PART FOUR: IT BEGINS WITH A FOUNDATION: PLUMB LINE

 

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In part three, of It begins with a foundation, we looked at a datum level, what it is and Who it represents.

Always remember this one truth.

When something doesn’t point you to Christ, it is false.

Christ Jesus is the beginning, the middle, and the end. Nothing can exist without Him. Everything originates from Him, leads to Him, and finishes in Him. I stand in astonishment that this God, who has created everything; the seen and the unseen, has made His abode in me. I feel special and at the same time humbled by the mere thought.

When I read the scriptures and find the parallels in our everyday life, I am stunt. This makes the Bible so much more real and accurate. It is the tangible evidence that God’s Word is not a myth but statements of proof to the doubters.  

Whether we live in a house or an apartment, a palace or a tiny house, the building principles still applies to each project. And the great Architect reveals these principles almost on every page of the Bible.

The building of God's house demands purity—particularly in doctrine. Therefore, we must be careful how we build and who we carry a yoke with. An unequal yoke leads to doctrinal contamination and incremental error. It jeopardises accurate transgenerational building as well. God is all about reaching the entire the family. Therefore, it is vital to rely on the Holy Spirit to show us the accurate way. One that pleases the Father at all times.  

“Jesus is building His Church through the Holy Spirit. Dependence on the Holy Spirit involves dying to the old life.” Dr Sagie Govender.

Eph 2:21

21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord. (KJV)

The Holy Temple is the bigger picture. It is the purpose of our walk on this earth. And as a chosen one, you are part of this temple. Therefore, it is important to count the cost every time you each a new phase. Because you will be shaped and smoothed by Him. We must be framed and joined together with Christ. He is the cornerstone; we are the living stones.

Each of us has a different road to travel. Not one of our roads is the same. Yes, there are similarities, even resemblances, but our processes will differ from each other. As a born-again child of God, you pioneer into a new frontier—to become a mature son. A begotten son. One that only you can walk, but we all have the same destination. In Christ.

A pioneer is looking for new territory for expansion. Explores new ways of designing and building to surpass existing technologies.

Edification is the strengthening or building up of the Church—God's spiritual house. God's Manifest Presence strengthens the Church, motivating believers to serve and worship Him with greater zeal.

He is the way to the temple—the Church of God.

Dr Sagie Govender

After we have set up the datum level, we need a plumb line to build accurately. Our temple needs walls and gates and if the foundation is skewed, the walls will crumble under any pressure, and the gates destroyed. Even the pathways will be crooked, so we must make sure that our doctrine is sound. We must be innovative and intelligent. We must break away from the old to embark on the new.

PURPOSE OF A PLUMB LINE

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In construction, the plumb line is an essential tool for the construction.

Purpose: A plumb line is used to establish a true vertical reference. It’s crucial to ensure that structures like walls are perfectly upright.

A plumb line utilizes the law of gravity to discover proper angles, reveal the most forthright path from top to bottom, and keep things plumb or level. A plumb line doesn’t alter or shift with the impulses of the carpenter. It remains true, and all work must line up with it or gamble being crooked.

The carpenter must follow this plumb line as well. He cannot create his own rules or principles and build as he wishes. No, he must stay true to the plumb line. The Father holds the plumb line. Jesus, the carpenter, remains true to it and the Holy Spirit leads you into the truth. He makes sure you stay on par with the plumb line.

How It Works: It has a weight (called a plumb bob) attached to a string. When the weight is suspended, gravity pulls it straight down, creating a vertical line¹.

• Usage: Commonly used in tasks like aligning walls, door frames, and other vertical structures¹.

BIBLICAL APPLICATION

Amos 7:7-8 Amp

Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand.

8 And the Lord said to me, Amos, what do you see? And I said, A plumb line. Then said the Lord, Behold, I am setting a plumb line as a standard in the midst of My people Israel. I will not pass by and spare them anymore [the door of mercy is shut].

2 Kings 21:13 KJV

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.

