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

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Bible & Prayer Nugget 0409

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WISDOM SERIES: WISDOM OF THE CROSS (I)

 

Excerpts from a sermon on “Wisdom of the Cross”

 

DATE: October 05 2008

Church: Champions Pariah, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Edmonton, AB Canada 

Minister: Joseph Agbi

 

 

Bible Nugget 0409 [2 Corinthians 5:19]

 

 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

 

Today we begin a very important series, the foundation on which this gospel outreach is based. It is called the wisdom of the cross. Something outstanding had to happen for God to turn rebellious man back to himself. One thing that can be compared in minuscule proportion to this glorious divine act is what is commonly called ‘miracle’. Jesus rebuking the Pharisees, and scorners who came to his meetings said except you see a miracle, you will not believe. So he performed one for them to see. Some believed, and some did not.

 

We will start from the basics and then build up the sermon.

 

What is Wisdom?

 

Wisdom is defined as knowledge guided by understanding.

 

Connection of Wisdom to Power and Authority

If you have power and authority and you are not wise, you can lose the power and authority in a moment of time. Examples are

•         Monarchical Power: A king who does not rule by wisdom soon loses the respect of his people. They begin to disobey him in their words or action.

•         Moral & Spiritual Power: For example, Men of God who fall into sin.

 

Wisdom and knowledge of God Described

•          The wisdom of God described in one sentence. 

It is deep, rich, unsearchable and past finding out.

 

Rom 11:33

 

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

 

The Fall of Man

 

•         God’s love for us never ends. He created us to have fellowship with him.

•         He values man as his most precious creation. Because man was created in the image of  God [Gen 1v26].

•         Man trespassed in the garden of Eden

•          Adam fell and lost the glory God asked Adam “where are you”.

God could not accept the sin of Adam for two reasons.

  1. Man was made in the Image of God, and God gave him authority over his creation Gen 1:26

26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

 

  1. God’s eyes are pure, he does not behold iniquity. [Hab 1: 13]

 13Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

 

God’s Redemptive Plan Jump Started at Eden

 

•          God’s battle with the enemy of our souls is like a general who goes to war and will not accept defeat when the enemy comes for a raid and the enemy gains temporary victory. An example was when David’s camp was raided by the enemy.

 

1 Sam 30 v 1-3

 

 1And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

 2And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

 3So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

 

David’s love for his family and his soldiers families drove them to arise from distress, seek God’s face and take the battle to the gates of the enemy.

 Similarly, the world is the kingdom of the enemy and God is fighting through the death of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit to reclaim or reconcile us who are domiciled in the world back to himself. That is what our nugget scripture is making us to understand.

 

 

 

God jump started redemption right from the day man fell. Adam and eve covered themselves with fig leaves [the foolishness of man’s devised religion] but God said that is not enough to restore my glory. He covered man with animal skin, having shed the blood of animal because the without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin. God has made provision for your salvation. Accept Jesus today if you have not done so.

 

 Prayer Points 0409

Prayer of Salvation: Oh Lord thank you for including me in your redemptive plan. I ask for your mercy. I accept I am a sinner. I ask for the blood of Jesus to wash my heart clean. Lord Jesus come into my heart. Holy Spirit dwell in my heart. I will not go back to my sins or allow the devil to be my master. I will walk with you Lord. Light my path daily and make me heavenly conscious all the days of my life in Jesus Name. Thank you for not allowing me to die in my sins. Thank you for reconciling me back to yourself in Jesus Name.

 

If you are already saved, thank God for your salvation and pray these two prayer points.

  1. Lord fill me inside with your wisdom. Make my heart to be intimate with your Holy Spirit. Lead me through all the battles I encounter in this world in the mighty name of Jesus.
  2. Oh Lord, let me carry your full image, spirit, soul and body. I will walk in your glory and your power you have covered me with in the mighty Name of Jesus.

 

 

Bible & Prayer Nuggets

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What is your Symbol of Strength?

