Apostolic Mentality

APOSTOLIC MENTALITY

In understanding the nature of the global kingdom community {church, local and universal} from the apostolic dimension, there is given a vision for the whole body of Christ at large, an open and expanded heavens as oppose to having only a local vision just for doing local things in a restricted way.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the entire world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14

Now by having a view of the kingdom, one is immediately challenged to see things the way the King does. Here, you no longer focus on the introversion and internalizing of some local assemblies at the exclusion of the greater glory. Such are generally geared up in becoming a seeker-friendly assembly;

but you now have a bigger picture of things all around you, even a revelation and open heavens of what your corporate purpose is in the particular geographic region you are strategically appointed to, and, to what your strategic positioning is in the earth itself. Corporate in anointing, relationship, demonstration, and destination!

To begin with, Apostolic mentality is having the perception of what the true nature of the body of Christ really is, and how we are to advance the kingdom of God through it.

The local and global kingdom community in the New Testament is birthed and built out of an apostolic – kingdom mentality, 1st things 1st.. {1 Corinthians 12:28}…God has set in the church FIRST {Greek: Proton – "order, time, importance, and place} Note below…

And he gave some, apostles...Ephesians 4:11 – or, He keeps on giving, He continues to give…

And God has set some in the church, first apostles...1 Corinthians 12:28

With the growing restoration wave over the last 50 or more years, we have found the evangelist restored in present truth from the 50's and the pastor-shepherd of the 60's. Then the teacher of the 70's, the prophet in the 80's, and the apostle in the 90's. Although the first is said to be last, and the last is said to be the first, apostles could have possibly been recognized for restoration first in present day ministry had the assemblies then embraced the revelation, recognition, and restoration of the apostles in the late 40's and early 50's.

Though God is sovereign and can use any thing to accomplish his intended purpose in the earth, there is a sense that this last 50 plus year's pattern is out of order from the original biblical and divine pattern of ministry. Present truth apostles and prophets of the Spirit are convinced that, had the church of the Azusa and Latter Rain Outpourings embraced the apostles and prophets of the Spirit there would now be a whole new era of reformation and release in the earth unlike the world has ever seen. How? In part by revelation and apprehending it for their present time. By Recognition and embrace, celebrating and not tolerating them. Thus, restoration and reformation would have came sooner…

There would be a new order {which now is} and unprecedented movement of the Spirit through the apostle and prophet first {Proton}, had the local, regional, and international assemblage of the saints caught the vision and revelation of them in earlier times. {1st Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11}

I know, I know, I know, that God does things in his timing, but just think, if the kingdom community of the saints {local and universal} had readily received and embraced the apostle first with the prophet, then perhaps there would not have been a Pensacola or Toronto revival. Perhaps the revivals today we so often cherish as the divine moving of God based on gold teeth, donkey sounds, gold dust, visions of Jesus, angelic singing, holy laughter, etc., would possess a completely new characterization upon them altogether. For the emphasis would be more on reformation {transformation} and realignment, not alone mere revivals for believers.

If the early assemblies of America had come into divine order with what God was doing as a whole, Pensacola and Toronto would never had been world news, or, at all. Rather, with the stability of the kingdom to take the corporate SON {Christ the Body} from visitation to habitation, and the revelation of the assemblies purpose and destiny in the earth and the regions, these same localities would have been a drop in the bucket compared to the fullness of God's eternal purposes manifested in the earth. For perhaps the greatest outpour of all will be the manifestation of the sons of God, setting creation free from bondage, captivity, futility, and corruption. Romans 8:19...

Continuing on...Apostolic mentality is a way of perceiving and demonstrating the present truth that apostles had the anointing, authority, and agenda to help steer and navigate the global community through the headship of Christ through establishing a strong foundation, and releasing destiny to the nations....

Apostolic mentality keeps the stagnation out of assemblies, and leads it into more ways of expression and advancement then introverted meetings geared exclusively for Sunday and Mid-week.

Apostolic mentality develops technologies and methodologies of forwarding and heralding the saints into its given purpose in the earth and the geographical regions thereof.

Apostolic mentality seeks for fresh new ways to pierce, penetrate, and to pioneer the work of the ministry beyond the four walls of sanctuaries, into the ongoing rhythm of what the assemblies are originally given for in the earth and in their given region.

