Modern Day Apostles and Prophets?

Are There Modern Day Apostles and Christian Prophets Today?


by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.

www.jimfeeney.org

Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Curiously, and without biblical support, this fivefold list of ordained ministries from Ephesians 4:11 has been split by the modern church into two lists.

There is nearly universal acceptance of the evangelist, pastor, and teacher as being valid ministries for the church today. But the ministries of apostles and Christian prophets are relegated by many to the first-century church only. But in recent years, many Christians have been reexamining the Scriptures to answer the increasingly heard questions: Are there apostles today? Are there prophets today? Were the ancient bible prophets and bible apostles the only valid ones? Or are there modern day prophets (that is, Christian prophets) and contemporary apostles? Does apostolic and prophetic ministry continue in our day?

The intent of this bible study is to prove biblically that all of what have been called the “fivefold” ministry or “ascension gift” ministries are valid and needed in the Christian Church today. The “perfecting of the saints” intended by the Lord (Ephesians 4:12) will require all five of these ministry gifts given by the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11).

Ephesians 2:19-20 ...God’s people...[are] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

1. Apostles and prophets are the two foundational ministries in the body of Christ. I have great respect for dedicated evangelists, pastors and teachers. I am personally ordained to two of those three ministries — pastor and bible teacher. But the bible singles out prophets and apostles as the two ministries which, anchored to Jesus the Chief Cornerstone, undergird the Lord’s Church. All Christians are entitled to be built on this apostolic and prophetic foundation. And we will see later in this study that these are not just restricted to the early church’s apostles and the Old Testament prophets. They include contemporary, modern day prophets and apostles as well.

1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

Ephesians 4:7-8, 11 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men” ... [11] It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.

2. Who gives these ministries to the Church? These verses above declare that it is God the Father and Jesus the Son of God who give these ministries to the church. Jesus Himself is the premier expression of each of these offices.

• “Jesus, the apostle...whom we confess” (Hebrews 3:1)

• “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth” (Matthew 21:11).

• Jesus was certainly the Great Soulwinner, the consummate evangelist.

• Jesus is “the Shepherd [Greek word for “pastor”] and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25).

• “Rabbi, we know you [Jesus] are a teacher who has come from God” (John 3:2).

It seems that Jesus — the chief apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher — is giving an expression of Himself to the Church in the form of these ministry gifts. For example, in Paul, Peter, and the other apostles we see a partial reflection of the perfect apostleship of Christ. In Agabus (Acts 11:27f; 21:10f) and other Christian prophets we see a partial expression of the perfect prophetic ministry of Jesus. The same could be said for God-given evangelists, pastors and teachers.

3. Apostles and Christian prophets are in the Church for the entire church age. A number of Scriptures (see below) make it very clear that prophets and apostles were intended for the full church age, and not just for the first century church.

Ephesians 3:4-5 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

Paul declares that the mystery has “now been revealed...to God’s holy apostles and prophets.” These were “now” — that is, contemporary — apostles and prophets in the Church several decades after Christ’s resurrection and ascension to heaven.

Some have erroneously identified the “prophets” in this verse as Old Testament prophets. But this very Scripture says quite the opposite. It states that the prophets receiving this “now” revelation were “NOT...men in other generations.” No, these were Christian prophets, contemporary to the time in which Paul was writing. There were prophets (and apostles, too) existing in the New Testament church long after Jesus had ascended back to heaven.

Ephesians 4:8, 11-13 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men” ... [11] It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Here the apostle Paul gives us additional proofs that apostles and prophets were to continue during the Church Age.

• “When He ascended on high...He gave...some to be apostles, some to be prophets...” These were not the original Twelve apostles. This refers to apostles and prophets that Jesus continued to give after His ascension to heaven! For that reason some have called the “fivefold” ministries of Ephesians 4:11 the “ascension gift ministries.” Having ascended to heaven, Jesus continues to give all five, not just evangelists, pastors and teachers.

• And this giving of five ministries by Christ was not just to get the early church started. Rather, the giving of all five is needed “until we all...become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” That is an ongoing process occupying the entire time between Jesus’ First Coming and His Second Coming.

Revelation 11:10 The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.

These “two prophets” are the Lord’s “two witnesses” (Rev. 11:3) at the very end of the Church Age during the time of the Antichrist. Again we see Christian prophets long after the time of the early church, in fact at the very end of this age.

Revelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you.

As end-time “Babylon” is judged, there is a call to contemporary, modern day, end time “saints and apostles and prophets” to rejoice over this divine judgment. Once again, contemporary apostles and Christian prophets are seen, not only at the beginning of the church age, but (here) at the end.

