24-1124a - The Christian Standard, Part 1, Jim Lokenbauer
Bible Readers: Stephen Tuck and Roger Raines

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The Christian Standard, Part 1

Summary of Transcript (0:04 - 24:49)

Scripture Readings:

1st Scripture Reading (0:04 - 0:38), Stephen Tuck

  • Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-3 is read, highlighting God’s communication through prophets historically and now through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is described as the heir of all things, the creator of the world, the radiance of God’s glory, and the one who upholds everything by His power. Jesus, after purification of sins, sits at the right hand of divine majesty.

2nd Scripture Reading (0:43 - 1:05), Roger Raines

  • Scripture: Romans 1:16 is read, emphasizing that the gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, both Jew and Greek.

Summary

Preacher: Jim Lokenbauer

(1:10 - 2:17) Sermon Introduction - The Christian Standard

  • The speaker begins with a brief morning greeting and a compliment to the song choice before the sermon.

  • Theme: The sermon focuses on the Christian standard, which is the Bible.

  • Definition of Standard: Uses the example of the Soviet Union’s hammer and sickle to explain a standard as a symbol.

(2:18 - 2:58) Discussion on Standards and Symbols

  • Symbols of Standards:

    • The Soviet flag with the hammer and sickle symbolized anti-God sentiments and communism’s global reach.

    • Standards can be represented by flags or emblems.

(2:59 - 4:58) Further Exploration of Standards

  • Historical and Biblical Standards:

    • Flags historically symbolized ideas or rulers, like English kings' banners.

    • Hammurabi’s Code as an ancient legal standard.

    • Christianity’s standard is God’s Word, compared with the Roman Catholic emblematic cross.

(4:58 - 9:47) Superstition and Correct Worship

  • Superstition in Christianity:

    • Warning against idolizing religious icons, focusing on the creator rather than creations.

    • Example of Moses' bronze serpent, which became an object of worship, leading to its destruction by Hezekiah.

(9:48 - 10:11) Biblical Standards

  • Misuse of Symbols:

    • "Nehushtan" - the serpent became an idol, despite its initial purpose for healing.

(10:13 - 11:04) Biblical Examples of Standards

  • Biblical Banners:

    • Moses' altar named "The Lord is my banner" and Solomon’s reference to love as a banner.

(11:04 - 14:59) The Bible as God’s Standard

  • God’s Word:

    • The Bible is divinely inspired, useful for all aspects of righteous living (2 Timothy 3:16).

    • Its preservation over time, unlike other ancient texts, supports its divine nature.

(15:02 - 17:39) Divine Inspiration and Its Implications

  • Inspiration by the Holy Spirit:

    • Biblical authors were often unaware of the full implications of their writings, indicating divine inspiration.

    • Angels, though not omniscient, are curious about God’s plan as revealed in scripture.

(17:42 - 20:06) Purpose of Biblical Teachings

  • Learning from Scripture:

    • Scriptures are instructional, providing hope and warnings against evil practices.

    • Serve as a life guide, history, and moral compass.

(20:10 - 22:04) The Bible as a Standard for Self-Reflection

  • God as the Ultimate Teacher - Divine Teaching:

    • Matthew 23:10 is quoted, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the ultimate teacher, with the Bible as the standard by which humans can measure and understand themselves from God’s perspective.

    • Hebrews 4:12 (implied) will be discussed later regarding how God’s word is living and active, discerning thoughts and attitudes.

  • Scriptural Mirror:

    • James 1:23-25 compares God’s word to a mirror, reflecting our true spiritual state, aiming for us to see Christ in ourselves.

(22:03 - 24:49) Spiritual Nourishment Through Scripture

  • Sustenance of the Soul:

    • Jesus’s teaching that humans need more than physical bread, referencing Matthew 4:4, equates the word of God to spiritual sustenance.

    • John 6:35 is cited where Jesus declares Himself as the bread of life, promising spiritual fulfillment to those who come to Him.

  • Importance of Obedience to God’s Word:

    • Moses emphasized the vital role of God’s word for life, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:45-47, urging Israel to teach it to their children.

    • The sermon underscores that obedience to God’s word from Genesis to Revelation is crucial for eternal life.

    • Jesus’s words are likened to rivers of living water leading to eternal life, encouraging acceptance of His teachings.

  • Judgement and Salvation:

    • Quoting John 12:47-48, it’s made clear that Jesus’s words will judge us in the end, emphasizing the need to know and live by His word.

    • Salvation is offered through belief and obedience to Jesus, who desires everyone’s salvation due to His love and sacrifice.

(End of Transcript) Conclusion and Invitation

  • Invitation:

    • The sermon concludes with an invitation for anyone needing assistance or spiritual support from the congregation, with an invitation song to follow.