PART NINE: FELLOWSHIP WITH EACH OTHER, THE SECOND STRING LINE

 All pictures are Microsoft Stock photos. 

When we do an in-depth study of the foundation, then our hearts will be tested and scrutinized. We cannot skip the foundation phase and jump to the building project. You first must make sure that your foundation is built on the Rock of Ages and nothing else before you erect the walls, the windows and the gates. Therefore, we must follow the Plumb line, which is symbolic of Christ. He is our pattern.

YOU MUST INTERNALIZE THE WORD TO BE TRULY ALIGNED WITH CHRIST.

This is an accurate location for this season.

The building will begin once this phase is completed.

The final responsibility to your spiritual and personal growth rest with you. It’s not the responsibility of the pastor to get you there. It’s your responsibility.

You must be purposeful in your pursuit of God and your mandate and what you stand for. Don’t be double minded in your actions.

Likewise, you must be aware of whom you are in a relationship with. This string line is a very important measuring stick. Where you sit and with whom you are in covenant, with determines your position and growth. If you sit at the wrong table, you will miss out on what God wants to do.

In part eight, we looked at our fellowship with God and the spiritual truths it conveys. I have also pointed out the benefits when you have a relationship with the Father.

But let’s delve into what fellowship means. Especially with your brothers. (In this context, it’s not gender based but refers to mature people within the church.)

Acts 2:42

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Fellowship with other Christians enhances spiritual growth, especially under the following conditions:

1. ASSOCIATING WITH WISE BELIEVERS

Proverbs 13:20

He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Proverbs 11:30b

And he who wins souls is wise.

2.      ASSOCIATING WITH THOSE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST

Elisha received the anointing by associating with Elijah.

3. ASSOCIATING WITH STRONG BELIEVERS

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Psalms 92:13-14

13Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, (NKJ)

4. FELLOWSHIP THAT INVOLVES HEARING THE RHEMA (PRECEDING WORD)

Romans 10:17

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The writer of Hebrews encourages frequent fellowship.

Hebrews10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more than you see the Day approaching.

 

When we associate with loyal brothers, we minimize strife and contention. This doesn’t mean that there won’t be problems but when mature people come together, they have learned to overcome strife. They have learned to deal with the complex issues, allowing them to be themselves without any fear of rejection or fight.

When you have died to yourself, you will not be in competition with each other, but enjoy a healthy relationship without any strings attached.

Your validation will not be in who you know, your accomplishments or titles, but your validation will be In Christ.

BUT WHAT CAUSE THIS LOSS OF FELLOWSHIP?

LOSS OF FELLOWSHIP AMONGST BROTHERS

Prov. 16:28

A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. (NKJ)

Prov. 26:20

Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. (NKJ)

Prov. 6:19

A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. (NKJ)

Prov. 26:22

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (KJV)

Prov. 22:10

Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease. (NKJ)

The following must be dealt with immediately.

·  Perversity

·  Whisperer

·  Talebearers

·  Liars

·  Those who sows discord

·  False witnesses

·  Scoffers

When such a person enters the circle, it must be dealt with immediately. If you give them time, they will do more harm than good. Many of us can attest to that. It is painful, disrespectful and causes enmity, bitterness and envy and brings harm to the body of Christ. There must be a bone-to-bone and a heart-to-heart connection.

 And if you are one that falls into one of these categories mentioned above, repent and turn away so that you, too, can be a true brother that builds according to the string line.

 

We need to come into a position where we are exact representations of our plumb line, Christ. This is our overcoming position, which will give us the courage to stand as one.

 

Here are a few directives for how you should continue with your building. As it’s true in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. The Word is our compass, our datum level and Christ the plumb line of our building. When all instructions are followed, we can be sure of God’s swift return.  

1. TO MARK OUT THE TRENCHES FOR YOUR FOUNDATIONS.

The next stage of building our foundations is to line up your structures by always referring to your datum point.

Who is our datum point again?

Refer to part one of this study.

A quick recap to the scriptures we had begun with.

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.

Never assume that your building is square. You must work at it by setting up a line, then square off that line exactly according to the scriptures.

God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.

Dr Sagie Govender

Once you become a Christian you should no longer look at other Christians from a human point of view but from God’s view. You should be your brother’s keeper.

“The easiest way to do this is using Pythagoras’s theorem (the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the square of the other two sides). If you measure the length of your first wall and then secure a tape measure at each end, by working out the length of the hypotenuse you can use both tapes to give you a third point exactly 90° to your first line.”  Bruce Bendall  

Building Foundations: A Step-By-Step Guide | Homebuilding

Our entire life should be measured against Christ. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the template against who God measure us. If we don’t align, then we need to begin again. Making sure your plumb line is horizontally aligned, and your string line is vertically exact is a continues work of labour, otherwise you will continue to build inaccurately.

2 Peter 3:17

You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am (God) 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.’”

Many believers fail in this area more often than we care to admit. Because we are too hasty, we become unstable and is easily swayed or carried away to follow others who is not from God. We must make sure our foundation cannot be washed away by every false doctrine or trail. We must learn to stand our ground amid our enemies.

2. MARK ALL CORNERS OF THE BUILDING FOUNDATIONS.

Once you have two lines set up at 90°, all other measurements can be taken from this point, with all corners and junctions marked. Then use a string line as a guide to mark the trenches with marker paint.

The string line will always be the guide to mark the building. You must examine yourself daily to make sure that this guide is true in your life. Since you will become the temple of God, these measurements must be according to the same Biblical pattern. You cannot deviate from this plan. If you do, you are busy with a false church.