4. Is the New Testament Church today properly structured?

The answer to that question can be found in a very simple test. May I add that most Christians will fail this test!

• Question #1 — Which three of the Ephesians 4:11 ministries are mentioned most in the New Testament?

• Question #2 — Which two of those fivefold ministries are mentioned least in the New Testament?

The answers may shock you. They indicate how far out of balance the contemporary church has grown compared to the original church that Christ established on the earth.

• Answer to question #1:

• The word “apostle(s)” occurs 85 times in the New Testament.

• The word “prophet(s)” occurs over 150 times in the New Testament, about 20 of those occurrences referring distinctly to prophets in the Church Age.

• The word “teacher(s)” occurs 125 times in the New Testament.

• Answer to question #2:

• The word “evangelist(s)” occurs only 3 times in the New Testament.

• The word “pastor(s)” occurs precisely one (1) time in the entire New Testament! One time! (Ephesians 4:11)

Consider those numbers. The Bible speaks of New Testament apostles, prophets, or teachers a combined total of at least 200 times. Pastors and evangelists are mentioned a combined total of four times!

And yet the modern day church calls most ministers by the term “Pastor” and shies away from “apostles” and “prophets” like a horse avoiding a rattlesnake! Man’s prejudices, fears, or misinterpretations have deprived the Lord’s Church of the two foundational ministries — apostles and prophets — that He Himself placed on earth. The Church today, wherever it denies these two ministries, is improperly structured. Pastors, evangelists, and teachers alone cannot bring the church to maturity. They were never intended to. Jesus gave all five ministries for that purpose.

In the two sections that follow, we will examine the characteristics and work of prophets and apostles in the Church Age. Nowhere in Scripture is there a concise, precisely worded “job description” of these two offices. Therefore, I will offer to the reader overviews, or composites, of these two ministries in the New Testament. Of course, no individual apostle or prophet can be expected to fulfill every aspect of these descriptions. That level of perfection remains the privilege of the Lord Jesus Himself.

5. What are the biblical characteristics and ministry of apostles?

• Acts 2:4 They were filled with the Spirit.

• Acts 2:14-36 They preached the Word of God.

• Acts 3:1-8 They healed the sick.

• Acts 4:1-12 They were persecuted.

• Acts 5:1-11 They pronounced God’s judgment.

• Acts 5:12 They worked signs and wonders.

• Acts 5:42 They taught and preached Jesus Christ.

• Acts 6:1-6 They ordained deacons.

• Acts 8:14-17 They laid their hands on others to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

• Acts 8 and later chapters. They founded and/or strengthened new churches.

• Acts 9:36-43 They raised the dead.

• Acts 10 They preached to the Gentiles.

• Acts 12:1-11 They were martyred, persecuted, and sometimes delivered.

• Acts 13:4 They were sent by the Holy Spirit (the root of the word “apostle” means “sent”).

• Acts 13:11 They pronounce a curse.

• Acts 14:21-22 They confirmed disciples in their faith.

• Acts 14:23 They ordained elders.

• Acts 15:1-21 They settled doctrinal disputations.

• Acts 16:18 They cast out demons.

• Acts 19:22 They sent forth other ministering men.

• Acts 20-28 list further ministries that apostles performed.

• 1 Corinthians 3:10 They were wise master builders. They laid spiritual foundations.

• 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 The apostle Paul warned his “sons” in the faith.

• 1 Corinthians 7:1 They counseled and answered the saints’ questions.

• 1 Corinthians 11:34 They set churches in order.

• 2 Corinthians 11:28 Paul exercised “care of all the churches.”

• 2 Corinthians 13:10 They used their authority for edification.

• Ephesians 2:20 Apostles are part of the foundation of the church.

• Ephesians 3:3-5 They received revelation from God.

• Ephesians 4:11-12 They perfected the saints.

6. What are the biblical characteristics and ministry of New Testament, Christian prophets?

• Acts 11:27-28 They (1) did trans-local ministry and (2) they foretold future events.

• Acts 13:1 They can be among the leaders of a local church.

• Acts 15:32 they exhorted and confirmed the brethren, sometimes with “many words.”

• Acts 21:10-11 They may give personal, predictive prophecies.

• 1 Corinthians 14:29 They prophesied in church services.

• Ephesians 2:20 Prophets are part of the foundation of the church.

• Ephesians 3:3-5 Prophets may receive revelation from God.

• Ephesians 4:11-12 Prophets perfected the saints.

7. Should we identify and recognize apostles and prophets today? Certainly!

Luke 6:13 When morning came, [Jesus] called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles. If Jesus named them and designated and recognized them as apostles, how can we do otherwise?