With progressive spiritual momentum, and the preaching and the {launching} planting {pioneering} of the gospel of the kingdom as appointed apostolic teams and assemblages of the Spirit, apostolic mentality sees the ever-increasing kingdom of God filling the whole earth, and the church or kingdom community filling it up…

The Charismatic movement could only take us to the brink of Jordan, but the prophetic takes us over and far across. And, when crossing over Jordan, the apostolic dimension establishes us therein.

{From Visitation to Habitation, from David's Tabernacle to Solomon's Temple}…Therefore, apostolic mentality sees far reaching and far ahead through prophetic perception, the destiny of the saints, and the need to prepare for its corporate influence in the earth. It takes the apostolic in becoming prophetic in vision and perception. It is more than having emotional roller coaster rides for corporate gathering, and much more than building bigger buildings for the mere sake of simply building. Apostolic mentality with prophetic vision keeps our focus and functionality on the King and his kingdom, and his will being done in earth as it is in heaven...Matthew 6:10

Below, you will find the classical Greek definition of an apostle, and how the church is to be characterized thereby. For in another sense, an apostle is not only defined here, but described as well.

{Definition through description}

1- A naval expedition, a cargo, a fleet of ships sent out {apostello} with a specific objective and mission...

2- The Admiral or commander of a naval expedition or fleet of ships, one to lead the way into new frontiers...

3- The colony which was founded by the admiral, a group of colonists sent overseas {The Antioch Pattern: Acts 13}...

4- A personal envoy, emissary, delegate, or ambassador...

{In apostolic mentality, all of the above is considered an apostle, the whole process}

Now, the Greek word "apostolos, is derived from apostello, which is defined as "a delegate, an ambassador of the gospel, a commissioner of Christ, a messenger, a sent one."

And, if the corporate assemblies are apostolic in mission, message, and ministry, then ask yourself the question, "What exactly is the mission, message, and ministry of the local and corporate assemblies today?

Well, one interesting response without necessarily responding comprehensively to the question is...It's all the same! The mission, message, and ministry; a uniting principle. You are to do what you ARE. You are born to be, then born to do. Doing comes out of being. In the revelation of Ezekiel's Wheel, there are different spokes but one wheel, various aspects of the revelation of the kingdom, but ONE King and Kingdom. Or, in present truth prophetic terminologies and articulations, "You preach what you Sing, Sing what you Pray, Pray what you Intercede, Intercede what you Prophecy, Prophecy what you teach, Teach what {Whom} you Worship {Worth-ship}, Worship whom you Praise, Praise what you Proclaim, Proclaim what you Do, Do what you Are, for We are WHO HE IS in the earth..."

However, I shall list some things that reveal in part, the mission, message, and ministry of present truth ministries.

Such is characterized with vision, direction, clarity, and purpose for corporate destiny. Corporate destiny refers to the fulfillment of the Lord's given purpose in the earth as a corporate body, which leaves no room for the popularized notes of Scofield, Darby, Larkin, etc. We are not here to fit, but to change to our world through Dominion, the 1st Great Commission {versus Great Commotion} in Genesis 1:26, 28…

1 - Apostolic Mentality is planting {Plantation, or "Be Fruitful and Multiply"} the gospel or the pioneering, launching, and establishing of New

Kingdom communities and assemblies through the city-regional corporate church principle: one {regional} assembly in many locations, Multipli-CITY, the regional summonings and Kahal Jehovah, the calling of His regional assembly. Apostolic mentality sees a given locality as one church with one progressive purpose, and not as a divided entity exclusive with its own agenda. Apostolic mentality can go into any given region or locality and sense the encouraging need to pioneer and launch the gospel therein. Whether it is in the most remote island of the world, the darkest streets of the USA, or in the highest hills of another country, apostolic mentality is one, which is not moved by the word can't, but can! Apostolic mentality is destiny-oriented and defines clearly regional given purposes with a passion of a warrior engaged for battle as oppose to a mere soldier of fortune..

And you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

2 - Apostolic Mentality is a sending and receiving ministry, which finds its pattern in the ANTIOCH PRINCIPLE. Here, it is recognizing, raising, and releasing you into your purpose, place, and potential.

