Church Vs Kingdom

CHURCH FAILURE vs KINGDOM POWER

By Charles Carrin

Church failure is directly related to congregations isolating themselves from the Kingdom of God and re-organizing according to their own ideologies. Failure is unknown in the Kingdom. Jesus promised the church that the "gates of Hell shall not prevail against it". Matthew 16:18. The New Testament acknowledges the reality of the church's persecution and pain but not her failure. She can expect tyranny and trial but not defeat; demonic attack will come but she need never surrender.

Jesus preached about "The gospel of the Kingdom," Matthew 24:14, "The mysteries of the Kingdom," Matthew 13:11, "The keys of the Kingdom," Matthew 16:19, "The word of the Kingdom," Matthew 13:19, "The heirs of the Kingdom," James 2:5. Jesus "loved the church, gave Himself for it," Ephesians 5:25, all the while He pointed men's hearts to the heavenly Kingdom. We are to love the church as Jesus did but our emphasizing segregated parts of the church independently of the Kingdom is a contradiction of His message. Denominationalism is an illusion, a phantom in the desert.

In the gospels, Jesus spoke of the Kingdom more than 130 times but made only 3 references to the church. Matthew 16:18; 18:17. The modern church, in contrast, has reversed the Divine order, ignoring her Kingdom-identity and relating only with select, visible congregations. Do I need proof? World-wide, there are more than 30,000 different registered Christian denominations. Each makes the claim that it is the correct one, has more truth than the rest, and is God's guardian of Scripture. To be spiritually correct, you must belong to it. Such bigotry guarantees the loss of Kingdom identity and power. To whatever degree churches promote self-centeredness and sectarianism, they cut themselves off from Kingdom authority."The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you.'" I Corinthians 14:21. Yet, that is precisely what congregations have done. The result is dysfunctional churches and impotent ministries.

Scripture speaks of the church in two distinct capacities: The church as the Bride of Christ, empowered, undefeated, eternally joined with the Redeemer in Glory, and the "church" as visible earth-bound congregations that are provided with miraculous power–but most of which is refused. In this writing, I speak primarily of the latter–the visible church. Today, this local church is far removed from what God intended her to be. In His offer of Kingdom authority, Jesus explained to the disciples, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Acts 1:8.

Pentecost was the Holy Spirit's act of replacing the disciples’ earthly-inferiority with Kingdom-of-Heaven superiority. In that wonderful moment, God infused the 120 believers with heaven-sent power, Acts 2. At that time, a conception took place much like one occurring in the womb. With the impregnation of the first disciples by the Holy Spirit, the church was formed. Though the church in the earth was new, the Kingdom was not; it was as old as Heaven itself. In a progressive way, the Kingdom has come, is coming, and will yet come. It is my personal opinion that in Heaven we will witness an ever-expanding, never-climaxing, endless progression of the Kingdom into a Glory that is never fully attained. There is a parallel of this endlessness in the visible Universe as it continues expanding outward at the speed of light.

A gospel without the Kingdom is a powerless gospel. Apart from the Kingdom, the church has no message, no mission, no purpose, and no future. Once identified with the Kingdom, the church has an astonishing timelessness that connects her both to the future and to the era before time began. My heart-cry is for others to see the Kingdom in all its Glory. It is awesome! The mission of the church is to reveal the Kingdom and its heavenly King. At Pentecost, the Kingdom of Heaven invaded earth with glory. The invisible Kingdom with all its mightiness was placed within reach of ordinary men.

This segregated condition exists solely in the earth-bound church; no trace of division, lovelessness, and absence of power, can be found in the Kingdom of God.

Most failures in the Western Church exist because of competitive, sectarian groups, who treat each other spitefully and grieve the Holy Spirit. I need to be very plain: Churches who emphasize membership with the church more than union with the Kingdom are betraying the people. Not only so, but churches who do not acknowledge the Kingdom’s superiority and the church’s inferiority are betraying Christ. He persistently preached the "Kingdom" message. For that reason, church members who are Kingdom-minded make better supporters than do people who are church-minded.

Doctrines and denominations do not create godliness or right-standing with Jesus. Relationship with God is the only source. In spite of theological differences, a godly Baptist is just as pure of heart as a godly Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Methodist, or something else. Grace–not human titles–produces holiness. Sectarianism produces loneliness. Count Zinzindorf expressed truth when he advised Christians who held different views, "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things charity."

Jesus said, "All power has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore, make disciples ..." Matthew 28:18,19. The Kingdom is as invincible as the King who reigns over it. God wills for that same invincibility to be duplicated in the church. But, many Christians are convinced that being born-again identifies them fully with the Kingdom; this is not so. The Kingdom of God is much greater than church doctrine can ever comprehend. It totally encompasses all the known dimensional realms in which we live plus the other dimensions which remain unidentified. The Kingdom–as the Government of God--transcends all there is, the seen, unseen, physical, nonphysical, discovered, undiscovered. Relationship with this incredible Kingdom is what is offered to us in the gospel.

Our interaction with the Kingdom is the real issue. Jesus illustrated how the Kingdom coalesces with other dimensions when He said, "If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God no doubt the Kingdom of God has come unto you." Matthew 12:28. The demonic realm, the Kingdom, and our earthly sphere, are dimensions distinct from each other but Jesus brought them together every time He cast out a demon. Not only so, but He expects the modern church to do the same; we are to invade the demonic realm and exorcize demons with Kingdom power. Is that happening? Only in a few churches.

Liberalism has gutted the main-line denominational churches and left them in hellish unbelief. In many evangelical, "fundamental" churches, denominational interpretation has produced the same results. Though it is not usually recognized, the effects of liberalism and fundamentalism are similar. The first denies the inspiration of all Scripture; the second denies only selected parts. Both are deadly. One produces rebellion, the other creates religious legalism. Churches from each group will continue to die–as will some full-gospel congregations.

In 1517, Martin Luther changed the course of history by nailing an inconspicuous-looking protest on his church door in Wittenberg, Germany. That day, the Reformation was born. By 1991, more than 30,000 different Christian sects existed worldwide as the result of his hammer. In other words, every year for nearly 500 years an average of 60 new divisions have occurred within the church. While Luther wanted change, his results in part were catastrophic. Within a short time Protestants burned other Protestants at the stake with the same intolerance that Rome had used earlier to victimize them. The fact is: Centuries after Luther, Protestants are still protesting–this time, against themselves. The question arises: What went wrong? How can so many different Christian bodies make the same claim to "orthodoxy"?

