Enrich your spiritual life as you study inspirational messages gleaned from the Word of God! The Holy Bible is filled with wisdom that will strengthen your character and deepen your walk with the Lord. As you reflect on key Scripture passages, you will discover encouraging lessons and practical applications woven throughout the Word. Leon Gooden presents an in-depth study of key Bible passages to sharpen your faith and help you grow in your understanding of God. Each chapter explores a different Scripture passage to encourage you in your daily walk with Jesus Christ. In this book, you’ll learn: -How God calls you to be actively involved in His purposes and plans for the world -You are God’s child, accepted and highly favored—made holy and righteous by the blood of Jesus -How the Holy Spirit will empower you to bring life to others who desperately need it -How God wants to sanctify you and move you toward the future He has planned for you -How worship can overcome temptations to sin -When nothing makes sense, God has a perfect handle on things -Why the result of knowing God is an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe This book is ideal to enhance your personal daily devotions, or as a Bible study tool in a small group setting. Short chapters with edifying messages are perfect for livening up your devotions! Start reading your copy of Walking in the Word today—and spark a flame in your heart for real growth as a child of God!
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Do you have a vision to follow, we do here at KBCMI.
EDIFYING, EQUIPPING, EMPOWERING FOR KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT!
EPH. 4:12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of CHRIST.
EDIFYING - The word ‘edification' comes from a Latin word, ‘aedificare' which means, “build”. The idea therefore is, ‘to improve the mind or character of some one by teaching'.
Kingdom is the sovereign, power, dominion, and rule to infiltrate, influence, and incorporate all who would receive its provisions, promises, promotion, and protection for the the Kingdom of God and for Experiencing and Enjoying The Kingdom lifestyle.
To Advance is to proceed progressively by divine impartation, inspiration, imagination and instruction to move forward the Kingdom of God and for Experiencing and Enjoying the Kingdom lifestyle. ADVANCING THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITH FORCE.
Principles of finance have been put in place by God himself for two reasons. The first is to activate our obedience to Him and the second is to generate wealth to furnish the Kingdom of GOD.
As believers in Christ we practice a three fold giving which IS: First- fruits, Tithes and Offerings.
First: First Fruits and Tithes are separate from each other.
2 Chronicles 31: 5 As soon as the command went abroad, the Israelites gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, vintage fruit, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.
Nehemiah 10: 37 And we shall bring the first and best of our coarse meal, our contributions, the fruit of all kinds of trees, of new wine, and of oil to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God. And we shall bring the tithes from our ground to the Levites, for they, the Levites, collect the tithes in all our rural towns.
Nehemiah 12:44. On that day men were appointed over the chambers for the stores, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by law for the priests and the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who served [faithfully].
When we accept Christ into our lives we need to understand that we leave behind a life of financial bondage and enter into financial prosperity and freedom. This ability and location is handed down to us by our Father himself but He has put certain principles in place for us to give heed to. These principles unlock financial prosperity and freedom that is due to us.
What is the First Fruit? It was the first of the cattle, corn, fruit and sons that was offered to God. This was the first of the entire harvest.
Exodus 22: 29-30 29 You shall not delay to bring to Me from the fullness [of your harvested grain] and the outflow [of your grape juiceand olive oil]; give Me the firstborn of your sons [or redeem them]. 30 Likewise shall you do with your oxen and your sheep. Seven days the firstborn [beast] shall be with its mother; on the eighth day you shall give it to Me.
This was done according to the law but we are now living in a period of grace. You see although we are living in grace, the principles of God have not changed. There is an immense favour decreed over children of God that only God’s principles can unlock. Principles of wealth existed before the law, during the law, during the times of the prophets, during Christ’s time here on earth, during the times of the apostles and it still exists to date.
Children of God assessed their First-fruits in the following way:
Fourth year crop of a new tree was given to God. The entire crop was given to God; the people only partook of the fifth year’s crop.
Leviticus 19: 23–25 23 And when you come into the land and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count the fruit of them as inedible and forbidden to you for three years; it shall not be eaten 24 In the fourth year all their fruit shall be holy for giving praise to the Lord. 25 But in the fifth year you may eat of the fruit [of the trees], that their produce may enrich you; I am the Lord your God.
First reaping in a new land, if you were to come into a land that Lord has given to you and dwelled there then the first crop was given to God.
Deuteronomy 26: 1-2. 26 When you have come into the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance and possess it and live in it, 2 You shall take some of the first of all the produce of the soil which you harvest from the land the Lord your God gives you and put it in a basket, and go to the place [the sanctuary] which the Lord your God has chosen as the abiding place for His Name [and His Presence].
