Christ Our Wisdom and Power Ministries

1 Cor 1: 24, 30 .... Jesus Christ is our Wisdom, Power, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption

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The Grace of God

Church Services & Programs

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You and your loved ones are cordially invited to our church services and programs

in our new sanctuary:

Location:
10706 101 Street Edmonton, AB T5H 2S3

Sunday Church Service:

Time: 10:00 am-12.00 noon

  • Sunday school both for adults and kids
  • Worship Session
  • Prayers
  • Sermon

Mid-week Service: Wednesdays

Bible-Studies/Prayer Meetings

Time: 6 pm  – 7:30 pm

Workers & Choir Meetings/Evangelism: Saturdays

Time: 1 pm  – 3 pm

Night Vigils: Last Fridays of the Month

Time: 10 pm – 12 midnight

COMING SOON: OUR BIBLE SCHOOL CLASSES

COME TO THE HOUSE OF BREAD AND BE PREPARED

TO MEET THE LORD IN A NEW PHASE OF YOUR LIFE

 

 

 

 

TRUE RICHES OF THE KINGDOM

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TRUE RICHES OF THE KINGDOM
This is a Bible Study outline prepared by the author and shared in one of our recent meetings. A lot has been said on prosperity and there are many divergent views. However, the Bible is very clear on what prosperity is and what it is not. As I was praying and meditating on the Word of God, I got the following points which I now share with you in questions and answers format.

Memory Verse
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth [3 John v2].

1. What is the meaning of prosperity? True prosperity is a blessing from God. God owns all the resources in heaven and on earth. He wants us to prosper in our body, soul and spirit. However, His love transcends what we have, owe or own. God prospers us so we can be of better service to Him.

2 Cor. 9:8
8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2. Is it a sin to be prosperous? Prosperity in itself is not a sin. It is the means people used to achieve it that is a sin. Examples are hoarding, stealing, deception, etc.

11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase [Prov. 13:11]

3. What should believers do to prosper? Believers are encouraged to be hardworking, share with others what God has blessed them with, aspire to provide unique services in their vocation and pursue entrepreneurship as God gives you the ability.

4. Does the Bible encourage believers to be wealthy? How can we avoid being deceived? Believers are encouraged to seek the welfare of their soul first. That is the primary goal, having peace with your Maker. We are told not to take advantage of others in other to gain materially [1 Tim 6:17-19]. We are warned to avoid people who go about to deceive others [1 Tim 6:5, 9-11].

5. What is the balanced approach to prosperity? The balanced approach is to seek to live for Christ, glorify Him with all He has given to you but know you are mortal. Prosperity is not all about having a fat bank account which ends anyway when the person breathes his last breath. God is the one who adds His material blessings to you and me therefore it is wrong to hold Him to “ransom” with what He is freely willing to give to us [Matt. 6:19-34; 1 Cor. 4:7].

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you [Matthew 6:33].

6. Was Jesus Christ really poor or rich? Jesus is the King of kings so He is rich. All the Kings of the earth are subject to Him. He is the Word Incarnate that created Heaven and earth. However, He became poor to save us from our sins [Psalm 2; Heb 1:1, John 1:1, Rev. 19:11-17]

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich [2 Cor. 8:9].

7. Does wealth hinder someone from serving God better and is poverty a blessing? Wealth does not hinder someone from serving God better. However, it can be a big distraction if you remove your focus from the Giver Himself. Examples of Bible Characters who were wealthy are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, etc. Examples of wealthy people who became distracted by their wealth were Lot and the rich young ruler [Gen.13:1-13, chapter 19; Matt 19:16-26]. Examples of rich people who refused to serve God with their wealth or be generous to others were the rich fool, Nabal, the rich man in Jesus’ parable and Ananias and Sapphira [1 Sam. 25, Luke 12:16-21; Acts 5]. There were also those who were poor but devoted their lives to God some by being taught the principle of faith like the widow of Zarephath [1 Kings 17:1-16]. God judges everyone according to the state of his or her heart. How should you handle wealth if you find yourself blessed with an abundance of it? Handle it the way the Scriptures say in Tim 6:17-19 and Matt. 6:19-34. Do not allow the cares and deceitfulness of riches to choke the Word of God in your heart. Give no place to the devil to allow the god of “mammon” to be your master and lord.
The Bible states we should be content with what we have:

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out [1 Tim 6:6-7].

8. What was the approach of the Apostles to prosperity? The apostles were chosen for a specific mission and they each achieved his calling. None of them taught that poverty was a blessing. Neither did they teach greediness. The early church was one where people were encouraged to give according to the measure God had blessed them. Some brought everything to the Apostle’s feet, others did not and suffered the consequences [Acts 4:32-37; Acts 5]. Jesus taught his disciples to be fed by those whom the gospel is preached to [Luke 10:7]. In doing this both the giver and receiver learn to trust God to meet their needs, a lesson taught by Elijah to the widow of Zarephath [1 Kings 17; 2 Chron. 20:15-30, v20]

9. What are the conditions we must satisfy to truly say you are prospering? We are required to fear God, obey His word and serve Him in Love [Deut. 28:1-10].

