PART EIGHT: STRING LINE: FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

@stock photo Microsoft

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10

Isaiah 28:16-17

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD:

“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,

A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;

Whoever believes will not act hastily.

17 Also I will make justice the measuring line,

And righteousness the plummet;

The hail will sweep away the refuge of lies,

And the waters will overflow the hiding place.

The Bible is a very practical book and as we symbollically dissect it; we begin to understand God’s mind and heart for our lives. Nothing is new on this earth. All truths come from the mind of Christ, which we interweave into our life which gives it direction and meaning.

Within the topic of foundation, I have learned so much about myself and my relationship with God that I cannot help but to feel awed by the sheer magnitude of God and his plan for us. When I began with this study, it gave me a better understanding of God’s mind and what He expects from me as a believer.

When you get a second chance, like I did, then you want to build more accurately. You want to avoid any time wasters and skew building projects. And you avoid false teachings and people. You know what the results are when you don’t listen or think it’s okay to add sin to your life. Tose small lies who you think no one will know. However, God knows, and if you don’t listen, He will expose you. It’s that simple.

Now, when I read about obedience, I don’t argue about the whys and how comes. I listen and I do.

The scripture “And I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet” from Isaiah 28:17 uses construction descriptions to convey spiritual truths to us. We talked much about the vertical line and what it signifies.

The vertical line is symbolic of the plumb line that has to stay true in the hand of the carpenter, the Father. No one could move this line. Only Jesus could bring us into alignment and reconnect us with God when He became the sacrificial lamb on the Cross.

Jesus became the spotless lamb that had to go through the Sheep Gate and lay down his life. But it begun with a decision to lay down his will to do God’s will. In the process of obeying, Jesus became the perfect example of one who lays down his life.

Too much emphasis is given to self-actualization that we forget that it’s about self-denial when we want to follow Christ. The self has no place when we build a foundation.

Too much emphasis on self-actualization causes you to lose the primary goal, and that is to follow Christ. To lay down yourself and be like-minded with Christ.

When the soldiers spread His arms across the horizontal beam, Jesus became not only the plumb line but also the string line. The Man who connected us with God and our fellow brethren. We are indeed our brother’s keeper. The perfect example to us in surrender and brotherhood.

Purpose of the string line.

The purpose of a string line is to create a straight, level line over a long distance. It ensures that structures are aligned horizontally. This involves a string tightly stretched between two points. The string acts as a guide for laying bricks, tiles, or other materials in a straight line. This is often used in masonry, landscaping and other tasks which require a straight level line.

In summary, while a plumb line ensures vertical accuracy, a string line ensures horizontal alignment. Both are indispensable for achieving precision in construction projects.

What does it mean for us, and how can it be applied?

1. Justice as the Measuring Line:
• Meaning: In construction, a measuring line ensures that structures are built straight and true. Similarly, justice is the standard by which actions and decisions are measured. It represents fairness, equity, and moral rightness.
• Example: Imagine a judge in a courtroom. The judge uses the law (justice) as the standard to determine the outcome of cases. Just as a measuring line ensures a wall is straight, justice ensures that decisions are fair and unbiased.
2. Righteousness as the Plummet:
• Meaning: A plummet (or plumb line) is a tool used to ensure vertical accuracy in construction. Righteousness, in this context, represents moral integrity and uprightness. It is the standard by which individuals’ actions are evaluated.
• Example: Consider a person known for their honesty and integrity. Their actions are consistently upright, much like a wall built true to a plumb line. Their righteousness serves as a model for others, ensuring that their behaviour aligns with moral and ethical standards.

Practical Applications

1. Personal Integrity:
• Justice: Strive to treat others fairly and make decisions based on what is right and just. For example, if you’re in a leadership position, ensure that your actions benefit everyone equally and are not biased.
• Righteousness: Maintain personal integrity in all your dealings. This means being honest, keeping your promises, and acting ethically even when no one is watching.
2. Community and Society:
• Justice: Advocate for laws and policies that promote fairness and equity. For instance, support initiatives that aim to reduce inequality and provide equal opportunities for all.
• Righteousness: Encourage and model ethical behaviour within your community. This could involve volunteering, helping those in need, and promoting a culture of honesty and respect.
3. Spiritual Life:
• Justice: Align your actions with the principles of justice as taught in the Word of God. This might involve standing up for the oppressed and ensuring that your actions reflect God’s standards of fairness.
• Righteousness: Live a life that reflects your spiritual values. This means striving to be morally upright and letting your faith guide your actions and decisions.