Often, when a plumb line is mentioned in scripture, we see a forthcoming judgment. This comes from a failure to live by the Commandments of God, the plumb line of faith and devotion. We must implement the culture into our lives; Acts 2:42: Doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. It aligns us to the purpose of God; our foundation remains solid and judgement has abstained.

We will be tested and measured by God’s righteousness and the holy standard that is exemplified by Jesus’s life. Due to Israel’s failure to live “true to plumb,” God brings about the necessary consequences of Israel’s sinful behaviour. He sent his son to die on the cross to carry these consequences and offer it up to the Father so that you can be a true vertical representation of Christ.

The vertical line represents God’s plumb line. The horizontal line represents the string lines needed to build. More about this in the next part.

We must manifest the victory of Christ in our lives.

Eph.2:6

and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Rom. 8:17

Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

We are crucified, buried, raised, and seated with Him. We are joint heirs with Him.

Just as Jesus overcame, we need to overcome in His name. Although we may be cast down, we are never destroyed. We are more than conquerors through Him. The resurrection of Jesus is the bedrock of our faith. We are seated with Him as victors and need to manifest this victory in our daily lives in THREE AREAS.

· VICTORY OVER SATAN - [RESULTS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS]

· VICTORY OVER WORLD - [RESULTS IN PEACE]

· VICTORY OVER FLESH - [RESULTS IN JOY]

[1]. VICTORY OVER SATAN

JESUS OVERCAME SATAN.

Col.2:15

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

WE ARE TO ENFORCE THE VICTORY OF CHRIST OVER SATAN

Matt.16:19

"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Mark 16:17

"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;"

Luke 10:19

"Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

Rom.16:20a

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.

Eph.1:22

And He put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.

When we enforce the victory of Christ over Satan, we establish the RIGHTEOUSNESS of the Kingdom of God.

[2]. VICTORY OVER THE WORLD

JESUS OVERCAME THE WORLD.

John 16:33

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

OVERCOMING THE WORLD RESULTS IN THE PEACE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

HOW TO OVERCOME THE WORLD
2.1. WE MUST NOT LOVE THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD.

1 John 2:15

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

2.2. WE ARE NOT TO GET ENTANGLED WITH THE AFFAIRS OF THIS WORLD.

2Tim.2:4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

2.3. WE ARE NOT TO CONFORM TO THIS WORLD.

Rom.12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2.4. WE ARE TO DIE TO THIS WORLD.

Gal.6:14

But God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

We are in this world, but not of the world (John 17:16).

We overcome the world by declaring the gospel of peace. It must be our ambition to occupy till He comes. Being busy with the business of declaring the gospel till He comes.

Luke 19:13

"So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, `Do business till I come.'

Rom.15:20

And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation,

[3]. VICTORY OVER THE FLESH [Controlling the carnal nature]

JESUS OVERCAME THE FLESH BY:

3.1. REFUSING TO TURN STONE TO BREAD.

Matt.4:3-4

3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." 4 But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

3.2. STAYING ON THE CROSS.

Matt.27:40

And saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."

3.3. SUBMITTING TO THE FATHER'S WILL.

Matt.26:39

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

We are to do likewise.

Col.3:5

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

1 Pet.2:11

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

JOY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE RESULT WHEN YOU OVERCOME THE FLESH .

When we manifest victory over these three areas, we demonstrate the kingdom of God.

Demonstrating the kingdom of God is possible only through the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom.14:17).

Isaiah 28: 16

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.” This is an assurance of the unmoveable kingdom, with Christ as the foundation. Jesus Christ is the “precious cornerstone” (see Mark 12:10; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6).

As the Lord builds His kingdom, He will ensure it is perfect in every way.

Isaiah 28:17

“I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.” There is no crookedness or corruption in the Kingdom of Heaven.