I appreciate Luther and the tremendous blessing brought by the Reformation. In spite of obvious failings, God used him to bring a genuine spirit of reform to the church. The problem is that while thousands welcomed the spirit of Reformation, another spirit entered the movement undetected. That was the spirit of rebellion. Rebellion and Reformation seem so much alike that the intrusion of this dark power caused no alarm. But we must not let its’ quiet entrance deceive us about its' violent nature: "Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft," I Samuel 15:23. As an aspect of witchcraft, rebellion is dominating, totally unrelenting in its' demand to have control. Once established in the Reformation, it worked as an abortive, counter-revolt against the movement. In the language of warfare, it was the "Fifth Column". Through it, Satan confused issues, lessened the Reformation's power and devastated fellowships.

In many parts of Europe, Reformed Christianity became as inseparably wed to government as had Catholicism. Within a short time, many denominations established themselves along dangerous–political–national boundaries. If you were German or Scandinavian, you were Lutheran. If you were Scottish, you were Presbyterian; Dutch, you were Reformed, English, you were Anglican. Spanish, Italian, Polish, French, etc., you were Catholic. To differ from the State Church often brought political wrath. In effect, Kingdom-identity was also burned at the stake. Religiously and secularly, it was not the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom that controlled the church but the spirit of rebellion.

Long after the fires of Zwingli, Calvin, Knox, and others, became embers, this alien spirit continued to enforce its' will over the people. Jesus was obscured in fierce theological battles and good men were sentenced to death at the hands of other Christians who claimed to be more theologically "correct". At this point, the legitimacy of the Reformation was lost to the damnable spirit of rebellion. For nearly five centuries this ghost has continued its' menace against the movement it pretended to promote. Its' most effective tool in fostering schism in the Church has been this legitimate sounding claim:

Christian unity must be based on doctrinal agreement.

This claim seems reasonable. Doctrinal agreement is needed.–But doctrinal agreement is the wagon, not the horse. By its' very nature, doctrine is not a leader. Religious systems that use their creeds to determine their fellowship produce run-away wagon trains. Christian history and current reality consistently proves this to be so. Only love is qualified to lead. Christians must accept each other on the basis of Jesus' redemption; all other considerations–no matter how important–are secondary.

The only instrument that can safely bring Christians into unity is the Holy Spirit; He does that by drawing us first into mutual love for Jesus. There is no exception to this truth. Without the foundation of a mutually-acknowledged redemption there can be no agreement on theology or anything else. Freedom to correct each other's errors depends on a secure relationship. Even the original Apostles disagreed on key issues but maintained unity through the commonality of their redemption in Christ and their determination to "preach the Kingdom of God". So must we.

Satan does not fear us; he fears the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Far better than we, he knows that unity in the saints releases that power against himself. Fragmenting the Body is therefore his major objective. He does that by isolating believers from each other, denominationalizing their view of Scripture, and convincing them that the Holy Spirit's power is no longer available. He not only assures each Christian group that their faction is superior to others but simultaneously deafens them to truths which would bring them closer to each other and to correctness. He allows a sect to see itself favorably, through its' own eyes only--never objectively through the eyes of others. Having achieved that goal, he then proceeds to frustrate each separated group from within. Without exception, he tirelessly presses issues that cause more disintegration. It is important that you hear me carefully: This spirit is not only rebellious but religious. As an "angel of light", it will wear any godly-looking garb that deceives the saints.

It is impossible for Christians who have been overtaken by this spirit to have an unbiased understanding of Scripture. Instead, each group persistently searches for reasons to maintain its' present course. Self-approval becomes the goal. I know. I spent years of ministry in that kind of system. But! Having seen the "Kingdom" I can never go back!

The fact that Christians accept division in the Body of Christ as normal is proof they already have a distorted view of Scripture. Division is disease. It is' disorder. Abnormality. It is in direct opposition to the unity for which Jesus prayed. John 17:21. Is there hope for restoration? Yes! "A little cloud, as small as a man's hand, is rising out of the sea." I Kings 18:41-45. With it comes the sound of "abundance of rain". Rebellion has been discovered and will be cast out. Be encouraged, better days are ahead for Kingdom unity!

What can I do to hasten the day of change? Avoid rebellion, be in faithful submission to God. As He directs, stay in whichever church or denomination you presently are. At the same time, become a "Kingdom" believer. Ask the Holy Spirit for Kingdom power, to give you a Kingdom identity, fill you with Kingdom courage, and to lavish upon you Kingdom love. Pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven," then watch Kingdom-authority transform your life and ministry. You will crawl out of your denominational tent to see the mountain ranges of God's Kingdom surrounding you. The sight is breath-taking. Indescribable. Glorious.

You will like the new Kingdom-person you have become. In a new way you can sing, "All hail the power of Jesus’ Name, Let angels prostrate fall! Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all!"

Your church failure will give way to Kingdom Power.

Charles Carrin

CarrinMin1@aol.com

Website: www.charlescarrinministries.com

Fullness of Christ

Measure of the Fullness of Christ

By Ron McGatlin

What would happen if we were to truly believe and unreservedly follow the Lord in perfect obedience to the word of the Father? How would our lives change? How would the world be affected? What if we threw off all restraints and hindrances and gave ourselves fully to living and walking in the Spirit? What if we truly made seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness the top priority in our lives? What would happen if we fully grew up into the measure of the fullness of Christ?

We would be as Christ is in the world (1 John 4:17). We would be mature sons of God doing the works of God that Christ Jesus did, and greater works.

John 14:12: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

How many sick days did Jesus have to take off from doing the works of the Father? How many times did He speak to the dead to arise and nothing happened? How many times did he speak to the lame and deformed to be healed and nothing happened? How much times did He waste sidetracked in sinful temptations and religious practices? I think you get the idea.

Something is missing here. Something has gone astray and urgently needs to be corrected. Why is the Body sick and afflicted? Why is the Bride tattered and torn? Why is there filth of contamination in the body? Why are the sons of God restrained from the reality of the full glory of Christ flowing to change our world? What or who is restraining the works of God in His sons to be victoriously establishing the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven?

