APOSTOLIC CHURCHES - The Fruit Of Apostolic Ministry
Not everyone who says to me, "I'm an apostle! I'm an apostle!" is an apostle.
Losing sight of the fact that apostles are displayed last, as men condemned to death, and made a spectacle to the world ~ fools for Christ's sake, it seems that many would like to claim this role. Others, who may be legitimately called to apostleship, are eager to rush headlong, and ahead of God, into what requires years of patient preparation.
There is usually a significant time lag between the calling and the commissioning, which often include seasons of temporary appointments to specific spheres under the direction and oversight of a seasoned man.
Learning to walk yoked with Jesus at His pace is usually preceded by learning to walk with Jesus' representative authority in one's life.
Not only the American dollar is being devalued in our day The apostolic ministry is being devalued by those who are not apostles indeed, or those who are running ahead in the process. Satan tried to resist the emerging of apostles and apostolic companies who are threats to his waning authority Unsuccessful, he now is trying to dilute and subvert apostolic authority by tempting sincere Christians to go where God has not (yet) led.
The bottom-line-fruit of apostolic ministry in apostolic churches!
Everything reproduces after kind. Prophets raise up prophetic churches.
Worshipers raise up worshiping churches. Teachers raise up teaching churches. Evangelists raise up evangelistic churches. Intercessors raise up interceding churches.
Apostles raise up apostolic churches that are fivefold in gift mix, and mission focused.
Let's look at some characteristics:
CHARACTERISTICS OF FIVEFOLD MINISTRY
A. Apostles govern; task-focused. Gifted by God, and graced according to the measure of Christ's gift, apostles are master builders who lay the foundation of Christ, the anointed One, in the lives of people. Their objective is to see a church come forth in every city/region that is a many-membered functional body that is doing the work of Christ in that area, to the end that God's government and glory are established.
B. Prophets guide; word-focused. Standing alongside the apostles in the foundation of the church (Jesus Christ being the chief Cornerstone), prophets keep the church moving in a manner that is consistent with the revealed word of God. When properly linked with governing apostles, there is a powerful grace to guide the church toward her destiny.
C. Evangelists gather; soul-focused. Passionate for the conversion of people to Christ, evangelists (1) preach the gospel of the kingdom (often with signs and wonders confirming the word), (2) heal the sick, (3) cast out demons, and (4) equip the saints to do the work of the evangelist.
D. Pastors guard; people-focused. A more functionally understood word for this gift is "shepherds." Shepherds are not always able to hang onto the vision because of their burden for people and heart for their well-being and safety. Contemporary religious tradition has confused this biblical role with that of CEO's. But, today's reformation process will align true shepherds within the fivefold equipping ministry where they will be freed from trying to do what God gave others to do. Then, they will be able to focus upon the flock.
E. Teachers ground; detail-focused. Appointed third in order by God, teachers are intended to put the meat on the bones that are provided through the revelation ministries of apostles and prophets. They are not to build denominations around their pet doctrines. Rather, they are to function under authority on apostolic teams, grounding the body of Christ with the details of apostolic doctrine and guided by prophets.
The great hindrance to the work of the kingdom is independent "Lone Ranger" ministries who have not found their place of peace on the team!
CHARACTERISTICS OF APOSTOLIC MINISTRY (EXPANDED)
A. Fathers of the families. Paul referred to the Corinthians as my beloved children, and told the Thessalonians, you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.
He identified Timothy and Titus as sons in the Lord. John wrote: My little children. Not all fathers are apostles. But, all apostles are fathers.
B. Leaders of the tribes. Paul was sent to the Gentiles, Peter to the Jews.
Paul refers to his sphere which God appointed us - a sphere which especially includes you. John wrote as Jesus dictated to the seven churches in Asia. This tribal concept is expanded upon in the New Testament, where we see apostolic companies formed.
C. Generals of the army. We are still too fragmented to realize the potential that awaits us as God puts together the global communion of apostles. Regional spirits will be cast down by the church standing together in cities and regions. The full release of apostolic authority will also bring revelations of gifts that are hidden beneath the surface of these cities and regions by the influence of darkness. The light is coming!
D. Architects of the church. Wise master builders understand the blueprint and strategy for building the church under Christ's headship. We have not yet seen the glory of God on the church of His heart. We can cry to heaven for revival, and for that glory to be released. But, our cries will be in vain until God's order is established. He will not breathe on scattered bones!
CHARACTERISTICS OF APOSTOLIC CHURCHES
A. Fivefold in ministry. A person may call or title himself whatever, but the fruit of apostleship is churches that are enjoying the anointing and impartation of all five gift ministries in balance. This will not come from the sweat of the brow. It will be the natural flow of the apostolic gift in the mix, drawing the other gifts around him, and raising up and releasing ministry.
B. Built from a New Testament blueprint. Apostles appoint elders in every church (city/region). There will be a gathering and distribution of wealth. There will be the enablement and function of the gift variety within the body as described in I Cor. 12-14.
C. Built upon a proper foundation. This is a study of its own. For additional insight into this proper foundation, read: I Cor. 3:11; II Cor.13:5; Gal. 4:19; Col. 1:27; I Jn 4:1-4.
