Category: #3 Bible Study – Standards of Christian Faith

By Kathy L. McFarland

Matthew 5:27–28 (KJV 1900)
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

This lecture is on a very important part of the Standards of Jesus Christ. Unlike the LORD God’s first children, His Chosen people that are part of Judaism, who are only required to obey His commandments literally, Christ’s standards are more detailed and deeper. Not only does Christ require adherence to the Commandments of the LORD God, He also requires diligence of the heart. He uses the example of lust in the heart that is just as sinful as doing the deed. Those that follow Jesus Christ accept His Standards and strive mightily to meet each of His requirements to be His people.

But here is the problem. Satan is quite aware that Christ’s baptism frees His Followers of original sin. The likelihood of Baptized Believers breaking the Commandments of God literally are slim. However, Satan knows that if He can corrupt the heart, that Christ will count that in His Standards as disobedience to God, and the devil becomes successful in his efforts.

Lust in the heart is the worst possible conflict every Christian must fight against. It is critical that you understand this condition fully and are armed with smart rules of engagement that give you the ability to keep Satan away from your heart. But this is important: Unless you take serious control over what enters your heart, you are susceptible as a Christian to having it contaminated with unrighteous and evil things. So not only are you tasked with obeying Christ’s Standards, you also must guard against Satan disrupting that obedience by corrupting your heart. Let’s get to work and see what Scripture has to offer us concerning the spiritual condition of lust that contaminates the heart.

(Special Note: During this lecture, please examine each Scripture carefully, and look at my Statements of Fact (SOF). See how concise I write my SOF’s and capture the full Truth of God. From this point on, please note the SOF’s into your learning, so your SOF’s can be powerful in your own personal study of the Word of God.)

1 John 2:15–17 (KJV 1900)
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Lust – 2123 ἐπιθυμία (epithymia), ας (as), ἡ (hē): n.fem.; ≡ Str 1939; TDNT 3.168—1. LN 25.12 deep desire, longing (Mk 4:19; Lk 22:15; Php 1:23; 1Th 2:17+); 2. LN 25.20 lust, coveting, craving (Gal 5:16; 1Ti 6:9; 2Ti 2:22; 1Pe 1:14)

1. Christians should not love the world.

2. Christians should not love the things that are in the world.

3. If anyone loves the world, then the love of the LORD God Father is not within them.

4. There are three things that are not of the Father LORD God, but of the world:
a. Lust of the flesh
1a. Lust of the flesh wars against the soul. (1 Peter 2:11)

2a. The works of the flesh are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like. (Galatians 5:18-21)

b. Lust of the eyes
c. Pride of life

5. If a Christian has any of these conditions, they are not of the Father.

6. When this world ends and passes away, so will to the lusts within it.

7. Those who do not have the lust are doing the will of the LORD God and they will live forever.

8. The Greek word for Lust means the deep desire or longing for something; coveting is another word for lust.

Galatians 5:16–17 (KJV 1900)
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

9. Walk in the Holy Spirit, and you will not have the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16-18)

10. The flesh lusts against the Holy Spirit; and the Holy Spirit is against the flesh.

Lusts of the Heart

Mark 4:18–19 (KJV 1900)
18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

11. Christ says the following ENTER INTO a person, choke the Word of God, and become unfruitful according to His Parable, “Sower of Seeds.” (Note it does not originate from the person but enters into!)
a. Cares of this world
b. Deceitfulness of riches
c. Lusts of other things

12. Also note that the way Mark 4:18-19 is worded (“lusts of other things”), both the cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches are lusts also.

Mark 7:20–23 (KJV 1900)
20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

13. HOWEVER!!! That which COMES OUT of people, defiles them.

14. Those things that COME OUT of people’s HEARTS are:
a. Evil thoughts
b. Adulteries
c. Fornications
d. Murders
e. Thefts
f. Covetousness
g. Wickedness
h. Deceit
i. Lasciviousness
j. Evil eye
k. Blasphemy
l. Pride
m. Foolishness

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland:
Are you understanding what Scripture tells us about the difference between those things that come from outside our bodies and enter into us, and those that develop inside our bodies in our hearts?

Cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and lust for “other things” enters into us and develops into all sorts of terrible lust inside our heart. Those lusts of the heart are the things that cause us to sin and be in disobedience to the Lord. Those lusts in the heart are interrelated to our development of all sins known to mankind.

It is not just about adultery. Look at SOF #14. All those things can develop in our hearts. Where do those things come from? Look at SOF #11. They come from outside the person’s body. The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and lustfulness of other things go into the body, and drastically affect the heart of the Believer.

When the believer has absorbed these things from the world, the heart becomes corrupted, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. Once that corruption happens, thoughts come to the Believer from the heart that are NOT righteous or pure. The corrupted heart becomes part of the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and it becomes more and more difficult to be guided by Him.

Do I need to tell you that Satan desires to get into your heart and control you from the inside? He doesn’t dare come close to your heart, because he knows that the Holy Spirit dwells within. So, Satan has figured out a way to squeeze into your heart that doesn’t require his presence. He doesn’t want to be clobbered! So, he injects the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and other lustful things into the presence of the Christian, and if the Christian does not shield, corruption starts seeping in.

At this point, the heart begins doing sins of the flesh (SOF #4 (2a)). Soon the fallen Christian walks away from the Lord and embraces the things of this wicked world. The End.

(Hint: Say NO! to fancy clothes, seeking wealth, manipulating people to be successful in the world, worldly tricks and treats, connections to powerful entities in the world, titles to gain peoples respect, worldly sexual pleasures and practices, etc. Quit seeking fame, fortune, and fantastic opportunities!

Stay humble and focused upon the Word of God, reject the world and all its riches, and keep your attention upon the Holy Spirit’s guidance always!)

May the Lord help keep us from our foolishness! Amen.

By Kathy L McFarland

115. (True or False) If you follow all the Standards of Christ recorded in the New Testament, you will be following God’s law perfectly. (Introduction)
a. True
b. False

116. (True or False) Christians follow God’s law specifically. (Introduction)

a. True
b. False

117. (True or False) Christians follow the Standards of Christ which reflect the Laws of the LORD God plus more! (Introduction)

a. True
b. False

118. (True or False) Christian leaders should teach the Standards of Christ to all Christians under their authority. (Introduction)

a. True
b. False

119. (True or False) Young Christians should be taught the Standards of Christ at every opportunity. (Introduction)

a. True
b. False

120. (True or False) The Holy Spirit flows through each Christian so they can follow the Standards of Christ. (Introduction)

a. True
b. False

121. (True or False) Mature Christians should focus upon the standards of Christ rather than the Laws of the LORD God. (Introduction)

a. True
b. False

122. (Fill in the blank) Followers of Jesus Christ are the __________________ of the earth. (Matthew 5:13)

a. Righteous
b. Sacrificed
c. Persecuted
d. Salt

123. What is the Greek meaning for the word “earth” in this one instance of Matthew 5:13?

a. Grounded people
b. Secular people of devout faith
c. People of belief
d. Inhabitants of the earth

124. (True or False) Followers of Jesus Christ are the “salt of mankind.” (Matthew 5:13)

a. True
b. False

125. (Fill in the blank) If the salt loses its savour, it is good for _______________. (Matthew 5:13)

a. Seasoning
b. Flavor
c. Nothing
d. Other things

126. (True or False) Followers of Jesus Christ must maintain their saltiness amongst mankind. (Matthew 5:13)

a. True
b. False

127. (Fill in the blank) Once salt has lost its savour, it cannot be made _____________ again. (Matthew 5:13)

a. Real
b. Christian
c. Forgiving
d. Salty

128. (True or False) When salt loses its flavor, it has no value and is useless. (Matthew 5:13)

a. True
b. False

129. (Fill in the blank) If Christians lose the flavor of Christ, their witness has no value and is __________. (Typology)

a. Useless
b. Cultish
c. Evil
d. All the above

130. (Fill in the blank) The “flavor” of Christ is how a Christian ______________ Him. (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)

a. Emulates
b. Serves
c. Follows
d. All the above

131. (True or False) If you keep the Standards of Christ, you will have His savory salt. (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)

a. True
b. False

132. (True or False) Christian witness without Christ is useless to mankind and is fit for a dunghill. (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)

a. True
b. False

133. (Fill in the blank) Mankind will cast out all _________________ witness. (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)
a. Christ
b. Worthless
c. Emotional
d. Angel

134. How should a mature Christian understand the words “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” that are spoken by Christ? (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)

a. A deeper message is contained within His literal words
b. There is a hidden message that only mature Christians will understand
c. Mature Christians are alerted to the typological meaning of the discourse.
d. All the above

