Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.  Psalm 35:27 AMP

All true and genuine blessings come from Almighty God. Blessings are not just material in nature, but cover every aspect of man’s existence. God’s true blessings bring also peace and fulfillment. Our prosperity brings God great pleasure and satisfaction.

But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command you this day, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you: 16 Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the field. 17 Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading trough. 18 Cursed shall be the fruit of your body, of your land, of the increase of your cattle and the young of your sheep. 19 Cursed shall you be when you come in and cursed shall you be when you go out.  Deuteronomy 28:15-19 AMP

Poverty is not a way to prove ourselves to God, neither is it a requirement of godliness. Poverty is a curse! Poverty is the curse of rebellion and disobedience. God’s will for us is not cursing, but blessing! God has forewarned us so that we can know and avoid it.

The blessing of the Lord – it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it].
Proverbs 10:22 AMP

When God blesses you, His blessing is with no strings attached, no regret, and no sting in the tail – it is just straightforward blessing and reward for faith and obedience. God’s yes is “yes” and His no is “no”! The devil, on the other hand, makes promises that will cost you in bitterness, pain, death, and loss of freedom. He is a liar and the father of lies. He has no ability to bless anyone. He might allow someone to have and achieve that which they covet, but the price is their soul. The blessings of the Father, however, are free and sweet.

For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied).  2 Corinthians 8:9 AMP

If God wanted you poor, then why did He send Jesus? Jesus suffered and died to bring blessing and freedom to every aspect of our lives. It was no small price that was paid for your and my blessing. The message of God’s blessing is no invention of man, but God has reached down to make known to all men that He is both willing and able to bless any and all who come to Him in obedience and faith. Your blessing is as sure as your salvation, your healing and your deliverance!

And beware lest you say in your [mind and] heart, My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth. 18 But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.  Deuteronomy 8:17-18 AMP

What could be clearer than this? That it is God, Himself, who gives you the power to get wealth! He made a covenant promise that He would prosper and bless all those who diligently seek Him and who obey His commands. The power to get wealth does not come from the devil – neither does it come from your own hand or your own ability.

And they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe and remain steadfast to His prophets and you shall prosper.  2 Chronicles 20:20 AMP

Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood over the people, and he said to them, Thus says God: Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, He also has forsaken you.
2 Chronicles 24:20 AMP

He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the things of God; and as long as he sought (inquired of, yearned for) the Lord, God made him prosper.
2 Chronicles 26:5 AMP

The Word of God is very clear. When you disobey God and transgress His commands, then He cannot and will not bless or prosper you. When you seek the Lord and we obey His commands, you will reap the blessings and prosperity that come from God Himself. God does not withhold blessings on a whim. On the contrary, He is seeking and longing to bless His people. His people limit the blessing of God in their lives because they compromise His word.

Blessed (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. 2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night. 3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].  Psalms 1:1-3 AMP

Everything we have and do will be abundantly prosperous when we delight in God’s word and when we submit ourselves to it and govern our conduct according to His precepts and commands!

 

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  1 Timothy 6:6-11 NKJV

The love of money – greed; covetousness – is the root of all evil! A covetous person – one who has lustful desire for the property of others and is greedy for gain – is an idolater, and will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 5:5). You either serve and worship God – or your worldly possessions (mammon). Covetousness is not compatible with serving God, because it breeds only evil and destruction. A covetous person destroys lives – their own and that of other people.

These are the things that covetousness breeds:

1. Greed and murder:

But [when these men set a trap for others] they are lying in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain; such [greed for plunder] takes away the lives of its possessors.  Proverbs 1:18-19 AMP
You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask.  James 4:2 AMP

2. Rebellion and Poverty:  

There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.  Proverbs 11:24 AMP

3. Oppression and violence:

He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself and he who gives to the rich — both will surely come to want. Proverbs 22:16 AMP
But your eyes and your heart are only for your covetousness and dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, for oppression and doing violence.  Jeremiah 22:17 AMP
Woe to those who devise iniquity and work out evil upon their beds! When the morning is light, they perform and practice it because it is in their power. 2 They covet fields and seize them, and houses and take them away; they oppress and crush a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.  Micah 2:1-2 AMP

4. Denial or rejection of God:

Remove far from me falsehood and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 Lest I be full and deny You and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor and steal, and so profane the name of my God.  Proverbs 30:8-9 AMP