D. Function with proper government. Revelation Chapters 1-3 outline proper governmental flow. Jesus speaks to the heart of John, who has apostolic responsibility for Asia. Jesus dictates specific instructions for the messenger (apostle?) of each church. It is obvious that the governmental division of the church is to be within geo-political spheres - cities and regions. This does not mean that local apostles and elders ~ or individuals ~ cannot hear from God for themselves. It does indicate that there is a higher purpose for the church that will only be accomplished on a corporate level and under proper apostolic government.
E. Produce kingdom fruit. This includes reproducing after kind both at home and abroad, people coming to Jesus and being discipled into maturity, believers operating in the gifts of the Spirit, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
SUMMARY: APOSTOLIC PROVISION
1. Vision - Ephesians 3:5, 10
2. Order - I Corinthians 14:33, 40; Titus 1:5
3. Fatherhood - I Corinthians 4:15; I Thessalonians 2:10-12
4. Cohesive Team Leadership - I Thessalonians 1:5-6, 2:1-12
5. Master Plan - Architect - Taskmaster - I Corinthians 3:10
6. Place of Appeal - I Corinthians 6:5
7. Oversight; Accountability - Hebrews 13:17
A final word. Some are resisting this kind of teaching because of past abuses and/or present "flesh." The Faithful One who called us is the One who must accomplish all of the above. The flesh cannot please God. This is not something that we can do for Him.
Only as we yield ourselves as individuals to the Holy Spirit, and He aligns us with others, will we see the emerging of the apostolic church that will honor and reveal Him to the nations. Only in such a way will He fill the earth with His government and glory through His sons.
Maturity is finding our place of rest in His yoke.
Don Atkin is a seasoned apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ whose teachings I recommend. While our correspondence is recent, he has served the body of Christ since 1966 and is a father in the Lord to many. His perspectives on the apostolic and church government, including the church of the city, are insightful and useful. His web link is: www.DonAtkin.com "
Pioneering in '09 - Part 2: For Leaders By Marc A. Dupont
Over four years ago we released a prophetic word the Lord gave me regarding the necessity of a fresh valuing of wholeness and holiness among leaders in the contemporary church. (See the Hole in the Wall word) At that time the Lord was warning leaders who secretly practiced sin that if they did not choose to get right with Him that the hidden things would be revealed to the world. If we were to make a list of the well known and some not so well known leaders in the Body of Christ who have had hidden things exposed over the last 4 years it would be a long list, indeed. The pain, doubt, and heartache that have come to their congregations, ministries, and families has been extensive. Just in one week alone, towards the end of our N. American summer, 4 different leaders, from 3 different continents, experienced hidden sin made public to various degrees.
Over the last 3 months I have sensed the Lord saying that 09 is a time for pioneering new visions, strategies, and Holy Spirit endeavors. In the face of everything being shaken that can be shaken, including the worlds economies, the Lord is saying He is giving us fresh initiatives to invest in. Hopefully, this article entitled Pioneering in 09 will be up on our web site soon. (www.marcdupontministries.org)
The last few weeks, however, I have been experiencing a tremendous sense of urgency for leaders today to know the seriousness of both Gods intentions for the new season AND the importance of walking in His ways. King David, one of the greatest of Israels Kings shepherded Israel not only by the skill of his hands, but in the integrity of his heart!
Just as the Israelites did, indeed, face giants, impenetrable armed fortresses, and fierce enemies with chariots, so are those who respond to the leading of God going to go into some fierce battles of faith this year. I do not say to be either ominous or fear mongering. Quite the contrary- I believe the Lord wants us to be recaptured by a sense of adventure in the faith department. But, I do believe the Lord is giving a real warning that if due to either hidden sin, and/or a lack of maturity in our hearts we will not be able to stand against the warfare thats coming. Jeremiah stated, If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, Then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace, How will you do in the thicket of the Jordan? (Jeremiah 12.5)
I wish I could state this with more prophetic clarity, or specifics, but.. God is both calling His leaders into fresh initiatives in extending the Kingdom AND He will allow the enemy to attempt to intimidate and/or cause problems in order to derail us from obeying the Lord. Sin is satans legal territory. If there is any wiggle room in our lives which give him access to manipulate us- he will take advantage of it. Jesus stated the ruler of the world is coming, (but) he has nothing in Me. (John 14.30b)
Some of the warfare will be preemptive strikes even as the Israelites on occasion experienced in the Promised Land. And while God is always serious about the increase of His kingdom, I believe the next 3 years are an appointed time of serious breakthroughs of the gospel in the western world nations.
It will not be enough that we have made it thus far. As with Isaiah receiving his calling, anointing, and commissioning before the Presence of the Lord so God will be calling us to truly know the fear of the Lord in our lives. Jesus, Himself, according to Isaiah would delight in the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11.3) - wanting to please the Father in all aspects of His heart, mind, and actions.
There will be giants that God will call us to battle by faith in the face of impossibilities. What that means is God is willing that we be surrounded by impossibilities in order for us to be forced into trusting Him for the miraculous of heaven to come more regularly on earth as it is in heaven. There will absolutely be no substitutes for Romans 10.17. We will be forced to operate out of the faith of God, that comes about by hearing the directions of God. There will be a sharp distinction between those who serve Him as sons, (Romans 8.14) as opposed to those who do not know the difference between good ideas and God ideas.