Let’s seek to let the scripture answer this for us. [2 Th 2:6-12]

We will need to lay aside what religion may have taught that these scriptures mean and allow Holy Spirit to reveal kingdom truth. When we consider the meaning of the Greek words used in this scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal their meaning they plainly speak of a spirit of anti-Christ or wickedness against or in place of Christ that is restraining “until.” (Until what or when?)

2 Th 2:6-7: And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed (uncovered, disclosed) in his time. For the mystery (religious secret) of lawlessness (iniquity, wickedness) is already (now) at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.

In this season we are seeing the uncovering of the religious secret wickedness that is restraining. The religious spirit that has replaced Christ as Head of the Body secretly infiltrated the church centuries ago and continues to restrain the supernatural works in God’s people by religious deception that causes unbelief, just as Paul had warned.

2 Th 2:5: Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?

The spirit of anti-Christ working through religion and human social order has created a false ceiling of unbelief and robbed most of the church of the experiences of the power of Christ Jesus in our world.

The purpose for the current uncovering and exposing is for the destruction of the restraining iniquitous wickedness of the anti-Christ spirit. The Greek word translated brightness in this next verse is “epiphaneia:G2015” and relates to our English word epiphany. It is translated appearing every time it is used in the New Testament except this one time.

2 Th 2:8: And then the lawless (wicked) one will be revealed (uncovered, disclosed), whom the Lord will consume with the breath (spirit) of His mouth (language) and destroy with the brightness (appearing) of His coming (manifesting).

2 Th 1:10: when He comes (appears) to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

The appearing or manifesting of Christ in His people by the Holy Spirit is the power source to speak the words of God to uncover, consume, and destroy the restraining wickedness. We need to do more than speak about the restraining spirit of anti-Christ working through religion; we need to speak to the restraining spirit with the words from God in the power of the Spirit and in the name of Christ Jesus to consume and destroy the restraining spirit.

At whatever cost we must come out from under the canopy of religious deception and unbelief that separates the Body from being fully connected to our Head, Christ Jesus. In this season, there is an open door in heaven and a call of God to come up higher – to come out of religion and spiritually be raised (resurrected) into the resurrection life of Christ Jesus. It is the power of the resurrection that will do the works of Christ and greater works in bringing forth the kingdom of God on earth.

Rev 4:1-2: After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

Phil 3:14: I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The practical reality of answering the “upward call” to “come up here” involves a change of focus that leads to a change of life, patterns, and priorities. Words are powerful when they impact change. Idle words are empty of the power to change. Words spoken from the Spirit are most powerful. Four powerful life experiences of change are spoken in this verse.

Phil 3:10: that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.

• That I may know Him (intimate communion with Christ in the Holy Spirit)
  
  
• And the power of His resurrection (receiving and releasing the power of His life)
  
  
• And the fellowship of His sufferings (a precious work of becoming one with Him)
  
  
• Being conformed to His death (loss of the old life, perfect humility)

The greatest opportunity of change in this world since the first century is now opening to God’s people. Exposing and destroying the religious anti-Christ systems by the manifest power of the life of Christ is the work of the Holy Spirit and the desire of God for this historical time of transformation. God is moving upon our planet in unprecedented proportions to produce a purified, holy, humble people filled with His love, carriers of resurrection life power of Christ to establish the kingdom of God upon the ashes of religious fallacies and fallen social order.

To whom much is given much is required.

In Luke 12 Jesus told a parable of a faithful servant that the master made ruler and of an unfaithful servant who knew better but acted selfishly and abused fellow servants. The unfaithful servant was severely treated by the master and appointed his portion with the unbelievers.

Luke 12:47-51: "And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace (to join together, prosperity, rest quietness) on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.”

Division and separation is not always bad. We know Jesus came to bring peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind. His peace and goodwill cannot come upon a people merged with wickedness and darkness. Jesus did not come to blend us with the works of satan in this present social order or the anti-Christ spirit in religion. Rather He came and is with us now to cleanse the world of evil and establish the righteousness of God in His people and the kingdom of God in the world.

People of God, arise and be of great courage! The Promised Land is before us, and a waste land is behind us. Be strong in the Lord! Be strong and very courageous! This is your time on earth to accomplish the will of God for your life. You have not been this way before, and you will not come this way again. History will record the great shift and transformation of this season into the kingdom of God, or it will record the failure to enter in and a return to wasted life of wilderness wonderings and another people in another time will enter into the land of promise.

Help us Lord Jesus!

Keep on pursuing love.
It never fails.

Ron McGatlin

www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

60 Trends of the Apostolic-Prophetic

John Eckhardt:

"60 Trends that will Emerge with the Full Restoration of Apostles and Prophets"

It is imperative that apostles and prophets come into their appointed positions of leadership in the Church. These are governmental gifts that have tremendous authority to execute the plans and purposes of God. In order to do this they must be identified and released.

When apostles and prophets come into their place, the Church will experience great blessing. Individuals must begin to walk in these callings with confidence and boldness. They need to know the functions of their offices in order to execute them faithfully. Clarity and understanding of these gifts and callings will help them to walk in them fully. This includes planting, activating, imparting, and demonstrating the Kingdom of God.

These gifts need to be confirmed and strengthened. The Church will advance and experience great breakthroughs as a result of these gifts coming forth. The saints will experience a new level of perfecting, maturity and release. Fear, ignorance and unbelief will hinder these gifts from coming forth fully. Overcome fear with courage and boldness, overcome ignorance with knowledge and revelation, and overcome unbelief with faith. Apostolic alignment is important in this hour. We must align ourselves with the apostolic and prophetic movement.

The following are 60 trends that I see emerging in the Church with the full restoration of apostles and prophets.

60 Trends that will Emerge with the Full Restoration of Apostles and Prophets

1. A greater emphasis of the importance of signs, wonders, and miracles (especially deliverance). This will prevent the Church from depending too much on rational, intellectual ways of approaching ministry (see 2 Corinthians 12; Matthew 10). Greater demonstrations of the power of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:4).