5. Injustice:

Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes and runs after compensation and rewards. They judge not for the fatherless nor defend them, neither does the cause of the widow come to them [for they delay or turn a deaf ear].  Isaiah 1:23 AMP
Both their hands are put forth and are upon what is evil to do it diligently; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the great man utters his evil desire. Thus they twist between them [the course of justice].  Micah 7:3 AMP

6. Backsliding:

Its heads judge for reward and a bribe and its priests teach for hire and its prophets divine for money; yet they lean on the Lord and say, Is not the Lord among us? No evil can come upon us.  Micah 3:11 AMP

7. Deceitfulness and deceptions:  

As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the Word, but the cares of the world and the pleasure and delight and glamour and deceitfulness of riches choke and suffocate the Word, and it yields no fruit.  Matthew 13:22 AMP

8. Defilement:  

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”  Mark 7:21-23 NKJV

9. Temptations and lusts:

But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing.  1 Timothy 6:9 AMP
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.  1 John 2:15-17 NKJV

10. A short life and a fool’s end:

Like the partridge that gathers a brood which she did not hatch and sits on eggs which she has not laid, so is he who gets riches by unjust means and not by right. He will leave them, or they will leave him, in the midst of his days, and at his end he will be a fool.  Jeremiah 17:11 AMP

Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully.  17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’  18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.  19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”‘  20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”  Luke 12:16-21 NKJV

 

4. A Pastor/Minister must have a divine anointing.
5. An effective Pastor/Minister needs to have divine leading and divine help. He/she cannot rely on, or put their trust in, human education, human wisdom, polish or self-effort. The Pastor/Minister needs to be anointed and totally led by the Holy Spirit. In Luke 11:11-13 Jesus says that if you ask your Heavenly Father for the Holy Spirit, that He will give you the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter – Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. Without the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing. He anoints us, leads us, and empowers us to do God’s will and His works.

In John 14:12-18 Jesus said, “If anyone believes in Me, he will do the things I do, and greater things. Whatever you ask for in My Name, I will give you, so that the Father will be glorified in the Son. If you love Me, keep my commandments and I will send the Holy Spirit to live in you and be with you always.” In John 14:26 Jesus said that the Father would send the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name – in His place, to represent Him and act on His behalf – to teach us and also to remind us of His words. In John 15:26 Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth – He comes from the Father and testifies regarding Jesus. In John 7:37-39 Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.” He was speaking here about the Holy Spirit, who had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. In Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist said that (Jesus) would baptize you in the Holy Ghost and fire! In Luke 24:49 Jesus told the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high (from heaven). In Acts 1:8 Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, that you will receive power – ability, efficiency, and might – and you will be His witness from your home town out into the whole earth! The Holy Spirit gives you the power and ability to boldly preach the gospel wherever He sends you.

1. A Pastor/Minister must preach God’s word under God’s anointing – not man’s ideas by man’s methods (1 Corinthians 2:1-10)

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 AMP – As for myself, brethren, when I came to you, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony and evidence or mystery and secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy and wisdom; 2 For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified. 3 And I was in (passed into a state of) weakness and fear (dread) and great trembling [after I had come] among you. 4 And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], 5 So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.

1. The spiritual gifts that a Pastor/Minister needs, in order to minister effectively, are given by the Holy Spirit, at His discretion.

1 Corinthians 12:5-11 KJV – And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

1. A Pastor/minister is to be a living epistle – God’s laws written on their hearts – reflecting Jesus everywhere they go (2 Corinthians 3:1-18)

2 Corinthians 3:5-6 KJV – Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

1. A Pastor/Minister must be completely yielded to the Holy Spirit to do and say what He tells them to say – to preach when and where He leads – and not to be intimidated by man.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV – I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  Colossians 3:2-3 KJV

All that we have is in Christ Jesus. All that we have in and through Jesus are the blessings of God.