 

Bible Nugget 0408[Psalm 46 v 1-7 KJV]
   1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

 3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

 4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

 5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

 6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

 7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

 

 

 

The question this hour is what is your symbol of strength? If you symbol of strength is in a person or man, the bible says woe is that person who puts his strength in a man. The person to put your strength in should be big, strong and reliable. In fact, very big, very strong and very reliable. Trust in the Lord most high and he will prove himself mighty on your behalf. God revealed himself in the person of Jesus Christ. He is very big, very strong and very reliable. God wants to infuse his strength into you. He also wants to prove himself strong and mighty on your behalf. God does not and has not made you timid or fearful. His word says in 2Tim 1 v7:

7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Your true strength therefore depends on how much you can tone your spiritual muscle you have in the Lord, not on contrary powers which are false powers and give fear. Nor is it a physical power on how many pounds of dumbbell you can lift. As a sportsman trains himself for the big occasion such as an Olympic with his eyes on the gold, we are admonished to be strong in the Lord or as stated in 2 Tim 2 v 1 … be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Tone your spiritual muscles to receive more strength by diligent study and obedience to the word of God and in prayers. The more you do this the more reserve strength you have which you can depend upon when you need it. You will need those spiritual muscles for the big occasions – fights with the devil and all the evil forces. Continue to put your trust in the Lord and he will not disappoint you.

 

Prayer Nugget 0408

 

  1. Oh Lord. Deposit into me your power. Strengthen me in my inner man and fortify me with all your spiritual weapons against the tactics of the forces of darkness in Jesus Name.
  2. Oh Lord stand for me strong and mighty. Show the enemy as you proved yourself mighty in time past in your word in the name of Jesus.
  3. Oh Lord of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego you are the living God. You are also the God of Elijah.  Show your power that men may know that all other gods are the works of men in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

Bible & Prayer Nuggets 0407

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The Righteous is Blessed

 

Bible Nugget 0407 [Psalm 1 v 1 Amplified]

 

1BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

 

Rejoice because the promise of God is to bless you as you walk with him in righteousness and true holiness. You shall be the envy of all who do not know or wish to serve our loving heavenly Father. Wait on the Lord and see what he will do in your life. He will send blessing of salvation, healing, deliverance, spiritual and material prosperity abundantly upon you.  He will not delay. He is always on time. When the wicked are saying there is casting down, continue to say there is lifting up. Be blessed today in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

Prayer Nugget 0407

1.      Oh LORD, remember your covenant of blessing on anyone who calls on you with a true heart of righteousness and holiness. Rain down your blessing upon my life in Jesus Name.

2.       LORD, fill the field of my life with the dew of heaven. Let your river of blessing flow into every department of my life in Jesus Name. Amen.

Bible & Prayer Nuggets 0404

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Bible Trivia 03

Bible Nugget 0404

What are the Seven Bulwark of a Christian’s  Faith?

[2 Peter 1 : 5-8]

 5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Fortify your faith in arithmetic progression with these Godly Characters like a fortified City with progressively higher outer walls.

1.      Virtue                          –         that is valour, [spiritual energy or manliness]. Philippians 4 v 13   I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 

2.      Knowledge                   –         that is,  intelligence subject to the Holy Spirit

 

3.      Temperance                             –         that is, self control

 

4.      Patience                      –          that is, perseverance, steadfastness, endurance

 

5.      godliness                     –          the Godly nature of the man, Christ [ piety]

 

6.      Brotherly love         –           unfailing love affection for the brethren [Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.]

 

7.      Charity                        –          that is, Agape love or Christian love not expecting to be paid back [Collosians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.] 

 

Prayer Nugget 0404

1.      Oh Lord,  fortify my life with the virtue of [————, mention them one by one] in the mighty name of Jesus

2.      Every satanic arrow or arrow of the wicked directed to harm my faith, return back to the sender in the name of Jesus.

3.      Lord fill my heart with your love, I shall not be lacking in showing brotherly love or agape love in Jesus Name.

4.      Oh Lord, perfect my life with your character. Let me be your example on earth in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Bible and Prayer Nuggets 0403

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Covenant keeping God

Bible Nugget 0403[Isaiah 59: 21 (KJV)]

21As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

God is a covenant keeping God. He made a covenant with Abraham and has kept it ever since for some 4000 years. He will keep his covenant with you if you include yourself in the word “them” in the above verse. The blessings of God will not depart from you and your household in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

Prayer Nugget 0403

Oh Lord, keeper of covenant, thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your word that you watch jealously to fulfill it. Lord, fill my heart with your word and let my mouth be an outlet for your word. Lord, keep your covenant over my life and my children and children’s children according to your promises in Jesus Name. Amen.