2. A greater release of revelation and insight into the mysteries of God. Many portions of Scripture will come alive and be relevant for this end-times move (see Ephesians 3; 1 Corinthians 4).

3. Continue to expand the vision and outreach of the Church in order to break complacency, apathy, and limited vision. This includes expanding into new nations and territories. The release of a pioneering (proton) anointing (see 1 Corinthians 12:28).

4. The raising up of new leaders and ministries, confirming, ordaining, and activating new gifts and callings. This will assure a continual supply of new ministries for the expansion of the Kingdom. Increase of emerging apostles and prophets mentored by more seasoned apostles and prophets (see 2 Timothy 2).

5. Enforcement of Biblical standards for leadership, including elders (bishops). This will help to stem the tide of immorality and bad character in leadership. Standards concerning marriage, family, and divorce will be once again emphasized as a standard for leadership (see 1 Timothy 3).

6. Establishing the Kingdom into new regions and territories through church planting. This includes the release of apostolic, church planting teams. Raising up of Antioch churches that will have a sending and releasing mentality (see Acts 13).

7. Greater emphasis on spiritual warfare, including binding and loosing. Greater authority over territorial strongholds, including principalities and powers (see Matthew 16, 18).

8. Release of greater grace to handle increased persecution and suffering of the Church worldwide.

9. Release of greater boldness to press forward in spite of suffering, persecution, and increased opposition to the message of the Kingdom of God.

10. Release of greater resources for Kingdom advancement, including finances and human resources. Greater release of missionaries, both long-term and short-term, for the expansion of the Kingdom. This includes Kingdom businessmen and marketplace apostles (see Acts 4:34-37).

11. Strengthening of existing churches and confirmation of new churches. This will greatly strengthen the Church worldwide (see Acts 14:22, 15:32).

12. Releasing and maintaining an atmosphere of liberty in the churches that will be conducive for the moving of the Holy Spirit and operation of the gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy (see Acts 15:10).

13. Contending with heresy and doctrinal divisions that keep the Church separated and divided. Defending the truth and preventing apostasy from infiltrating the Church.

14. Releasing the saints into their individual destinies and purposes. Releasing churches into their corporate destinies and purposes. Activating Believers into their callings and empowering them to do the works of Jesus Christ.

15. Releasing the spirit of faith in Believers and assemblies for Kingdom exploits. Apostles and prophets help us to believe for supernatural breakthroughs. As power ministers they often operate with the gift of faith and release the spirit of faith. They help destroy and overcome the spirits of doubt and unbelief that hinder the saints from operating in faith. Warning the Church against the dangers of unbelief (see Acts 13:40-41).

16. Releasing the fear of the Lord for greater reverence and respect for the things of God (see Acts 5).

17. Greater release of the spirit of prayer and intercession. Increased burden for prayer and intercession. The release of prophetic prayer warriors for regions and territories. Restoration of all night prayer, citywide prayer, watch of the Lord, and corporate prayer (see 1 Timothy 2).

18. Encouragement of fasting that releases humility and greater grace (see 2 Corinthians 11:27).

19. Encouragement of individuals and churches to embrace a global vision and sending mentality (see Acts 13:47).

20. Emphasis on foundational and important truth that establishes Believers in the faith and prepares them to go to perfection (maturity). Rejection of teachings and any emphasis that are not important and do not matter. Bring redefinition to terms and doctrines that have been taught erroneously.

21. Encourage the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the doorway into the supernatural realm and Spirit-filled living. Emphasize the importance of utterance, including tongues and prophecy, along with impartation and release of these things through the laying on of hands (see Acts 2, 8, 10, 19).

22. Upgrade of churches and regions into present truth (see Acts 19).

23. Creation of new wineskins to receive the new wine that is being released from Heaven. Renewing of old wineskins, including denominational structures and churches (see Mark 2:22).

24. Bringing reformation and change. Establishing and releasing new models for ministry (see Hebrews 9:10).

25. Helping the churches transition into new moves and patterns for ministry. Apostles are raised up during times of transition (see Joshua 1).

26. Help interpret new moves and validate them Scripturally (see Acts 2).

27. Changing and shifting spiritual climates over regions and territories, causing a new receptivity to the Gospel and the things of the Holy Spirit.

28. Relieving and helping the poor, orphans, and widows. A greater release of good works (see Acts 11; Titus 3:8).

29. A greater release of angelic activity through worship to God, prayer, and utterances, including apostolic decrees and prophetic declarations (see Acts 12:5-7).

30. Redigging old wells. Reestablishment and restoration of truth that has been neglected or under-emphasized (see Genesis 26:18).

31. Greater release of judgments against immorality and sin both within the Church and society. Pronouncement of judgment upon wicked rulers, wicked governments, and wicked religious, economic and political systems (see Acts 12:23, 13:6-13).

32. Release of greater peace and grace in churches, especially persecuted and suffering churches (see Ephesians 1:2).

33. Release of greater favor for churches with local governments (see Acts 2:47).

34. Greater multiplication and church growth through evangelism and discipleship (see Acts 6:1,7).

35. Pulling down of strongholds and ideologies, including humanism, that have kept people from receiving the truth (see 2 Corinthians 10:4).

36. Greater acceleration of the purposes of God worldwide, including the fulfillment of Bible prophecies and prophetic utterances (see Jeremiah 1:12).

37. Greater manifestation of God's glory in the Church, including the manifest presence of God and the restoration of the tabernacle of David (see Acts 15; 2 Corinthians 3:8).

38. Greater release of the prophetic, including personal prophecy, corporate prophecy, prophetic teams and companies, prophets, prophetic worship, arts, dance, banners, and prophetic teaching and preaching. Apostles will encourage the prophetic in local churches and regions (see 1 Corinthians 14).

39. Greater clarity and understanding of the purposes of God, including the Great Commission (see Isaiah 14:24-27; Matthew 28:19-20).

40. Greater unity and cooperation between leaders and ministries in localities (see Ephesians 4:3).

41. Greater release of women and minorities into ministry and authority. Destruction of spirits of racism and sexism in the Church. Smaller nations and people groups being released into their destinies and redemptive purposes (see Acts 2).

42. Greater release of small groups through cell structure, releasing more Believers to share their gifts with the Body (see Acts 2:46).