135. Why must Christians maintain the flavor of the Lord Jesus Christ’s standards with regards to fellowship? (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)

a. They will get along better
b. They will have peace with one another
c. They will have great Christian fellowship
d. All the above

136. (Fill in the blank) Christians are the light of the ______________. (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. Faith
b. Worship of God
c. World
d. None of the above

137. What type of illumination do the worldly live within? (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. Darkness
b. Lightness
c. Shadows
d. Colors

138. (Fill in the blank) Jesus uses the example of a _____________________ that is upon a hill that cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. City
b. Tree
c. Church
d. Cross

139. (True or False) Christian Light is always seen when darkness surrounds the viewer. (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. True
b. False

140. (True or False) The city upon a hill shines with light and cannot be invisible. (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. True
b. False

141. (True or False) Christ’s standards support Christians purposely going underground, hiding in homes, caves, wildernesses, and distant monasteries, to avoid persecution, poverty, illness, nuclear war, famine, End Times, the Apocalypse, persecution, war, or the downfall of governments. (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. True
b. False

142. (True or False) People do not light a candle, then hide it inside a container where the light cannot be seen. (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. True
b. False

143. Why do men light a candle and put it in a candlestick holder? (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. To avoid a fire
b. To subdue the light of the candle
c. To shine the light of the candle
d. None of the above

144. What does a brightly shining candle inside a candlestick holder give light to? (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. All in the world
b. All in the house
c. All in the Heavens
d. All in the church

145. Why does Christ want you to let your light shine? (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. So mankind can see your good works
b. So mankind can glorify your Father in Heaven
c. So Christ can be seen
d. All the above

146. (True or False) Do NOT hide your light of Christ! (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. True
b. False

147. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ did NOT come to destroy the law of the LORD God. (Matthew 5:17-20)

a. True
b. False

148. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of the LORD God. (Matthew 5:14-16)

a. True
b. False

149. What does the Greek word for “destroy” mean as found in Matthew 5:17?

a. Fully accomplish
b. Make it happen
c. Abolish and make invalid
d. All the above

150. What does the Greek word for “fulfill” mean as found in Matthew 5:17?

a. Abolish
b. Make invalid
c. Fully accomplish and make it happen
d. All the above

151. (True or False) The Commandments, Statutes, and Ordinances of the LORD God were given to the Jewish people as a BEGINNING of forming relationship with humans. (Matthew 5:17-20)

a. True
b. False

152. (True or False) The Law of the LORD God was absolute and unforgiving. Either you obeyed all the law, or you were in disobedience to Him. (Matthew 5:17-20)

a. True
b. False

153. (True or False) When the Lord Jesus Christ came, He taught the meaning of the Laws given by the LORD God as recorded in the Old Testament. (Matthew 5:17-20)

a. True
b. False

154. What Scripture connects the Laws of the Old Testament with the teachings of Jesus Christ?

a. Matthew 5:27-28
b. Matthew 4:3
c. Matthew 6:10-11
d. None of the above

155. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ taught the meaning of those laws of the Old Testament given by the LORD God to mankind. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

156. (True or False) The LORD Jesus Christ teaches that it is in the heart, not the actions, that sin takes place first. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

157. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ teaching about the guilt of the heart as the breaking of the Law of the LORD God gives a more stringent standard of behavior. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

158. (True or False) If Christians do not follow the taught Standards of Christ, they still are able to walk the way of Christ. (Matthew 5:19-20)

a. True
b. False

159. What happens if you break the least of the commandments that the Lord Jesus Christ has taught you? (Matthew 5:19-20)

a. You are forgiven automatically
b. Your position in the Kingdom of Heaven will be lowered
c. You will lose your salvation
d. You will be punished severely

160. Where do saved Christians go after the rest time is over in Heaven? (Matthew 5:19-20)

a. They die.
b. They live eternally in Heaven
c. They go to the Old Earth
d. They go to the New Earth

161. What is being at rest in Heaven like on this earth? (Matthew 5:19-20)

a. Sleeping
b. Dying
c. Working
d. Sabbath

162. What happens if you TEACH the standards of Christ wrongly to others? (Matthew 5:19-20)

a. You are forgiven automatically
b. Your position in the Kingdom of Heaven will be lowered
c. You will lose your salvation
d. You will be punished severely

163. (True or False) Teaching the commandments of the LORD God with the standards of the Lord WRONGLY will cause you lose your salvation. (Matthew 5:19-20)

a. True
b. False

164. 163. (True or False) Teaching the commandments of the LORD God with the standards of the Lord WRONGLY will cause you lose your advanced position in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:19-20)

a. True
b. False

165. What were the associations of the Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus spoke about? (Matthew 5:19-20)

a. They acted more righteous than any other Chosen people of the LORD God
b. They will have no advanced position in the Kingdom of Heaven
c. They are in the same category as Christians who teach the things of the Lord wrong
d. All the above

166. Where do we find the Commandment of the LORD God, “Thou shalt not kill?” (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. Exodus 20:13
b. Matthew 1:1
c. Ezekiel 5:15
d. Psalm 4:20

167. What does Old Testament say that you will be in danger of from the LORD God if you should kill? (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. Death
b. Expulsion
c. Purgatory
d. Judgment

168. How does Christ’s standards teach the law of killing? (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. If you purposely plan it, it is murder
b. If it is an accidental death, it is still murder
c. If you kill in anger, it is murder
d. If you are angry with your brother without a cause, you are in danger of judgment for killing

169. (True or False) No longer just accountable to the LORD God for the law of not killing another, followers of Christ were placed into Christ’s standard of not losing temper with a brother without cause. (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. True
b. False

170. (True or False) Jesus Christ says that anyone that says to his brother, “Raca” will be in killed by the Sanhedrin. (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. True
b. False

171. What is the semitic term of “Raca” written in Matthew 5:21-22?

a. Honored prophet
b. Jewish leader
c. Christian fellowship
d. Fool

172. Who does Christ warn will be in danger of judgement from, for calling someone “Raca?” (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. The LORD God
b. The Holy Spirit
c. The Lord Jesus Christ
d. Sanhedrin

173. Who were the Sanhedrin? (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. Government body of Gentiles
b. Government body of Christians
c. Government body of Seculars
d. Government body of Jews

174. (True or False) The Sanhedrin was a group of priests and religious teachers who met to decide legal matters that had religious, political, and social ramifications during the 1st century. (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. True
b. False

175. (True or False) Jesus taught the crescendo of “killing” which went from braking of one of the LORD God’s Ten Commandments, to culturally calling a Jew a “Raca,” to outright calling a brother “a fool.” (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. True
b. False

176. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ equals the act of “killing” and the act of “calling a brother a fool” as violations of God’s law that could place in danger of Hell. (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. True
b. False

177. (True or False) It is very apparent through Christ’s teachings of standards that “anger” is the root of killing, which can exact the same judgment, as the actual act. (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. True
b. False

178. (True or False) Christ’s standards do not task the inner attitude of the heart when considering violations of God’s Laws. (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. True
b. False

179. (True or False) If your heart is angry at your brother, it could lead to killing; thus, the standard of behavior is if you are angry, fix it before it becomes something worse. (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. True
b. False

180. (Fill in the blank) Christ’s standard concerning anger is based upon ____________. (Matthew 5:21-22)

a. All
b. With cause
c. Without cause
d. Exploding, violent, and out-of-control

181. (True or False) It is a narrower road we walk with Christ, not a wider one that the Jews walk upon. (Matthew 5:21-22 and Teachings)

a. True
b. False

182. (Fill in the blank) Christ teaches that _________________ with the neighbor you have offended is more important that offering a gift to the LORD God. (Matthew 5:23-26)

a. Reconciliation
b. Separation
c. Arguing
d. Negotiating

183. When should you offer your gift to the LORD God? (Matthew 5:23-26)

a. After anger has calmed
b. After reconciliation with your neighbor
c. After reconciliation with the LORD God
d. After reconciliation with the Church

184. What happens if your neighbor has a grudge against you and you don’t make peace quickly? (Matthew 5:23-26)

a. The adversary will get angrier
b. You will be delivered to a judge
c. You will be delivered to an officer
d. You will be sent to prison
e. All the above

185. What also is stopped if an escalation of anger disrupts the gifts given to the LORD God? (Matthew 5:23-26)

a. Prevent salvation
b. Prevent favorable reputation
c. Prevent the Christian from doing Christ’s intended works
d. Prevent spiritual growth

186. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ says to agree with angry neighbors quickly and make reconciliation, lest the neighbor’s anger gets out of control and makes you pay for the consequences to the “uttermost farthing.” (Matthew 5:23-26)

a. True
b. False

187. (Fill in the blank) “Uttermost farthing” means the ________________ before you are set free from the punishments of an escalating neighbor’s anger. (Matthew 5:23-26)

a. Must pay the smallest coin
b. Biggest punishments
c. Longest punishments
d. None of the above

188. (True or False) If Christians let anger replace goodwill with their neighbors, even if it is just their anger without reason, it can STOP the works of the Lord. (Matthew 5:23-26)

a. True
b. False

189. (True or False) “Thou shalt not commit adultery is in the Old Testament law and part of the Ten Commandments. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

190. (True or False) Physical adultery is the act where a married person has sexual intercourse with an unmarried person. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

191. (True or False) Both the married person and the unmarried person are committing the sin of adultery if they have sexual intercourse. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

192. (True or False) The promises made during the marriage ceremony before God are considered a breakable oath by Him. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

193. (True or False) The LORD God sends His blessings to spiritual marriage through the commitment of the two people to declare Him their LORD God. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

194. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ’s standard is that if you even “lust” about sex with a married partner that is not your spouse, you are in disobedience to Him. (Matthew 5:27-28)

a. True
b. False

195. (True or False) EVERY Law that the LORD God gave in the Old Testament has a companion “HEART CONDITION” also. (Matthew 5:27-28 and teachings)

a. True
b. False

Feb 21, 2024 10:19:50am

Kathy L McFarland shared a profile.