Acts 14:4 ...the apostles Barnabas and Paul...” The New Testament, here and in many other verses, consistently recognized men by name in the office of apostle.

1 Corinthians 14:29, 32, 37 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.... [32] The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.... [37] If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.

The early church — here, the church at Corinth — found it quite normal to have a prophet or prophets in the church.

Acts 13:1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers

Again, it was not unusual, but accepted, that there might be prophets (even plural prophets) in a local church. And the New Testament church recognized other Christian prophets by name:

• Agabus (Acts 11:28; 21:10)

• Judas and Silas (Acts 15:32)

Matthew 10:41a, KJV He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward.

Why beat around the bush? Jesus tells us to receive someone who is a prophet “in the name of a prophet.” There is no biblical encouragement for identifying certain ones as “evangelists, pastors and teachers” and then identifying true prophets and apostles with correct but controvery-avoiding phrases like: “He has an apostolic [or prophetic] ministry.” As if the Lord has given three nouns (evangelist, pastor, teacher) and two adjectives (apostolic, prophetic)! No! Jesus said to receive a prophet “in the name of a prophet.” It’s time for the Church to shake off the fear of man and return to biblical patterns.

My prayer is that once more in the 21st century, as in the first century, the Church will return to the clear pattern of Scripture. May the body of Christ once again grow and thrive as we open our hearts to the God-given ministries of modern day, 21st-century apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

And may the Church recognize also the biblical, local-church ministries of God-called elders and deacons, as well as the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Revival can again break out in churches determined to search the Scriptures, to rediscover the proven, historical "ancient landmarks" of God's word, to open their hearts to the ministries of God-given, modern day apostles and Christian prophets, and to “build ... everything according to the pattern” (Hebrews 8:5) laid out by God in Scripture.

Pioneers Fail, But They Are Not Failures

Mike McClung:

A Message for Kingdom Pioneers: You Are Not a Failure!

I am very thankful for those pioneers of the Kingdom of God, going all the way back to Abraham, who've braved the unknown and the scorn of others to press forward in their obedience to God's call and leading. We owe everything we are and have to the spiritual and natural pioneers who've faced misunderstanding and death at almost every turn to pave the way for those of us in this day to settle and enjoy the blessings and benefits, both from the spiritual and natural dimensions.

There are many pioneers still moving forward into realms yet unreached for no other reason than they heard the voice of Abba call them, and they've left all to pursue Him out of love and simple obedience. This is a lonely, misunderstood and often dangerous place to be, fraught with spiritual, mental, emotional, financial and relational pressures and warfare that we may not be aware of. I have a message for those pioneers that answered the call of God to press into the unknown: you are NOT a failure.

Pioneers May Have Failings, But They are Not Failures

Ezekiel 13:5 (NKJV) says, "You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord."

Pioneers who have pressed past their own comfort to embrace the Cross of Christ within in order to prepare a way, a place and a people for His presence and His purposes, are having to deal with a great sense of failure. A lot of this is because of the lack of response from others to the Holy Spirit's message and work through these pioneers. My word from the Lord, again, to those pioneers: you are NOT a failure!

Pioneers have failings, but if they have obeyed and endured, they are NOT failures. Pioneers make "all" the mistakes, because they have gone into places no one else has gone, except for the Lord Himself. Pioneers are not promised that they will not make mistakes, but just like Moses, God promises to "be with them." Pioneers are called by God to follow Him, and if they make mistakes, they can LEARN from them, recover, adjust and press on.

As a pioneer, have you ever gone into a boxed canyon? You might have thought, "What have I done? How did I miss God? If I were only more (fill in the blank), this would not have happened." You have not failed. Repent for any self-pity, come out of the boxed canyon and place a sign there that says, "Boxed canyon...don't go in there!" Your seeming failure becomes a path that succeeding generations and followers will not have to take. Having failings does not make us a failure. If we learn from them, it makes us wise, vulnerable and ever more sensitive to the leading and voice of the Holy Spirit.

"Was Abraham a Failure? Remember Elijah, My Children!"

Recently, I was dealing with this very same question of appearing to be a failure because the success of the ministry seemed in great doubt. While out prayer-walking and seeking the Lord, He asked me a question: "Was Abraham a failure? Remember Elijah, son!" That's all He said to me, but every failing I have experienced and every burden I'd been under was instantly lifted off my heart. I've had many failings, both personal and ministerial, but the Lord was letting me know that I was not a failure in His eyes because I kept moving forward in obedience to Him.

Both Abraham and Elijah obeyed the Lord and launched out as pioneers into unexplored territory filled with incredible demonic activity. They simply obeyed in love, not knowing what to expect but knowing Who called them, and they were convinced He was faithful to keep them. Both men had personal struggles and failures. But, in spite of their failings, they were not a failure in God's sight. Both Abraham and Elijah received God's stamp of approval for their faith and obedience.