43. Greater testimony released in the earth, including martyrdom (see Revelation 12:11).

44. Greater impact and breakthrough into Jewish and Muslim people and those who have been historically resistant to the Gospel. Historical and generational rebellion will be confronted by apostolic leaders (see Acts 7:51).

45. Greater breakthroughs into media for the promotion of the Gospel, including Hollywood.

46. Greater manifestation of demons, hardness of heart as the demonic realm reacts to the advancement of the Church and increased breakthrough (see Acts 16).

47. Restoration of proper government in the Church, including the restoration of governing presbyteries of apostles, prophets, and teachers. Challenging false government, including congregational and episcopal control (see 1 Corinthians 12:28).

48. Greater emphasis on holiness and righteousness in the Church. This will help stem the tide of worldliness and carnality (see 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7).

49. Greater impartation through the laying on of hands and prophecy. This will accelerate people into their callings and giftings (see Romans 1:11; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

50. Greater unity and team ministry. This will be especially true of apostles and prophets working together to build, plant and break through. Greater understanding of these gifts will help Believers walk in them accurately and bring greater blessing to the Church. The result will be the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry and the edifying of the Body of Christ as all five ministries are released and work together (see Ephesians 4:11).

51. Establishment and recognition of spiritual gatekeepers and gateway churches that operate in apostolic authority in cities, regions and territories (see Lamentations 5:14).

52. Increase of knowledge and breaking of spiritual ignorance and darkness, including superstition and idolatry (see Daniel 12:4).

53. Greater breakthroughs in inner cities and areas that have been neglected and abandoned (see Isaiah 54:3).

54. Greater emphasis on justice and righteousness in society. Dealing with unfairness, inequality, racism, and discrimination (see Isaiah 56:1, 59:4).

55. Greater emphasis on outreach, street ministry, prayer walking. Greater visibility outside of the four walls of the church (see Acts 5:15).

56. Greater encouragement to sell all and forsake all for the sake of the Kingdom. More radical conversions and commitment from the saints (see Matthew 19:27).

57. Greater release of youth and children in salvation, gifts of the Spirit, and ministry (see Isaiah 44:3).

58. Greater release of apostles and prophets, and more ministers step into these callings, being inspired to move into these gifts because of others who have preceded them. The fear and unbelief that have prevented many from walking in these callings will be overcome. The restoration of these gifts means that an abundance of these gifts will be seen in the end-times Church. Multiplied thousands will come forth in different cities, regions, and nations (see Deuteronomy 1:11).

59. The Church will begin to contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints (see Jude 1:3).

60. Continuous revival and refreshing released to the Church (see Acts 3:19). This is a result of repentance that comes from the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and this will precede the coming of the Lord (see Acts 3:20). Restoration of all that has been spoken by the prophets (see Acts 3:21).

John Eckhardt
IMPACT Network
Email: cmimpac@aol.com

Website: www.impactnetwork.net

About John Eckhardt: Gifted with a strong apostolic call, John Eckhardt functions in the office of apostle and overseer of Crusaders Ministries located in Chicago, Illinois. He has ministered throughout the United States and overseas in more than 70 nations. Apostle Eckhardt founded the IMPACT Network (International Ministries of Prophetic and Apostolic Churches Together) as a vehicle for global apostolic reformation. His vision, as a passionate minister of the Gospel, is to see the Church become truly apostolic by developing the saints for ministry and Kingdom living through teaching, training, activation and demonstration.

He has authored more than 35 books, many having been translated into several languages. He is also founder of the Apostolic Institute of Ministry (AIM), and is part of the faculty of the Wagner Leadership Institute (WLI) and a member of the Board of Directors for the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA), both under the leadership of Dr. C. Peter Wagner. He also holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Apostle Eckhardt resides in the Chicago area with his lovely wife, Wanda, and their five beautiful children.

Judgment and Discipline

Apostolic Judgment and Church Discipline

Apostolic Judgment is the anointing, authority, and the agenda of the Spirit released through apostles in setting things in divine and spiritual order, governmental foundation and functionality of focus, proper alignment, and in establishing right relationships in the local assemblies.

Apostolic Judgment is not something, which occasionally takes place upon finding out that an elder was caught in the act of adultery or has embezzled funds. But apostolic judgment is the nature of the apostle to bring valid judgment {discretion, decision, etc.} into the leaders, assemblies and related ministries for its vital and necessary growth and stability as kingdom people into kingdom alignment unto kingdom advancement . Apostolic judgment brings purity of motive and challenges leaders and saints in right relationship with God and one another. Apostolic judgment is a mandated authority to set God's house in order.

Below are scriptures which bears witness of the importance of setting things in order...

For we sought Him not after the Due Order...1 Chronicles 15:13

That you should set in order {Greek - straighten further, arrange additionally} the things that are wanting {lacking}, originally, the things that are destitute {destitute in truth, revelation, order, regional apostolic purpose, to fail or be absent}...and ordain elders in every city...Titus 1:5...{implies the character of leadership as found in part in 1 Timothy 3:1-11; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Exodus 18:13-24

1 Corinthians 12 - Classification of the gifts of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 13 - Motivation of the gifts of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 14 - Demonstration and Operation of the gifts of the Spirit in Spiritual divine order - also read 1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is not the author of confusion and tumult, but peace and order...as in all assemblies of the saints...

With apostolic judgment comes Church Discipline, God’s order for correction, which is not rejection, but divine direction.

One of the needed areas of church discipline is when we honestly admit that our very own personal life sometimes lack the necessary challenge of personal growth and development and a lack of honesty and maturity to apply wisdom and knowledge to our given life sphere. Such unchallenged behavior finds its way right into the corporate anointing of the assembly. We may not be willing to accept spiritual order corporately, because we do not accept the challenge to change at home, personally. When we lack personal order and discipline, how are we going to value spiritual and divine order and apostolic accountability, submission, sonship, and leadership potential? This is why church discipline is needed in the assemblies, for more than judging sin, rebellion, or false doctrine {teaching}. It is given to reshape, reconstruct, and to reform the foundations of our understanding as we are not here to fit in this world, but to change it through dominion, the first great commission in Genesis 1:26, 28.