As a plumb line is not dependent on the thoughts or the convenience of the tradesman, so is God’s moral law, not subject to the beliefs of man. The standard of righteousness remains true and clearly defined, as God's revelation has been delivered to us. Wise men accommodate their lives to God's "plumb line," like diligent workers who modify their work according to true vertical and horizontal lines.

Zechariah 4:10 KJVAE

For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

It is so easy to forget that we are a work in progress. Especially when things don’t go our way. But it is in these moments we must reflect and press in to overcome the flesh. We must overcome Satan, and we must overcome the world. Unless we don’t, we will stay in this wilderness longer than we supposed to or stagnate completely.

Take this time of reflection to truly be still and listen to the still, small voice of God. Act on what He shows you, lay down what needs to be laid down.

Grace and peace to you.

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PART THREE. SETTING UP THE FOUNDATION. WHO IS YOUR DATUM LEVEL?

Leros windmill, Greece. @nejdetduzen / iStock / Getty Images Plus

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1 Corinthains 3: 9-13 Amplified Edition

For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building. [Isa. 61:3.]

10 According to the grace (the special endowment for my task) of God bestowed on me, like a skillful architect and master builder I laid [the] foundation, and now another [man] is building upon it. But let each [man] be careful how he builds upon it,

11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

12 But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, whether it be with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

13 The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.

Building a foundation is very important. It must be durable to stand the test of time. It must be built on solid ground. Well-prepared to stand against all that the elements will throw at it.

Cold, heat, wind, and storms will come against its very existence. Sometimes it will be okay and other times it will be brutal. At times, you won’t even know it was there because the foundation saved you.

You never know when these tests will come, in what forms it will come, or how long it will last. But it will be tested. Therefore, it is vital to build it right. You must be also very selective of who will build on this foundation. One wrong stone, or one misstep can make this a skew building that will crumble when weight is applied.

So, let’s look at the steps needed before you even touch the shovel.

1. Building Foundations by Marking Out a Level Datum Point. A datum point is a point of reference from which further measurements can be made. The point can be based on the finished floor level, an existing building, or a benchmark.

A datum is a theoretically perfect feature.

A datum level is an arbitrary horizontal plane on a construction project used as a reference point for all other vertical dimensions to be measured. It is used to highlight differentials between vertical heights of floor levels along with differing levels of two separate points on the site.

Andy Parkin, Managing Director of Speed Screed

With this knowledge, I have concluded that, just as a piece of ground must be prepared for construction, I must be prepared for construction, either. But before construction can begin, the ground must be levelled.

His will is for you to become a temple. One that God use, and to do that He will use His datum level to measure your life. He will highlight the areas you have to separate from to come to His standard. This is where you count the cost. What are you willing to lay down for Christ? Remember the rich young man who wanted to follow Jesus? Jesus told him to sell everything he owned and then follow him. This instruction upset this man so much that he walked away because he was very rich. He was clearly tested, count the cost and decided not to continue. His heart was not fixed on the things of God.

This process begins when you are born again. Here, you learn the fundamentals of being a follower and ambassador of Christ. Each time He gives you something new to do, you are listening to His instruction to come closer to the calling God has for your life.

God, place His datum level against your life and adjust your heart to be on the same level field as Christ. Only then can you be built upon, used and sent.

Too many times, people are sent out before they are on the same level as Christ. This is where they get hurt, fall for any false doctrine, and become disputant to the voice of God. If you have missed the foundation stage, your building project will crumble. Because of trials and tribulations, meant to shape us, it hardens our heart, and we think we know better. This kind of path always leads to the pigsty, and ultimately, death if you don’t turn back.

You must begin at the foundation.

WHO IS THE DATUM POINT IN OUR LIFE?

1 Corinthains 3: 14-18 Amplified Edition

If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward.

15 But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire. [Job 23:10.]

16 Do you not discern and understand that you [the whole church at Corinth] are God’s temple (His sanctuary), and that God’s Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]?

17 If anyone does hurt to God’s temple or corrupts it [with false doctrines] or destroys it, God will do hurt to him and bring him to the corruption of death and destroy him. For the temple of God is holy (sacred to Him) and that [temple] you [the believing church and its individual believers] are.