Without wanting to get into any methodology here, I have listed 5 basic, but absolutely vital, characteristics leaders must embrace in order to take the new lands for God.
1) Leaders must know their authority, but must also know how to exercise that authority in humility not pride, or arrogance. God is against the proud, but gives a greater grace to the humble. Basically, that humility is simply realizing what they have achieved and can achieve is always due to the grace of God. A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven!
2) Leaders must emulate Christ Jesus who, while being the only begotten Son of God, came to serve rather than being served.
3) Leaders must begin to operate as fathers, as opposed to mere teachers. A teacher is only interested in correcting. A father wants to train and encourage his sons and daughters to successfully enter into their destinies.
The highly hyped and in many ways un Christ like CEO model which some church leaders have bought into smacks of this worlds hierarchies, as opposed to the servant/leader model of Jesus. The callus insistence of many CEOs today of receiving obscene bonuses in a time of economic chaos is indicative of the inherent problems of hierarchal type structures (wine skins, Biblically speaking).
4) Leaders must hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God in our lives. The writer of Hebrews said that apart from sanctification no one would see the Lord! Jesus stated that it would be the pure of heart that would see God. I am not speaking of sinless perfection, but rather of daily realizing dependence on the empowering of the Word and the Spirit to walk in a way pleasing to God. (An added bonus is this will help facilitate a relationship based relationship with God instead of a task based relationship)
Any ongoing practicing of sin in the heart, mind, or body will prevent us from really running this race before us. A revelation of the holiness of the Holy Spirit is not an option, but rather an absolute prerequisite for these years ahead.
Leaders today must learn to embrace life-giving relationships with peers. It will not be lone pastors, prophets, evangelists, or apostles who will prevail. Rather it will be prophetic and apostolic teams and congregations that will take the land. It is only out of a genuine Christ like regard of considering each other as important as self that we can know that place of commanded blessing in our communities.
Faith to enter in to the battle is vitally important but, in and of itself, not enough. Because of just one mans sin- Achan, having taken and hidden things under the ban, Israel was unable to stand against their enemy. Righteousness of heart, mind, and body is the freedom we can choose to walk in. It is a prerequisite to picking up our weapons of warfare. Otherwise, according to Hebrews 12.1, we will end up feebly trying to attack the Goliaths.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6.33)
Much is being said today about “the apostolic.” There are those who believe a restoration of “the apostolic” is necessary. Various views of what apostolic means include: a succession of leadership traceable back to Peter, a particular doctrine instructed by the apostles or a particular church organizational structure with an individual in leadership, calling themselves an apostle. Many of these may contain some elements of truth or they may be man’s attempt to apply the principles of apostolic, but they often can fall far short of God’s original intentions. With this in mind, I would like to present a view of apostolic for us to consider.
To begin with, the word apostolic is not contained in the scriptures. This word is a creation of man. So what is this word based on? In my personal experience, apostolic is used as an adjective to describe the type of ministry first demonstrated by Jesus, as The Apostle, then His apostles. The Greek for apostle is apostolos. According to Vine’s it is “one sent forth.” Holman Bible Dictionary says it is “a person sent to accomplish a mission. An apostle represents the one sending and has authority to represent the sender in business, political or educational situations.” An apostle is one who has been specifically sent by another to deliver a message or conduct business according to the one doing the sending.
Scripture shows us that the word apostle and sent are similar. According to Thayer’s, send or sent is apostello; “properly, to send off, send away.” Furthermore, Thayer’s tells us there are four components to being sent.
* First, they are ordered to go. * Secondly, they are sent with a commission or something intended for another. * Thirdly, the place of their sending is specific. * Fourth, the completion or manifestation of the duty is proof of the sending.
In the literal sense of the word, anyone who has been given a job to perform then sent (apostello) to do this duty for the one sending is an apostle (apostolos). In Matthew chapter 2, those that Herod “sent forth” to slay the children in Bethlehem were apostello. In John 1:19, the Jews “sent” or apostello as their apostolos, priests and Levite's to question the identity of John. If you are part of an organization or business and you delegate someone to go and relay a message, represent you or conduct business for you, they have been sent (apostello) by you and are your apostle (apostolos).
The major significance of biblical apostolic is: WHO is DOING the sending. And What are we being sent to accomplish.
Being apostolic is being sent as a representative of Jesus Christ. It is from Him we are to get our orders. Jesus stated that all power had been given to Him. When He sent out his disciples in Mark 6:7-13, they were given specific commands of where, who and what to say. When they operated as He commanded is when they saw the miraculous happen. In Acts 19, we see the sons of Sceve attempting to operate under their own initiative. They were attempting to accomplish something of benefit, yet they were not effective. Their problem was they were not sent. I can desire to do good things for the kingdom, yet find frustration and limited results IF what I am attempting is not what He has sent me to do.
This is significant for us to grasp because if we desire to see His kingdom manifest or reach the lost of this world with His miraculous delivering power we MUST make sure we are operating as His representatives in the manner that He has determined. We must make sure we are not perpetuating man’s traditions, values or structure. In my personal life and ministry, I must be sure that I am operating in a manner that He has authorized. Our churches must carefully evaluate and make sure we are performing His mandate and not our programs. The power to impact our worlds only comes when we are operating in accordance with His commission.