Now, there is a two-fold purpose of church discipline, and bear in mind this principle is applicable to any important sphere of ministry including apostolic networks, Para-ministries {as it has been so often called...hmm}, and other legitimate Christian organizations. These core values and core stabilizations is purposed to bring repentance and restoration and as in Galatians 6:1 and is not designed to exact revenge or to foster ideals leading one to unbearably endure someone's condemnation of them.

In this there are two main divisions of discipline. One, is church discipline: Church discipline may be found in Matthew 18:15-20 and understood in the following ways...

A - Private and Individual Discipline: Going to your brother alone regarding the offense. Do not be quick to go before the public, for private matters should be dealt with in private at first. Luke 17:3-5; Matthew 5:24; Leviticus 19:17

B - Public Discipline: In this case, you take 2-3 witnesses to your brother {the offender} if he will not hear you one-on-one or refuses the divine protocol and accountability structure in the more private portion of discipline mentioned above. Get a mature person whom you can trust, possibly someone that knows the individual personally. Each person involved with the process of restoration must be willing to see the individual offender restored. Also, in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word is established. Galatians 6:1`

C - Corporate Church Discipline: Whenever an offender refuses to reconcile before the witnesses, you must bring it before the corporate assembly so that the whole church and possibly certain others can righteously judge. The congregation or assembly shall not condemn the offender, but aim to restore. Again, repentance and restoration is the key here.

D - Excommunication: If the offender refuses to reconcile after hearing from the corporate assembly, the witnesses, or the other person alone, and after having failed all attempts of repentance and restoration of the offender, then you must excommunicate him from the assembly. Such remaining or overstaying of aberrant behavior becomes infectious, and tends to negatively influence the rest of the assembly when a person who is permitted to hang on after bringing a grave breach to the church. People who are judged righteously through theocratic government of the church and has not passed the previous stages of church discipline is given to excommunication for the safety and well being of the rest of the assembly: and when the offender has repented and has come clean with leadership and the corporate anointing, they are welcomed back within the assembly. Even in this, there must be some guidelines posted within the local assembly, especially if this person once had a leadership position within the church.

Respect has to be earned and redeveloped within the life of that former offender. Serious repercussions arise when we don't establish the proper foundation, government, and spiritual order of the kingdom within the local assemblies of the saints. Leaders are to be friendly but firm. A familiar spirit {familiarity} is bred when grossly misguided sympathizers step in the way of things and try sway the theocratic leadership or to influence others within the assembly to party to their contentions about the offender. In such, church splits arise, and splinter groups flourish throughout the local regions and vicinities of our nation as well. A poor posture and negative perception of ministry lingers in the minds and imaginations of many as the devastation of the seed crops planted by regional apostles and elders attempts to uproot and undermine the very foundation of the apostles and prophets.

I have witnessed hundreds of dissident, disgruntled, and disenfranchised saints throughout Houston in large numbers or groups going from assembly to assembly, nowhere to be fathered, nowhere to deepen their roots, and nowhere to have been given vision, direction, stability, leadership, purpose, training, and mentoring unto fulfillment of their given destiny. There is no place to be found for them to become clear and well-defined in lines of communication or covenant and kingdom community. Or, if they do discover a place that is healthy and vibrant in covenant relationships they do not stay there or anywhere for too long while living and leaning on their limited notion that, "If things get too heated around here, just leave, bail out, jump ship, and man overboard as always!...How sad! I call this "ROAMING Charges!" lol.

To witness the seriousness of God's house, note the scriptures below...

1 Timothy 5:19-21...Rebuke before all...

Leviticus 17:9...cut off from God's people...

Numbers… 19:20: such a man defiles God's sanctuary and must be cut off...

1 Corinthians 5:13...put away from among yourselves that wicked person...

2 Corinthians 2:6...punishment was inflicted by many...

Proverbs 15:10...{Please read and review}

According to the word of God, a person can be bound until loosed. The assembly has the authority to bind and can loose when the person has truly repented. This happened in 1994 when a woman sought repentance with God and valid leadership at one of our established assemblies. After she admitted the offense and received forgiveness we released her to go on from here, and the sickness in her body disappeared. Upon further examination the doctors could no longer find it, nor was surgery needed. Why, for she got it right before the apostles and elders, and the saints. These and other similar things happened numerous times over the years when folk tried to circumvent and undermine that which the Lord blessed us to establish. We realize more then ever that we were sent of the Lord to bring order {in HIS leading, timing, and design} order out of chaos, light out of darkness, bringing to light wisdom and knowledge which is the stability of times. Isaiah 33:6

Is any among you afflicted?...Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the assemblies; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that you may be healed...James 5:13-16

E - Repentance and Reconciliation: If the person returns to repent in private and in public, confessing his sin of offense, and desiring true restoration as well, the assembly can loose the offender as he or she is privileged to be a part of the local flock or ministry once again.
In all of this, we are to judge with righteous judgment, as confirmed in John 7:24, and not by the flesh...John 8:15

Unrepentant and Non-judged Sin

If the disturbing tenor of sin is allowed to continue in the leadership, assemblies and ministries, like Achan it may delay what God wants to do in the corporate anointing. {James 5:14-16}. No, it is not to suggest the delay in the nature and operation of who God is, but our given mission and mandate can become plagued by inherent character flaws, unchallenged behavior, and faulty foundations.

Sins are retained against a person until they repent and are reconciled...Matthew 16:19; 18:18; John 20:23...they are retained...2 Corinthians 5:19

If more elders, assemblies, and related ministries would properly judge sin among themselves, the local and national news media wouldn't have to step in to do so. If we take our brothers and sisters to the courts, and smear their names all over the media, or break rank in local leadership to attempt to expose our leader's weaknesses while uncovering their nakedness, we are no different from the conventional worldly system and all of its liberal media and deceitful values.
Just the same, what are some things, which the church is to righteously judge?

1 - Those that bring divisions in the assembly...According to Romans 16:17-18 you must mark them which causes division and strife within your midst. One year while ministering in the Rockies I called home to speak with my wife in Houston and was quickened to ask of a certain someone and how they were doing. I had just felt something extracted from me from afar. Well, needless to say that certain someone whom I had asked about had went into perdition and I picked it up in my spirit over 1000 miles away. You will know in the Spirit when virtue leaves your body for healing, strength, and vital life unto another, or when there is some kind happening in your local body from far away.