Kathy L. McFarland is a Becker Bible Studies teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University and the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School. She is Founder and President of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc., the curriculum developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy, and a teaching faculty member. She also performs duties as Chaplain, and is an endorser for Chaplains at Becker Bible Ministries, Inc.

Kathy’s favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.

By Kathy L. McFarland

While Facebook friends argue back and forth about things like the different laws the Jews serve and how Christians may or may not have to follow them, it becomes confusing, doesn’t it? Old Testament following Christians have a difficult road to walk. Why make your Christian journey so tough? The Lord Jesus Christ took His time to teach the Disciples and all of us through His Word that capture His Sermon on the Mount. We have already studied the Beatitudes, which surprisingly are written for all of us Christians, and the things we are going through in this world. Now, let’s examine some of the standards of behavior that Christ wants His followers to emulate.

Every standard you are learning in this course and in the next course, Standards (Part 2) are the things of behavior you should be emulating to look like and walk like Christ. Every standard that we are studying is our rules of behavior as Christians. My hopes are that you are teaching young Christians these standards every day. Your Lord Jesus Christ expects Christian leaders to be displaying these standards of behavior in their own walk with Him and teaching them to those that are learning to be a Christian.

Now here is a very deep mystery that hardly any Christians realize completely. If you follow all the standards recorded in the New Testament, you will be following God’s law perfectly! We do not follow the law specifically. We follow the ways of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ teaches us His standards, God’s standards, and His disciples pick up establishing and teaching standards where He left off when He left this earth. The Holy Spirit flows through each Christian so they can follow the standards of Christ. So instead of focusing on the law, let us focus upon the standards of Christ, and try to meet each of them. We don’t have time or the spirit to follow Old Testament law. Christ’s standards reflect God’s law in a different light, one that ultimately loves others as themselves. Let us begin again! Don’t forget to copy the database at the end of this course; it makes a handy reference when you are preaching, teaching, counseling, or admonishing about good and bad Christian behavior standards.

Matthew 5:13 (KJV 1900)
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Earth – 1178 γῆ (gē), γῆς (gēs), ἡ (hē): n.fem.; ≡ DBLHebr 141, 824; Str 1093; TDNT 1.677— 5. LN 9.22 people, inhabitants of the earth, mankind (Mt 5:13)

Savour – 3701 μωραίνομαι (mōrainomai), μωραίνω (mōrainō): vb.; ≡ Str 3471; TDNT 4.832—1. LN 32.56 (dep.) become foolish (Ro 1:22+); 2. LN 79.44 (dep.) lose taste, lose saltiness, turn into inert substance (Mt 5:13; Lk 14:34+); 3. LN 32.59 cause to become nonsense (1Co 1:20+)

1. Followers of Jesus Christ are the “salt of the earth.”

2. The Greek word for earth in this one instance of Matthew 5:13 is speaking of the “inhabitants of the earth.” Followers of Jesus Christ are the “salt of mankind.”

3. If the salt loses its savour (taste, flavor) and become inert, it is good for NOTHING. If a Christian loses their savour of salt, they become fools.

4. Followers of Jesus Christ must maintain their saltiness amongst mankind.

Luke 14:34–35 (KJV 1900)
34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Fit – 2310 εὔθετος (euthetos), ον (on): adj.; ≡ Str 2111—1. LN 66.3 suitable, fit, usable (Lk 9:62; Heb 6:7+); 2. LN 65.32 useful, of value (Lk 14:35+)

5. Salt is good; but if it has lost its savour, it’s not good.

6. Salt, once it has lost its savour, cannot be made salty again.

7. When salt loses its flavor, it has no value and is useless.

8. If Christians lose the flavor of Christ, their witness has no value and is useless. (Typology)

9. A Christian’s witness of Christ that has lost the flavor of Christ, has absolutely no value and is useless! The flavor of Christ is how a Christian emulates HIM! If you keep His standards, you have His savory salt.

10. Christian witness is of no use to anyone, in the land or in the dung hill.

11. Men will cast out all worthless and useless stuff.

12. When we see the words “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,” we know that the Lord Jesus Christ is speaking deeper with a hidden message that only mature Christians can understand. Thus, we are alerted to the typological meaning of the discourse.

Mark 9:50 (KJV 1900)
50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

13. Christians must maintain the salt, the flavor (the standards of conduct) of the Lord Jesus Christ, if they are to have peace with one another. Amen.

Matthew 5:14–16 (KJV 1900)
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Light – 5890 φῶς (phōs), φωτός (phōtos), τό (to): n.neu.; ≡ DBLHebr 240; Str 5457; TDNT 9.310—1. LN 14.36 light, in contrast with darkness (2Co 4:6); 2. LN 2.5 bonfire, firelight (Mk 14:54); 3. LN 6.102 torch (Ac 16:29); 4. LN 28.64 ἐν τῷ φωτί (en tō phōti), in public (Mt 10:27); 5. LN 11.14 people of God (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36; Eph 5:8; 1Th 5:5+)

Hidden – 3221 κρύπτω (kryptō): vb.; ≡ Str 2928; TDNT 3.957—1. LN 21.12 keep safe, protect, hide (Mt 13:44; 25:18;l Lk 13:21 v.r. BAGD), for another interp, see next; 2. LN 24.29 made invisible, cause to be invisible (Mt 13:44; Col 3:3), for another interp, see prior; 3. LN 24.30 hide, for the purpose of safekeeping (Col 3:3), for another interp, see above; 4. LN 28.79 keep secret, cause something to not be known (Mt 11:25)

Candle – 3394 λύχνος (lychnos), ου (ou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ DBLHebr 5944; Str 3088; TDNT 4.324—LN 6.104 lamp, a small vessel holding olive oil and a wick, used for lighting the dark (Mk 4:21; Lk 11:33; 12:35; 15:8; Jn 5:35; 2Pe 1:19; Rev 18:23; 21:23; 22:5)

Bushel – 3654 μόδιος (modios), ίου (iou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ Str 3426—LN 6.151 container, a large bowl that holds about eight dry U.S. quarts (Mt 5:15; Mk 4:21; Lk 11:33+)

Standard of Being the Light of the World

14. Followers of Christ are the light of the world.

15. Look at that Greek word for “light.” φωτός (phōtos) is the Greek word that reminds us of “photographs,” right? What do photographs do? They take a picture of the actual image. If the surroundings are dark, no image can be seen. But, if that photograph is taken in light, the image of the actual person can be seen perfectly.

16. The world lives in darkness. Christians are the light. Light is always seen when darkness surrounds the viewer.

17. Jesus uses the example of a city that is upon a hill cannot be hidden. Once again, those bright lights atop a hill that light the city, the vibrant sounds of people within the city leave no doubt that it exists, and it is there on that hill.

18. The city cannot be kept secret from the world. It shines with the light and cannot be invisible.

19. Christian history records many times about Christians going underground, or into distant monasteries, often for the sake to avoid persecution, poverty, and illness. In today’s world, threat of nuclear war, famine, End Times, the Apocalypse, persecution, war, and the falling of government and nations has caused many, many Christians to seek refuge away from the world. They hide in holes they have dug in the ground, trees that conceal their presence, caves that darken their presence, and fortresses made to hide the Christians when trouble comes. These types of concealment are against the standards of Christ.

20. Men do not light a candle, then hide it inside a container where the light cannot be seen.

21. When men light a candle, they put it in a candlestick holder, where it can shine brightly and give light to all in the house.

22. Jesus says let your light shine! Let that light shine amongst all people so they can see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven! Do NOT hide your light of Christ!