Food For Thought
Am I operating according to my plans or His sending?
Moving in The Apostolic -God’s plan to lead His Church to the Final Victory - By John Eckhardt - www.impactnetwork.net
Introduction
A Time to Review
God is calling His Church to step out of mediocrity and into the fullness of its calling and heritage, that the Great Commission might finally be fulfilled and the glorious return of Christ realized. But that will only happen through the restoration of the apostolic ministry and an aggressive appropriation of all that means to the end-times Church.
Chapter 1
The Apostolic Commission: Mission Impossible?
They Were Sent
I consider it to be vital to fulfilling the Great Commission today.
What is the Key? The answer is very simple: They were sent.
To be an apostle, or to be apostolic, revolves around the concept of being sent. Only sent ones can fulfill the Great Commission. Only sent ones will be able to overcome the impossible odds that stand in the way of being able to say, “Mission accomplished.” The Church cannot succeed without operating strongly in this dimension.
There are several premises I want to put forth concerning this commission:
1.The Church has been given a commission.
2.This commission is an apostolic commission.
3.This commission must and will be fulfilled.
4.Since the commission is apostolic, it will take an apostolic anointing to fulfill it.
To commission means to authorize, appoint, charge, empower, dispatch and entrust with a mission. This commission was directly given to the apostles but indirectly given to the Church in every generation. It was not just the apostles’ commission, but it is our commission today. After the early apostles died, the commission remained. It has yet to be totally fulfilled and will remain in force until the day it is fulfilled.
They Were Given Power and Authority
This assignment means much more than evangelizing. Evangelism is only the beginning of the task. Converts must be discipled. Churches must be planted. Elders must be ordained. The saints must be perfected. As a matter of fact, the work begins before evangelism takes place. Strategic prayer must come first in order to bind the powers of darkness that would hinder evangelism.
The Church in the Book of Acts was First and Foremost an Apostolic Church
Evil spirits must be dealt with. Prophetic utterances must be released. Many have believed the commission is an evangelistic commission.Although evangelism is an important part, the commission is essentially apostolic, incorporating evangelism to fulfill it. Sent ones do more than evangelize. Sent ones preach, teach, prophesy and do the works of Jesus.
They understood that they were sent ones. They knew that they were authorized to carry out this mission.
This is the basic definition of the word apostle. It is taken from the Greek word apostolos, he that is sent.
Apostles were sent to establish the Kingdom in the hearts of people and to establish churches throughout the world.
If the commission is apostolic, that means only sent ones can fulfill it. Every church and every believer must have this dimension to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission. This does not make everyone an apostle, but everyone can be apostolic.
The Apostolic Spirit
Those believers called to the fivefold ministry will have a greater dimension of the Holy Spirit’s anointing in the gift to which they are called.
A characteristic of the apostolic spirit is an awareness of being sent. There is a sense of purpose and destiny that results from the apostolic spirit – a focus upon fulfilling a divine commission.
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 10:21,22).
The attributes of a sent one should be found in every believer.
Chapter 2
The Restoration of Apostolic Ministry
A Perpetual Ministry
Someone must stand in this office to execute the affairs of the government.
An officer is an executive, and executives have the authority to execute commissions.
An Apostolic Reformer
Apostles are concerned with the form of the Church. When the form is not according to the Word of God, the apostle will discern it, and preach and teach the Word to bring the Church back into God’s proper form.
The Last-Days Church
With the restoration of the office of the apostle, there is a restoration of apostolic doctrine, apostolic binding and loosing, apostolic revelation, apostolic governments and apostolic boldness.
Chapter 3
End-Times Commission, End-Times Anointing
Many believers have heard the term “the Great Commission.” This is a reference to the words of our Lord Jesus to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” and to “make disciples of [teach] all the nations” (Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19). But though many believers are familiar with the term, not all understand its importance – or their part in its completion.
Preaching the gospel and making disciples throughout the world is not just a job for missionaries; it is an assignment given to all believers.
An Apostolic Mandate
This is an end-times commission to the nations. Apostolic churches will touch nations.
The Lord is stirring up the apostles and prophets to go.
The Uttermost Part of the Earth
The Lord told me to tell His people that we are not walking in the fullness of this anointing until we are touching the uttermost parts of the earth. If we are just touching a few in our city or region, we are only walking in a part of the power available to us.
First in God’s Order
Many local churches suffer because they have not recognized God’s order. A church out of order will not recognize the fullness of God’s anointing. The anointing flows through order.
Apostles are also first in rank. This truth may be difficult for some to receive. Many are afraid that some will take this truth to the extreme and end up shipwrecked. However, we need not fear the truth. True apostles must manifest the character of Christ and never use their authority in the wrong way; to do so will bring the judgment of God.
Rank is defined as a degree or position of dignity, eminence or excellence, a grade of official standing. Even though we are all equal in Christ as to salvation, there are different ranks in the spirit. Different ranks carry different degrees of authority and power. Just as there is rank in the military, there is also rank in the army of God. There is rank in the spirit realm. There is rank in the Godhead. There is rank among angles. There is even rank among evil spirits. All authority and power is based upon rank. We must be able to receive, walk in and discern different rankings in the spirit.