18 Let no person deceive himself. If anyone among you supposes that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [let him discard his worldly discernment and recognize himself as dull, stupid, and foolish, without true learning and scholarship], that he may become [really] wise. [Isa. 5:21.]

1 Corinthains 11:1-3 Amplified Edition

PATTERN YOURSELVES after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah).

2 I appreciate and commend you because you always remember me in everything and keep firm possession of the traditions (the substance of my instructions), just as I have [verbally] passed them on to you.

3 But I want you to know and realize that Christ is the Head of every man, the head of a woman is her husband, and the Head of Christ is God.

 John 10:27-28 Amplified Edition

The sheep that are My own, hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.

28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand.

According to these scriptures, Christ is our Datum Point.

You have heard the phrase, “God accepts me as I am.” And then we continue with what we are doing while in the world. But, in actuality, God might accept us, but when we begin to grow and listen, He expects us to change into the image of Christ.

In this phase, He takes us to the construction site and chips away all that does not look like Christ. So, he might accept you as you are, but He will not leave you as you are.

But this is where many fail to understand the ways of God. They still want to do what they want to do. Not get rid of sin and not obey the voice of God.

You can only do this when you have the right builder or the right shepherd to lead you to be an exact representation of Christ.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

You must become a tested stone before you can embark on any path. You must be slotted into the cornerstone, and your foundation must be strong or sure. Sure means that you are confident that you know something or that you are right. You cannot be sure if you don’t have the Word of God in you.

1 Corinthians 3:11

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is our datum point. The one we are measured against. He is our reference. If we are full of ourselves, not willing to hate all sentimental relationships and follow Christ, we cannot be a disciple.

Luke 14: 26

“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.”

2. Calculate Material to be Removed for Building Foundations. Next, calculate how much material needs to be removed from the site to end up back at finished floor level once all the layers of flooring materials (insulation, concrete, screed, etc) have gone down. Time taken with a site level at this stage will make things easier later on when the digger may not be able to reach any areas that have not been dug deep enough. 

We must dig deep and remove all things not needed, or that what hinders our progress. Removing everything from our lives will cost us something. It is crucial to calculate the cost because once you have begun, it’s hazardous to stop. Be patient and learn while you calculate all you must lay aside. For instance, you cannot take a break while under construction. You must push through.

When you go to a quarry site where coal is unearthed, it looks messy and very confusing. But, unless they don’t go deep into the ground, they will not find the coal. The black stickiness of the unearthed area clings to everything. It is hard and filthy labour, but when a diamond is discovered, the people rejoice.

To unearth that one diamond cost time and money. Lots of calculation went into that site to unearth that precious stone. Layers upon layers of dirt had to be taken away, and someone had to do it. That is part of the labouring. That is part of the cost.

Who paid the price for your precious stone to be discovered? Jesus did. He became flesh; he became the Good Shepherd and when you listen to His voice; he leads you to the still waters. Waters that will purify you until you are smooth and pliable.

Becoming a representation of Christ takes years in the making.

Wherever you find yourself in life, make sure that your focus is on Christ. That your datum level is on par with Christ. Make sure that you have calculated the cost.

God wants you to succeed. He wants you to become a firm structure in Him.

Take this time of reflection to truly be still and listen to the still, small voice of God. Act on what He shows you, lay down what needs to be laid down.

Grace and peace to you.

This chapter is divided into a few sections. 

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PART TWO: HOW DO WE ESTIMATE THE COST?

 

 

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After you have bought the entire field, you must work out the cost of the building material, the labour and the subcontracting work needed for the building. Like with anything else that needs a plan, you need to count the cost when you enter the Kingdom of God. You must have a building plan.

In the beginning, we are stirred by emotions. But once the “honeymoon” phase is over the hardships kick in. now you are no longer moved by emotions by every word that comes from God’s mouth. Instead of submitting to the word, they give up. They become distant and negative about the Word and the church.