Matthew 5:17–20 (KJV 1900)
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Law – 1938 ἐννόμως (ennomōs): adv.; ≡ Str 1722 + 3551—subject to the law, or in possession of the law (Ro 2:12 v.r. BAGD); not in LN
Destroy – 2907 καταλύω (kataluō): vb.; ≡ Str 2647; TDNT 4.338—1. LN 20.54 tear down, destroy completely (Lk 21:6; Lk 23:2 v.r. NA26); 2. LN 20.55 destroy the works or efforts of another (Ro 14:20); 3. LN 13.100 put an end to (Ac 5:38); 4. LN 76.23 make invalid, abolish something in force (Mt 5:17); 5. LN 34.61 be a guest, be hospitably lodged (Lk 9:12; 19:7+)

Fulfil – 4442 πληροφορέομαι (plērophoreomai), πληροφορέω (plērophoreō): vb.; ≡ Str 4135; TDNT 6.309—1. LN 31.45 (pass.) be completely certain, be fully assured, convinced or persuaded (Ro 4:21; 14:5; Col 4:12+; Eph 3:19 v.r.); 2. LN 13.106 make happen, fulfill (Lk 1:1+); 3. LN 33.199 proclaim fully (2Ti 4:17+); 4. LN 68.32 accomplish, fulfill (completely), (2Ti 4:5+)

23. The Lord Jesus Christ did not come to destroy the law of the LORD God. He came to fulfill it.

24. Destroy means to “abolish” and “make invalid.” Fulfill means to “accomplish it fully” and to “make it happen.

Teachings by Kathy L McFarland
That is why I said it was confusing to me why Facebook friends argue among themselves whether to follow the Old Testament laws. It is of no importance to focus on the singular laws without the teaching of God placed upon them. That would be going backwards in our developed Christian faith.

The Commandments, statutes and ordinance of the LORD God given to the Jewish people were the beginning of forming a relationship with humans. There were no teachings, per se, given to them. The law was absolute and unforgiving. Either you obeyed all the laws (often confused by the Pharisees and the rabbis) and adhered to all the LORD God’s rules, or you were in disobedience to Him.

When the Lord Jesus Christ came, he taught the meaning of those laws of the Old Testament given by the LORD God to mankind. No longer a black/white, obey/disobey stringent representation of the laws, they became open to the teachings of Christ. Remember this teaching:

Matthew 5:27–28 (KJV 1900)
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

We learn from Jesus that the Law said don’t commit adultery; but He added a new teaching, that adultery was more than just an affair with a married person. The Lord taught that with His coming to earth, He will teach the real meaning of the law, not just the absolutes. The real meaning of the law that the LORD God made was if you look lustfully upon a woman, you commit adultery with your heart! The standards have changed! Before it was the absolute law; now it became the fulfilled law with a need to fully understand not only the rule but also the reason, ways, and the consequences of breaking that law.

Christians that don’t understand that they should focus on Christ’s teachings, rather than on the Old Testament laws, never reach the higher standards that the Lord Jesus Christ has set for His followers. And if a Christian does not reach those standards, then that Christian is not walking the way of Christ. Period.

Footnotes:

James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).

By Kathy L McFarland

64. What do you emulate if you are following One as Lord? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. His Ways
b. His Will
c. His Teachings
d. All the above

65. What does following the teachings of Christ with regards to the Standards He performs and the Standards He expects us to fulfill lead to? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. Salvation
b. Ordination
c. Restoration
d. Righteousness

66. (Fill in the blank) The _________________ the Scripture information becomes, the more easily relatable to another Scripture it is. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. Bigger
b. Smaller
c. Typological
d. Parable-like

67. How do Becker students narrow down the meaning of Scripture? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. Using Statements of Fact (SOF)
b. Using Statements of Data (SOD)
c. Connecting the smaller bits of information to form concise meaning
d. All the above

68. (Match) Connect the Beatitude types with rewards: (Matthew 5:1-12)

1. Poor in Spirit
2. Those that Mourn
3. Meek
4. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness
5. Merciful
6. Pure in heart
7. Peacemakers
8. Persecuted for righteousness’ sake
9. When men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake

a. Obtain mercy
b. Shall be called the children of God
c. Kingdom of Heaven
d. Kingdom of Heaven
e. Comforted
f. Inherit the earth
g. Be filled
h. See God
i. Great is your award in Heaven

69. What are the “Blessed” portions of the Sermon on the Mount called? (Matthew 5:1-12)

a. Sermons
b. Parables
c. Beatitudes
d. Typology

70. What is the spirit spoken about as in “the poor in spirit?” (Matthew 5:3)

a. Holy Spirit
b. Soul
c. Ghost
d. All the above

71. What is a really good word that describes the meaning of the word “poor” in spirit? (Matthew 5:3)
a. Humble
b. Without riches
c. Without morals
d. Without hope

72. What does “voluntary humility” mean? (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. Purposeful and intentional humbleness
b. Unintentional, unplanned humbleness
c. Innocent reaction to modest circumstances
d. None of the above

73. If a Christian has “voluntary humility” what will it lead to? (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. Virtue
b. Righteousness
c. Take your reward away from you
d. Loss of salvation

74. (True or False) “Voluntary humility” is a good standard to strive for. (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. True
b. False

75. (True or False) “Voluntary humility” means that you purposefully make yourself appear humble. (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. True
b. False

76. (True or False) If a pretend Christian shows “voluntary humbleness” it is equal to wrongly worshipping the angels. (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. True
b. False

77. (True or False) To be pleasing to the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ, you must display an honest INVOLUNTARY humility. (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. True
b. False

78. (True or False) The opposite of “voluntary humility” is “involuntary humility.” (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. True
b. False

79. (True or False) Voluntary humbleness shows wisdom in worship and humility. (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. True
b. False

80. (True or False) Voluntary humbleness neglects the body and does not satisfy the flesh. (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. True
b. False

81. (True or False) It IS GOOD to have involuntary humbleness. (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. True
b. False

82. The poor in spirit are the __________________ humble. (Matthew 5:3; Colossians 2:18-23)

a. Voluntary
b. Involuntary

83. What is involuntary humbleness like? (Colossians 2:18-23)

a. Every cell in the Christian’s body worships and fears the LORD God.
b. They don’t just appear humble; their entire being is in awe of the greatness of the LORD God.
c. They WILL inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
d. All the above.

84. Who is the comforter that is sent to comfort mourning Christians? (John 14:15-18)

a. LORD God
b. Lord Jesus Christ
c. Holy Spirit
d. All the above

85. What happens if the Christian refuses to accept the comfort given by the Comforter? (John 14:15-18)

a. They will be crippled with sorrow
b. They will not receive relief from their pain
c. Their grief will be unresolved
d. All the above

86. Choose the most correct sentences concerning meekness. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. Jesus was so meek that He had no emotional intensity ever.
b. Christians should be so meek that they are never noticed.
c. The current earth does not belong to Christians; their meekness here will NOT be their meekness on the New Earth
d. Meekness means that Followers of Christ must be gentle to spread the Gospel to all corners of the world

87. When Jesus says that the meek “shall inherit the earth,” which earth is He talking about? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. Heaven
b. Hell
c. Old Earth
d. New Earth
e. New Heaven

88. How should Christians behave on this Old Earth? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. Meek, gentle, mild.
b. Forceful, opiniated, political
c. Angelic, holier than others, and inspired
d. Religious, preaching, praising in public

89. (True or False) If you carry and posture with guns, knives, machetes aggressively, concealed or otherwise, you are not being meek. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. True
b. False

90. How is meekness shown in the clothing types that Christians choose? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. Women can show bosoms and wear tight clothes if everything is covered
b. Men can wear tight pants that shows bulges but no actual skin
c. Men and women should buy the best and most expensive looking clothes, and take many pictures and poses, to show the benefits of belonging to the Kingdom of God.
d. Both men and women should dress conservatively, with all parts of the body (including the face of women) covered.
e. A good rule is if clothing or lack of it draws attention, it is wrong for the Christian, and does not show meekness.