Ezekiel 42:15-20

15 Now when he had finished measuring the inner temple, he brought me out through the gateway that faces toward the east, and measured it all around. 16 He measured the east side with the measuring rod, five hundred rods by the measuring rod all around. 17 He measured the north side, five hundred rods by the measuring rod all around. 18 He measured the south side, five hundred rods by the measuring rod. 19 He came around to the west side and measured five hundred rods by the measuring rod. 20 He measured it on the four sides; it had a wall all around, five hundred cubits long and five hundred wide, to separate the holy areas from the common. (NKJV)

FACTS, OR FAIRLY CERTAIN DETAILS

The complete Temple compound is a square of 500 x 500 cubits (250 x 250 meters) (42:16-20; 45:2). It is surrounded by a wall 6 cubits (3 meters) thick and high (40:5). This forms the outer court. In its center, there is the inner court. It is a square of 100 x 100 cubits (50 x 50 meters) (40:47; 41:14). For comparison: a soccer field is about 100 x 70 meters big.1 The terrain has three levels: from outside the compound wall, 7 steps lead up to the outer gatehouses (40:22), another 8 steps lead up to the inner gatehouses (40:31), and another 10 steps lead up to the Temple building (40:49). There are altogether 25 steps to climb. Translation aids by Peter Schmidt

1 Corinthians 3:10

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.

The number 25 represent grace upon grace, or double grace. This is derived from the fact that 5, which is the number of God’s grace, is multiplied by 5 to yield 25. As such, 25 is often seen as a symbol of God’s abundant grace and blessings.

2 is also the number of witnesses. You become a grace carrier who imparts grace to others as you continue to build and witness about God’s Kingdom.

Where two or three gather in His name, there He is.

50 is the number of the Holy Spirit.

• Unity, completeness, and new beginnings
• Jubilee, a time of restoration and freedom
• Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples
• Completion of cycles or seasons

Our measurements must be exact in every area to be truly a witness and disciple of Christ. Nothing else will matter but Christ.

 

3. START DIGGING THE FOUNDATION TRENCHES.

Now you’re ready to start digging. Have your site level set to the depth you need to dig and check it often. Ultimately it is down to the building control inspector to decide how far down you need to go; they will inspect at this stage and advise.

The building inspector is the Holy Spirit. He leads us to all truths. He knows the Father’s heart for our lives therefore, he will determine the depths each one must surpass to fulfil God’s mandate on our lives.

The Holy Spirit will continually inspect and advise us during each phase. He knows how far he can go to come to that place where we die to ourselves. Therefore, when we remain connected, nothing could separate us from Him.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 13:5

Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.

We must have depth. Our roots must be planted deep within the very bedrock of Christ to remain steadfast. Only He knows our hearts. As kings we will be tested, our hearts searched and God’s glory that will conceal us in Him.

Proverbs 25:2-3

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4.      INTRODUCE DEPTH PEGS AND POUR.

Once Building Control has visited, you are ready to pour the footings. You should place depth pegs in the trenches to show you how deep to fill, but you may find that marking the sides of the trenches with marker paint also works well, with a final onceover with the site level and a concrete rake to get them spot on — the more accurate you can be with your levels the easier (and cheaper) the next stage will be.

Luke 6:48

“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.”

Have you ever seen a swallow trench? I haven’t.

Just an average house’s trenches can be unnerving and intimidating if you are fearful of those depths.

When you pass a construction site and look through the peepholes (they fence it for safety purposes) you will notice the deep trenches. Especially, when a ten or twenty story building is built. The higher the building, the deeper the foundation. The taller the tree, the deeper its roots.

To help you with this digging is the fruit of the Spirit which is our depth pegs. These pegs determine the depth your roots will grow before a building will be raised.

Gal 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)

As we remain in Christ, overcoming the enemies as seen in Rev 2:1-3:19 becomes a vital part of our walk:

·         Apathy

·         Tribulations

·         Mixtures

·         Jezebel

·         Religious spirits

·         Lukewarmness

Phil 4:15-18

15Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

16For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

18Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. (NKJ)

2 Kings 19:29-31

‘This shall be a sign to you:

‘You shall eat this year such as grows of itself,

And in the second year what springs from the same;

Also in the third year sow and reap,

Plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them.

30 And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah

Shall again take root downward,

And bear fruit upward.

31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant,

And those who escape from Mount Zion.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.’ (NKJV)

 

5.      KEEPING THE SITE TIDY WHEN LAYING BUILDING FOUNDATIONS.

Before you fire up the digger, you’ll need to decide what’s going to happen to the spoil. If it’s staying on site, you may need to hire in a dumper so that it can be stored in a suitable place where it won’t interfere with the build. Otherwise, you’ll have to organise lorries to take it to a tip. The turnaround time, or distance to the tip, will dictate how many lorries are needed to maintain continuity on the dig. You will also need to decide whether you’ll be able to load the concrete directly into the trenches or whether a pump will be needed. If you do decide on a pump — always a good idea if more than three loads are anticipated — then it will need to be booked, and the concrete suppliers advised so that their mix and turnaround time can be adjusted to facilitate a continuous pour.

More about this when we discuss the Quarry.

My prayer is that you will truly come to this place where your string line is on par with God’s word. That you will continue to measure yourself and make sure that you are a true witness of a grace carrier.

I pray that your trenches will be deep and that you will have the fruit of your life as you overcome the enemies that tries to hinder you of entering in fulness God has planned for you.

At times it will feel like a slow process, and nothing is happening but as you remain connected and consistent you will become the tree that has fruit every month of the year.

Grace and peace to you all.

 

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

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.