Evil spirits recognize spiritual rank. Every believer has rank to cast out devils. Apostles walk and minister in the highest rank. Evil spirits and angels recognize this rank. Apostles have enough rank to command, decree and rebuke with authority. Their rank is within their sphere of authority.
Chapter 4
Pioneering: Back to the Basics
No gift makes anyone more important than anyone else. We are all equal in Christ – equally loved by God and equally necessary to the Body of Christ.
Certain offices within the Church are designated by God as being higher in rank than others. The reason for this is that someone has to be first; someone has to be a pioneer.
First Apostles
The apostolic gift and anointing should always be at the heart of the Church. It is the core, center and nucleus of what drives the Church – the central part around which the other parts are gathered and grouped. The early apostles provided the nucleus of the Church. Others began to gather around them, to function in their gifts and graces and to help them move toward fulfilling the Great Commission.
Pioneering Spirit
Every generation and every age needs pioneers. Humans have a tendency to remain the same and sometimes even revert backward. Pioneers motivate and push us to go forward. They expand us and help us break through the barriers that would keep us from progressing. They stir us to do more, shake us from complacency and motivate us to reach a goal.
The apostolic anointing keeps us on the cutting edge. It pushes us forward toward the goal of fulfilling our commission.
Breakthrough Anointing
Apostolic ministry has the ability to penetrate the defenses set up by the powers of darkness.
Apostolic preaching and teaching has this penetrating power. We must be able to break through tradition, religion, ignorance, poverty, witchcraft, pride, rebellion and other obstacles. The apostle has the anointing to break through these things that people might be set free to walk in the truth.
Nations, cities and regions are opened up to the gospel because of this breakthrough anointing. Without this anointing, these areas will remain closed to the truth. This is why it is so difficult to break through in some cities, nations or groups of people. These areas and people need sent ones.
Opening New Regions to the Word of God
Some believe their cities already have enough churches, and they need to revive the existing ones rather than build new ones. But many of the existing churches will not receive new things, often fighting against a fresh move of the Holy Spirit. As a result, many of the present churches are ineffective. This is why I do not focus on the number of churches in an area, but on the number of churches that are having an impact. Often the number ranges from few to almost none.
This is why apostolic ministry is needed: to plant effective, powerful churches that will have an impact!
Before a region opens to the gospel, however, the strongman of Matthew 12:29 must first be bound. (See also Mark 3:27; Luke 11:21,22.) The strongman may in fact be a demonic principality that rules over a certain geographical area, leading a horde of demonic principalities that influence the affairs of people.
The strongman is bound by the overall ministry of the apostle. Often the strongmen in these areas are spirits of religion and tradition.
Some are called to cities, some to regions and some to nations. Those called to certain cities will be commissioned to establish the truth in that city. This does not mean that every church in that city comes under an apostle’s authority. The apostle has authority only in the place where he ministers or is allowed to minister.
Wherever God sends His apostles, they will help change the spiritual climate of their assigned areas.
Chapter 5
Warfare
The commission given to the Church requires us to invade new territories – hostile territories.
Pulling Down Strongholds
I am convinced that there are certain strongholds that cannot be destroyed without the apostolic anointing. “Stronghold” is the Greek word ochuroma, meaning a fortress, a castle, a fortified place. Satan and his demons have fortified themselves from invasion. They have built strongholds and fortified themselves in every region of the world to resist the advancement of the Kingdom. These strongholds must be dealt with if we are to see the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Apostles have the ability to confront and pull down these strongholds.
The Apostle’s Mantle
Although every believer has rank to cast out devils, apostles walk and minister in the highest rank. Evil spirits and angels recognize this rank. Apostles are the spiritual commanders of the Church. “Commander,” as used in Isaiah 55:4, is the Hebrew word tsavah, meaning to command, send a message, to put or set in order. The Church needs apostolic leadership to help set the Church in order. They help organize and mobilize the believers into an army.
Apostles are standard-bearers – commanders who lift the standard and rally the army of God (see Isa. 59:19). An apostolic church is a church that is awesome or terrible, as an army with banners (see Song of Sol. 6:4,10). Apostolic churches strike fear into the kingdom of darkness.
Apostles have the ability as generals and commanders to mobilize the saints for war. Apostles rally the people of God. To rally means to bring to order again, to gather and organize anew. It is the ability to draw people together for action. Apostles are endued with the rank and authority to do this. They are leaders with the necessary grace, charisma and wisdom to lead the Church.
Apostolic ministry is a ministry of warfare. It entails commanding, mobilizing, rallying and gathering the army of God to challenge and pull down the strongholds of the enemy. The apostolic invades new territories and breaks through. It has the ability to go first. It is the first to encounter the spiritual resistance of the powers of darkness and the first to penetrate the barriers they erect. This ministry is absolutely necessary to keep the Church advancing toward the completion of the Great Commission.
Apostolic Times
Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you (Acts 13:41).
Praying with Power
I encourage churches to pray for their cities and nations to release an apostolic spirit into that region. Our local church in Chicago has emphasized all-night prayer to release the apostolic spirit into our own region. All-night prayer is a powerful way to release the apostolic spirit.
The apostles gave themselves continually to prayer. Prayer is the strength of the apostolic ministry.