91. (True or False) Believers dancing with holiness in praise of the LORD God during worship can be meek if done inside the church setting. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. True
b. False

92. (True or False) If a church opens its doors to invite the world within, and dances for entertainment’s sake with their dance moves emulating sex to possibly attract men or women, then it is justified for witness of Christ and is meek. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. True
b. False

93. What should Christians do if the Lord chooses them for specific works that requires them to gain the attention of the world? (Kathy L McFarland teachings and personal thought)

a. Whatever the sanctioned works are, the Lord will provide you with the tools and equipment necessary
b. The works that require notice of the world can not always be conducted meekly (although Mother Teresa did a pretty good job at that part).
c. If the works must be exposed to worldly attention, it is for the notice of the works, not the notice of the Christians doing them.
d. All the above

94. What does the Greek word for “hunger” mean in Matthew 5:6?

a. Starving
b. Without food
c. Desire strongly
d. None of the above

95. What does the Greek word for “thirst” mean in Matthew 5:6?

a. Dehydrated
b. Dry
c. Desire Strongly for a spiritual need that God can satisfy
d. None of the above

96. (True or False) Christ says that those that desire his teachings strongly, that have spiritual needs that cause a searching of God’s Word, will NOT be blessed. (Matthew 5:6)

a. True
b. False

97. (True or False) “Those that show compassion on the lowly” is the Greek meaning of “merciful.” (Matthew 5:6)

a. True
b. False

98. What is the attribute of mercy and faithfulness of a High Priest make? (Hebrews 2:17-18)

a. Reconciliation for the sins of the people
b. Forgiveness for the sins of the people
c. Acceptance for the past sins of the people
d. None of the above

99. (True or False) Christ will give mercy to us if He sees Christians giving mercy to those lower than them. (Hebrews 2:17-18)

a. True
b. False

100. What is the Standard of Christ concerning mercy that is contained within the Lord’s Prayer? (Matthew 6:9-15)

a. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name
b. Thy kingdom come. They will be done in earth, as it is in heaven
c. Give us this day our daily bread
d. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
e. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
f. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
g. Amen.

101. (Fill in the blank) Before forgiveness can be offered, ________________must be bestowed. (Matthew 6:9-15)

a. Rewards
b. Mercy
c. Reconciliation
d. An Amen

102. (True or False) Pure in heart means to be clean, ritually clear of responsibility, and innocent. (Matthew 5:8)

a. True
b. False

103. (True or False) To be “ritually clear of responsibility” means that Christians no longer must sacrifice a lamb for their sins. (Matthew 5:8)

a. True
b. False

104. (True or False) Christ’s blood washes His Followers completely, once and for all. (Matthew 5:8)

a. True
b. False

105. When there are differences between Christians, what should they NOT do. Mark all that apply. (Matthew 5:9)

a. Reconcile
b. Make war
c. Gossip
d. Make trouble
e. Fight
f. Be hypocritical
g. Riot
h. Make peace

106. (True or False) Christians must sometimes fight to force their belief and Christ’s standards upon anyone. (Matthew 5:9)

a. True
b. False

107. (True or False) If the LORD God is not directing the fight and sharing His mighty power with you to be victorious, then you must be at peace with everyone in your life. (Matthew 5:9)

a. True
b. False

108. (True or False) Christians ARE ALWAYS persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew 5:9)

a. True
b. False

109. (True or False) We have learned from our study of the Beatitudes that it is about all CHRISTIANS!

a. True
b. False

110. (True or False) Christians will inherit all things listed in the Beatitudes, because to be Christian means to always do these teachings.

a. True
b. False

111. (True or False) No instruction of these Standards of Christ in the Beatitudes requires specialized training. If you are a Christian, you do them.

a. True
b. False

112. (True or False) The Beatitude blessings are exactly what Christians carry with them as a direct result of following the Teachings of Christ.

a. True
b. False

113. (True or False) The Beatitudes are like “reasonable rewards” that come to all Christians. (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

a. True
b. False

114. (True or False) The rest of the Sermon on the Mount records Jesus Christ preparing His Disciples with the new Standards that do not come automatically to Christians.

a. True
b. False

By Kathy L. McFarland

The standards of the Lord Jesus Christ are our main focus of behavior on this earth and afterwards for eternity! If the Lord Jesus Christ is the one we follow, if He is our Lord, then we are to emulate His ways, will, and teachings. That is how we prove to Him that we love Him and respect Him and follow Him, regardless of the persecution that comes. Following the teachings of Christ with regards to the standards He performs, and the standards He expects of us, will lead to righteousness in our beings. And that is what we want!

Let us examine His teachings on the sermon atop the mountain to His disciples, and use our technique, statement of facts (SOF). Remember, the smaller the information becomes, the more easily relatable to other Scripture it is. That is why we do Statements of Fact (SOF) and Statements of Data (SOD) to ensure we bring God’s Word to easily understood bits and helps us connect later.

Matthew 5:1–12 (KJV 1900)
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Statement of Facts

1. The poor in spirit will be blessed by Christ and rewarded the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)

2. The spirit is the inner part of a person that is called the soul. Poor means “humble.”

A Small Study on Humble
3. Let’s study a bit of Scripture that tells Christians how to be humble so we can understand deeply:

Colossians 2:18–23 (KJV 1900)
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Voluntary humility (humbleness) as spoken in Colossians 2:18 is NOT a good standard.

a. Voluntary humility means that you purposely make yourself appear humble.

b. Colossians 2:18 says that a man can beguile you of the reward due you if you have voluntary humility.

c. “Beguile” means to disqualify a reward.

d. If a pretend Christian shows “voluntary humbleness,” it is equal to worshipping the angels, and vainly puffed up in fleshly concerns. It is definitely NOT good!

To be pleasing to the LORD God and Lord Jesus Christ, you must display an honest INVOLUNTARY humility.

a. We know this because it is the exact opposite of voluntary humility.

b. Involuntary humbleness shows wisdom in worship and humility.

c. Involuntary humbleness neglects the body and does not satisfy the flesh.

d. It IS GOOD to have involuntary humbleness!

Now back to our Sermon on the Mount study (Here is the verse one more time):

Matthew 5:1–3 (KJV 1900)
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4. The inheritors of the rewards given by Christ are blessed by them when they are INVOLUNTARILY HUMBLE! Every cell in their body worships and fears the LORD God; they cannot just appear humble; in truth, they are humble because of the greatness of their Lord and their God.

5. So, the first standard we have is Christians should know the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ so intimately that they are truthfully, involuntarily humbled, as they worship God. It is those filled with involuntary humility that will inherit the kingdom of Heaven. Amen?

Matthew 5:4 (KJV 1900)

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

6. Those that grieve will be comforted by the Holy Spirit, the great Comforter, after Jesus ascends to Heaven.

John 14:15–18 (KJV 1900)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

7. If a Christian is saddened, accepting the comfort of the Holy Spirit is the standard that Christ sets to enable the mourning Christian to resolve their grief.

8. To not accept the comfort of the Holy Spirit will likely cripple the Christian with sorrow.

9. Accepting the Holy Spirit comfort restores the Christian with blessing.

Matthew 5:5 (KJV 1900)
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

10. The meek will be blessed by inheriting the earth.

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Now let’s reason this together. Throughout the New Testament teachings of Jesus Christ, He tells us over and over that this earth does not belong to us as Christians. He wants us to separate from the world, right? And we know that there will one day be a New Heaven and a New Earth. Reasoning this through is clearly speaking of the New Earth. The meek will be blessed by inheriting the earth.

So, when does the Lord want meekness? Right now, as we inhabit this sinful old earth. It’s not about being angelic and holy towards the earth people today. Secular people are aggressive and loud and political and opinionated and violent. Christians should be apart from this world. Not boisterous and having their views known throughout the world. Meek. Gentle. Mild.

I taught you that I will never be famous and lead hundreds of thousands of people. How do I know? Because meekness will never get me fame. I stay as gentle and mild as I can, so I don’t lose the opportunity to teach those that God wants me to teach. Now, I am a strong Christian with the Power God dwelling within me and quite capable of defending myself, my family, and my Lord. But if I use that power and strength to gain the world’s attention, my days of teaching the Word of God to the Christians God has chosen is over. That is how I know I will NOT be famous on this earth.

And by the way, if you carry guns, knives, machetes aggressively, concealed or otherwise, you are not being meek. You are arming yourself to be powerful and overcome others. Yes, sometimes you must war, or defend your country, or your loved ones, and that is acceptable for righteousness’s sake. But posturing and attention-seeking with a weapon assumes you want power over others, and that is not being meek. You run the risk of losing your inheritance of the New Earth if you become too powerful on this one.

Another problem with meekness that Christians have is their dress. If women are showing their bosoms, and wearing tight clothes, that is not meek; it is attention-seeking. If men wear tight pants and buy expensive clothing to take pictures to show their wealth or good looks, that is attention-seeking also. If believers dance with holiness for the LORD God in worship inside a church setting, that can be meek, because it is done inside the church walls. But if that church opens its doors to invite the world within, and dance for entertainment’s sake with their dance moves emulating sex to possibly attract men or women, then that is attention-seeking.

I am meek as I do my job, I am promised by the Lord to inherit the New Earth. I will not have to be meek on the New Earth. I will live my life with my loved ones and do the ministry that the Lord directs with my full righteousness and personality. But today, I am meek, and do not gain the world’s attention. I will be blessed on the New Earth because I am going to inherit it. Does this make sense?