Using justice as your measuring line and righteousness as your plummet, you can build a life that is pleasing to God and morally upright, much like a well-constructed building that stands strong and true.

By using images, Jesus himself spoke to the nation of Israel. Using parables to convey the heart of the Father and His Kingdom. We see this same application of symbols in other areas of the Bible as well.

Symbols that convey scriptural truths.

1. The Tree and Its Fruits:

Matthew 7:17-20

17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Meaning: This metaphor illustrates that good trees produce good fruit, and bad trees produce bad fruit. It emphasizes that our actions (fruits) reflect our true character (tree).

2. The Bread of Life:

John 6:35

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Meaning: Jesus refers to Himself as the “bread of life,” symbolizing that He is essential for spiritual sustenance and eternal life, just as bread is essential for physical nourishment.

3. The Light of the World:

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Meaning: Jesus describes Himself as the “light of the world,” indicating that He brings spiritual illumination and guidance, dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance.

4. The Good Shepherd:

Psalm 23:1

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Meaning: God is likened to a shepherd who cares for and protects His sheep (followers). This simile highlights God’s guidance, provision, and protection.

5. The Vine and the Branches:

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Meaning: Jesus compares Himself to a vine and His followers to branches. It emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to Him to bear spiritual fruit.

6. The Armor of God:

Ephesians 6:10-18

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Meaning: This image describes the spiritual armour that believers must wear to stand firm against evil. These spiritual tools strengthen you and protect you to stand firm on that what the Lord has begun in our lives.

7. The Potter and the Clay:

Isaiah 64:8

But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

Meaning: God is depicted as a potter who shapes and moulds His people (the clay) according to His will. This metaphor emphasizes God’s sovereignty and our need to be pliable in His hands. When God speaks to you in this metaphor, self-actualization has no foot to stand on. To be pliable, you must lay down your life.

8. The Rock:

Psalm 18:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Meaning: God is described as a rock, symbolizing His strength, stability, and reliability. This metaphor reassures believers of God’s unchanging nature and protection.

9. The Mustard Seed:

Matthew 13:31-32

31Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Meaning: Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, which starts small but grows into a large tree. It illustrates the growth and expansive nature of God’s kingdom.

10. The Lost Sheep:

Luke 15:4-7

4What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Meaning: This parable describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one lost sheep. It highlights God’s love and concern for everyone, emphasizing His desire to bring the lost back to Him.

These metaphors not only enrich the biblical narrative, but also provide profound insights into spiritual truths and principles that are applicable to our lives today. This makes this a reliable and relevant book.

Two lines

As in any building project, we must ensure that we stay true to this line. But this line is actually two lines working as one.

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;  

John 17: 22-26

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

As the vertical line connects the heavenlies with the earth, the horizontal line represents the connection between man and God. That connection was established by Christ through love. He showed us the way to be in perfect alignment with God by the way of the Cross.

Without fellowship with God, we would have struggled to fulfil the commandments of God. We still would have to go up to the temple in Jerusalem to find forgiveness for our sins by the sacrifice of a spotless lamb. However, Jesus made that easier.

Not only must the string line be perfectly aligned with God, but it must also be perfectly aligned with our brothers. We need each other to really stand strong and be as one to honour the Trinity. It ensures our health, happiness and overhaul well-being as we transfigure from glory to glory. We cannot function alone. We share the earth with others and must co-exist in unity. This is called a Church (not a building). A place of fellowship and companionship.

FELLOWSHIP, THE SECOND PILLAR IN THE APOSTOLIC CULTURE.

First off, we are called to be in fellowship with God.

1Corinthians 1:9

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

BENEFITS

What are the benefits of being in fellowship with God? Let’s look at Psalms 91 for the answer.