Apostolic prayer is strategic prayer. It is a governmental praying. It is global in perspective.
A Finishing Anointing
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34).
Notice the two words “sent” and “finish.” Jesus was sent by the Father, and His desire was to finish His mission.
Chapter 6
Apostolic Reformation
When the Church is out of order and not in proper form, there is a need to re-form.
The Spirit of the Reformer
The Lord is always concerned about the shape and form of His Church.
One of the functions of the apostle is to bring the Church into proper form. Apostles are concerned with biblical order. If the Church is not in the correct form, the apostle will come in the spirit of the reformer.
The Defense and Confirmation of the Gospel
Signs and wonders will follow the preaching and teaching of apostles, because God confirms the truth that apostles present. Although men may oppose their words, God will back them up. Apostles are sent by God, and He puts a word of truth in their mouths.
Apostles are set for the defense of the gospel. Apostles have a zeal to guard and protect the truth.
Someone must stand when the truth is under attack. Someone must speak out. Someone must challenge false teaching when it tries to invade the Church.
Chapter 7
The Apostolic Seal
Identifying True Apostles
We must keep in mind that there is a difference between standing in the office of an apostle and being apostolic. Every believer and minister can and should be apostolic to some degree. The Holy Spirit is an apostolic Spirit, and He dwells in all believers. Likewise, every church should have an apostolic dimension. But there are those pastors who mistakenly identify themselves as apostles because, to some degree, they have an apostolic dimension operating in their ministries. It is unwise and dangerous to try to walk in an office in which we are not graced to operate.
There are some definite characteristics of true apostles. Roger Sapp, in his book The Last Apostles on Earth, lists five characteristics of true apostles:
1.Signs, Wonders, and Miracles
2.Revelation of the Calling to Independent Witnesses
3.Ministers Are Given to Apostles
4.Fully Functioning Churches
5.Serious Resistance from Evil Prince Angels
The Apostolate
It is important to understand that the apostolate is an office. Paul referred to his ministry as an office (see Rom. 11:13, KJV). How can people fully discharge the duties of an office if they don’t understand the office and its duties? Revelation of the apostolate is necessary in order to walk fully in the authority and power of this office. I am convinced that many apostles have never operated fully in their calling because they do not fully understand the office.
The ministry of apostleship is not just a man; it is an office.
It is the will of God that someone stand in and execute the office of apostleship from generation to generation. Men die, but offices remain.
An office is a position of authority, duty or trust given to a person. The person in the office must faithfully administer the duties of the office. The apostle is an officer of the Church. As an officer, the apostle has duties and functions to execute.
Apostolic ministry is hard work. It takes a tremendous amount of power, authority, wisdom and grace to execute the apostolate.
Satan hates and fears this office, because he knows its inherent power and authority. He has tried to blind the Church from a revelation of this office.
Duties Executed by Apostles
Apostles need to know the duties and functions of the apostolate in order to faithfully discharge them. The following duties are to be executed by apostles:
A.To gather. The apostolic anointing is a gathering anointing. Apostles gather people for the purpose of teaching, training and mobilizing them to fulfill the purposes and plans of God. They have the charisma to attract people for the purposes of the kingdom. “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad” (Matt.12:30, italics added).
B.To impart. Apostles have an ability to impart spiritual graces to the saints. This impartation enables the saints to fulfill their callings and destines (see Rom. 1:11).
C.To mobilize. Apostles have the ability to stir up and mobilize the army of God. People need to be gathered and mobilized to fulfill the Great Commission.
D.To order. Apostles bring order and government to the Church. The apostolic anointing is a governing anointing. Government is necessary to facilitate the flow of God’s power and anointing (see Titus 1:5).
E.To judge. Apostles bring judgment and correction to the Church. They issue sentences and verdicts against false teaching and incorrect behavior (see 1 Cor. 5:3).
F.To reform. Apostles are reformers. They bring the necessary change to the house of God. Apostles are raised up during times of reformation (see Heb. 9:10).
G.To build. Apostles are wise master builders. The apostolic anointing is a building anointing. Apostles help build strong churches. They have been likened to general contractors; they are responsible for overseeing the construction of the house of God (see 1 Cor. 3:10).
H.To bring revelation. Apostolic ministry is a ministry of revelation. Apostles bring insight to the Body of Christ concerning the plans and purposes of God (see Eph. 3).
I.To father. Apostles are spiritual fathers. As fathers they birth, protect, teach and mentor. They restore the principle of fatherhood to the Church (see Mal. 4; 1 Cor. 4:15).
J.To lay foundation. The apostolic anointing is a foundational anointing. Apostles lay foundation in the lives of God’s people, preparing them for coming moves of God. Without apostolic ministry, people lack the proper foundation to grow properly (see Eph. 2:20).
K.To initiate. Apostles initiate new moves of God. The apostolic anointing is an activating anointing. Apostles are catalysts. This gift helps release the other gifts in the Church.
L.To bridge. Apostles are raised up during seasons of transition. They provide bridges necessary for the Church to transition from the old to the new.
M.To establish. Apostles help establish truth, revelation, churches and new moves of the spirit. To establish means to bring into being on a firm or permanent basis.
N.To pioneer. Apostles are pioneers. They keep the Church moving into new territories, both naturally and spiritually.