If the Lord has chosen a Christian for a specific work that requires him or her to gain the attention of the world, then whatever the Christian is equipped with should be used. There are times when the Lord does not want meekness to be defined with large works. However, in most cases, staying meek is the behavior that should be emulated in this world that does not belong to us.

One last thing. I was required to go out into the world to find YOU! He led me to do that. I couldn’t be meek and find you also. I was given direction by the Lord to enter the worldly Facebook and find the people God had chosen to bring closer to Him. That’s the way He wants it to work and that is the standards He has given us!

Matthew 5:6 (KJV 1900)
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

11. Christ says that those that desire his teachings strongly, that have spiritual needs that cause a frantic searching for answers or a deep desire to know God, will be blessed.

12. This beatitude is for you my dear students! He saw that you were hungry and thirsty for the real Word of God and righteousness, and He provided your teacher and my staff, and your local director to help bring that teaching to you! You are blessed! You are being FILLED with new understanding and new learning of the Word of God which leads to righteousness.

13. Note how both the Greek words for hunger and thirst mean to “desire strongly.” This desire speaks of the spiritual needs that God can satisfy in Christians. Praise be to God!

Matthew 5:7 (KJV 1900)
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

14. Those that show compassion on the lowly, shall receive compassion from the Lord. It is what Christians do.

Hebrews 2:17–18 (KJV 1900)
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

15. The Lord Jesus Christ knows how to be merciful in all things pertaining to the LORD God.

16. It is the attribute of mercy and faithfulness of a high priest that makes reconciliation for the sins of the people.

17. Jesus will give mercy to us if He sees us giving mercy to those lower than us.

18. And let us not forget the most famous standards of mercy for the LORD God in the Lord’s Prayer!

Matthew 6:9–15 (KJV 1900)
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

19. Before forgiveness can be offered, mercy must be bestowed. The LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ are watching to see that Christ’s followers are compassionate, even when they don’t have to be! That is the basis for which their mercy is applied to each of us, and the extent that forgiveness of debts is given.

Matthew 5:8 (KJV 1900)
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

20. Another standard of Christ is to be “pure in heart.”

21. He declares them that have purity of heart as blessed because “they shall see God.”

22. Pure in heart means to be clean, ritually clear of responsibility, and innocent.

23. It is easy for baptized Christians to be clean and innocent of sin, because they are washed in the blood of the lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ.

24. But, consider the “ritually clear of responsibility.” That means that Christians no longer must sacrifice a lamb for their sins. Once they are clean, they are clean forever. Christ’s blood washes them completely, once and for all.

25. Christians that have pure heart, and they would not be Christians if they did not, WILL SEE GOD!

Matthew 5:9 (KJV 1900)
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

26. Christians make peace and reconcile differences when possible. They are never war-mongers, gossipers, trouble-makers, fighters, hypocrites or worldly rioters.

27. Children of the LORD God do not fight to force their belief or standards upon anyone on their own. If the LORD God is not directing the fight and sharing His mighty power with you to be victorious, then you must be at peace with everyone in your life.

28. Christians may have to separate from those of the world that seek to create harm through fighting if peace cannot be obtained. Jesus teaches us the rules of confrontation later in His Word which we will study soon.

Matthew 5:10–12 (KJV 1900)
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

29. Christians ARE ALWAYS persecuted for righteousness’ sake!

30. If you find a Christian in this world that has not been persecuted, then you have NOT found a Christian. It is a fact of life for Christians in this fallen, sinful world.

31. Jesus promises blessings to come to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

32. Those persecuted get to dwell in the Kingdom of Heaven.

33. Even simple persecution, like when men revile you and say all manner of evil against you falsely because Jesus is in your life; that type of persecution also brings blessings.

34. When even simple persecution comes to you, Rejoice! And be exceedingly glad! You will receive great reward in Heaven.

35. The Prophets of old were persecuted, and you will be persecuted also. This is the reality of following Christ.

Teachings of Kathy L McFarland

Check these Beatitudes out as a group! They all are about being a CHRISTIAN, a follower of Jesus Christ! So many times, Christian leaders teach the Beatitudes as very individual specific blessings for certain people that have hardships in life. But it is not that at all!

Jesus begins his teachings by talking of all the blessings EVERY Christian has by following Him! Thanks be to God! We are all the poor in spirit, mournful, and meek. All Christians hunger and thirst after righteousness, are merciful, and stay pure in heart. Christians are peacemakers. They experience persecution for righteousness’ sake! Do you understand?

The Beatitudes are the blessings that come to Christians and explain exactly the basic standards of following Jesus Christ. Every Christian reading the beatitudes is experiencing the conditions that bring the blessings forward!

No instruction of these standards of basic Christian blessings are needed. They come to the Christians as they accept their Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and are baptized with His Holy Spirit. These blessings are what Christians carry with them as a direct result of following the teachings of Christ.

Do you remember our study of Romans 12:1–3 (KJV 1900) in the first lesson of this course? It speaks about the reasonable service that all Christians do without expectation of rewards. Well, the Beatitudes are like “reasonable rewards” that come to all Christians. If you follow Christ, these rewards will come to you, always. These standards of following Christ are built into every Christian.

But wait! There is more! The Lord Jesus Christ is preparing to tell His Disciples on the mountaintop of new standards of His that His followers should do that do not come automatically to all Christians. That is in our next study, the Standards of the Lord Jesus Christ, Part 2!

By Kathy L McFarland

1. What are the standards of Christian Faith? (Teachings)
A. Rules of behavior
B. Gives Christians the guidelines to emulate Christ
C. Helps develop righteous behavior
D. All the above

2. Who assists Baptized Christians in walking according to the standards of Scripture? (Teachings)

A. LORD God
B. Lord Jesus Christ
C. Holy Spirit
D. Believers in Christ

3. What type of path should Christians walk to assure their behavior is according to Christ’s expectations? (Teachings, Matthew 7:14)

A. Narrow
B. Wide
C. Long
D. Short

4. (Fill in the blank) ____________________ is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things __________ ____________ (Hebrews 11:1).

A. Faith, seen
B. Faith, NOT seen
C. Forgiveness, seen
D. Forgiveness, NOT seen

5. (Fill in the blank) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were _______________ of them, and ________________ them, and ____________ that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13).

A. Amazed, awed, respectful
B. Overcome, burdened, yoked
C. Persuaded, embraced, confessed
D. None of the above

6. What is remembrance of something that has already happened? (Teachings)

A. Old Testament
B. Faith
C. History
D. All the above

7. What is a Christian’s faith? (Hebrews 11:1)

A. Hope that the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass
B. Certainty that the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass
C. Blindness of what the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass
D. Proof of what the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass

8. (True or False) Either the Word of God is evidence of things we cannot see as it reflects God’s full Truth, or it is error that gives victory to the devil. (Hebrews 11:1)

A. True
B. False

9. (True or False) Hebrews 11:13 gives Christians the full standard of faith.

A. True
B. False

10. (Fill in the blank) Christians must be _________________ to the promises of the LORD God, _____________________ them, and __________________ them. (Hebrews 11:13)

A. Persuaded, embrace, confess
B. Memorized, symbolized, and historicized
C. Attached, memorized, learn
D. None of the above

11. What does the Greek word σκολιός (skolios) “untoward” mean that is found in Acts 2:40?

A. Unscrupulous
B. Corrupt
C. Morally crooked
D. All the above

12. What does the LORD God promise that called Christians can do about their sins? (Acts 2:38-40)

A. They can forget them
B. They can sacrifice worship for them
C. They can repent of them
D. They can be re-baptized

13. What does the LORD God promise that can happen to called Christians after repentance? (Acts 2:38-40)

A. Baptism
B. Confirmation
C. Communion
D. Restoration

14. What extra help comes to comfort and guide called, Baptized Christians? (Acts 2:38-40)

A. Church chosen specifically for them
B. Kind Christian teachers that help them become mature
C. Money flowing as manna from God Himself
D. The Holy Spirit

15. What ability does the LORD God’s promise to give called, Baptized Christians with the troubles of the worldly generation that are immoral, corrupt, and crooked surround them? (Acts 2:38-40)

A. Power to overlook
B. Ability to separate your presence from the world
C. To cause your enemies to die
D. To let you dance in their presence

16. What is the LORD God’s promise concerning works saved Christians do in His name? (Hebrews 6:9-12)

A. There are no promises about works
B. He will NOT forget your works and labors of love that you do in His name
C. Only those directed by the Bishop can be counted as official works for the LORD God
D. Works outside of church are vanity