Like Abraham, there are many daring to tread into uncharted wilderness territory where nobody has gone before. "Abe" was told to leave his family, who were idolaters, who practiced child sacrifice. He had to leave the familiar to engage God's presence and promises. He had to find the fatherhood of God and be trained in His ways, so he, in turn, could become "the father of many nations" that the Lord had promised (not to mention, the salvation of the whole human race through the child of promise—Jesus—who would come forth).

Abraham was not only being called to go to a land Abba would eventually give to a covenant people, but to bring a transformation to human fatherhood by revealing His own Fatherhood, in type, through Abraham. Abraham was a pioneer, not just of a land and a people, but of bringing the Fatherhood of God back to the human race so He could be known and experienced as Abba. Abraham had many failings, but he was not a failure!

To all those pioneers who have answered God's call to uncharted spiritual or other territory: You may have failed in certain ways or in certain things, but you are not a failure!

Mike McClung

Lionheart Restoration Ministries/

The Prayer Furnace of East Tennessee

Email: mikem@lionheartministries.org

Website: www.lionheartministries.org

Mike McClung is the Director of Lionheart Restoration Ministries and The Prayer Furnace of East Tennessee, which is a ministry dedicated to establishing night and day worship and intercession for the East Tennessee region and to bring wholeness and healing to both Believer and non-believer. He has a strong prophetic gifting coupled with a calling to see revival and reformation come to the Body of Christ. Mike has traveled extensively at home and overseas, calling the individual Believer to intimacy and Christlike character, and to prepare the corporate Body of Messiah to be a true resting place of God's presence and glory. Mike has been involved in Native American reconciliation initiatives and forums, and apostolic and prophetic summits in the U.S. and abroad. Mike is married to his wife, Kelly, and they reside in Maryville, Tennessee. Mike has one daughter, Hannah.

Strange Fire

AVOIDING Strange FIRE

by Jonas Clark.

www.jonasclark.com

The Holy Spirit is not strange, weird or mystical. He is the third part of the Trinity. He is a gentleman, statesman and a loving God that lifts up Christ the only begotten son of God. He is not a female presence, an it, a thing, a midst, a feeling or some orphic force

There are many people interested in prophetic ministry and there’s much confusion about it.

Throughout your ministry you will be faced with many odd, even strange things that will require much spiritual discernment. Spiritual discernment will come from the Holy Spirit and be verified by many Scriptures throughout the written Word of God. History has introduced many divagating prophets with strange manifestations. Your advantage is four thousand years of written biblical history to use as your guide for accuracy from Adam to Christ. One corner stone for staying biblical is using that written history as your foundation for measuring truth. When strange things happen look to the Word for biblical examples. If you can’t find any then something is terribly wrong.

Experiences, even vivid, powerful, and supernatural ones are not measurements for truth. In my generation some have gold dust, feathers, gems, and people barking and roaring like lions in their meetings. A search through the Scriptures gives no evidence that the Holy Spirit used any of these things to confirm Christ’s Word. Others say female angels are healing people. There is no evidence of the existence of female angels in the Word. These are only a few examples of strange fire. Someone may tell you that the things of the Spirit can’t be understood by the natural man. That’s not true at all because the Holy Spirit can be understood. He never violates the written Word. The things of the Spirit are understood by the logos, the Bible (Hebrews 4:12). The Holy Spirit is not strange, weird or mystical. He is the third part of the Trinity. He is a gentleman, statesman and a loving God that lifts up Christ the only begotten son of God. He is not a female presence, an it, a thing, a midst, a feeling or some orphic force.

PROPHETS OF DECEPTION

In my generation Jezebel and Baalim prophets are the prevailing enemies of true prophetic ministry. In the last twenty years these spirits have become sophisticated, built their own network of churches, followers, training schools, written many books and produced many training videos. These spirits intend to hijack the prophetic ministry and hold themselves out to be the experts in the field. They condemn any criticism by outsiders as irrelevant, unloving, ignorant and judgmental. Hopefully by the time you read this material their folly will be known to all and your generation will escape their deceptions. More than likely things are much worse. If so, you will find them as your strongest opponents.

Both these prophetic groups and others you will encounter have all types of strange signs and wonders in their meetings. Just remember not all wonders, no matter how mystical and exciting are from the Holy Ghost (1 John 4:1). Even legitimate miracles in meetings do not confirm these ministers are flowing right. Scripture says, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23).

