Wednesday, September 4, 2024

PART SIX: THE MARKS OF A SHEPHERD.

 

Stock photo Microsoft

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

Psalms 23:3

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

Ezekiel 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)

Isaiah 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)

Ephesians 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 Samuel 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.

Ezekiel 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 Thessalonicenses 3:3

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

2 Peter 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 Thessalonicenses 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

Jeremiah 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)

Ezekiel 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)

Ezekiel 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)

Zechariah 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)

Matthew 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)

Jeremiah 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.

Numbers 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.

CONTENT

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Friday, August 9, 2024

PART FIVE: FROM THE SHEEP GATE TO THE CROSS

 

Stock photo from Microsoft

Before we continue with the string lines, I must speak about the significance of the Cross, and the place where Jesus was crucified. I am in no hurry to complete this study until I have learned all I have to be an exact representative of Christ on this earth. So, stay connected to this blog to learn more if you too have a burden to live right.

THE CROSS.

The fact that it was constructed on the Place called Skull, I believe, has a great meaning for us.  

This is the picture I have since I started with this bible study. The plumb line in God’s hand is a true vertical line and everything must stay true to this line. Not even the carpenter can change the plumb line. He must stay in alignment with its truth. Jesus confirms when he said, “Everything I see my father do, I do”.

The cross’s, embedded into the rock of Calvary, vertical beam, is God’s plumb line. And Christ as the carpenter cannot shift this line, but must stay in alignment with God’s commandments. That is the command. That vertical beam stays true. No matter what people might say or believe, that beam is our plumb line. It is our very foundation that keeps us true to what God wants from us. It is the foundation, the cornerstone, not only of our faith but a moral compass of what is right and pure.

The connection between God and us is Christ. And Christ demonstrated that it is possible to follow God’s commandments. Even in today’s self-actualization, entitlement and humanistic thoughts, you cannot stray from this one truth.

So, to understand this, we must look at the gate, a significant part of the journey to the cross.

SHEEP GATE

Gates are built on the road to protect you. You must be sure that your gates are fixed. The practical application of this can be read in Proverbs 25—28 where you must learn to control your own spirit.

A few quick points of interest from these scriptures (See how many you can list from these chapters):

· Search out a matter

· Take away the dross

· Remove wickedness from you

· Don’t think yourself better than others

· Don’t be hasty

· Speak wisely

· Be faithful

· Don’t search your own glory

· Be slow to respond

· Don’t bare false witness

· Don’t be lazy

· Don’t boast

· Be prudent

Gates brings safety. When Jesus was led through Jerusalem and out of the city through the Sheep’s Gate, he secured our relationship with the Father.

It was situated near Golgotha. This site was commonly used to put thieves and other criminals to death. The slope of the mountain looks like a skull bone, and at the time of Jesus’s life on earth, it was called Calvary or Golgotha, which means place of skulls in Hebrew. Today it is called the Damascus Gate.

Matthew 27:33

And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull.

John 19:17

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).

Mark 15:22

They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”).

Luke 23: 24-28

24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. 26 As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.

This place became the altar for Jesus’s sacrifice. He suffered so that we can become holy according to the plumb line in God’s hand.

Hebrews 13:10-14

10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.

Right at the beginning of this bible study, I mentioned we must count the cost before we make a choice to follow him. This is the narrow road. It is a place of weeping and shifting to what God wants to fulfil in your life. This weeping will be a heart-breaking sound that will only be experienced when you are in the thick of things. Once you began this journey, there is no turning back. Sometimes this weeping will be heard and other times the pain will be so great that no sound or tear will be able to truly say what you feel. People will think you are drunk or even going mad. Think of Hanna when Eli saw her for the first time. Her cry was so intense that no sound was coming forth. Only her lips moved, and he thought she was drunk. Mikal thought David was beside himself when he burst out in joy. The bible says that she despised him.

Jesus’s last words to his mother was in Luk 23:28 Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.

Just like Christ, we MUST face anguish and death, not a physical death but a spiritual death. It is only when we are planted on the skull—dead man’s tomb that we can truly come alive. And Jesus knew this, therefore the warning to his mother and the women with her.

Weeping is to break down in tears. To cry uncontrollably. To mourn something or someone. It is the absolute feeling of loss so profound that words are not enough.