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that lieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

· Verse 1 Revelation When we live in the secret place of the Highest, God reveals himself to us. When Moses hid himself in the cleft of the rock, God passed him. That encounter was so illuminating that the nation of Israel could not look at him and he had to cover his face.

Exodus 33

17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. 18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

Exodus 34

29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. 30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

· Verse 2 Shelter: God is our shelter in all circumstances. When we stay in fellowship with Him, we cannot falter or stumble.

Psalms 31:20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.

Isaiah 4:6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

· Verse 2 Stronghold, when we run to God and stay in His presence, we are untouchable.

Psalms 37:39

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

Psalms 144:2

He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Psalms 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

· Verse 3: Deliverer.

Psalms 140:7

Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.

Romans 11:26

And in this way, all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

· Verse 4: Covering.

Numbers 9:15-23

15 Now on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the Testimony; from evening until morning it was above the tabernacle like the appearance of fire. 16 So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. 17 Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, after that the children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents. 18 At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. 19 Even when the cloud continued long, many days above the tabernacle, the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD and did not journey. 20 So it was, when the cloud was above the tabernacle a few days: according to the command of the LORD they would remain encamped, and according to the command of the LORD they would journey. 21 So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey. 22 Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey. 23 At the command of the LORD they remained encamped, and at the command of the LORD they journeyed; they kept the charge of the LORD, at the command of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

· Verse 4: Trust.

Psalms 7:1

O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me,

2 Samuel 22:31

As for God, His way is perfect;

The word of the LORD is proven;

He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

· Verse 5: Deliver

Exodus 3:7-8

And the LORD said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey.

Job 6:23-24

Or, ‘Deliver me from the enemy’s hand’?

Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of oppressors’?

24 “Teach me, and I will hold my tongue;

Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

· Verse 7: Protection

Psalms 61: 1-4

​ Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.

· Verse 8: Eyesight Restoration

Psalm 146:8

“The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous.”

Psalms 119:18

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

1 Samuel 14:27

But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

John 9:6-7

When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way, therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

· Verse 9: Habitation

Exodus 15:2

The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Chronicles 2 6:2

But I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever.

Job 8:6

If thou [wert] pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

Psalms 71:3

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my rock and my fortress.

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Jude 1:6

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

· Verse 10: Healer

Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Jeremiah 33:6

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

· Verse 11: Angelic Protection

Luke 4:10

For it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning you to guard you carefully.’

Matthew 18:10

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

Hebrews 1:14

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

· Verse 13: Daily Victory

Deuteronomy 20:4

For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

John 16:33  

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

· Verse 14: Faithfulness

1 Samuel 26:23

May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

Psalms 36:5

Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

· Verse 15: God Knows My Name

Isaiah 43:1

"But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’"

John 10:14-15

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."

Psalms 139:1-3

"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways."

· Verse 16: Long Life

1 Kings 3:10-13

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.

Proverbs 3:2

For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

· Verse 16: Salvation

Joshua

The title of this book is appropriately named after its central figure, Joshua. His original name is Hoshea, “Salvation” (Num. 13:8); but Moses evidently changes it to Yehoshua, “Yahweh Is Salvation” (Num. 13:16). He is also called Yeshua, a shortened form of Yehoshua. This is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek name Iesous (Jesus). Thus, the Greek title given to the book in the Septuagint is Iesous Naus, “Joshua the Son of Nun.”

The Latin title is Liber Josue, the “Book of Joshua.”

Joshua’s name is symbolic of the fact that although he is the leader of the Israelite nation during the conquest, the Lord is the Conqueror.

Reference: Bible by Olive tree

Luke 19:9-10

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; ¹⁰ for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

 Romans 1:16-17

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

The entire Bible is filled with our connection with God. If we are willing to be led and wash our eyes at the pool of Siloam, we, too, will receive the full understanding of what it means to be truly in a relationship with God. This is my goal.

Not that I’m even close to really understanding it. To really understand the depth and height and weight of God and the relationship we should have could only be fulfilled once we are with Him. But the glimpses we receive now are enough to leave us speechless and in awe of God’s sovereignty and might.  