One particular trait among them is the love of money that finances extravagant lifestyles. Those that embrace these spirits are merchandisers. A merchandiser sells prophecies, healings, religious oils, potions and various products that reinforce their beliefs. Typically they work within their own networks focusing on getting as much money from people as possible. They have all kinds of gimmick offerings that manipulate people. They are always recruiting followers to join their groups. I have seen them work every kind of evil when it comes to stealing from God’s people.

One young man met with me that hooked up with one of these merchandising networks. He gave me his ordination papers from the various ministers within the network and renounced his involvement. He said the purpose of their many conferences is to raise money, not to advance the ministry of Christ. After services they divide the offerings among themselves. He shocked me when he said the amount of money one raises confirms the level of their prophetic anointing. For several hours he spoke of many individuals, some well known and others obscure, gave their names and explained numerous evil strategies for meetings across our nation. They even merchandise one another. They look for young naïve upstarts to turn into devils like themselves. There is every sort of evil working behind the scenes among these people. These are “professional prophets” that watch videos and listen to audios to learn the sayings and particular mannerisms of true ministers of the Gospel and from their own they think are effective deceivers (Jeremiah 23:30). Avoid them and don’t do any meetings with them or for them and don’t attend them. Beware their accolades, flatteries and smiles toward you. At first they will flatter you. If that works then they will merchandise you. If that doesn’t work they will blackball you. Just remember, if you can be flattered, you can be bought. Christ’s servants are not prostitutes.

A spirit of rejection may attack you if these leaders shun you. If you feel that way just think of it like this, rejection is protection. You don’t need anybodies approval save Christ’s. God’s servants can’t be bought at any price! Don’t try to learn anything from them. You are not a psychic, mystic, spiritist or soothsayer. You are a minister of Christ. You have a responsibility to use your gift as a faithful steward to serve the body of Christ. The purpose of the anointing is to establish and advance the Kingdom of God, give witness to the love of God and confirm to the world the resurrection of Christ our Savior. You will also be called to turn the heart of people toward God, walk in holiness, confront sin and build the Church of Christ. Avoid fame, accolades from men and vain glory, and mind your motives in all things (Proverbs 4:23).

As a New Testament prophet your prophetic flow is primarily used for edification, exhortation and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Your gift also helps turn logos, the written Word to rhema, life giving Word as the Holy Spirit wills. Again, you are not a physic. A physic uses demon powers to prophesy. As already said, you are not a mystic. A mystic is one that uses spirit counterfeits to appear like they have some sort of special access or favor with God.

False prophets can release fear and curses. I have heard them tell people if they don’t obey they endanger themselves. That type of stuff is nothing but witchcraft. Bind it up and carry on for Jesus. No prophet is anointed by the Holy Spirit to curse people. Paul said “bless and curse not” (Romans 12:14). Cursing is a sure sign of a false prophet. Baalim, a true prophet gone bad, did the same and lost his life for it. God doesn’t send storms, hurricanes and earthquakes to judge people, cities and nations for their sins. Jesus said these things would increase before His return. Yes, one day their will be a judgment of the living and the dead but fear does not lead people to Christ. God’s loving kindness, the good news does, and the offer of forgiveness of sin to the repentant (John 3:16).

SEARCHING HIDDEN SECRETS

As a prophet of Christ you will depend only on the Holy Spirit and the written Word of God. You don’t need objects from peoples clothing, locks of hair or photos to assist you to prophesy. Nor will you need to astral project into the spirit world. You will not blend the New Age teachings of the god-self into your teachings or try to unlock hidden meanings or secrets within Scripture. You will not sell prophecies, potions or elixirs. You are not an occultist, soothsayer, medium or shaman. Occultists search for hidden secrets and “knowledge of the hidden.” They use various methods to find obscured „truths‟ like numerology and the reading of Hebrew symbols and letters. Numerology is the study of relationships between numbers and objects needed by spiritualists for divination. Kabala practitioners, for example, look for knowledge of the hidden in numbers and symbols. This is not biblical! I have seen people use the Hebrew calendar and its annual symbols to prophesy events of the coming year. This is not the working of the Holy Spirit but the sign of ancient Babylonian soothsayers. Jannes and Jambres are biblical examples. Scripture says the secret things belong to our Lord and what He has chosen to reveal are found in His Word, only occultist search for the forbidden. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Some things will not be easily discerned. In some cases you will have to wait for the appearance of fruit (Matthew 7:17). As you wait for the fruit to appear remember that the Holy Ghost doesn’t produce unstable, bizarre or flaky people. They will be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. They will be full of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Beware unholy mixtures. Don’t knowingly preach with amoral teachers, preachers, musicians or singers and don’t sit in their meetings, either. You will find that many in error are very talented but talent does not usher in the presence of the Holy Ghost. Talent is seen in skillful performances and useful for entertaining. Entertainment, however, will not change hearts. As a prophet you are called to turn hearts to Christ, not put on a show for people.

