THE FIRST FRUIT IS THE ROOT TO ​BEAR FRUIT!    
 
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
 
 
 

DECLARING THE RELEASE OF THE 4 WINDS OF GOD 

Father God I call a release of the East Wind in the name of JESUS.

I call forth the judgment of the east wind to curse and destroy every demonic locust in your life.

I declare that the east wind will expose and tear down every demonic altar in the name of JESUS.

Let the winds blow with great power and force.

I release the spiritual effects of each wind of God upon the land in the name of JESUS.

I declare that when the east wind blows it will deal with the hearts of the witches and warlocks in our region.

Father God I ask that you visit every witch and warlock and save their souls before it is too late in JESUS name.”

“I release the east wind to break and destroy all demonic principalities in the name of JESUS.

Release your wind to remove everything that is not like GOD in our lives.

After the apostolic winds are released bring healing, freedom, restoration, and salvation to our land.

I call forth a release of the South wind to bring provision to your people in the name of JESUS.

I release abundance and more than enough in the lives of your people in JESUS name.

Release provision to carry out every prophetic and apostolic vision that God has given us in JESUS name.

Let the south winds release a higher anointing from the Holy Spirit in JESUS name.

I decree that the power of God will make changes in this season that will bring manifestation in our lives.

I declare that the south wind is my 100 fold provision from God.

I call forth a release of the North wind in the name of JESUS.

The north wind shall blow in the presence of GOD.”

“I shall receive my refreshing with the rain from the north winds blowing.

I call forth revivals to be released, through North winds of GOD.

The north wind shall bring to past the Spoken WORD of GOD.

I release the north wind to water my seed in the name of JESUS.

The north wind will release a fresh move of GOD.

Every blessing that GOD has for me will be released when the north wind blows.

I release the north winds to take away evil and release the good in JESUS name.

I call forth a release of the West Wind to remove all hindrances in my life in JESUS name.

The west wind will stop every demonic force trying to stop the move of GOD in my life.

I release the west wind to break every stronghold in my life, region, nation, city and church in the name of JESUS.

I will allow the west winds to expose the hidden things in my life.

The west wind will bring great deliverance to my life and to the unsaved in JESUS name.

I pray that the west wind be release over the United States of America.”

God has provided five special servant-gifts to ensure the structure of HIS CHURCH would be able to stand against the turbulent times that are ahead. 

These gifts were given by JESUS himself before he ascended unto Heaven in order that his BRIDE would not have a spot or wrinkle when he returns as the GROOM. 

May the LORD'S Church have the proper structure to pass the tests that will come over the next couple of years Amen.

The Bible refers to these gifts as apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Their are five different types of gifted people to mentor the Body. They are all servants. They each provide for God’s people, but each in a distinctly different way. Each must think differently than the others. Each must have different abilities and different revealed understandings of the Word. The shepherd will always understand the Word as it relates to his service. The evangelist and the shepherd may sit in the same gathering, hearing the same Word from the same apostle, yet each will receive the part that feeds his calling.  

Ephesians 4:11-13:   And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some shepherds, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ.  

The apostle tends to see the overall larger picture. He sees it first in the spiritual and then seeks to bring it forth into the natural realm. He is like a pioneer. Apostles were a major part of the original formation of the church. In this day the apostles have been restored for the re - formation of the church to its original design and intent. In this re - formation major foundational and structural changes are required that call for the gifts and strengths of apostles.

The prophet is primarily an ear and a voice to people who are dull of hearing and do not hear the voice of God clearly. Prophets were very prevalent and most important in the old covenant when the Holy Spirit did not reside in God's people; therefore, they had no inner voice of God. In this day much of the church is yet dull of spiritual hearing and seeing. For many reasons they do not have intimacy with God through the indwelling Holy Spirit and need prophets to hear God for them and speak direction to them. 

The evangelist is a seed sower who loves to plant the word of Jesus in the heart soil of those who have never received it. In the recent past the evangelist has preached the portion of the gospel dealing with being "born again" or spiritual new birth. Evangelists are now beginning to, and will in the future even more, preach the fuller gospel of the kingdom that Jesus preached with the same powerful works that Jesus did. The gospel of the kingdom includes the gospel of being born spiritually that we have preached before but also includes the good news of growing up in Christ to rule and reign in this life with Him as kings and priests.

The shepherd is the mentor who sees to the growth and development of the immature as they grow into their gifts and places of service. In the religious church the shepherd was called “pastor” and served as a vicar of God. He was a person who vicariously represented Christ to the people all of their lives. This allowed little or no opportunity for the believers to mature into the priests and kings as God intended. In the relational church Christ and the mature people relate directly and not through a vicar. The sheep grow up to be shepherds or do other works as mature sons in the kingdom.

The teacher is the one who brings spiritually anointed definition to the fine points of spiritual reality. He/she is gifted to take natural illustrations and teach spiritual truths to the immature. In the religious church the teacher often brought dry "church doctrine" of many words and little real spiritual life. In the relational church the teacher is a light bearer bringing spiritual enlightenment in detailed pieces of real spiritual life.