17. What are the LORD God’s promises to righteously keep for those with faith and patience? (Hebrews 6:9-12)

A. Full assurance
B. Diligence
C. Hope
D. All the above

18. (Fill in the blank) You are the ______________ of the living God. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Temple
B. Ark
C. Tabernacle
D. All the above

19. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will ________________ in you. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Supervise
B. Remove you
C. Dwell
D. Dance

20. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will _________________in you. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Run
B. Walk
C. Dance
D. Sing

21. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will be your ________________. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Savior
B. Spirit
C. God
D. Friend

22. (Fill in the blank) You shall be part of the LORD God’s _________________. (2 Corinthians 6:16)

A. Club
B. Army
C. Clique
D. People

23. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will receive you if you separate yourself from the _____________________. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

A. Cults
B. Unclean things of the world
C. All things of the world
D. All people of the world

24. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will be a __________________. (2 Corinthians 6:17)

A. Father
B. Friend
C. Buddy
D. Lucky Lottery Guru

25. (Fill in the blank) You will be a part of the LORD God’s _____________and ____________. (2 Corinthians 6:18)

A. Little Gods, Lords
B. Sons, Daughters
C. Angels, Saints
D. Kings, Queens

26. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God PROMISES to give the Lord Jesus Christ power to _________________. (Luke 5:24)

A. Destroy the Earth
B. Save all people from Hell
C. Forgive sins on Earth
D. All the above

27. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to all the __________________________ to receive forgiveness and cleansing. (1 John 1:7-10)

A. Allowance for people who are good
B. Allowance for people who are repentant
C. Allowance for people who promise to obey if they receive from Him
D. Allowance for the Blood of Jesus Christ

28. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to accept those that _________________ and _______________. (1 John 1:7)

A. Walk in the Light, fellowship with other Christians
B. Tithe to the Church, perform dances on the stage to draw more people in
C. Do good and give money to the poor
D. All the above

29. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to allow ______________ to cleanse His Followers from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

A. Christ
B. Repentance
C. Spiritual Restoration
D. Good works

30. What doctrine becomes part of all other doctrines that help contribute to Christians becoming righteous? (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. Justification
B. Salvation
C. Works
D. Faith

31. (True or False) The Lord Jesus is NOT the LORD God. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

32. (True or False) When we have faith, we are saying that we believe all the promises that the LORD God has made to us in the Word of God.

A. True
B. False

33. (True or False) The Trinity members are the LORD God, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

34. (True or False) The Trinity is equal in nature, distinct in Person, and submissive in duties. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

35. (Match) The Trinity is equal in _____ (1) ______, distinct in _______ (2) _____, and submissive in _______ (3) ____________. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. Duties
B. Nature
C. Person

36. (Match) (1) Omniscience) (2) Omnipresence (3) Omnipotence

A. Powerful
B. Everywhere
C. Holy

37. (Match) If you uphold the three standards of faith to be _______ (1)_________ of the LORD God’s promises, _______(2)______ them, and _______(3)______ them after seeing them from afar off.

A. Embraced
B. Persuaded
C. Confessed

38. When a Christian has full faith, what will they feel like on the earth? (May be more than one answer)

A. Pilgrims
B. Thorns
C. Strangers
D. All the above

39. What Christ’s Parable in Matthew 13:22 talks about separating from the World?

A. Parable of the Sower
B. Parable of the Talents
C. Parable of the Hidden Pearl
D. Parable of the Prodigal Son

40. How does the world trick the Believers according to Matthew 13:22? (May be more than one answer)

A. Brings the cares of the world to their hearts
B. Tricks them with the deceitfulness of riches
C. Bribes them to live both spiritual and physical lives
D. Challenges them to be good people in the world and outside the church

41. What could result if the whole world of riches is gained? (Matthew 16:26) (Think this one out)

A. Loss of soul
B. Loss of salvation opportunity
C. Loss of Heaven and the New Earth
D. All the above

42. (Small Essay) Describe how it is poor people that so often succumb to the riches of the world. (Matthew 16:26 and Kathy L McFarland teachings)

43. (Small Essay) Why do people that have the riches of the world NOT have a need for God? (Mark 10:23-25, Kathy L McFarland teachings)

44. (Small Essay) Why does the world hate followers of Jesus Christ? (John 15:17-19)

45. What does the mercy of the LORD God ALLOW you to do?

A. Be a living sacrifice
B. Give yourself fully
C. Yield to His control
D. All the above

46. What are the six standards listed in Romans 12:1-3 used for by the LORD God and Christians?

A. To measure how much reward to give to the Believer
B. To measure how much punishment to give to the Believer
C. To measure how much faith to give to the Believer
D. To measure how much glory to give to the Believer

47. What are the first three standards called in Romans 12:1-3?

A. Reasonable Service
B. Exceptional Service
C. Faithful Service
D. None of the above

48. Who measures the six standards of living sacrifice of a Christian to determine how much faith to give? (Romans 12:1-3)

A. The LORD God
B. The Lord Jesus Christ
C. The Holy Spirit
D. All the above

49. (True or False) Giving the LORD God full control over your being is part of the living sacrifice and will produce holiness in you. (Romans 12:1-3)

A. True
B. False

50. (True or False) Reasonable Service means that a reward or notice will be given by God for holiness for doing His will. (Romans 12:1-3)

A. True
B. False

51. (True or False) Reasonable Service means the LORD God does NOT necessarily expect Believers to seek His will deeply to live as He wants, rather than follow their own heart. (Romans 12:1-3)

A. True
B. False

52. (True or False) It is acceptable for a Believer to take credit for holiness since it is based on his living sacrifice to the LORD God. (Romans 12:1-3)

A. True
B. False

53. What three measures fall under the Reasonable Service standard that receives rewards from God? (Romans 12:1-3)

A. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice
B. A measure of how holy a Believer develops
C. A measure of how acceptable a Believer is to the LORD God
D. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a Believer exists
E. A measure of how much a Believer transforms through renewal of mind
F. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God

54. What three standards of faith DO NOT fall under the Reasonable Service standard, that will be rewarded by the LORD God with additional faith? (Romans 12:1-3)

A. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice
B. A measure of how holy a Believer develops
C. A measure of how acceptable a Believer is to the LORD God
D. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a Believer exists
E. A measure of how much a Believer transforms through renewal of mind
F. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God

55. (True or False) When a Believer is given higher-level faith, then confidence can be assured the Believer has the adequate amount of spirituality to handle the faith award or increase perfectly! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

56. (True or False) It should be the goal of the Church, Christian leaders, Pastors, Counselors, Teachers, Chaplains, Parents, and Mentors to help develop the six-steps of standards of faith to prepare Believers to receive the granting of more faith from the LORD God. (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

57. (True or False) Being a Living Sacrifice is NOT your faith! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

58. (True or False) Being a Living Sacrifice is NOT your works! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)

A. True
B. False

59. (Fill in the Blank) So then faith cometh by _________________, and _______________ by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

A. Hearing; hearing
B. Good works; good works
C. Holiness; holiness
D. Holy Spirit; Holy Spirit

60. (True or False) It is the human sense of feeling that faith is delivered by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

A. True
B. False

61. (True or False) A Believer must hear the Word of God to develop the six standards of faith and spiritual growth. (Romans 10:17)

A. True
B. False

62. (True or False) Scripture is the Word of God. (John 1:1-3)

A. True
B. False

63. (True or False) If an unbeliever is unable to hear and understand God’s Word, then that is a person that DOES NOT have faith given by the LORD God. (Romans 10:17)

A. True
B. False

By Kathy L. McFarland

Hebrews 11:13 (KJV 1900)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

8. If you uphold the three standards of faith to be persuaded of the LORD God’s promises, embraced them, and confessed them, then you will feel like “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

Think about that for a moment. Throughout the teachings of Christ, we are told that we must separate ourselves from the world, right? “The Parable of the Sower” says…

Matthew 13:22 (KJV 1900)
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

9. The world tricks most with the “deceitfulness of riches.” Even if the Word of God is heard, it is choked by the care of the world. When the Word of God is choked, the hearer of the Word becomes unfruitful. If the Christian is unfruitful, then no works are done to glorify the LORD God. Fruitful, living works can never be accomplished based upon the riches of the world.

Matthew 16:26 (KJV 1900)
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

10. If the whole world of riches is gained, it will cost the loss of your soul. Poor people who struggle to live day-by-day in poor countries that are filled with corruption and political ignorance, watch as their portion of simple living expectations are stolen from them. It is those that worry about feeding and clothing their family members that so easily succumb to seeking the riches of the world. The unfairness of others having resources when your family is starving creates a culture of seeking after the riches from the world.