You must die so that Christ can live in you. And it will cost you dearly. If you thought that this would be a motivational study to make you feel good, you are deeply mistaken. Not many preachers talk about this, too afraid their members will run in different directions. But to know Christ, we should be honest about this. We should talk about the skeleton in the closet or on the hill. Only then can we truly overcome.

But let’s get back to the Sheep Gate.

The first time the Sheep Gate is mentioned in the Bible is in Nehemia 3.

These are the people who helped rebuild the wall and gates of Jerusalem:

The high priest Eliashib, and the other priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate and hung its doors. Then they dedicated Sheep Gate and the section of the wall as far as Hundred Tower and Hananel Tower.

You see, the Sheep Gate had to be rebuilt for one purpose. All the sheep that had to be sacrificed had to go through the Sheep Gate. They had to be spotless lamb, chosen by hand to be presented to the High priest. And Jesus himself had to go through this gate as a spotless lamb. Chosen by God to sacrifice himself on the cross. Everything that Jesus had gone through, every experience, had led him to this point. The cross. God’s plumb line. He had to be measured, stripped and spit on and slaughtered to show us the way.

In John 10, Jesus revealed himself as the shepherd. He had to go through the gate, otherwise he would have been a thief or robber. He had to become the gate himself to save us. No hireling could stand in the gap. He had to do it.

John 10: 1-17

Jesus said: I tell you for certain only thieves and robbers climb over the fence instead of going in through the gate to the sheep pen. 2-3But the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and he goes in through it. The sheep know their shepherd's voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out. 4When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. 5The sheep will not follow strangers. They don't recognize a stranger's voice, and they run away. 6Jesus told the people this story. But they did not understand what he was talking about.

Jesus Is the Good Shepherd

7Jesus said: I tell you for certain that I am the gate for the sheep. 8Everyone who came before me was a thief or a robber, and the sheep did not listen to any of them. 9I am the gate. All who come in through me will be saved. Through me they will come and go and find pasture. 10A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully. 11 I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep. 12Hired workers are not like the shepherd. They don't own the sheep, and when they see a wolf coming, they run off and leave the sheep. Then the wolf attacks and scatters the flock. 13Hired workers run away because they don't care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. 15 Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must also bring them together, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd. 17The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so I may receive it back again. 18No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do.

He is the great shepherd that finds you when you are lost and brings you back into his fold. He carries your burdens on his shoulders. He leads you to still waters so that you can have peace. Have you noticed verse 17? He does what the Father commands him to do. Even Jesus had to follow the plumb line to be true to Father’s commandments. He couldn’t do his will. Jesus couldn’t practice self-actualization and demand entitlement. His highest level of development was to do the will of the Father. His full potential was realized when he died on the cross. There was no but in that equation. He became the accurate reflection of the plumb line in the Father’s hand. Now, he is the plumb line which we must stay true too.

When you die, you become the plumb line for others. The true reflection of Christ. Remember Paul’s words to the church?

We can only reach our full potential when we die to ourselves and do what the Father commands. This becomes our actualization, our focus. Our potential fully developed to be an accurate representation of Christ on this earth. 

Next time, we will look at the marks of a shepherd.

Continue to study the word. Ask the Lord to show you what you need to change and where your gate needs fixing.

Don’t wait another day to do the repairs. Do it quickly.

Grace and peace to you. 

CONTENT

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Monday, July 29, 2024

PART FOUR: IT BEGINS WITH A FOUNDATION: PLUMB LINE

 

Microsoft Stock photo


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.

Ephesians 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

Photo credit: Getty/Wittybear
 
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.

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.

Ephesians 2:6

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

Romans 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

Matthew 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."

Romans 16:20a

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

Ephesians 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.

Romans 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.

Galatians 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.'

Romans 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.

Matthew 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.

Matthew 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.

Matthew 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.

Colossians 3:5

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

1 Peter 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.

Stay connected to receive more on how to set up your foundation. 

CONTENT

 

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Wednesday, July 24, 2024

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

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


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. 

Stay connected to hear more on how to set up your foundation. 

 

CONTENT

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Wednesday, July 17, 2024

PART TWO: HOW DO WE ESTIMATE THE COST?

 

 



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. 

CONTENT

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OBED EDOM: A THREE-MONTH CONSECRATION UNTO THE LORD

  OBED- EDOM: HOW WE ARRIVED AT THE THREE-MONTH CONSECRATION The inspiration for our Three-Month Consecration comes directly from the ...