· The problem is that there are no teachers to teach the word.

· The culture has not been added and,

· Many people think they know the scripture without ever opening the Bible.

Studying the Bible is a big step in laying a foundation.

This is also the stage where many people are easily influenced by mysticism, mixtures, and promises of grandeur.  

What do we have to look at when we want to build?

BUILDING PLAN

· How big is the project? You must have the end in mind. Why do you want to follow Christ? What is your motive? 

· How much will you need of each item? How much do you need to spend in the Word, away from all the stuff that keeps you busy?

· What must you remove to get to walk in victory? This is where many stop or linger for a long time. But the longer you spend time here, the more baggage will be added. The heavier it will become, so much so that you will dump everything and think it is not for you. Or you will run around for prophetic word and motivational messages to keep you sane. This is not a good to place to be at. It makes you lazy and dependent on others.

· What subcontractors do you need? Each phase in the building plan needs skilled personnel. The Issachar company who knows the times and seasons.

o Here you need the:

§ Second man - architect

§ Sons—builders: foundation, walls, doors, windows, floors, roof, electricity, sewerage, etc.

§ Leaders—trusted men. Electrical contractor, plumbers, tilers, carpenters, painters. Gardener, security… Skilled men and women for each task. People who just came into the kingdom cannot be a leader. They are still babes. The problem is, the moment a person is born again, he/she is given the mic. This is where many false teachings come from. Skilled people have learned, therefore are equipped to do the work.

· They have studied and,

· they have the experience.

· They are people with integrity and walk in righteousness.

· They listen to the voice of God. They are led by the Holy Spirit.

· They are sober.

· They have the nature of Christ.

· They have overcome.

These are the people you need to help you build in your own life and in your ministry or workplace.  

· Does the land have a good enough slope to drain all water away from the foundation?

O Did you install a sump pit for drainage? And is it working?

o Pumping is a continuous action. Studying the Word is not a once in a lifetime thing but a continuous action. You must remove all the water until you come to the Rock. And who is the Rock? Jesus Christ.

You must build your house on a firm foundation first.

Here are a few scriptures you can study and make your own. 

Take the time to examine your motives. Examine your lifestyle. 

What do you need to do to step into what God expects from you? 

Laying a foundation is the hardest part of this new journey. If this is not in place, you will make very expensive mistakes that can cost you dearly. This is not a threat, but born from experience. 

Grace and peace to you. 

THE ROCK OF ALL AGES.

All scriptures are from the English Standard Version.

Exodus 33:22

And while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.

Deuteronomy 32:4 

“The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.

Deuteronomy 32:18

You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you, and you forgot the God who gave you birth.

Deuteronomy 32:15

“But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked; you grew fat, stout, and sleek; then he forsook God who made him and scoffed at the Rock of his salvation.

2 Samuel 22:2

He said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

2 Samuel 22:32

“For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:31

For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?

Psalm 31:3

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;

Psalm 61:2

From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,

Psalm 62:2

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Psalm 95:1

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Psalm 118:22

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Matthew 7:24-27

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Matthew 16:18

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 21:42

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Acts 4:11

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.

Romans 9:33

As it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

1 Corinthians 10:4

And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

1 Peter 2:4-8

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 

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PART ONE: IT BEGINS WITH A FOUNDATION.

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To become a follower of Christ, we must understand discipleship. We cannot separate being a follower from discipleship. It isn’t enough to be just a believer. We must grow in our walk, and that is where discipleship comes in. The twelve were only sent when they had spent time with Jesus. Jesus didn’t send them out at the beginning of his three-year walk. They had to undergo training. Today, too many people are sent without training and mislead others on the way.  

It is a continually growing and laying down oneself to really understand what it means.

Even though I have walked on the road for a long time, my road had many ups and downs. When I took a detour, I never expected it to end where it did, and the result was that I had to resubmit myself to the training. I had to reinstall the culture of being an authentic believer, which led me to this study.