O.To legislate. As officers of the Church, apostles legislate. They issue orders and Kingdom decrees for the Church (see Acts 15).
P.To execute. Apostles have a unique ability to execute the plans and purposes of God. To execute means to carry out, perform or do. This anointing is absolutely necessary to fulfill the Great Commission.
Q.To defend. Apostles are defenders of the faith. They defend the truth. They defend the Church from outside attacks and infiltration by the enemy (see Phil. 1:17).
R.To oversee. The apostolate is also called a “bishoprick” (see Acts 1:20, KJV). To be a bishop means to oversee. Apostles oversee churches.
S.To invade. Apostles invade new territories. This is a militaristic mantle. They have the ability to penetrate hostile environment with the message of the Kingdom.
T.To war. Apostles are territorial warriors. They are spiritual commanders of the highest rank. “Warfare” is translated from the Greek word strateia, meaning “apostolic career” (see 2 Cor. 10:4).
U.To enforce. Apostles are spiritual enforcers. They enforce Kingdom conduct, holiness and biblical standards of righteousness. To enforce means to put or keep in force, to compel obedience (see Titus 1:13).
V.To convert. Apostles convert people to the laws and culture of the Kingdom. They turn people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God (see Acts 3:19; 26:18).
W.To train. Apostles train and educate ministers. They develop leadership.
X.To ordain. Apostles ordain and set in place qualified leadership (see Titus 1:5). This includes selection and confirmation. Apostolic ordination releases fruitfulness (see John 15:16).
Y.To confront. Apostles confront false teaching, witchcraft, immorality, anything that will keep the Church from fulfilling its purpose. The apostolic anointing is a confrontational anointing (see Gal. 2:11).
Z.To finish. Apostles are focused on finishing. They have an anointing to execute, complete and fulfill the prophetic plans of God (see John 4:34).
When an apostle faithfully executes his duties, the people who have been birthed into the Kingdom and discipled by his ministry will be faithful “epistles” to all men, reflecting the apostolic dimension in such a way that they will be effective in the ministries to which God has called them.
Chapter 8
The Apostolic Church
When a church becomes apostolic, it will see breakthroughs that were not possible before; there will be an ability to do things that previously could not be done. This is because of apostolic grace that is released and received through apostolic ministry. Grace gives us an ability to accomplish what we have been called and sent to do.
For example, some local churches are strong in evangelism, but weak in the prophetic. Other churches may be strong in the prophetic, but weak in evangelism. Still others may be strong in teaching, but weak in the prophetic. Churches will usually reflect the strength of its pastors, because the church receives its dimensions from its leaders.
Law of Impartation
Through the law of impartation, Christ transferred a measure of His anointing to the disciples and sent them forth as apostles (see Luke 9:1,2). They went forth and had similar results as Jesus, because they ministered in a measure of His anointing. The Lord releases His anointing into the earth through those He calls and sends.
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are all called and sent by the Lord. They each have a dimension of Christ to impart to the Church.
Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He let captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (Eph. 4:8).
In other words, when the Lord ascended He divided His mantle into five parts. He gave the apostolic mantle to some (not all). He gave His prophetic mantle to some (not all). He gave His evangelistic mantle to some (not all). He gave His pastoral mantle to some (not all). He gave His teaching mantle to some (not all).
Each mantle carries a certain amount of grace. Jesus had the Spirit (anointing) without measure, but the ministry gifts are given according to the measure of the gift of Christ (see Eph. 4:7). The apostle receives an apostolic measure. The prophet receives a prophetic measure. The evangelist receives and evangelistic measure, and so forth. A measure means a limit or degree. No one person carries all the anointing. Different people carry different measures. Jesus measured the anointings and divided them among men.
Accessing Apostolic Grace
There are two ways a local church can access apostolic grace. The first and primary way is to have an apostle as the senior elder (pastor) of the local church. Apostles can pastor because there is a shepherding dimension to the apostolic anointing.
All pastors are not apostles. Although all pastors are not apostles, all pastors need the apostolic dimension to operate effectively in their ministries and local churches. The second way for a local church to access apostolic grace is to be in relationship with an apostle. Through this relationship, the apostolic anointing can flow into the local church, releasing an apostolic dimension.
There must be a strategy, a course of action that will result in accessing the grace that rests upon the apostolic office.
Grace is the ability of God to do what ordinarily could not be done.
The Church cannot settle for being average; our commission is not an average commission.
Great Power and Grace
Power is a distinguishing mark of true apostolic ministry. The Lord never sends people without giving them power.
Signs and Wonders
And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people (Acts 5:12).
An apostolic church will be a church of signs and wonders. Signs and wonders are mentioned throughout the book of Acts. The apostolic anointing is the dominant anointing in the books of Acts, where seven characteristics of signs and wonders are found:
1.Signs and wonders reveal God’s approval upon ministry (Acts 2:22).
2.Signs and wonders are a mark of an apostolic church (Acts 2:43).
3.Sings and wonders release God’s people to minister in boldness (Acts 4:30,31).
4.Signs and wonders touch the common man (Acts 5:12).
5.Signs and wonders follow a sent one (Ps. 105:26,27).
6.Signs and wonders attract people (Acts 8:13).
