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

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The Fruits of the Spirit Series: Gentleness I

Excerpts froma sermon on 3rd May 2009 at Champions Pariah, Redeemed Christian Church of God Edmonton, AB Canada 

Minister: Joseph Agbi

 

Bible Nugget 0501 [Galatians 5:22-23]

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

 

Fruit Triangles

  1. Love, Joy and Peace
  2. Longsuffering, gentleness and goodness
  3. Faith, Meekness and Temperance

 

 Introduction

What is Gentle or Gentleness?

Oxford Dictionary:

Not rough: mild or kind

 

Gentleman: well-bred man

Gentlewoman: a woman of good birth or upbringing

 

            These are very kind words to say of somebody or a group of people. Because it has become very common to use these words people do not know the weight or take time to reflect on the meaning of these words.  Therefore what an irony if you are addressing an audience and you call them ladies and gentlemen and in the midst of them are murderers, adulterers and fornicators, liars, thieves, etc. all the sins of Gal:5: 19-21 a stack contrast to Gal 5:22 – 23

 

Gal 5: 19-21

19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

Implying non-well bred or people without good upbringing are those living in the flesh:

 

The root word Gentleness in Greek [original text of the new testament] in v 22

 Gr. Chrestotes and it means a disposition to be gentle, soft spoken, kind, even tempered, cultured and refined in character and conduct.

           

            Because, you can identify the character of somebody by the words they say or their actions or by their behavior, gentleness is a character that can easily be read by others. It is a fruit and you know a fruit when it is ripe because it is attractive. When you see a bunch of yellow bananas they are very attractive and inviting to a hungry man. So is the character of gentleness. It is mild, very affective.

 

Source of Gentleness

            The source of the fruit gentleness is the Holy Spirit Gal 5:22, so as children of God if you are walking in the spirit, or a man living in the spirit, the fruit becomes more ripe everyday as you submit yourself to the Holy Spirit. You become gentler to yourself and others. You become more even tempered.  Pleasing the Holy Spirit is all you become interested in. Things that easily harass you and make you soil your testimony as a Christian such as anger, strife, and bitterness have no meaning to you. You become more broken, thoroughly broken. When you get to that stage, then you can truly say yes, I am a gentleman or gentlewoman. The secret of gentleness as a Christian is to be led by the Holy Spirit because against such there is no law.  Compare

Gal 5:18

18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

and

Galatians 5:22-23

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

 

Implying walking in the spirit makes a person to walk free from the law of sin and death; the punishment awaiting those who break the laws of Gal 5:19-21.

To be continued

 

Prayer Points 0501

  1. Oh Lord, saturate my spirit with your Holy Spirit. Make me to walk in harmony with your Holy Spirit always in Jesus Name.
  2. Gentle Holy Spirit; make me a friend of God all the days of my life in Jesus Name.
  3. Jesus, I want to walk like you, talk like you have compassion like you. Give me the grace to be your good ambassador in Jesus Name. Amen

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.

 

 

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He is Faithful

 

Bible Nugget 0406 [1 Thessalonians 5 v 24 KJV]

 

24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

 

God’s gift and calling upon you is without repentance that is God will not go back on his word. He watches over his word jealously to fulfill it. Not one jot or title of the word will go unfulfilled, Jesus said. The promises of God are yea and amen and no devil from the pit of hell can stop the blessings of God upon your life. Claim the promise of this verse over all your situations, and watch it fulfilled before your very eyes in Jesus name. Amen.

 

 

Prayer Nugget 0406

1.       Oh LORD thank you for your calling upon my life. Let your will be done in every department of my life in Jesus Name.

2.       LORD, I entrust my life into your care. Be my Fortress, my hope and helper, my shield and high tower, my strength and power in Jesus Name.

3.       Oh LORD, perform every enterprise you have destined for my life. Let the lines you have drawn for me fall into perfect places in Jesus name. 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.

Bible & Prayer Nuggets 0319

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The Lord Himself Shall Descend With a Shout

 

Bible Nugget 0319 [1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 KJV]

15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

How prepared are you for the second coming of Christ? This is not a fairy tale. The Bible Prophesied that he was coming the first time and he did. Just as he came the first time unannounced and not accepted that he came,  the second coming though more spectacular, will catch a lot of people by surprise.  Even believer’s who are not watchful will be left behind. Let us review his first coming briefly. John 1 v 10-12 summarizes his first coming, how he was received, and the few people who received his first coming, then and even now. He did not disguise himself. He told everyone who he was and yet they did not and many people today do not accept who he is that he is the Son of God sent to restore their relationship back to God.

John 1: 10-12

 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

 11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

After Jesus died and resurrected, the bible says the disciples saw him intermittently and fellowshipped with him before he ascended to heaven. These included over 500 brethren who saw him at the same time, so it is not just individual visits. Except for Paul who saw him after ascension, all other visits to the disciples was before his ascension. Paul writing in

1 Corinthians 15:3-9

3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

 6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

 7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

 8And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

  9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

A time came when he must leave back to heaven and he did. Recall, angels are ministering Spirits. They ushered him back to heaven with pomp and fanfare, because he as the Captain of the Lord of host had come and conquered all the enemies including the devil (Lucifer), the principalities, powers and rulers of darkness of this world. Even the last enemy (death) could not stop him. He went back to heaven, and is right now seated at the Right Hand of God. Two angels who stood by the disciples as the disciples watched him go to heaven told them not to marvel that Jesus was surely coming again.