The opposite of not having a relationship with God is also true.

LOSS OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

Psalms 101:5

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; the one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him I will not endure. (NKJ)

Psalms 101:5

Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure. NIV

Psalms 15:1-3

1LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

2He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart;

3He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; (NKJ)

Psalms 50:20-23

20You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.

21These things you have done, and I kept silent; you thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes.

22"Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver:

23Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God." (NKJ)

 

Having the string line in our lives aligns us with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we are nothing.

My prayer is that as you read this bible study with me that you, too, will realize that you need God in your life. Establishing that string line is vital for your growth and maturity in Christ. All the other things in our lives are only fluff and meaningless without God.

 

Set up the pillar of fellowship in your life and see what God will do in you and through you.

Next time I will look at the fellowship of brothers.

What does it mean when I say, “I’m my brother’s keeper?”

Grace and peace to you.

 

PART SEVEN: SEPULCHRE, A DEAD CHURCH/ BELIEVER

Stock photo Microsoft  

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 

In the past week, I was confronted with a choice, my will or God’s Will.

When Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, he prayed, Father not my will but your will be done. He had to lay down his own will before he could go to the cross. This wasn’t an easy decision, yet he did it without hesitation. Because he saw the bigger picture. You and me.

To be of two minds is unacceptable to God. We must choose. This will determine the next step in our lives.

When we lay down our lives, we realize how much we have clung to the wrong things. There were so many things I have believed as truth just to learn that it was lies.

We like to believe that we are doing everything right. That our opinion matters just to realize it’s God’s opinion that matters. God always gets my attention in a very practical way. When He does this, I know God is serious and I better listen, especially when he confirms the same truth several times through several avenues.

For those who read this bible study with me must have realized by now that I post very irregularly. That’s because, when I write this, I must deal with the things God shows me first. I cannot speak things but not live it myself. Then I will be a hypocrite myself.

I stumble and fall, sometimes lay awake. Becomes angry about things that I don’t understand, but as I continue to study and let go, God brings His loving grace to heal and restore me. I trust this will be true in your life as well.

This bible study illuminated powerful truths this far.

We have discovered what it truly means to be a disciple. When we study the lives of Jesus’s disciples, we noticed that the disciples were trained with one goal in mind, to be an exact representation of Christ. This has never changed in the mind of the Heavenly Father.

To follow Christ is to count the cost. This road is expensive. Not in monetary value but in mind, heart and soul value. Every action, thought and word must be aligned with the Word of God. If it doesn’t, you must adjust the settings. The quicker you do it, the less painful it will be. The longer you wait, it becomes costly. It’s then that it will touch your bank account. Or touch your health, your marriage or every other area of your life you least expected.

Every action has a consequence.

We must have a firm foundation, and the only way to measure it is against Christ. At first, the vertical beam on the cross was the plumb line in God’s hand. When Christ died on that cross, he became the plumb line for us to follow. The true line that cannot be changed.

So, let’s delve into the next area of importance of this study.

GOLGOTHA

“In three references (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22; John 19:17) it is interpreted to mean kraniou topos, “the place of a skull.” In Luke 23:33 the King James Version it is called “Calvary,” but in the Revised Version (British and American) simply “The skull.” From the New Testament we may gather that it was outside the city (Hebrews 13:12), but close to it (John 19:20), apparently near some public thoroughfare (Matthew 27:39), coming from the country (Mark 15:21). was a spot visible, from some points, from afar (Mark 15:40; Luke 23:49).”

Golgotha Meaning - Bible Definition and References (biblestudytools.com)

Golgotha played a significant part until Jesus’s body was removed from the cross. It was never to be idolized or worshipped. He was removed and put into a grave. Three days later, He was raised from the confines of the grave and revealed himself to Mary, then the disciples, etc. This is the reason that we cannot find the exact location of it any longer. The layers of time have covered it.

Golgotha had a very small part in the story of Jesus and never played a role in the Bible again.

It has become a place of dead bones.

I don’t know about you, but I hardly ever visit a graveyard because there is no life there. 