Avoid the gold, the glory and the girls. This is an old proverb that will help you make it. Yes, God will prosper you because obedience to His Word always brings a measure of prosperity. Scripture says, however, that “The love of money is the root of all evil.” As you minister don’t forget that all the glory belongs to God. Scripture reminds us, “He will not give his glory to another” (Isaiah 42:8). Finally, beware of sexual sins. When you get married, stay faithful to the spouse of your youth. Sexual sin has destroyed the ministries of thousands of people before you arrived on this earth. It can take you out, too.

POLISHED SHOWMANSHIP

As already said, avoid strange fire. Strange fire is the introduction of something foreign into the ministry, message, church, prophecy, prayer, offering or “anointing”. The sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, offered strange fire and lost their lives (Leviticus 10:1-10). The ministry is a holy ministry with holy servants serving a holy God.

Your gift is not to put on a show. You are not an entertainer. Keep your flow right. Deceitful prophets are showmen and know how to work a crowd. Polished showmanship, no matter how mystical, spiritually appearing or entertaining is not the anointing. You may live in a time where the difference is not clear and God may use you to bring clarity. Some revivals attract strange fire. You can read the history of the Welch revival in Whales and the Azusa Street revival in North America for examples of strange fire that got into the meetings.

When you’re not sure of things beware the ministry of novices and seek counsel from the trusted old-timers, those gray haired saints that have been walking with God for a long time. The safest are those that have been in the ministry a minimum of 25 years and have lasting fruit. Don’t look to beginners even if they appear to be highly anointed (1 Timothy 3:6). I have seen these young “super-stars” come and go. The race for God’s ministers is a long one. It’s a marathon race that’s completed at heaven’s finish line.

The very things that are the most strange, the Jezebel and Baalim prophets will present themselves as the experts. You should also know that moves of the Holy Spirit are not confirmed by the number of people attending the meetings or by the endorsement from Hollywood Christian personalities. Only by the Word, witness and fruit can you know for sure. Even some fruit is misleading. As already said look for “lasting fruit,” changed lives, salvations and glory for Christ alone. Some of what I have written will probably grieve you. That’s good. If it doesn’t something might be wrong. If you are going to walk closely with God, you will be required to die much inside along this journey. Many things you see will sadden you. Lamentations, morning and woe will be your traveling companions. They will prompt you to intercede for Christ’s will to be done in the lives of your brothers and sisters in the Lord. The good news is that you can make it and bring honor to Christ along the way. The Apostle Paul said it best, “Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3). Avoid strange fire and watch for the return of the King of Glory, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ our Lord.

APERCU

Spiritual discernment will come from the Holy Spirit and be verified by many Scriptures throughout the written Word of God.

In my generation Jezebel and Baalim prophets are the prevailing enemies of true prophetic ministry.

One particular trait among them is the love of money that finances extravagant lifestyles.

A merchandiser sells prophecies, healings, religious oils, potions and various products that reinforce their beliefs.

A physic uses demon powers to prophesy.

A mystic is one that uses spirit counterfeits to appear like they have some sort of special access or favor with God.

As a prophet of Christ you will depend only on the Holy Spirit and the written Word of God. You don’t need objects from peoples clothing, locks of hair or photos to assist you to prophesy.

Avoid the gold, the glory and the girls

Strange fire is the introduction of something foreign into the ministry, message, church, prophecy, prayer, offering or “anointing.”

Polished showmanship, no matter how mystical, spiritually appearing or entertaining is not the anointing.

SOURCE : http://www.jonasclark.com/news/117/ARTICLE/1249/2009-11-09.html

Apostolic Mobilisation and Management

Catherine Brown:

Mobilisation and Management: a Study in the Life of Moses

Wherever Jesus ministered, His presence drew crowds and gathered multitudes to the Father, leading to multi-faceted expressions of the Kingdom being manifested on the earth. From this Biblical blueprint we comprehend that the apostolic anointing has an ability to gather. Gathering has the affect of building momentum, which becomes a catalyst under the anointing of God's Holy Spirit, to cause mobilisation that leads to acceleration, multiplication and advancement of God's Kingdom on earth. Hallelujah!

I believe we are in a season of global outpouring of apostolic grace on the Church to enable us to fulfill the Great Commission. As more and more Believers respond to the harvest mandate, there will be worldwide mobilisation of the Church for the glory of God. Whilst this is a wonderful spiritual reality, we must also embrace the more sobering and perhaps difficult aspects of mobilisation, in that there are many potential pitfalls ahead.