Acts 1:9-10

9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

 10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

 11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

He came with carrot the first time. This second coming will be with a stick. He came as a lamb the first time. The second coming will be as the king of kings ready to render justice and vengeance.  To believers his second coming will be to reward them. To unbelievers who will be alive when he comes, it is to give them a final chance to repent but that time not by Grace but by their own works. It will literarily be like pulling chestnuts out of the fire to be saved and qualify for heaven. Many people will not be able to bear the wrath of the devil as it unleashes evil because he knows its time is short. They will take the mark of the beast. It will not be pleasant to live on the earth then because all the candle lights (believers) are gone to heaven.

 

Rev 13: 15-18

 15And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

 16And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

 18Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

The mark of the beast is 6 6 6, (v15). This is revelation teaching and we will not get into it, but the bible advises that be wise and avoid that time when only that mark will grant you the opportunity to make choices of your own for living.  The easiest way to do this is to be prepared for Jesus’ return now.  So today do not take your preparedness lightly. The night is far spent. Accept Jesus today as Lord and Saviour if you have not, and if you have, be prayerful and watchful like the five wise virgins who had their lamps ready for the bridegroom’s arrival. In closing this sermon nugget, lets hear the words of Jesus himself concerning his second coming. The story is in Matthew 25:1-13.

1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

 2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

 3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

 

Prayer Nugget 0319

  1. Oh Lord let me be found righteous at your return in the name of Jesus.  I plead the blood of Jesus over my body, soul and spirit. My soul shall be redeemed at the end of time in Jesus Name.
  2. I purify myself because I have the hope of resurrection in the name of Jesus. Lord keep this hope alive in my heart always in Jesus name.
  3. I shall be prepared with my garments spotless in the name of Jesus.  I shall be like the five wise virgins in the name of Jesus.
  4. Lord preserve my soul from all evil. Every power wishing for my spiritual downfall, receive the stones of fire and be disgraced in Jesus Name. Amen.
  5. Lord give me visions and raptures of heaven always in Jesus name. I set my affections on the things of heaven in Jesus name. Amen.

    6.  

 

 

Bible & prayer Nuggets 0318

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Love above Reproach

 

Bible Nugget 0318 [Rom 12:9-10, 16-21 KJV]

9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

  16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

The message of this nugget is directed mostly to believers but unbelievers will benefit as well. The above verses instruct us how to live a life above reproach so that believers can maintain healthy relationships with one another and with the world.  The fact is that a spirit different from the world’s spirit governs a child of God. The Spirit of God dwells inside our hearts and is the best guide to handle everyday challenges the world throws at you, either from believers or unbelievers. Just as love is the key to pleasing God, love should be the overriding motive in our relationships with one another as brethren and with the world. A child of God ought to be driven by love; true love that can cover the sins of the offender. The offended is superior in character than the offender as long as he does not behave as the offender. A heart full of love does not defame, strife, bear grudges, keep malice, backbite or slander another person. These are things people in the world do to gain control of one another.

Even in our relationship with the world, true love beyond what the other person expects is a better way to relate because as v19-21 says, it is better to trust God to vindicate you from your enemies or persecutors. Just show love and let God do the rest.  Place the thought of the sacrifice of Christ in your mind, and you see that your love to the person who is or has offended you is small. Such type of love is in the sight of God judgment if the other person does not repent. You can show love without compromising your faith. Jesus in his earthly ministry showed the love of God to those who did not deserve it. The Vice Chancellor of the University I attended used to say, “Jesus ate with sinners but was not mistaken for one”. The person may think you are foolish or mad, but he or she is wrong. The Apostle Paul speaking to the Corinthian Christians said:

2 Corinthians 5:13-15

13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

 14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Has anyone offended you and you find it difficult to forgive? Or are you tired of showing love because the other person does not reciprocate. I am not saying be blind to the evil that people do to you. Take the issue to the Lord in prayer if it is very difficult to forgive the person. He will remove the pain from your heart. The act of forgiveness is love itself, so if you have forgiven and the person does not change, then coals of fire from the Lord is what the person deserves. Also remember, after taking these right steps, that you need to forgive yourself and do not allow the burden to linger on because it is an avenue of Satan taking advantage of your joy and peace.

 

Prayer Nugget 0318

1.      Chose to forgive and confess your sins to God. Ask God to give you the ability to forgive even the most tormenter of persons who has hurt you.

2.      Pray as follows: “Oh Lord, I forgive _________ (mention the person’s name) who hurt me.  I release them totally from my spirit in Jesus name.

3.      I receive divine ability to love beyond measure. Grant me a life of love, peace and joy in Jesus Name.

4.  Oh Lord, let the love of Christ constrain me in every aspect of my Christian conduct. Beautify my heart with divine love even against those who do not deserve it in Jesus Name. Amen.