Mark 10:23–25 (KJV 1900)
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

11. People that have the riches of the world, do NOT have a need for God. Their souls can be lost.

Many of the countries in the continent of Africa and South America, and many of the southern states in the USA have a road of poverty that far-exceeds the imagination of the rich. The devil sows his thorns amongst the people who seek the Word of God and strangle the message of God from reaching their understanding. It is the common attack by Satan toward the poor to keep them from serving their Lord Jesus Christ and creating works through Him and the Holy Spirit to glorify the LORD God in Heaven.

John 15:17–19 (KJV 1900)
17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

The world hates followers of Jesus Christ. The world hates Christ. If you walk the way of the world, you will have riches, but you will lose your soul. The standard of faith requires you to love fellow Christians and support them in their walk with Christ. The standard of faith requires you to reject the world and all its riches. The standard of faith requires you to understand that Christ chose you
OUT OF THE WORLD, so you are hated, and no longer a part of the world.

Romans 12:1–3 (KJV 1900)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

12. The LORD God’s mercy allows you to be a living sacrifice, giving yourself fully and yielding to His control.

13. The Reasonable Service of a Believer that gives control fully to God must become holy.

14. Reasonable Service means a reward or notice will not be given by God for holiness for doing His will.

15. Reasonable Service expectations of God require Believers to seek His will deeply and live as He wants.

16. It is the LORD God that deals to each man a measure of faith!

17. It is unworthy for a holy believer of God to take credit for holiness that comes from God alone.

18. There are six standards measured by the LORD God to determine how much faith a person is to receive.

a. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice

b. A measure of how holy a Believer develops

c. A measure of how acceptable a believer is to the LORD God

d. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a believer exists

e. A measure of how much a believer transforms through renewal of mind

f. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God

19. Consider these six standards. There are just three measurements that the LORD God considers Reasonable Service.

a. The first is the measure of living sacrifice
b. The second is the amount of holiness that is achieved by the Believer
c. The third is the degree to which the Believer is acceptable by the LORD God.

20. There are NO rewards for achievement given by the LORD God or by the Lord Jesus Christ for the three standards of Reasonable Service.

21. There are three measurements for faith that DO NOT fall under the Reasonable Service standard.

a. Be non-conforming to this world
b. Be able to transform yourself by the renewing of your mind
c. Be able to prove what is the good, acceptable, perfect will of God

Teaching by Kathy L McFarland:
The six measurements that the LORD God uses to determine the amount of faith given to a person directly develops a Christian’s standards of faith for spiritual growth. When a person is given higher level faith, then confidence can be assured the believer has the adequate amount of spirituality to handle the faith award or increase perfectly.

This important concept contrasts those who receive just a little faith. It should be the goal of the Church, Christian leaders, Pastors, Counselors, Teachers, Chaplains, Parents, and Mentors to help develop the six-steps of standards of faith to prepare Believers to receive the granting of more faith from the LORD God.

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS your spirituality. It is the amount of yourself that is given to the LORD God by your choice.

When you are a “Living Sacrifice,” your spirituality is measured, and faith given to you by the LORD God. What you do as a “Living Sacrifice” is spiritual works directed by the LORD God.

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS NOT your faith!

Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS NOT your works!

Romans 10:17 (KJV 1900)
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

22. It is the human sense of hearing that faith is delivered by the LORD God.

23. A Believer must hear the WORD OF GOD to develop the six standards of faith and spiritual growth.

24. Scripture is the WORD OF GOD. (John 1:1-3)

25. If an unbeliever is unable to hear and understand God’s Word, then that is a person that does not have faith given by the LORD God.

Lecture 112-1(Part 1)

By Kathy L. McFarland

The standards of Christian faith are the standards that our LORD God and our Lord Jesus Christ expects for us to emulate in our Christian journey with Him. The Holy Spirit, given to each Baptized Believer, assists us to walk in the way of Christ at every step we take in our natural and spiritual lives. However, busy lives often lead us off the path of Christian faith and into the control of the world and sometimes even the enemies that would wish harm to come to us.

It is critical that you walk the narrow path of Christ through this life, grow in spiritual maturity through that practiced pace and knowledge, and one day be rewarded greatly for the works you have done to bring glory to the LORD God.

But first, you must understand what the standards of Christian faith are expected by our Lord Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV 1900)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:13 (KJV 1900)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

1. Sometimes, Christians confuse surety of faith with absolutely “already happened, thus their faith is strong.” If something has already happened, it is not faith, but history that is reflected.

2. When a Christian has faith, he is hoping that all the LORD God said in His Word will come to pass. Either the Word of God is evidence of things we cannot see as it reflects God’s full Truth, or it is error that gives victory to the devil. Christian’s faith stands strongly on choosing the winning team of the LORD God because they have been called closer to Him, and through His Word, given them hope of salvation to come.

3. Hebrews 11:13 gives us the full standard of faith. You must be persuaded to the promises of the LORD God, embrace them, and confess them.

Let’s breakdown the standard of faith in the promise of the LORD God listed in Hebrews 11:13 that must be persuaded, embraced, and confessed.

The Promises of the LORD God

Acts 2:38–40 (KJV 1900)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as
many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

4. The LORD God promises:
a. If you are called by God, you can repent of your sins.
b. If you are called by God, you can be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Please note: Remission means you are released from the power of sin through your baptismal grave)
c. If you are called by God, you can receive the Holy Ghost.
d. If you are called by God, you can save yourselves from the immoral, corrupt, crooked, worldly generation (Separate your presence from them).

Hebrews 6:9–12 (KJV 1900)
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

5. The LORD God promises through salvation:
a. To NOT forget your works and labors of love that you did in His
name
b. To righteously keep His promises for those with faith and patience, full assurance, and diligence to the end

2 Corinthians 6:16–7:1 (KJV 1900)
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 7 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

6. The LORD God promises:
a. You will be the temple of the living LORD God.
b. The LORD God will dwell in you (through the Holy Spirit).
c. The LORD God will walk with you (through the Holy Spirit).
d. The LORD God will be your God.
e. You shall be part of the LORD God’s people.
f. The LORD God will receive you if you separate yourself from the unclean things of the world.
g. The LORD God will be a Father to you.
h. You will be a part of the LORD God’s sons and daughters.

Luke 5:22–24 (KJV 1900)
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? 23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? 24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

1 John 1:7–10 (KJV 1900)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

7. The LORD God promises:
a. To give the Lord Jesus Christ power to forgive sins on earth,
b. To allow the blood of Jesus Christ to forgive and cleanse all those that walk in the light with his Son and have fellowship with other Christians.
c. To allow Christ to cleanse His Followers from all unrighteousness

Romans 4:21–5:2 (KJV 1900)
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Teachings from Kathy L McFarland
When we teach young Christians who are beginning their faith walk with Christ, we talk most often about our beloved Lord Jesus Christ. After all, it is His blood that brings salvation to all of us, and is the most important doctrine that becomes a part of all the other doctrines that help contribute to us becoming righteous. But, as we mature, we must understand deeper, the things of God through His Word.

The Lord Jesus Christ shed His blood for the remission of sin in those that follow Him. Jesus Christ was given the power by the LORD God to forgive sins on this earth. The Lord Jesus Christ is our teacher, our mentor, our Lord, and our King. He is the risen Lord from His crucifixion, and that contributes to our hope of one day following Him in Resurrection into Eternal Life. His teachings and examples contributed to us becoming righteous, a condition necessary for us to serve our LORD God.

But the Lord Jesus Christ is NOT the LORD God. He is separate. He has His purposes, goals, and ways that enforce the things of the LORD God and contribute to God’s program.

The Trinity members (the LORD God, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit) are equal in nature, distinct in Person, and submissive in duties. They are ONE GOD with THREE PERSONS.

That distinct “in Person” is the knowledge that mature Christians must understand before they can achieve full enlightenment of the Word of God. So let me make it a bit easier.

Check out points four to seven. All those points show some (but not all) of the important promises of the LORD God. Not Jesus Christ. Not the Holy Spirit. Those promises come from the LORD God of Omniscience (Holy), Omnipresence (Everywhere), and Omnipotence (Powerful).

If we believe those promises, if we have hope of those promises then that is called faith. When we have faith, we are saying that we believe all the promises that the LORD God has made to us in the Word of God.

The forgiveness of sin on this earth by the Lord Jesus Christ has happened to us as Christians. And the going to our Baptismal grave and resurrection in eternal life has been promised when our physical bodies die. We have faith that it all works because the LORD God promised it. He promised that His only begotten Son would lead us to Him.

So, though faith as a young Christian is expressed in the surety of forgiveness of sin and eternal life through Jesus Christ, as mature Christians, we must understand it more deeply. When we say we have faith, we are saying that we believe without doubt that the LORD God will keep His promises. Then as mature Christians, we start exploring the Word of God, to sort out exactly what those promises are, and what they mean to us as we seek after righteousness.

Updated Feb 15, 2024 10:24:51am