Indeed, the gift of dwelling in God’s presence cannot be priced. We were blessed immeasurably by the awesomeness of His word. Also, we heard great testimonies of God’s goodness from our brethren amongst whom was Pst. and Pst. (Mrs) Akawangi, who testified of God’s healing and restoration power. We were blessed by the classical rendition from the Rivers West Mass choir titled “Peace be still” while the Jubilee Voices reminded us about the power in the name of Jesus. Also, everyone born in the month of April, thanked God for an additional year as well as presented a special gift to the Ministry.

God’s Word was brought to us by His servant, Pastor Isaac Olori, the International Director. The message was titled “The Power of Soul Prosperity” (3 John 1-6). Below are highlights from this sermon:

• Prosperity is defined as increase, to flourish and to do well. The biblical definition of prosperity is not primarily physical wealth but finding Grace upon your life which causes you to do well.
• Most of the areas where people do well are temporal according to 1 Timothy 6:7, hence our focus must be on Soul prosperity, since it is eternal.
• The gospel of Christ is to bring salvation to our souls showing the importance of our souls (Matthew 6:33).
• As much as there is physical prosperity, the spiritual prosperity is paramount (1 Timothy 4:7-8) because one’s spiritual condition places a limit on the prosperity in other areas of their life (Ephesians 3:20).
• When one is overtaken by the acquisition of this life, he/she has less time for the soul and as a result, place a heavy burden on their soul.
• The prosperity of the soul is the real prosperity (Luke 12 –the parable of the rich man).
• The soul of the rich man was likened to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:17, who boasted of earthly riches without the knowledge of their wretchedness and poverty towards God, hence it is expedient that we critically examine the basis for which we assess ourselves.
• The main text (3 John) was not a promise but a wish and prayer which we, as Christian, must work towards.
• Godliness is one of the components of spiritual prosperity. What we need to live in this present life is godliness. When we live in godliness, we live in hope. If we enrich ourselves in godliness, our Redeemer will show up for us.

Indicators Of Spiritual Prosperity

1. Knowledge of the truth (1 John 3:1) - The truth is both a personality and an ideology (teaching).
2. Believe in the truth
3. Walking in the truth

While examining these indicators of spiritual prosperity, he stated the following;

• When we do not mind things around us but believe the truth, our soul will prosper and this will form the foundation for other things in your life (Colossians 3:16-17).
• If the Word of God dwells in our heart richly, it will affect how we see our situation/challenges.
• When we are rich in God’s Word, it is superior to material riches.
• When one is rich in God’s Word, it will not hide. Having God’s word rich in you, will affect even your physical appearance and status. Hence we must embark on getting rich in the word (Colossians 3:16).
• Dwelling in wisdom has to do with the right application of the Word and knowing how to use the Word in all situations. When this happens, you become a transformed person.
• When your soul is flourishing and the Word of God dwells in you, whatever you do will be in the name of Jesus and you will be like the tree planted by the rivers of water (Psalm 1:1-3)

Finally, the secrets of prosperity and true riches can be found in Joshua 1:8 and Genesis 39:1-6, 20-23. Examples of those who had true riches and prosperity were Joshua and Joseph, and this was because they had God’s grace on their lives, which was also seen by others around them. Nevertheless, Sin destroys the foundation of a man’s spiritual prosperity.