But for many, Golgotha has become a shrine they have to visit as proof of their devotion to their Christian faith. But for a genuine believer, it holds nothing dear. Why? Jesus isn’t there anymore. He is at the righthand of the Father. Hallelujah.

But, this place has become the new location of a church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre: The Church of the Resurrection. It is a pilgrimage site for thousands of Christians around the world who visit it continually. Hoping to find hope, direction or whatever quest they are on.

These are all dead works and cannot change your salvation. Yet, it keeps Christians busy with mysticism, traditionalism and religious acts.

This brings me to the next part in this bible study.

Sepulchre means a place for a dead body, and not resurrection as it implies, either cut in rock or built of stone.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this church, which is built on this site, is called the Sepulchre Church. 

What are the features of a dead church or of a dead believer?

SLEEPING

Being asleep means you are purposeless in your existence. You have no meaning, no desires, no passion…no life.

Eph 5:14-21

14Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21submitting to one another in the fear of God. (NKJ)

To awake means:

· Walk circumspectly

· Redeem the time

· Understand the will of the Lord

· Do not be drunk with wine, but with the Spirit.

· Give thanks, always

· Submit to the Word of God.

EMPTY (NO SPIRIT)

Running on emptiness destroys you as a person. You have no value and think you are worthless. Many people commit suicide because of these feelings of emptiness. Only God can fill you and give you meaning for your life. The more you interact with Him, the less empty you will feel.

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (NKJ)

METAPHORICALLY, A CHURCH WITHOUT THE SPIRIT IS DEAD.

Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (NKJ)

Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (NKJ)

2 Corinthians 3:6

Who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (NKJ)

Galatians 5:25

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (NKJ)

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, (NKJ)

POWERLESS (DARKNESS)

Psalms 143:3

For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead. (NKJ)

As long as the enemy can have you helpless, you will be powerless to overcome and rule. He will crush you under the weight of sin and keep you captive while keeping you busy with religious acts. Like visiting this church in the hopes of finding Christ.

He is a master manipulator and the father of lies and deceit. As long as he can keep you busy with dead works, you are no threat to him.

UNCLEAN

Eph 2:1-3

1And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. (NKJ)

1 Tim 5:6

But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. (NKJ)

The word course is “aion” which means unbroken age (of constant duration). It implies that the pattern of behaviour of the world is in the same state through successive generations. It is continuous disobedience. The world system is in a continuous system of disobedience. Those who are dead in trespasses are in that system.

Those who walk in the world and the flesh are dead.

As a believer, you must migrate from the system of dead works into the kingdom of God.

LACK OF UNDERSTANDING (IGNORANT)

Eccl 9:5

For the living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. (NKJ)

When you are dead, you cannot understand the things of God and will make the wrong assumptions about God. This will become your gospel, but it’s not the truth.

The Holy Spirit leads us in all truth.

CLOUD WITHOUT WATER

Jude 1:12-13

12These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; 13raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. (NKJ)

THESE TERMS DECLARE WHO A DEAD PERSON IS:

· SPOTS is like rocks in the sea. They have been responsible for many shipwrecks. They shipwreck the innocent in fellowship.

· FEAST WITHOUT FEAR—they are bold after sinning. Using scripture to validate their sin.

· SERVING ONLY THEMSELVES—SELFISH

· CLOUDS WITHOUT WATER—theory without practice. You need to understand the Word and be able to apply it practically in your life and ministry (whatever that might be).

· AUTUMN TREES WITHOUT FRUIT—no leaves and fruit.

· TWICE DEAD—they were once dead in sins, responded to the gospel, and now have gone back to apostasy.

· PULLED BY THE ROOTS—no longer rooted in Christ.

· RAGING WAVES OF THE SEA. People are tossed around by every false doctrine and faithless.

· WANDERING STARS are those who wander around on their own. They have no anchor, no foundation, and no resources. Many of them claim to be independent but lack any steadfastness. They have no light and remain in the darkness.