First reaping in a new season, year by year the first-fruit was brought to the house of the Lord, to the priest who ministered there.
Before we assess our First-fruits; take note:
Our First-fruit giving; represents our whole year’s income. It represents 100%; we are saying to God I surrender my year’s income to you. It is showing God that He is greater than any amount of money. Please note I used the word represents. You don’t sow 100% but a potion that represents your whole year’s income.
How do we assess our first-fruits?
In this period grace seasons are declared, bringing in a first-fruit declares an apostolic season; it is declaring the fourth year. Know this; after the fourth year the people were able to reap themselves. So there is a leap in harvest reaping just by living out God’s principle.
Leviticus 19: 23-25. 23 And when you come into the land and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count the fruit of them as inedible and forbidden to you for three years; it shall not be eaten.24 In the fourth year all their fruit shall be holy for giving praise to the Lord.25 But in the fifth year you may eat of the fruit [of the trees], that their produce may enrich you; I am the Lord your God.
Anything new that generates wealth, some of the first income should be given to the Lord.
Examples of new is: A new job, a job promotion, a financial increase at work, a new business, a new business order, insurance payouts, inheritances, if you were to sell your car, house or belongings.
Deuteronomy 26:1-2. 26 When you have come into the land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance and possess it and live in it, 2 You shall take some of the first of all the produce of the soil which you harvest from the land the Lord your God gives you and put it in a basket, and go to the place [the sanctuary] which the Lord your God has chosen as the abiding place for His Name [and His Presence].
Year by year we bring in a portion of our first income to the Lord as a representation of the whole years income. This is all income, example first salary, first profit, first sale commission, first weeks pay, etc.
Calculation:
Leviticus 23: 10-11 “When ye be come into the land which I give unto you and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the priest: and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.”
The Lord asks that we bring a sheaf (a bundle of grain tied together) of our harvest; our harvest is our entire first income.A sheaf is a bundle of grain, a stack of grain is made up of many sheaves. Note the crop is only harvested when it is at its best, so the sheaf will also always be the best.
In preparing our first-fruit we must ensure, at all times, that it is, the best that we can offer to God. To some it may be a week’s salary. To some it may be a week’s profit, but at all times it must be our best.
A day’s salary is also a bundle and so to is a week’s salary. They all represent the full harvest, which is; your full year’s income.
Remember God builds you up to accuracy but He simply loves your obedience. I strongly believe that releasing a day’s salary as a first-fruit activates the first-fruit principle, because a day is also a sheaf but if your best is a day this year, your best can be more than a day next year.
As the years of prosperity increase our sowing should increase also to one full week and ultimately sow a full month; this is the entire month’s harvest. Simply because we are living in a period of grace and the grace bestowed upon us is unlimited.
Calculation for businesses
Now I was asked this question several times: How do I calculate my First fruits as a business? There are different types of businesses which generate income at different times in the month.
Your first profit drawn is your first harvest, now some people draw at the end of the week and others at the end of the month. That entire profit is your first harvest and you need to bring a sheaf of that harvest to the house of the Lord. Remember this is separate from your tithe. A days profit is a sheaf, and so to is a week’s profit; you decide.
Calculation Examples:
If you are earning 4000.00 a month.
A day’s salary will be 200.00; a week’s salary will be 1000.00.
If you bring a profit of 10 000. 00 a month.
A day’s profit will be 500.00; a week’s will be 2500.00
The whom is the First Fruit given?
Now at this point we need to understand the manner in which God operates. The many that are called get separated from the few that are chosen. You see the first fruit was given to the priest of the temple, in our case it would be to our Pastor or Apostle of KBCM.
Deuteronomy 18:3-5 3 And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach. 4 The firstfruits of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first or best of the fleece of your sheep you shall give the priest. 5 For the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand to minister in the name [and presence] of the Lord, him and his sons forever.
Ezekiel 44:30. And the first of all the firstfruits of all kinds, and every offering of all kinds from all your offerings, shall belong to the priests. You shall also give to the priest the first of your coarse meal and bread dough, that a blessing may rest on your house.
Nehemiah 10:35-36 35 And [we obligate ourselves] to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the first of all the fruit of all trees year by year to the house of the Lord, 36 As well as the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as is written in the Law, and the firstlings of our herds and flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in [His] house.
Leviticus 23:10-11 10 Tell the Israelites, When you have come into the land I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest.11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, that you may be accepted; on the next day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it [before the Lord].
Why Do We Bring in a First-Fruit?