It begins with a foundation is a deeper look into what it means to be authentic in our walk and the cost involved.

The mark of a disciple entails the following:

· DEATH TO SELF: Luke 14:27-28

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. (NKJV)

· IMITATES JESUS: Matt 10:24-25

24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. (NKJV)

· SERVANTHOOD: John 13:13-17

13 "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 "Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (NKJ)

· COMPLIANCE: Matt 4:19-20

19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (NKJ)

· INDWELLING WORD: John 8:31

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (NKJ)

· PRODUCTIVITY: John 15:8

"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (NKJ)

· LOVE FOR OTHER DISCIPLES: John 13:34-35

34"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (NKJ)

· EXCLUSIVE DEVOTION: Luke 14:33

"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (NKJ)

 

It’s necessary to understand what discipleship means before you embark on this journey. Your mind must be sharpened, your intellect improved, and you must be of sound mind as you overcome the enemies you will encounter on the way.

Through this bible study, the mnemonics will come through as explicit instructions from the Lord. This is not my instructions but God’s instructions.

I can only show you the way, but it’s up to you if you will do a self-study and follow the Word as God’s absolute truth.

It all starts with the foundation. Once that is established, the rest will become easier to build upon.

May you find true meaning in your walk as you grow into maturity with Christ as your ultimate destination.

I want to thank my spiritual father, who has given me the resources to learn, and equip those who will read this, and to grow into the image of Christ. May you, too, find this study as a light in the tunnel and you, too, find your way to Christ.  

Discipleship possesses certain traits.

Luk 14:26-30

“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? 29Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. 33So therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

You must hate all sentimental connections.

:26 who does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.

Thayer: 1) to hate, pursue with hatred, detest

   2) to be hated, detested.

TBESG: You must have an indifference to or relative disregard for one thing in comparison with another. Hate has the same meaning as detested, according to the Apostolic Bible Polyglot Greek-English Linear. The word hate is used as detested in several translations.

Gen 26:27

And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate (detested) me and have sent me away from you?”

Gen 29:31,33

:31When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved (detested), He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.

:33Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am unloved (detested), He has therefore given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon.

Gen 37:4, 8

:4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated (detested) him and could not speak peaceably to him.

:8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated (detested) him even more for his dreams and for his words.

Ex 18:21

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating (detesting) covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Through these scriptures, you must hate or detest all sentimental relations. Clinging to these relationships cripples your progress in becoming a disciple of Christ.

You must carry the cross. You must deny yourself and follow without hesitation.

Matt 16:24, 27

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

27 Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Mark 8:34

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

To follow, you must estimate the cost.

We will unpack this in the following days in more detail as this Bible plan unfolds. 

This Bible plan is going back to the basics and is essential for our growth. It is important to examine ourselves to truly determine if we are on the right path. If we have what it takes to follow Christ and come to the In-Christ position. 

My prayer is that you will receive clarity and insight to overcome and step into the fulness of grace with me. May this journey lead you to the Rock, the one who will never fail you; Jesus Christ. 

Grace and peace to you. 

Follow the blog to stay connected. 

Grace and peace to you.

CONTENT

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
PART TWO HOW DO WE ESTIMATE THE COST?
PART THREE SETTING UP THE FOUNDATION
PART FOUR PLUMB LINE
PART FIVE: THE SHEEP GATE LEADS TO THE CROSS
PART SIX: THE MARKS OF A SHEPHERD.
PART SEVEN: SEPULCHRE, A DEAD CHURCH/ BELIEVER
PART EIGHT: STRING LINE. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD.
PART NINE: FELLOWSHIP WITH EACH OTHER
PART TEN: THE QUARRY STAGE, THE HEART OF THE BELIEVER
PART ELEVEN: PLANS
PART TWELVE: ACCURATE BUILDING
PART THIRTEEN: ACCURATE BUILDING PART 2
PART FOURTEEN: BUILDING INACCURATELY