Many years ago we witnessed a number of people leaving an assembly over an attempt to bring insurrection before leaders. The sad thing was it stemmed primarily from one person in cahoots with outside voices and chaotic connections, whom was given the biblical pattern of discipline at the first. All attempts to restore them had failed according to the pattern. The matter was openly divulged to the entire assembly. Unfortunately, the dragon drew a third of the stars with its tail, and in another sense, the Cherubim at the way to Eden would not allow such rebellion to habitat among the assembly. If you permit rebellion in your house, it will never leave your house. The problems with so-called falling away of saints, church splits, and frivolous parting of company stems from a foundational problem. Not always a prayer problem, but a wisdom problem which requires a wisdom solution.

Either the local assembly needs to rethink its wineskin, remove old death structures, revamp its design, or to express clearly its core values, competencies, and policies and procedures.
But one thing is for certain, the real issue has to do with the need to reestablish and to re-relate to father - son spiritual order within the local assemblies as in Acts we see apostleship, eldership, discipleship, producing SONSHIP. In every local assembly we either established or helped others in establishing regionally, the subject, planning, and implementation of the order of father and son came up. It had to, yet many had loathed and detested this level of spiritual order with passionate anger. For one thing, it was the foundation and basis for all ministry in understanding the King and His kingdom, and according to 2 Timothy 2:20 "Nevertheless the Foundation of God stands sure..." Oftentimes, the issues lies in ones own makeup and lineage at home, problems with their own dad and mom, or someone close to them in the present or past. Then when unchallenged, it finds its way trekking into the corporate anointing of the saints.

2 - Those with disorderly conduct...1 Thessalonians 3:6-15 {Especially verse 14}

We can write the book regarding disorderly conduct. We have witnessed people wanting to assume the ministry of apostle, to high wage earners who wanted to bring their influence among the saints in various assemblies across America. From people who came to challenge whether or not the apostolic leadership is called to such progression of purpose, to folk who left other assemblies out of hurt, rejection, bitterness, and a wounded spirit only to hook up with another assembly or ministry. When you have a party spirit, or have not resolved the anger from many broken relationships among other bodies of saints, you will bring such ideals into the new fellowship you are becoming a part of. If you treat one ministry father with contempt, and expect the new ministry father to really pamper and please you at every whim of your imagination, you are out of order. For one thing, if you are so quick to tear down your leaders so easily from before what’s to prevent you from doing the same with us or anyone else? Not forgetting, we cannot be bought or sold, and fatherhood does not tickle your funny-bone either. If appointed of the Lord, our life is tied into together towards destiny, for we have made {versus missing} the appointment of the Lord.

One day an emerging apostle desired us to be his spiritual father. He went through the whole ritual of proving {announcing} we were the ones, and lavished us with great things. Though we did not ask to be served in the choicest seats and the best of accommodations, we discerned that this person was taking us for a ride. We begin to give this immediate attention and distant ourselves from his eagerness to proclaim us as his special someone, and encouraged that he go through a process of His Purpose in the matter. Later, when the novelty wore off, he became very distant from us, suspicious of our actions, and spoke indignant of us. Why? For he had never been properly healed from the hurts of his own natural parents, and particularly his ministry fathers whom he made appearing to be the abominable Snowman.
After a while, we talked over the phone, as he himself had already returned to his so-called spiritual father, all because of a misunderstanding he had with him from long before. Such misunderstanding had him to seek us out to claim us for his father in the Spirit which was really avoiding the real issues at hand, and searching for some significance in another. And at the change of a hat, this soon shaken man returned to the very one that was imparting to him from before, the one which he characterized as something almost evil. We agreed he had to get it right with his significant other {in the ministry}. For again, it is dangerous for someone to claim you as their father, while breathing hatred, familiarity, and contempt to the one who was once to have begotten you in the gospel. As a policy in ministry, we do not endorse frivolous relationships as a core mechanism of ministry. We do not make room for others to subvert whole households, and to lay claim on us as their significant other without the FIRE of God, and the weighty glory of His Shekinah revealing and dealing between us and in our midst.

Therefore, we continue to confirm with emerging sons in the Spirit, to get things in order with past leadership as much as possible, as God allows, and with the help and grace of the Lord in a manner pleasing unto Him. Get things in order with personal relationships. Apostles and elders, you have the right of privilege to call and to speak with senior ministers of other assemblies where the dissident members are coming from, and if is deemed necessary, an agreed background check and references from the individual's prior leadership and ministry on a relational and mutual basis of course, and in servant leadership and loving grace. Let us be certain the Lord is doing the knitting. If the Lord is not, that so-called knitting becomes a tight rope wrapped around the neck. For you will know when the appointment is of the Lord. You will know when it is the Lord’s doing, and HE will not have us succumb to the negativity of toxic relationships, negative about all churches, negative about people trying to help one in dire need, negative towards apostles receiving and dispensing resources in full kingdom design, and negative about LIFE itself…Psalms 118:23; Amos 3:3...

A good thing is to give room for the Lord to do HIS pleasure, for it may not be the timing of the Lord or His design for just anyone to claim you as their father, or for you to walk with several others as if they were all your sons. Some apostles give a one year assessment, some six months, and other apostle friends of ours assert that the son, like Elisha, will follow his Elijah wherever appointed for Elijah to go, according to 2 Kings chapter 2. Elijah's passion became Elisha's passion, the ministry of the father became the ministry of the son. You can see this when sons desire to share the burden of the ministry, and to endure the suffering of the father as God gives and increases His unlimited glory. Faithful in the least, faithful in money matters, and faithful in that which is another man's work or ministry.

If the fathers in the making or in potential, does not see or witness the Spirit of the Lord in this level of relationship, or if the supposed and yet potential son is straddling the fence if you will, not open to receive from his appointed Elijah, always substituting and not representing, competitive and cocky, and not walking in humility with their father, then the potential spiritual father has the right to move forward and further on into greener pastures and flowing brooks until there is a divine restlessness within that potential son leading unto a divine commitment together through divine relationship. Again, two cannot walk together except they are agreed or appointed. Love is a two way street. True sons will serve in the vision of their father as this helps to unlock the destinies of the sons coming into their inheritance in ministry, who have been begotten into a lively hope, and are being formed into a bold new lineage of the Spirit.