The following short study from the life of Moses will give both the servant "leader" and "follower" spiritual food for thought, which I hope will prove to be a Godly plumb-line, blessing, and an encouragement to all.

Management of people is not an easy task; in truth mobilisation often causes complaining, fault finding, carnality, attack on leaders, and downright rebellion against God. In this article we will look at the effects of complaining, craving and compromise by studying three different incidents in Moses' life during the time when the Israelites were being mobilised by the Lord.

Moses – a Thumbnail Sketch of His Life

Moses – Levite – brother of Aaron (Exodus 6:20, 1 Chronicles 6:3).

Put in a basket in the Nile; discovered and raised by Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:1-10).

Fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15).

Married Zipporah and fathered Gershom (Exodus 2:16-22).

Called by the Lord to deliver Israel (Exodus 3, 4).

Pharaoh's resistance (Exodus 5).

Ten plagues (Exodus 7-11).

Passover and Exodus (Exodus 12-13).

Led Israel through the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

Song of deliverance (Exodus 15:1-21).

Brought water from the rock (Exodus 17:1-7).

Raised hands to defeat Amalakites (Exodus 17:8-16).

Delegated Judges (Exodus 18, Deuteronomy 1:9-18).

Received Law at Sinai (Exodus 19-23; 25-31; John 1:17).

Broke tables because of the golden calf and Israel's idolatry (Exodus 32; Deuteronomy 9).

Saw the glory of the Lord (Exodus 33, 34).

Set apart Aaron and priest (Leviticus 8-9).

Opposed by Aaron and Miriam (Numbers 12).

Sent spies into Canaan (Numbers 13).

Announced 40 years of wandering for failure to enter land (Numbers 16).

Opposed by Korah (Numbers 16).

Forbidden to enter land for striking rock (Numbers 20:1-13, Deuteronomy 1:37).

Lifted bronze snake for healing (Numbers 21:4-9; Jn 3:14).

Succeeded by Joshua (Numbers 27:12-23; Deuteronomy 34).

Death (Deuteronomy 34:5-12).

"Law of Moses" (1 Kings 2:3; Ezra 3:2; Mark 12:26; Luke 24:44) .

"Book of Moses" (2 Chronicles 25:12; Nehemiah 13:1).

"Song of Moses" (Exodus 15:1-21; Revelation 15:3).

"Prayer of Moses" (Psalm 90).

Moses and the Israelites

"Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted they would set out. At the Lord's command they encamped, and at the Lord's command they set out. They obeyed the Lord's order, in accordance with His command through Moses."—Numbers 9:22-23

On the day the tabernacle was set up, the cloud of God rested above it and it looked like fire. The people of God would set out whenever the cloud lifted at the Lord's command (which they received through His anointed leader Moses), and they would settle again whenever and wherever the cloud settled. Sometimes this was only for a day, at other times it could rest in one place for a whole year; but whatever length of time the cloud remained the Israelites encamped or set out in obedience to the command of the Lord.

The Israelites waited for the Lord's signal before they moved out in mobilisation. They trusted the protection of His presence, evidenced by the holy fire above the tabernacle. Likewise, today it is essential that we are led by the Holy Spirit into the new things of God. A people of God's presence will become a people entrusted with God's power, so long as we remain humble and obedient before Him.

The Israelites were in covenant relationship with God and were being established in His purposes and plans. God was developing strong spiritual foundations in them through their leader Moses. Leaders have the humble privilege of helping to establish strong faith foundations in others.

To be established in God's presence means we have a secure covenant relationship with the Lord that enables us to respond in radical obedience to move into God's purposes for our lives. Such foundations enable us to become resolute in pursuing and embracing God's purposes and plans as we wholly surrender our lives to His will.

Led by the Spirit

The tribes of Israel moved out in a divinely mandated order as the divisions of the camp set out one-by-one. The Ark of the Covenant of God went before them and the cloud of the Lord was over them by day (Numbers 10 and verses 33-34, 15-23). The Israelites also responded to trumpet blasts on silver trumpets blown by Aaron's sons, who were the priests. These gave different instructions such as gathering of the heads of the clans, gathering for assembly at the Tent of Meeting and setting out of the tribes. The Israelites were also reminded to blow the trumpets in times of rejoicing, such as the New Moon festivals as a memorial before the Lord.