7.Signs and wonders give testimony to God’s Word (Acts 14:3).
The Signs of an Apostle
An apostolic (sent) people are a people of patience. The Greek word for “patience” in the above passage is hupomone, meaning cheerful, endurance and constancy. It means to continue in spite of persecution, tribulation or resistance. The apostolic dimension gives the saints the ability to overcome obstacles and demonic opposition through patience.
BOLDNESS IS NECESSARY TO
OVERCOME THE THREATS AND
INTIMIDATION OF DEMONS – AND THE
RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS THAT OFTEN
ATTACK A MOVE OF GOD.
Patience also means perseverance. The ability to persevere and overcome the pressures of the enemy is a characteristic of an apostolic church.
Apostolic (sent) people are a people of boldness.
Apostolic (sent) people are a people of obedience.
Apostolic Covering
The apostolic anointing provides a covering (protection) for those who submit to it.
Antioch: A Sending Church
The church at Antioch was a church filled with grace.
The church of Antioch became a sending church.
Apostolic churches will have an apostolic spirit.
The Macedonian Churches: Apostolic Distribution
Apostolic churches serve as distribution centers. Apostolic churches are able to release large amounts of finances into the places where there is the greatest need.
Apostolic churches have a great responsibility to properly use and distribute the wealth that his anointing draws.
Chapter 9
Apostolic Authority
Apostles exude authority. Active or dormant, their authority is difficult to disregard. It is the first obvious distinguishing feature.
Faithful Ambassadors
This authority is recognized in the spirit realm by angels and demons alike.
Without apostolic authority, the Church will be unable to complete its mission.
Zechariah’s Vision
The Lord wants to know the capacity of our local churches. What is the length and breadth of your ministry? What are the spiritual dimensions of your church? Can our local churches really handle the multitudes that will come? Do we have the capacity to nurture, teach and train them? Are we poised for church growth?
The apostolic anointing has the power and authority to destroy and cast out the powers of darkness that hinder church growth. Multiplication will take place once this anointing is received and released. Local churches will grow and experience the blessing of the Lord. Entire regions will be impacted by the gospel. The saints will gather to worship and praise the King!
Signs of Witchcraft
One of the signs of witchcraft operating and infiltrating a church is the inability of the people to obey the truth. Disobedience and rebellion are always present wherever there is witchcraft.
False doctrine and false teachers carry a spirit of witchcraft.
Witchcraft attempts to move people away from trusting and following the Holy Spirit into depending upon the flesh.
Dealing with Witchcraft
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:8-11).
Paul dealt with witchcraft. He did not play around with it. He judged it with the power of God, calling down blindness upon Elymas the sorcerer. This type of authority and judgment is returning to the Church with the restoration of apostolic ministry.
With the restoration of the apostolic ministry, we will see the same manifestations return to the Church that we read about in the book of Acts: people falling down dead, sorcerers smitten with blindness, leaders being eaten up by worms. This is not a pleasant picture, but the Lord will allow no man or woman to hinder the preaching of the gospel in these last days.
Chapter 10
A Blueprint for Apostolic Living
Moses
The Church cannot be built properly with human wisdom and skill; the blueprint must come from heaven. God’s plan for His Church is quite different from the plan of man. Churches that are built without apostolic wisdom and revelation will have constructional cracks and faults, which the enemy will exploit.
Nehemiah
Nehemiah is also a type of apostolic ministry. His name means “Comforter”; he is a type of the Holy Spirit. Nehemiah was also a sent one.
Nehemiah also shows us that where there is building, there will be warfare. He commanded his builders to hold weapons in one hand and building equipment in the other. Even today, there is no building without warfare. Satan will always oppose the building of the Church. Apostolic churches are warfare churches that are able to fight through opposition and build.
Solomon’s Temple
David left a pattern for future generations, a pattern of worship that would fall into ruin and be restored by kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah. David also left to his son Solomon the pattern to build the Temple. He received this pattern by the Spirit.
The house of God was built according to pattern. When local churches are not built according to heavenly pattern, they will not contain the glory that is released when built correctly.
Joseph
Apostolic churches are places where our future leaders are trained and taught wisdom.
Uzziah
Strengthening the Gates
Apostles are gatekeepers, guarding the points of entry into a city. Whoever controls the gates will control entry into the exit from the city.
The Danger of Pride
Apostles are susceptible to the spirit of pride.
Apostles must walk in humility and avoid falling into the snare of pride. Pride goes before destruction (see Prov. 16:18).
Apostles must give God all the glory and humble themselves under His mighty hand in order to be preserved – as must we all.
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword..." (Heb 4:12) and "Is not My word like a fire?" says the Lord (Jer 23:29).
Apostolic Articles for Kingdom Living is birthed from the vision of a true apostolic church that God has given Abraham Israel to establish, called Household of Faith Church and World Outreach. This group will focus mainly on apostolic teaching that will empower and equip the saints to reach their full potential in Christ Jesus. Our vision statement is to: Bless the city, Reach the nation, Arise and shine to the nations! Our goal is the edification, evangelism and empowerment of the last day Church the Lord Jesus Christ is raising up, before His triumphant return! Please feel free to email Abraham if you have any questions or comments! Also, please email with any prayer request you may have to :