3 - Those who are teaching contrary to sound doctrine: A particular brother we knew made it clear that a wife was to do whatever the husband said, regardless. He was also a male chauvinist, with a bad marriage interpreting scripture through his own hurt and demise. He used scripture to justify his own disorder in the home, arrogant, and demanding, and leading his wife around like a puppet on a string. He defined this scenario as the work of the ministry...Matthew 15:9 1 Timothy 1:3, 19-20; 4:1-3; 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:16; 2:23; Titus 3:9; 1 John 4:1-6; 2 John 10; Revelation 2:14-15, 20-23

Discipline of elders

Psalms 105:15...Touch not mine anointed...1 Samuel 26:9

If every time a leader stumbled or sinned, and the congregation first put their hands on the apostolic eldership to discipline, that assembly would have a hard time keeping leadership. If congregations are always on the warpath with their leaders, or with conspiracy theories, loaded questions, suspicion, slander, backbiting, and tearing down leadership and uncovering their nakedness if you will, then that assembly has little to NO revelation of church government and spiritual order...for the government is wrong, the spiritual order is not according to the pattern, the people lack apostolic judgment and discretion, and remember, where there is Divine Order there is also HIS Divine Presence! And if there is the glory departing, then it should not be hard to fathom the outcome of Ichabod.

To confirm the important principle of divine discipline, please note the one, which first and foremost judged leadership. Was it the Lord or the people?

...In Numbers, 12, who dealt with Miriam?

...In Numbers, 16, who dealt with Korah?

...In Leviticus, 10, who dealt with Nadab and Abihu?

...In Numbers, 20:12, who dealt with Moses? {Promised land}

...In Acts 5, who dealt with Ananias and Sapphira?

God uses other elders to deal with elders

...In Galatians 2:11, who dealt with Peter?

...In 1 Samuel 13:13, who dealt with Saul?

...In 2 John 9-10, who dealt with Diotrephes?

...In 2 Samuel 12:7, who dealt with David?

{Read 1 Timothy 5:19-21, rebuking elders, or not...}

Keep in mind, that the general mass of the assembly does not carry the weightier matters of authority to administer governmental judgment. There is a place in God's counsels where the norm is not in place, and we trust the Lord to do his pleasure even in that which we don't understand. However, such authority comes from appointed seasoned ministries, although it is good for God's people to understand Apostolic Church Judgment...For in truth, there is a place where the assembly had tried those who said they were apostles and were not, finding them to be liars. This scriptural witness can be found in Revelation 2:2

1 Peter 4:17...Judgment begins in the house of God...

Matthew 7:1-2...Admonishes us not to pass judgment upon other people, or to criticize by our own standards, using our own yardstick...

John 8:15...We are not to judge after our own flesh...

1 Corinthians 11:31...Learn to judge yourselves, examine ourselves...

Isaiah 26:8-9...God's people learn righteousness through his judgments...

James 2:13 {RSV}...Mercy triumphs over judgment

Revelation 19:11...Christ, our white horse rider, judges and makes war, righteously...

Divine Discipline {#2}

The second aspect of discipline is called "Divine Discipline." Here, some people fail the test of church discipline and are subject to the divine chastening of the Lord. In this particular area, the hand of the Lord now deals with you individually.

In the old or first testament, there are instances of divine discipline. In Genesis 3, we have God's discipline to Adam and Eve. In Numbers 12, we have the discipline of Miriam's sin. In Joshua 7, we have the sin of Achan being judged.

Also, we have the story of Korah's company in Numbers 16 and that of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18-19.

Now, divine discipline is weightier in scope than the protocol of church discipline. For in church discipline, one may be excommunicated from the local church, but in a more tragic sense, divine discipline can go as far as your removal from off the face of the whole earth through death.
If any man see his brother sin a sin that is not unto death, he shall ask, and he {God} shall forgive him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 1 John 5:16

Here, the sin {missing the mark, not to receive the prize} could be direct willful disobedience to the will of God for your life, overt sin in the assemblies as a mockery to God's standard pristine living, living a lie with a seared conscience, or overt rebellion to what God has established for that assembly and your life's progression. I have seen the end of a number of folks over the years that chose to disobey the Lord, even in their calling and purpose. According to 1 Corinthians 11, some believers get weak, sick, and die before their time, not discerning the Lord's body. Thus, the highest form of excommunication under divine discipline is physical death, the removal of your life from off this very face of the earth. We have witnessed this too, on several occasions.
Apostles of the Spirit and by the grace of God, though servant leaders of love, humility, and servanthood, are given authority and boldness robed in humility and meekness to set the house in order. It is not an option, or some given past time. Not only do apostles set things into divine order, the divine order for the local and regional development of ministries is apostles, relational, and not impositional, serving, and not to be seen, leading by example, precept, and demonstration, and not as some lord over the conscience of the people. I pray you receive this in wisdom and revelation.

Beloved, though God is full of compassion and mercy, never underestimate the judgment and dealings of God for bringing true spiritual order within the assemblies. Yes I understand that his mercy triumphs over judgment. But this is not a Tim Early translation either: rather, a kingdom principle. We lend to aberrant and spurious behavior in the assemblies of the saints by permitting rebellious and chaotic disorder to flourish through its lair. We become the problem as apostles, elders, etc., for not setting up father - son order within the assemblies in conjunction with the theocratic eldership of those flocks. Therefore we must redesign and re-relate to the culture of the kingdom in our given sphere and community in P&P's, core values, right relationships, and new ways and means of healthy and wholesome communication. If we don't stand for something we fall for anything. As apostles {with elders}, it is our God given responsibility to set things into order, although our authority is limited. For we are not the apostles of the whole world {smile}, but to our given sphere and grace, and through our measure of rule and allotted portion. Nevertheless, don't apologize for setting spiritual and governmental order in the house no more should a parent apologize for simply being a parent.

Let the apostles arise in the regions with prophets, and let the elders be ordained in every church and in every city...It is the nature of God and the nurturing of the Father's heart to set in order the things that are lacking.

More to share and coming up in the appointed time...

In covenant,
Apostle Tim and Theresa Early
FAP International {Ephesians 2:20-22}
www.apostlesandprophets.net