H.F.B.

Concrete! Stability, strength, and dependability! (Object lesson #4)

See introduction from part 1 for clarity.

Let us continue with our next object lesson. 

(Highlighted text added)

Concrete: (Hard surface) (Object lesson)



Theme: Our walk of faith should be stable, strong, and dependable.

When we walk on the concrete sidewalk it is hard, dependable, and consistent.

Meditate on these portions of God’s word. 

Matthew 7:24-27
24 Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; 25 and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; 27 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. RSV

Consider Rock vs. Sand 
1. Sand is not effective involving the foundation of a home. 
2. Anything built on sand will eventually sink.
3. Doing God’s word will manifest a hard surface. (Rock)

Character quality to think about and apply.

Dependability vs. Inconsistency
“Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice.” *(IBLP)

Here are some simple insights.

1. If we say we are doers of the word we need to do what we said by faith.

2. As we do God’s word it will manifest the rock found in Matthew 7:24-27.

3. Those in Christ need to make a wise choice every day to do God’s word.

Character quality to consider and practice.

Decisiveness vs. Doublemindedness
“The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God.” *(IBLP)

Here is a short amount of information about doubt.

James 1:5-6
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. RSV

1. If a person doubts and does not do God’s word they are on sand and will fall. (Matthew 7:26-27)

2. Or, we can say, “he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6)

Now, let us learn about cement, concrete, and mortar.

This is important because it involves using the right material to build with and using correct terminology.

Cement, concrete, and mortar:

1. Concrete can be formed in many ways.

2. Forming concrete needs proper ingredients.

3. I learned that there is a difference between cement, concrete, and mortar.

4. Concrete cannot be made without cement.

5. To clarify, cement is the powder used to make concrete. The hardened surfaces on which we walk, and drive on are concrete, not cement.

6. Here are some key words used when applying concrete.

1. Forms
2. Square the forms
3. Upright stakes
4. Brace stakes
5. Technique
6. Creativity
7. Design

Here is further information from a resource.

The primary difference between concrete and cement is that concrete is a composite material made of water, aggregate, and cement. Cement is a very fine powder made of limestone and other minerals, which absorbs water and acts as a binder to hold the concrete together. While cement is a construction material in its own right, concrete cannot be made without cement. The two terms often are incorrectly used interchangeably, but concrete and cement are distinctly separate products.

In general terms, the word cement refers to any kind of binder that tightly holds other materials together. Concrete, on the other hand, is a mixture of materials like sand, gravel, and small rocks combined with any type of cement and water. The concoction is then allowed to dry and harden. Basically, concrete is the stone-like structure formed after cement and other materials are mixed together. The cement is just a part of the recipe.

Therefore, you should be sure to get your terminology correct when referring to the distinction between concrete and cement. You don’t walk on a cement sidewalk; you walk on a concrete sidewalk. Similarly, you won’t find a cement mixer—instead, you’ll find a concrete mixer.

To clarify, cement is the powder used to make concrete. The hardened surfaces on which we walk, and drive on are concrete, not cement.

Mortar is used building bricks walls. It is softer than cement which is good because over time the wall shifts. The mortar allows the wall to move a little bit. Also, mortar has different strengths.

Therefore, use the right materials.

Meditate on the following.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 
13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 
14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 
15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (NKJV) 

Insights, and conclusions:

1. Be alert and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal insights. 

2. Believe God for creativity in your life. This object lesson is one example.

3. Our walk of faith should be stable, strong, and dependable.

4. By doing God’s word we manifest rock.

5. By not doing God’s word we manifest sand.

6. Be dependable even if it means unexpected sacrifice.

7. Believe God to help us finalize difficult decisions based on His will and ways.

8. Visualize cement, concrete, and mortar from a spiritual perspective.

9. Be sure to get our terminology correct when communicating with others.

10. Build your life with the right materials. In other words, God’s word rightly divided.

11. Learn from other people with the application.

12. Become a wise master skilled builder like our heavenly Father.

Related information. (If desired)

Click here. Be doers of the Word. The reliable Rock within (Short audio clip)

Click here. Resource. Concrete vs. Cement vs. Mortar | Ask Kevin | Ask This Old House

Click here. Resource. How Is Cement Made?

Click here. Object lesson #5

*Used with permission from the Institute in Basic Life Principles.