These gifts function in the church, in business, and in all walks of life. The apostle in business may be thought of as one who starts businesses from nothing and serves as C.E.O. In business a prophet might be a troubleshooter. A pastor might be a personnel manager. An evangelist might be a traveling salesman. A teacher might be a technical instructor.  

There are many other gifts with each having its unique function in God’s overall scheme. All gifts and parts are needed. And they all need to be in their proper places doing their particular jobs. One of the greatest hindrances to each part doing its job is the lack of understanding and acceptance of the role God has given to each one of them. Often our temptation has been to try to mold everyone into whatever we are. We all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling Amen.

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 and our Communities 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! 

Apostle L.R. Gooden Jr.

Apostolic Movement 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.

WALKING IN JESUS AUTHORITY

“Speak these things, exhort and rebuke with all AUTHORITY, let no one despise you ( Titus 2:15).

As a CHRISTIAN we have been given the AUTHORITY OF JESUS, yet so many walk without his authority. The Christian has been given the AUTHORITY OF JESUS so that Satan will never be able to intimidate us. Many Christians are “intimidated” by the devil through fears, doubts, anxiety, weakness and sinfulness, and that is why Christianity has “ lost” some of  it’s appeal and influence. It is time for the Apostolic Christians to WALK IN THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS.

As Apostolic Christians we must WALK IN THE AUTHORITY OF GOD. When we do this, it will make us:                                                                              

1) MORE THAN A CONQUEROR Nothing will shake us or overcome us. (Matt 8:28-34)                                                                 Demons were casted out and they asked for permission to go into the swine.                              

2) CHANGE THE SPIRITUAL ATMOSPHERE –We can change natural situations, through the supernatural. (Matt 8:26)            The winds and sea was subject to JESUS authority.            

3) BE HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM-People will admire how GOD uses us to take authority over the enemy. (Acts 3:10)                      In JESUS name the lame man received strength in his feet and ankle and was healed to the Glory of GOD                                       

4) PEOPLE WILL LISTEN TO US-What we say will cause people to listen and respond to us. (Acts 22:2)    

    Even though Saul had been converted to Paul, his past followed him but because of his authority they listened to him.                          

5) PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW US- We will influence people to follow us as we follow CHRIST. (Mk 10:28)                               

    Peter reiterated to JESUS, that they had forsaken all to follow HIM.

6) YOU WILL BE A STRONG LEADER-People will see authority and be in submission to it. (2 Sam2:4)                               

    After Saul's death the people submitted to David as their new king, and David went boldly into Hebron.

7) HEALING WILL TAKE PLACE-Sickness and disease will be eradicated at his SPOKEN word. (Acts3:6)

   Peter said silver and gold I don't have but in the name of JESUS get up and walk. And the man was healed immediately.

Apostolic Christians it's time to walk in JESUS AUTHORITY and take dominion over every principalitiy, power and ruler of darkness that has come against us.  IF GOD BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US.

By,

Apostle L.R. Gooden Jr.

ARE YOU KINGDOM MINDED OR CHURCH MINDED - THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!

KINGDOM MINDED PEOPLE ARE:

Rather than making God what they want Him to be they ask God what He wants them to be.

They live for eternal purposes not temporal.

They know their gifts are from Him and for Kingdom purposes first, not for themselves.

They know that their destiny is what He planned for them not what they want.

Kingdom people do not exist to make money; they exist to extend God’s kingdom into their world. Money is to them a tool not a goal. They are not just millionaires; they are millionaire makers and millionaire dollar givers.

They live like stewards not owners.

Kingdom people are not just healed people; they are healers.

They are not just saved people; they are people who save.

They are creator’s not just consumers.

They are part of the solution. They’d rather work than whine. They know it’s not about them so they don’t complain, they just do it.

They’re committed to a cause. They’re not just wandering sheep looking for greener pastures.

They feed; they don’t just eat.

They become God’s answer not His project, His method not just His goal or purpose. Some people think they are God’s purpose and He exists for them. Kingdom people know they are part of the solution. They are His partner not a hireling.

They are heavenly minded not earthly.

They don’t judge by the carnal mindsets of the world when it comes to greatness, success or morality.

They understand the realm of the Spirit.

Kingdom people live by God’s Word, not what they think or feel or are taught by contradicting forces.

Kingdom people pray.

They believe in the supernatural.

Kingdom people fast. They sacrifice. They are living dead men and women. They don’t fear death; they love not their lives to the death. They’ve sold everything for the pearl of great price.

They are prophetic. They believe in things they can’t see and see a future that doesn’t exist. They see, then they create it.

They believe in miracles. The supernatural is not a stretch for them. They are supernatural themselves. They are citizens of a heavenly kingdom.

They believe their God owns everything and can do everything. Because of this they are dangerous. They are boat-rockers.

They turn their world right side up.

They know God. They have seen Him, therefore they hate mediocre, average, run-of-the-mill, compromise, lethargy and status quo. That’s why they hate religiosity that standardizes mediocrity.

They love to worship; not just sing.

They know they can connect with God; therefore religious routine is boring and senseless to them. They insist in knowing and relating to God, not to a system or a tradition or a personality.

Kingdom people don’t go to church; they are the church.

Used by permission from Apostle Dutch Sheets.