HUSHED

Psalms 88:10

Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah (NKJ)

Psalms 115:17

The dead do not praise the LORD, nor any who go down into silence. (NKJ)

PRAISE SPRINGS OUT OF GRATITUDE. When you lose your gratitude, you have been silenced by the blacksmith. You must shout for jou because your Redeemer lives.

Luke 19:38-40

38saying: “‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” (NKJ)

RELIGIOUS

Matt 23:27-28

27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28“Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (NKJ)

I once heard someone said (and scoffed at Christians as he stated it proudly) “I grew up in a religious house, you can tell me nothing. I know everything”. That is a lie from the pits of death. This in itself is a hypocrite that spreads a different gospel, and many believes this as truth. Woe to this person.

You must migrate from a dead system to the Pool of Siloam. To the Temple of God. You must migrate to Christ. He is the true plumb line of God. Nothing else will suffice.

EVIL SPIRITS

Jer 34:20

‘I will give them into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who seek their life. Their dead bodies shall be for meat for the birds of the heaven and the beasts of the earth. (NKJ)

Birds and beasts are symbols of demons. When you play on his doorstep, he will devour you. He will send his beasts to tare you apart. Your focus must be on Christ, nothing else. God has called us to overcome these demonic activities in our lives.

He has sent Jesus to break the hedge of confusion and failure to bring us to a place of rest and fresh water.

You don’t have to know about the devil and his works. You must know Christ.

STAGNATION (NO MOTION)

Eccl 11:3

If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if a tree falls to the south or the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie. (NKJ)

When you position yourself under a cloud that empties fresh water on you, you cannot stagnate. If you remain in the Pool of Bethesda, you will stagnate.

At the pool of Bethesda, the angel (messenger) had to come and stir the water. There was no fresh water added. It wasn’t connected to a spring. The reason he had to stir it.

In this environment, the sick are left helpless. The healed; those who can see, hear and walk can receive a fresh word. The rest stay on the side and are dependent on others to help them. If no one helps them, they remain blind, lame, and deaf to God’s word.

Part of counting the cost and laying down your will is to examine your life. 

Here are some question you might want to consider.

· Are you busy with dead works?

· Are you trying to manufacture God’s touch or are you truly pressing in to enter the Kingdom?

· Is He your first priority?

As we embark on this journey of life, let us remain steadfast in the Word, with fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer.

Till we speak again.

Grace and peace to you.

PART SIX: THE MARKS OF A SHEPHERD.

 

Stock photo Microsoft

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 

Over the last few parts of this bible study, we discovered that we must count the cost before we build. Our foundation must be built on a firm foundation for it to hold during the tough seasons. If your foundation is not firm, you will not make it. This is not a statement of negativity, but an accurate statement. Here, your faith will be tested. Every test the blacksmith will throw at you is designed to purify you and bring you closer to Christ.

Let’s look at this scripture in Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 3:10-23

10Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

12Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.

16Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

18Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.”

20And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless.”

21So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you — 22whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 23and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

This journey is not a straightforward journey, many would like you to believe. Everything would not be perfect. There is no moonshine and roses on this road, but there is a reward at the end. If Jesus had to walk this road through the Sheep Gate to lay down His will, then you will too.

a. You must make sure that your datum point is level with Christ.

b. You must trust in the very true reference: Christ. There must be no doubt in your mind of Christ’s authenticity.

· You cannot allow any mixtures in your life.

· You must love the Lord with all your heart and mind and soul.

· You must love the Word with all your mind.

· You cannot believe in any false doctrine.

· You must be an exact representation of Christ.

· You must follow His voice through a set man. God always speaks through a man.

c. Christ is the plumb line. The perfect line that cannot be altered.

d. The Sheep Gate leads to the cross.

Jesus is the Shepherd. The gate we have to pass through to be with the Father. Christ is our destination. Not heaven.

What are the marks of the Shepherd?

· SACRIFICES

John 10:11-12

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. (NKJV)

Romans 3:25

God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  

Jesus is the true reference, and as he has shown us the Way, we too must follow that same way. We must sacrifice everything that is dear to us.

You might say that this is too hard, but the alternative is so much harder. I don’t say this lightly. I say this because I understand. If you don’t lay it down, your sins will be exposed.