10. What do we teach our children about prosperity? We should teach our children the fear of God and that they should grow in his wisdom [Prov. 4:1-11]

11. What investments should believers invest in to prosper? Christians should learn how to sow like the farmer. There are many opportunities out there to prosper. However, do not sow into a bag with holes. Prayerfully seek what to invest in. Seek counsel from those who know about wise investments and from your leaders.

12. How do we sow into the work of God? By looking at areas of need in your local assembly, mission field, blessing the Pastors and ministers as the Lord leads you, etc.

13. Tithing? Learn and continue the principle of tithing Principles and accountability to God. Serve God with what you have. What He has given to you is able to sustain you. Proverbs 3:5-10.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it [Mal. 3:10].

14. What is the role of wisdom in Prosperity. Godly wisdom is very important. The wiser we are the more God wants to bless us. He will only entrust true riches to those who would be accountable to Him.
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? [Luke 16:11]

CONCLUSION I hope the study has been a blessing to you with better understanding of what true prosperity is. In conclusion, pursue the things of the Kingdom first. The Lord has promised to add all other things to you. Know that it is God’s utmost priority to bless you as emphasized in 3 John v2, 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Also know that there are diverse kinds of prosperity from God. At the time the Apostle John wrote this verse in this personal letter to a saint called Gaius, John was in his eighties or perhaps nineties. As he personalized the letter, so God personalizes His prosperity to you and me. He knows what to do and when to do the addition as you diligently serve Him. If you already are already enjoying His grace in this area of life, continue to serve Him and give Him the glory in reverence and awe. Only then will you continue to enjoy His true riches.

1 Cor. 4:7 says: 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

One Word Only

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One Word Only                                   

  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus….Phil 2: 5-8

 If you were to be described by somebody, which one word would best describe you? This looks like an easy question to answer, but with a good thought, it becomes increasingly difficult to choose. This brings to mind the story of some blind men who went to visit an Elephant. One touched the Elephant by the tail and said it looked like a snake, another touched the trunk and said the Elephant looked like a continuous wall and they went on and on with the description.

 Would our description be, Oh! She is so sweet; or Oh! He is so kind; or would it be arrogant, wicked, generous, humble, bitter, proud, caring, wise, gentle, or should I dare say good………. It will be amazing to know which is yours and mine too!

Two renowned politicians where asked a similar question recently by ‘Readers Digest’, but this time, to paraphrase the question, “Which one word is your favourite? One of them answered immediately without much thought and said ‘Indomitable’, that is unconquerable.  This is a very nice word on its own, and I like it very much myself. The second gave a deep thought, paused for a little while before he gave his own answer. He said his favourite word was ‘grace’. I even liked the second answer better because; it is by grace we can even become indomitable.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it (1Corinthians 10:26). God owns everything, both you and I, and all that we own. Is that not wonderful! With all these information, where is the place for pride or arrogance?

Back to our passage, Jesus Christ is God Himself. He emptied Himself of His heavenly glory and came to earth in the form of man. We know the story does not end there. He sacrificed His life for all by dying, not the regular death, but the type of death meant for criminals even though He was not one of them. Jesus Christ died on the cross to bring man back to God. It is difficult to describe this by just one word! Is it love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, or was He just being good or showing grace to mankind? No little wonder God has so many names. It depends on where He has met your needs, then that name of His becomes more real and personal to you. It is our prayer that the Lord would reveal Himself to us in our daily walk with Him in Jesus name.

If you are a true follower of Christ, that one word should be an attribute that can be used to describe your Lord and master, Jesus Christ. I sincerely pray that the beauty of God be seen in everyone who professes to be a child of his.

Prayer Point

Oh Lord, make me a reflection of your beauty in Jesus Name. Amen.

Author: Esther Agbi

Door Number Two?

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Door Number Two?

 Gen. 13:11

Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

 It is sometimes very difficult to make choices, probably because nobody wants to make mistakes and be in a situation of ‘Buyer’s remorse’. I am so glad to be living in this part of the world where you can return your merchandise even as long as 3 months after purchase if you don’t like it. Well, I will quickly add, not with all items! When you don’t have the option of returning the purchased goods, you have to think real hard and well to make sure that you actually want the item since the sale is final. Some of the Game Shows on TV would give you an idea of what I am talking about, such as those with prices associated with closed doors. You have been shown the different prizes, but which of the doors can you find exactly what you desire? Is it door no.1 or door no. 2 or even door no. 3?

 Lot was Abram’s nephew. Abram took Lot along when he heard the call of God. That was a very brief introduction of Lot. Abram and Lot both prospered to the extent that their herd’s men were frequently having fights over issues, so Abram wanted to stop the conflict by parting ways with Lot.  