Prayer and Bible Nuggets 0402

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The sanctification Process II – Your Responsibility

Bible Nugget 0402 [I Thessalonians 4: 1-8 KJV]
1Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

 2For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

 3For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

 4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

 5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

 6That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

 7For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

 8He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

The sanctification process is the responsibility of every believer after new birth in Christ. The will of God stated in verses 3 and 7 in the above scripture is that we should live a sanctified and holy life. There should be no excuses. During repentance every believer should take stock of his life and make sure he repents of every known sin. No extra baggage of sin should be taken in the life-long Christian journey with Christ. The commonly known sins which will prevent a person from going to heaven include the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5: 19-21 (read it for yourself) and Rev 21:8

 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

However, many believers gloss over many sins as if they do not matter. Some even believe the theory of heretics who profess that “once saved, saved forever”. The truth is that no sin should be left handing over your head as a believer. The last verse of Galatians 5:21 makes one to understand that the lists of sins that will prevent someone from inheriting the kingdom of God are too many to recount. I took a stock of sins in my own life from a Prayer book, which actually should serve every believer as a deliverance manual, written by some Ministers in Christian Word Ministry. They have a free version of the manual on the Ministry’s website. Please visit their website www.christianword.org  and in the Box Prayer Book  click  the PDF or Word Format of the Part 2 Download Prayer Book,. Read the” A” to “Z” list of sins for yourself on pages 35-38 of the book and it will be clear to you the common sins easily omitted or brushed aside, not knowing that any of them could prevent someone from inheriting the Kingdom of God.

For example the “A” list of sins in the book includes the following:

abandonment, abduction, abhorrence of holy things, abhorring judgment, abomination, abortion, abusiveness, accusation, adulterous lust, adultery, afflicting others, aggravation, agitation, aiding and abetting sin, alcoholism, all unrighteousness, anger, animosity, anxiety, apprehension, argumentativeness, arrogance, assaults, astrology, atheism, avariciousness,

The “D” lists are:

dealing treacherously, deceit, deception, defamation, defeatism, defiantness, defiling, degrading, dejection, demon consciousness, demon worship, denying Jesus and His resurrection, dependencies, depravity, desecration of holy vessels, desires of this world, despair, despising God, His Name and His Word, despising spouse, despising neighbors, despising parents, despitefulness, despondency, destruction of the innocent, saints and holy things;  deviousness, disagreements, disbelief, discord, discouragement, discrediting, disdain, disgust, dishonesty, disliking the love of good men, disobedience, disobedient to God, disorderly, disputing, disregard of God’s work, disrespectfulness of God, disruptiveness,  dissension,  distantness, distrust, divining, divining for water with rods, divining for money, division, divorce, domineeringness, double-talking,  double mindedness, doubt, dread, driving men from true worship and inheritance,  drug abuse, drunkenness, duplicity, drinking blood,

And the “F” lists include

failure in duty,  failure to glorify God, false burdens, false compassion, falsehood, false praise, false responsibility, fantasizing, fantasy lust, fault finding, fear, fear of accusation, fear of condemnation, fear of disapproval, fear of man, fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of reproof, fetishes, fighting, flattery, fleshliness, fooling self and/or others, foolishness,  following any ways of man, folly, forbidding the preaching of God’s Word, forcefulness, forgetting God and His work, fornication, forsaking the assembly, fortune telling, fraud, fretting, frigidity,  frustrations, fury,

These are just examples of listed sins. There are other demonic sins listed in pages 38-40 of the book and it will do you a world of good to pray out of your life every sin using the book as a guide. As verse 4 of the day’s bible nugget says, it is your responsibility; someone else cannot do it for you. The challenge is yours.

1Thessalonians 4:4

 

 4That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

Carry out a check-up of your life. In fact, you should do this from time to time and run through the list of sins, for example in the reference prayer manual stated above and see areas of your shortcoming.  The LORD will empower you to live a Holy and sanctified life as you pour out your heart to him in repentance. Pray every known sin out of your life and appropriate to yourself the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:30

30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

This is the way to way to go in the sanctification process to make you heaven bound! The LORD help you as you do this in Jesus Name. Amen.
 
Prayer Nugget 0402
Before you start praying, sing this song or any other song on holiness such as the Hymn Holy Holy Holy.
Song:
LORD prepare me, A sanctuary, Pure and Holy, Tried and True, with Thanksgiving, I will be a living, sanctuary for you.

Or the classical hymn  Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

 

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

 

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

 

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

[Reginald Heber, 1826]

Prayer Points

 

  1. Oh Lord empower me to live a life of holiness unto you. I repent of every sin I have committed in the past, known (list ——- every known sin) and unknown in Jesus Name.
  2. Satan I address you, I am not a candidate for hell fire. My destination is heaven. I command you to pack your evil load and get out of my life in Jesus Name.
  3. Oh LORD encase me with the purifying fire of you Holy Spirit. Every demonic power sent from the pit of Hell to deceive me, be roasted by fire in the name of Jesus.
  4. Begin to thank God for the Grace given to you to live a victorious life of holiness in Jesus name.