christ divided?” I Corinthians 1:10-13. Denominations were wrong in Corinth then. They are wrong in your home town and in my home town today. If our only option were to choose from among man-made churches, we could conclude it makes no difference. But Jesus built one church, Matthew 16:18. He shed His blood for one church, Acts 20:28. He is head of one church, Colossians 1:18. He is the Savior of one church, Ephesians 5:23. He is husband to one church, Ephesians 5:21-32. Jesus saves people and adds them to that one church, Acts 2:41,47, which was bought with His blood, Acts 20:28. What is the difference? Christ makes the difference. It is His church, and that means it is His choice! Clem Thurman, Gospel Minutes Note: Next week, , the conclusion. What Difference Does Baptism Make? and What Difference Does Our Worship Make?