The main purpose is to honour God. The Lord has brought us into this location that allows us to enjoy the reaping of many harvests and we therefore need to honour God for this.
Obeying this principle ensures that our entire year’s income is kept holy and protected. We tell God that He is far greater to us than any amount of money. When we do radical things for God, He does radical things right back at us.
Proverbs 3:9-10. 9 Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income;10 So shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine.
Romans 11:16 16 Now if the first handful of dough offered as the firstfruits [Abraham and the patriarchs] is consecrated (holy), so is the whole mass [the nation of Israel]; and if the root [Abraham] is consecrated (holy), so are the branches.
Some Benefits of bringing in a First Fruit
Abundance. Proverbs 3:9-10
Blessing Will Rest in your House. Ezekiel 44:39
Ensures that your finances to come, is Holy. Romans 11:16
Substance (the widow never ran out)1 King 17:10-16
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers:but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door:by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd:the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
See I used to be a good fisherman of fish and one thing I learned is that when you go fishing you have to
1. GO AT THE RIGHT TIME
2. GO TO THE RIGHT PLACE
3. HAVE THE RIGHT TYPE OF BAIT
4. HAVE PATIENCE DONT RUSH
5. STAY ALERT WATCH POLE
6. AFTER FISH TAKES HOOK LET HIM TIE OUT
7. REEL HIM IN, DONT LET HIM GET OFF YOUR LINE
NOW THAT YOURE QUALIFIED FISHERMEN, COME TO THE HOUSE OF GOD, YOUR PLACE OF DUTY TO BE DEPUTIZED TO GO OUT AND CATCH SOME FISH (SOULS).
SEE SOME OF YOU ARE SITTING IN HERE TODAY THAT HAVE BEEN RUNNING FROM YOUR OCCUPATION, THATS WHY THINGS NEVER WORK OUT FOR YOUR GOOD, COME BACK TO YOUR ASSIGNMENT FROM GOD, ITS IN YOUR DNA TO BE FISHERMEN, NOT DRUG DEALERS, PIMPS, ROBBERS, CRACK HEADS, FELONIES, ADULTERERS, FORNICATORS, LIERS.
COME BACK TO JESUS, COME BACK TO YOUR FIRST LOVE, ROM 5:17 IF ANY MAN BE IN ...........
JESUS SAID IAM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE., NO MAN CAN SEE THE FATHER WITHOUT GOING THROUGH HIM.
NOW LET'S GO FISHING IN JESUS NAME!
CA L.R.Gooden Jr.
Kingdom Builders Christian Ministries A Spiritually Militant Church
In the process of apostolic maturing of the Church there is an emerging, spiritually militant boldness on all fronts of Church life. Not with guns and bombs like deluded terrorists, but spiritual weapons like strategic prayer, intercession, preaching, teaching and praise & worship. Music (SHOFAR & PRAISE/WORSHIP) has been, and is increasingly setting this tone of spiritual militancy. Now it is time for the prophetic to take its true mature place alongside the apostolic gifts and anointing. To bring structure both spiritual and natural to facilitate what the Lord is doing in the Church - to clear the rubble from the spiritual gaps in the wall of the House of the Lord (Nehemiah 4:10), and to build apostolic churches. To plant churches powerfully, in spiritually governing strength, with five-fold ministry teams. Apostolic church bases that will actually affect and change whole cities, nations, and even governments.
We have seen this in part happening in KBCM but there are more wonderful days ahead of all of us as we press on to the high calling of Christ JESUS in our lives. Singers, musicians, Preachers, Teachers, THE FIVE FOLD MINISTRY in the realm of the creative arts will also need to carry apostolic wisdom in the nurturing and releasing of these gifts in the MARKETPLACE. It is important we prepare - because we will not handle the onslaught of spiritual wickedness that will inevitably come against the rising army of the Church. It is a global army because there is a global fight! A fight against the ultimate global terrorist - the devil!
Apostolic Alignment for Kingdom Advancement
Apostolic Alignment for Kingdom Advancement: Is the worldwide activation of the Holy Spirit being released in the Body of Christ resulting in the restoration (re-ordering) of all things according to Acts 3:19-21
Restoration of:
Relationships - Malachi 4:6; Luke 15:11-32; 1 Corinthians 4:15
Biblical Doctrine/Teaching – Hebrews 6:1
Five-Fold Ministry- Ephesians 4:11-12
Ministry of the Holy Spirit – Luke 3:16; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4
Miracles – 1 Corinthians 12:10-11
The Ministry of the Apostle: Apostle- (Greek-apostolos) “One who is sent forth.” One called and sent by the Anointing to have and operate in spiritual authority. Character, gifts, and abilities enable Apostles to gather and establish people in Kingdom truth and order, especially through founding and overseeing churches and ministries.