1. Through Jesus we have the blessing of righteousness:

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Romans 3:21-23 NKJV

2. Through Jesus we have the blessing of the grace of God:

But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.  Romans 5:15 NKJV

3. Through Jesus we have the blessing of grace reigning through righteousness:

So that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 5:21 NKJV

4. Through Jesus we have the blessing of grace and truth:

I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus.  1 Corinthians 1:4 AMP

For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ.  John 1:17 AMP

5. Through Jesus we have the blessing of the Gospel of peace:

You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all.  Acts 10:36 AMP

6. All of creation was created through Jesus:

And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 3:9 NKJV

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  Colossians 1:16-18 NKJV

7. Through Jesus we have the blessing of reconciliation:

But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].  2 Corinthians 5:18 AMP

8. Through Jesus we have the blessing of the revelation of the Gospel:

But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12 NKJV

9. Through Jesus we have the blessing of justification:

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. 17 “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not!  Galatians 2:16-17 NKJV

10. Through Jesus we have the blessing of adoption into the family of God:

For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent].  Ephesians 1:5 AMP

11. Through Jesus we have the blessing of His exceeding riches of grace:

That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:7-8 NKJV

12. Through Jesus we have the blessing of having all our needs supplied:

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.  Philippians 4:19-20 NKJV

13. Through Jesus we have the blessing of salvation:

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.  1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 NKJV

14. Through Jesus we are able to offer up spiritual sacrifices:

You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 2:5 NKJV

15. Through Jesus we have the blessing of a good conscience:

There is also an antitype which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 3:21 NKJV

16. God calls us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus:

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  1 Peter 5:10 NKJV

17. Through Jesus we are given utterance and knowledge:

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge.  1 Corinthians 1:4-5 NKJV

Jesus is all-powerful:

 

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 AMP

 

Jesus is the Son of God:

 

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.  Luke 1:35 NKJV

 

Jesus is God:

 

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.  Matthew 1:23 KJV

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.  John 1:1-5 NKJV

 

Jesus is the Messiah:

 

The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”  John 4:25-26 NKJV

 

Jesus is the Judge:

 

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.  John 5:22 NKJV

 

Jesus has authority over demons:

 

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”  Mark 1:27 NKJV

 

Jesus gives life:

 

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  John 10:10 NKJV

 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd:

 

 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.  John 10:11 NKJV

 

Jesus is the only way to God:

 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:6 NKJV

 

Jesus is the author of life:

 

But you killed the very Source (the Author) of life, Whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.  Acts 3:15 AMP

 

Jesus is the wisdom of God:

 

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  1 Corinthians 1:21-24 NKJV

 

Jesus is the head of the church:

 

For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.  Ephesians 5:23 NKJV

 

Jesus is the highest authority:

 

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV

 

Jesus is the Creator:

 

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.  Colossians 1:15-16 NKJV

 

Jesus is faithful:

 

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.  2 Timothy 2:13 NKJV

 

Jesus is coming again:

 

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.  Titus 2:13 NKJV

 

Jesus is sinless:

 

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Hebrews 4:15 NKJV

 

Jesus is holy:

 

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens.  Hebrews 7:26 NKJV

 

Jesus is the King of the ages:

 

They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!  Revelation 15:3 NKJV

 

Jesus is the Lamb of God:

 

But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  Revelation 21:22 NKJV

Foundation Scripture:

 

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV

 

1. A local church with a global reach:
2. A place where the Word and Spirit come together.
3. Three ingredients:

1) Powerful praise and worship

2) Anointed preaching and teaching

3) Demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power – souls; healings and miracles; deliverance.

1. We are a family – multiracial, multinational, nondenominational
2. Impacting the generations: the children; the youth; the adults; all the way to the seniors.
3. We are preparing people for eternity by helping them fulfill their earthly purpose.
4.  In this environment, they will be worshippers, givers, lovers of God’s Word, people that pray, soul winners, and people who love the supernatural.

 

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 

Psalms 127:1 KJV

 

2. The Lord is building the house: 
3. Each one, reach one.
4. Win the lost at any cost.
5. Make disciples.
6. Reaching the community:

1) Operation Raven – feeding people

2) Bus ministry

3) Outreaches

1. Building the Houses of Joy (HOJ).
2. In-reach – outreaches.
3. Fellowship.
4. Training – discipleship – through HOJ, RBI, RSW, RSG, etc.
5. Occupying (till He comes) – schools; universities; places of government;       marketplace; agriculture.
6. Television – reaching the nations.
7. Call center.
8. Ministry of helps.
9. Crusades – national and international.
10. Publications – books; audio; video; music albums.
11. Main event.