The Bible teaches us as New Testament Believers that "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."—Galatians 5:25

God also spoke to the Israelites, "When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies."—Numbers 10:9

When the people set out with the Ark of the Covenant Moses prayed, "Rise up, O Lord! May your enemies be scattered! May your foes flee before you." Whenever the cloud came to rest he would pray, "Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel."—Numbers 10:35-36

Penetrating new territory is part of pioneering, which in turn is an element of mobilisation. Such pioneering activity will often involve head on encounter with enemy opposition. So whether one is at the forefront of leading or following in the footsteps of a servant leader, this is an excellent prayer for every Believer involved in mobilising! Not only did Moses pray for God to arise and scatter his enemies, but Moses was also careful to pray for the Lord's presence to return to the multitudes of Israel.

Shift into Apostolic Paradigm

As they were setting out Moses spoke to Hobab and encouraged him to come with them saying, "Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the desert, and you can be our eyes."—Numbers 10:31

Following on from Moses' request, it's evident that he felt Hobab possessed some reconnaissance skills and had experience of the desert. Perhaps we might liken Hobab to one with "eyes to see" in terms of prophetic insight and interpretation. Moses was an apostolic leader and he chose to welcome the prophetic gift into the camp. Apostolic grace, wisdom and prophetic insight are a powerful combination of gifting in the Lord.

It is time for the global Church to shift into the apostolic paradigm. A paradigm is simply a pattern or a model; in this context it simply means a way to "be" Church and receive Christ's apostolic grace anointing by faith and walk in the blessing of fruitfulness that it releases to the Church. Apostolic grace brings acceleration to the purposes and plans of God. It releases encouragement to and through the Church.

The shift into apostolic paradigm makes room for all the gifts; apostolic and prophetic ministers lay strong foundations upon which the Church can mature and enter into the fullness of God's blessing.

Catherine Brown

Founder, Gatekeepers Global Ministries (GGM) and

Co-founder, Scottish Apostolic Networking Enterprise

Email: admin@gatekeepers.org.uk

Website: www.gatekeepers.org.uk

The Methodology of Sermon Preparation

How to Prepare a Message

By Mike Mc Farland

- C.S. Lewis: “Don’t just tell people how to feel, describe in such a way that people feel it themselves.”

As ministers it is our God-called duty to "Feed the sheep” (John 21:15-17). Notice the Scripture reads "feed" not "beat." To do this we must deliver a message that we not only prayed and fasted over, but one that has been studied and well-prepared. Here are a few suggestions to help ensure a properly prepared message:

1. Prayerfully choose a (singular) topic. First, ask God to attend His Word — to pursue and own it to the hearts and minds of His people. Pray also that He will use it to move and shape the preacher himself. Then pick one topic. Often, preachers try to cover too many topics in one sermon, leaving the listener confused. Stay with your main subject and try not to chase too many rabbits. When you stray, it’s difficult to get back on point.

2. Research your topic. Again, begin with prayer as you study. Fervently seek the Lord for knowledge and an understanding of the Word. Moses prayed, "I beseech thee, shew me thy glory" (Exodus 33:18). And Eli instructed Samuel to say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth" (1Samuel 3:9). Then take time to research and study your subject matter. The Scriptures admonish us to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). G. Campbell Morgan said that before he preached from a passage of Scripture he read that entire book 50 times.

3. Prayerfully form an outline and prepare your approach. Every sermon is prepared differently. Some messages are better written out and some need bullet points, while others need only the verses jotted down. However, to effectively deliver a message one should include:

A) A Catchy Title. A title is very important to a message. An effective title awakens the listener’s emotions so the listener is more apt to pay attention to the message. Also, repeating the title throughout the sermon reminds the listener of the topic and helps them to stay focused.

B) An Introduction. Inform the listener what your message is about and where you plan to take them with your delivery. Also, lay down the foundation of your message. This is where to give backgrounds, settings, and the history of your research.

C) A Body (main points, transitions, and illustrations). This is the principle part or the “meat” of your speech or message—it is where you deliver exactly what God has given you to preach. Make every point and tell every story but remember, when you are finished quit talking and let God do His work!

D) A Conclusion. Wrap up your thoughts and end your message. Try to bring everything you have said to a clear and concise ending.

4. Practice preaching the message. Preach the message aloud to yourself and become comfortable with your delivery. Listen to yourself preach and practice enunciating each word. Also, make sure you don't use too big of words. You want your listeners to understand what you are saying, so refrain from preaching over them.

5. Preach with anointing and conviction. Someone once said, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Be passionate and compassionate about what you preach. Charles Spurgeon noted: "The kind of sermon which is likely to break the hearer’s heart is that which first has broken the preacher’s heart, and the sermon which is likely to reach the heart of the hearer is the one which has come straight from the heart of the preacher."

Pray for and expect God’s anointing to deliver the message God gives you. Remember, you are not called to preach your opinions, but charged to “preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).

“Sheep that are well fed seldom wander off.” (Wes Baker)

Website: www.preachit.org