1 Corinthians 12:28 “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” Ephesians 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”
Functions of Apostles and Apostolic Ministries:
Establish a Spiritual climate/atmosphere in regions that is conducive for a release of God’s Glory
1 Corinthians 12:28 “First (Greek-proton) apostles.” Blasting, Trailblazers, Penetrating, Forerunner, Pioneer Anointing. Territorial Spirits – Governing spirits/strongholds over regions, cities, nations. Daniel 10:13 “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days:” 1 Corinthians 15:32 ‘If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus,”
Strongholds – Mindsets, Doctrines, Ideologies contrary to the Word of God. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “… mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,”
To establish the Apostolic in GOD's people
Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” NKJV This is an Apostolic Commission!! Evangelists make believers/converts – Apostles make disciples.
Establish Churches Apostolic People require Apostolic Churches where they will be equipped and released for the work of the ministry through:
Doctrine- Acts 2:42 “…they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,”
Preaching- Inspiration through exhortation, proclamation and demonstration. Mark 16:15 “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,”
Teaching- Inspiration through edification (building up). Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,”
Treaching - (combination of teaching & preaching) Matthew 4:23 “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and
healing (demonstration) all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people,”
Establish Biblical Order/Government Restore five-fold (government) ministry to oversee and maintain the order of God, which is represented through theocracy and not democracy.
Theocracy -God controlled, God centered, God ruled.
Democracy- People controlled, People centered, People ruled. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-16; Titus 1:5
Establish “Fathering Ministries/Relationship” 1 Corinthians 4:15 “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” Fathers and overseers are committed to establishing and developing growing relationship.
Some Fatherly Responsibilities:
1. Training and Discipline - Exodus 18:13-26; Hebrews 12:5-10; Colossians 1:28
2. Reproduce - John 15:16
3.. Releasing - Acts11: 21-22; Acts13:3-4
4.. Impartation - 2 Timothy 1:6
5. Provision
Everyone needs to submit under GOD's government, no one is exempt, Kingdom Builders Christian Ministries definitely is a place for anyone who is without a Church home and wants to grow in the LORD.
Everyone – Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers and laypersons, are required to submit to a Pastor. This is God’s order of government. The Pastor is the head of the local Church and everyone is to be a part of a local Church somewhere. (Ephesians 4:11-14)
What I am saying is that everyone, even the other Ministry offices, should have a Pastor. There are no exceptions to this. The most effective Five-fold Ministers in the Earth have Pastors whom they can call upon.
Everyone will ultimately give account for how they treated their Pastors. 2Corinthians 5:10)
Sincerely from Apostle L.R. Gooden Jr.
A quick teaching on the theme for 2015 for KBCM by Apostle L.R.Gooden Jr.
SCRIPTURE AND THEME FOR 2015
EDIFYING, EQUIPPING, EMPOWERING FOR KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT
EPH. 4:12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
These ministry gifts (EPH 4:11) are to equip the saints, and then the saints are to do the work of the ministry. The Amplified Bible translates this verse as "His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church)."
It is a mistake to place the burden of ministry on what we call "the clergy." Full-time ministers are to minister the Word to the saints, but the saints are to go out and reach the lost and carry the bulk of the ministry within the church. Shepherds don't have sheep; they tend the sheep, and the sheep should reproduce.
It has been a big mistake to "hire" ministers to do what the individual members of the church are supposed to do. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are simply leaders who equip the saints so that they can be successful in the ministries God has given them.
In EPH 4:12 the word "for" can mean because of, as a result of, since, or it can mean so as to obtain. It is the latter definition that is meant here. The apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers of EPH 4:11 minister "so as to obtain" the saints being equipped so that they can do the work of the ministry, which in turn obtains the edifying of the body of Christ. The clergy doesn't do all these things. They start the process through leadership, and the body edifies itself in love (EPH 4:16).
The Greek word that was translated "perfecting" here is "KATARTISMOS," and it means "a fitting or preparing fully" (Vine's Expository Dictionary). It does not denote the absence of all flaws. The Lord gave the gifted ministers listed in EPH 4:11 to help fully prepare the saints so that they could do the work of the ministry.
Remember it takes a Disciple (a disciplined learner) not a complainer, not a critic, not a murmurer, not a know it all, but a DISCIPLE. It's time for the Church to line-up, straighten-up and fall in place with true GOD ordained leadership. Amen.