 

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:20-21 KJV

 

So the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was edified [growing in wisdom, virtue, and piety] and walking in the respect and reverential fear of the Lord and in the consolation and exhortation of the Holy Spirit, continued to increase and was multiplied. Acts 9:31 AMP

Foundation scriptures:
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  Galatians 3:13-14 KJV

And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.  Galatians 3:29 KJV

1. We have been redeemed.
a. All those who transgress God’s Law are under a curse. (Galatians 3:10-12)
b. The curse of the Law is poverty, sickness, and spiritual death.
c. Yet there is no man who is capable of keeping all of God’s Laws.
d. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, became a curse for us and redeemed us from it.
e. He was our substitute.
f. 2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV – “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.” 
g. 3 John 2 KJV – “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
h. It is God’s will that we prosper.

2. How to walk in prosperity.
a. Deuteronomy 29:9 KJV – “Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.”
b. Joshua 1:8 KJV – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
c. Psalm 1:1-3 KJV – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

3. God’s attitude towards riches in the Old Testament.
a. Psalm 50:10 KJV – “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.”
b. Haggai 2:8 KJV – “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.”
c. Genesis 13:2 KJV – “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.”
d. Genesis 14:22-23 KJV – “And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, 23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.”
Only God made Abraham rich.
e. 1 Chronicles 29:12 KJV – “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.”
f. 2 Chronicles 17:3-5 KJV – “And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4 But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.”
g. Deuteronomy 28:8 KJV – “The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
h. Deuteronomy 28:11-12 KJV – “And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.” 
j. Proverbs 13:22 KJV – “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”

4. God’s attitude towards riches in the New Testament.
a. Philippians 4:19 KJV – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” 
b. Matthew 6:33 KJV – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
c. 2 Peter 1:3 KJV – “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
d. 1 Corinthians 3:21 KJV – “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.”
e. Matthew 26:6-13 – Alabaster box
f. John 12:1-8 – Anointing Jesus
g. Matthew 27:57 KJV – “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple.”

5. Riches are a blessing – poverty is a curse.
a. Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV – “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
b. Proverbs 10:22 KJV – “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”
c. Psalm 84:11 KJV – “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” 
d. Psalm 34:10 KJV – “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
e. Proverbs 22:4 KJV – “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.”
f. Proverbs 15:6a KJV – “In the house of the righteous is much treasure…”
g. Proverbs 8:20-21 KJV – “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.”
h. Isaiah 1:19-20 KJV – “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”

Foundation Scriptures:
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.  Acts 1:4-5 KJV

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Acts 1:8 KJV

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.  Acts 2:33 KJV

1. The Promise of the Father.
a. Jesus prepared His disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
b. He told the disciples to wait for the promise of the Father that they had heard Him speak about.
c. John 14:16-18 KJV – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
d. I will not leave you comfortless!
e. John 14:26 KJV – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
f. John 15:26 KJV – “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”
g. John 16:7-15 KJV – “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
h. Comforter; Counselor; Helper; Intercessor; Strengthener; Advocate; Standby.
i. He did not leave us alone.

2. The Promise.
a. 2 Corinthians 1:22 KJV – “Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
b. Earnest: a pledge, or a down payment, or an engagement ring.
c. An engagement ring is a promise or pledge of a future marriage.
d. Jesus is coming back, but in the meantime, He left the Holy Spirit with us.
e. The Holy Spirit is a person – not a language or a gift.
f. He comes to live in us and make us His own.

3. Receiving the Promise. 
a. Salvation (a new creation) is the only pre-requisite.
b. Romans 10:8-10 KJV – “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
c. Come in faith – expectant – like the Early Church.
d. Acts 2:1-22
e. Receive power to witness.
f. Receive a heavenly language.

4. Develop a Personal Relationship with the Holy Spirit. 
a. YOUR HELPER – He is with you and in you.
b. Hebrews 13:6 KJV – “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
c. COMFORTER – peace; joy; love.
d. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV – “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
e. COUNSELOR – gives us direction and advice.
f. INTERCESSOR – prays through you.
g. Romans 8:26 KJV – “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
h. ADVOCATE – represents us in the courts of heaven, before the Father.
i.1 John 2:1 KJV – “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
j. STRENGTHENER – inner strength; the joy of the Lord.
k. Ephesians 3:16 KJV – “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.”
l. STANDBY – supporter; reliable; by your side; always there.

5. Thank God for the Fulfillment of the Promise!