· We must sacrifice the idols, and our way of life.

· We must sacrifice our own dreams and will.

· It is a road of self-denial, and not of self-actualization.

· Walk in perfect faith and righteousness.

Jesus did this without ever questioning the Father’s will. He operated in a high frequency of humility, devotion, and obedience.

· HEALS

Psamls 23:3

He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (NKJ)

Ezek 34:2-5

2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3“You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. 4 “The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. 5 “So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. (NKJ)

A shepherd takes care of the welfare of the sheep. He restores our souls and leads us on a path of righteousness. He finds us when we are lost. He makes sure we know his voice. He gives us the tools to overcome our enemies and leads us to the still waters of rest.

The shepherd is not mindful of his own needs, but mindful of ours. He makes sure you get the right amount of nutrients and water so that you can receive healing.

If you are a leader of a local church, then you must lead the sheep God has entrusted to you. Your voice must be pure so that they can hear God through you. And you must be connected to a spiritual father, just as Jesus was connected to His father.

· EQUIPS

(THIS INCLUDES TEACHING AND DEVELOPMENT)

John 21:15-17

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep”. (NKJV)

1 Peter 5:2-4

2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (KJV)

Psalms 23:1-5

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. (NKJV)

Isa 40:11

He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm,

And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. (NKJV)

Eph 4:11-13

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (NKJ)

When you connect with a spiritual father, he will feed you the Word. Acts 2:42 must become a culture in your life. This will help your own growth, protect you and give you the resources to stay authentic.

Acts 2:42

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers are the pillars that will be built on the foundation.

There are huge debates on what is more important. Some say prayers, some say fellowship and many neglect the Table of the Lord. But doctrine is the most important, that is why it is mentioned first. Doctrine brings you into right standing with God. It gives you the words to pray, the words to speak when you are at the table. If you don’t have the Word in you, you will not know what to say or pray.

Your set man/spiritual father gives you the resources. These resources feed you, equip you and teach you how to live. If your spiritual father doesn’t feed you, he is not a father, but an uncle.

· PROTECTS

Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NKJ)

John 10:12-14

12 “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 “The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own. (NKJ)

1 Sam 17:34-35

34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. (NKJ)

Read Ezekiel 34:4-16 as well as part of your study.

· HONOURS AND RESPECT

False shepherds abuse the sheep.

Ezek 34:4, 10-19

4 “The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.

Micah 3:1-4

1 And I said: “Hear now, O heads of Jacob, and you rulers of the house of Israel: is it not for you to know justice? 2 You who hate good and love evil; who strip the skin from My people, and the flesh from their bones; 3 Who also eat the flesh of My people, Flay their skin from them, break their bones, and chop them in pieces like meat for the pot, like flesh in the caldron.” 4 Then they will cry to the LORD, but He will not hear them; he will even hide His face from them at that time, because they have been evil in their deeds. (NKJ)

· ESTABLISHES THE FLOCK

2 Thess 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (NKJV)

2 Pet 1:12

For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth

1 Thess 3:2

and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

· RECONCILES

Jer 31:10

“Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’ (NKJ)

Ezek 34:5

“So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. (NKJ)

Ezek 34:12

“As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. (NKJ)

Zech 13:7

“Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion,” says the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; then I will turn My hand against the little ones. (NKJ)

Matt 26:31

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ (NKJ)

Jer 23:1-4

1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the LORD. 2 Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the LORD. 3 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 “I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the LORD. (NKJ)

John 10:16

“And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (NKJ)

· DIRECTS

Psalms 23:1-2.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

Num 27:16-17

16 “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

17 “who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep which have no shepherd.” (NKJ)

Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of being a shepherd and was found spotless and blameless as a sacrifice. He emphasized that God is the plumb line, and He made the way for us to follow.

As you study these scriptures, ask the Lord where you have missed it as well. As a follower of Christ, you must follow his voice to overcome and to rule. The plumb line is a true line that leads you to Christ. If it doesn’t lead you to Christ, it’s false.

Count the cost and work out your own salvation.

Till we speak again.

Grace and peace to you.