 The Bible passage above tells us that Lot chose all the plain of Jordan. Why, you may ask? The preceding verses tell us that it was well watered and that it was like the garden of the Lord, probably like the Garden of Eden!

 Lot chose what he could see. That would have been what most people would choose; greener pasture for his animals. He did not want any ‘Buyer’s remorse’. Lot’s choice was not a bad one anyway, but was it a godly choice? Lot chose for his immediate benefit which most of us do every now and then. He forgot that he was being blessed by association. Tagging along with Abram brought blessings to him. He forgot to ask his uncle who was older than him to choose first.  He probably did not inquire from God if that was what God wanted for him. That was a very big decision, and he was moved by sight and chose hastily. Are you always moved by sight? Do you make hasty decisions in very important issues or do you inquire from the Lord? To inquire is good, but do you wait for the response? You and I have a lot to learn from King David.

 2 Sam.5:19

King David enquired of the Lord, saying, shall I go up to the Philistines? Will thou deliver them unto my hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the philistine into thine hand.

 The Lord will teach us not just to inquire from him but to wait for the response before we set out on things we need to do.

 (To be continued)                                          

 Prayer

Oh Lord, teach me not to make hasty decisions based on my own judgement.

 Oh Lord, grant me the grace to wait and hear from you always in Jesus name.

  Author: Esther Agbi

Missions Seedtime & Harvest

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Hallelujah!!! Christ our Wisdom has a new look to its website. Please, browse through and familiarize yourself with the website at www.christwisdom.org . You will find many articles in the CATEGORIES section of the website.

One of the new features of the website is that you can now pay your tithes and offerings on-line through the Ministry’s’s website. You can also begin to sow your seed for on-going and planned Missions Outreach of the Ministry. You will find the e-donate button when you click the MISSIONS menu on the website, or you can follow the link below, (or copy the link into your brownser), and it will take you directly to the Account of the Ministry.

Link:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=5MHRXJLWM2BQY

VISA, MasterCard or direct payment from your bank account are accepted.

Did you know that your sowing to the work of God is a testimony of your righteousness? It is also an act of obedience to His Word.

“It’s time for you to sow to yourself in righteousness, reap in mercy and break up your fallow grounds ……” Hosea 10:12

“8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:…….10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness)”…… 2 Cor. 9:8-10.

It’s time for all of God’s children to increase in the fruit of righteousness through giving. God Bless you as you choose to excel in this gift also.

We are a Canadian registered “Charity” (Charity Registration no.: 806085882RR0001) with proper accounting records. Your donations and gift to the Ministry will be receipted to you at the end of the year for income tax purposes.

Looking Ahead

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Looking Ahead! [Author: Esther Agbi]
Luke 9:62
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

The London 2012 Olympics is in section while writing this article. All the various sporting activities are interesting to me ,even the sporting events I did not know had been accepted as Olympic sports such as Karate, Judo, Trampolin, just to mention a few! Most interesting to me are the individual sports that require speed like swimming, track race, cycling. e.t.c.

I always watch such sporting events with great interest. I observe that the athletes are physically fit and ready mentally for the event. Years of practice, training and discipline must have gone into their preparedness.

There is always a kind of tenseness when the umpire says on your marks! Hearts racing ,different thoughts going through the mind such as am I going to succeed, are there others better than myself or have I wasted my time all these while preparing for the Olympics.? That brings me back to a picture I took recently while on vacation.

I posed as one boxing! A friend asked, why are you in this posture? I quickly replied in a joking manner that I was preparing for Olympics 2016. I was laughing out loud while responding to that question. This is because I knew that at that level of preparedness, I am going nowhere near the Olympics as an athlete, most probably as a spectator. My husband also laughed out loud because he knows that I am not even an athlete not to mention qualifying for the Olympics!

Coming back to our passage, as Christians, once committed to follow Christ, it is not good or befitting or even beneficial to look towards the back. We are in a race, a heavenly one at that matter.

Situations make some Christians to look back especially when going through difficult circumstances, disappointments, failures and the like .I pray that the Spirit of God would comfort and uplift anyone going through unpalatable circumstances.

When the umpire fires the gun in the air and says “GO” simultaneously, the athlete moves with speed, obeying the rules of the sport. Why? I believe because he has a goal! A medal is at stake, gold, silver or bronze. If this were not the case, he would not have appeared for the competition. If the athlete who is looking for an earthly reward or fame can subject himself to such stringent rules and no small discipline, how much more Christians aspiring to have a heavenly reward.

Some of these races are won by fractions of hundreds of a second. Just enough time to blink the eyes, that tells you how close. As I watch closely the cycling event, two athletes were neck to neck ,very close to the mark. Suddenly, one looked back and lost time. The other over took him and won the gold medal!

The Lord will help us always to look ahead that we may obtain the reward in Jesus name.
Your time spent serving the Lord shall not be in vain. You will reach the mark and obtain the prize.

Prayer Point
Oh Lord, strengthen me as I focus on heaven and heaven alone with the cross before me and the world behind me in Jesus name.