Many traditional and past paradigm shepherds tend to cater to the immediate needs of the flock, again that is importantly needed, where needed. But an apostle's motivation speaks to the destiny of the saints and the vision of advancing the kingdom beyond the four walls. Many shepherds without apostolic mentality however are too preserving, and can develop at times a slight insecurity in releasing people into their next divine assignment, but not apostles! Many shepherds ask you how many sheep you have in your fold and some equate their strength and success to particular numbers, but apostles are moved with where you are headed. Also, apostolic mentality ordain {not license} elders in the assemblies {Acts 14:23} and the cities {Titus 1}.

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people...Acts 11:26 {also, read Galatians 2:9}

And when they had ordained them elders in every church {every church needs elders, a plurality of elders, not a lone star leader}, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord...Acts 14:23 {read also Acts 13:1-3

3 - Apostolic Mentality is destiny dimensioned.

Its perception of ministry will lovingly challenge even the most complacent mind sets of leaders whom lack vision and direction for their own work in their given region. Sometimes leaers come to us and ask for our input, to help set things straight within their assemblies. But sometimes, the matter of divisional concerns, and lack of divine drive and output stems from the leadership of the flock. Leaders would come to us and ask that we set the record straight, but they themselves are not walking a straight and narrow in their focus and HIS vision for those appointed local assemblages. It is one thing for someone to cry out that their assembly is not on the same page as they, but it is another thing when the elders of the assembly are not on the same page as the Lord for their given purpose and region.

Whether mission, submission, transmission, or commission, the root of the word is "mission."

Apostolic mentality quickens the assembly to realize their purpose in their given region and locality and moves the saints forwardly from encouragement to equipping, from schooling to re-tooling, from individualism to corporate life, from visitation to habitation, and from impartation to activation. Unlike traditional pastoral ministries alone focusing on present and past, apostles focuses much on where we are headed into the future {transcendence, posterity, destiny} as well.

A - Acts 13:4-52; 14:1-28 {Paul's First Apostolic Journey}
B - Acts 15:36-41; 16:17 through 18:1-23 {Paul's Second Apostolic Journey}
C - Acts 18:23-28; 19:20; 21:1-14 {Paul's Third Apostolic Journey}

4 - Apostolic Mentality witnesses the establishing of covenant, right, and divine relationships as this forms the foundation and basis of the book of Acts, a relational or relationship ministry, servant-leadership.

It is networking and knitting together reciprocally, covenant love, loyalty, and mutual respect one for another. It is synergy, synthesizing, and synchronizing {"syn," not sin - smile} through kingdom alignment appointed of the Lord...Amos 3:3.

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches…Acts 15:40-41

And he {Apollos} began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom, when Aquilla and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which he had believed through grace. Acts 18:26-27 {Nothing quite like being appointed together through the Lord – Amos 3:3}

5 - Apostolic Mentality is seen as a T.E.A.M.

{Together, Everyone Accomplishes {or Achieves} More - or Maturity {or Miracles}

Team ministry is total ministry {ATM Machine - Apostolic Team Ministry}
{One plants, One waters, God gives the Increase: 1 Corinthians 3:6-9}

Now when the apostles, which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Acts 8:14

And as they went through the cities, they delivered them decrees for to keep, that was ordained of the apostles and elders, which were at Jerusalem. And so were the assemblies established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Acts 16:4-5…apostles and elders worked close together, apostleship, eldership, discipleship producing sonship.

Note the opposite of team ministry - 3 John 9-10; Isaiah 14:12; Daniel 5:19. Here, we find competing one with another and not completing one of another. We are to move from competition to proper recognition.

6 - Apostolic Mentality is having the Father's heart for unbelievers.

One of the most important features, earmarks, and ministry emphasis with apostles is always a burden for the un-reached, the unbeliever, those who simply don't have a personal relationship in the Lord. In apostolic mentality, there will be an open heart towards God for the salvation of all in any given region. For it seems though, that some apostles today have become more comfortable with the distorted idea that they are God's authority for the body, and have no interest or time to share intimately the gospel of the kingdom to unbelievers. True, apostles vary in grace, depth, and anointing but remember, God so loved that he gave, meaning, love gives and shares in a special way.

When I meet brethren across the nations who esteem the apostolic and have no compassion for the bruised, scorned, maimed, blind, halted, withered, feeble, unlovable, and un-reached, it brings to mind the following principle. That a man's character is judged by how he treats those that he believes to be unto him as a liability or an asset. In America, it appears that so many apostles have not had a burden for the un-reached for quite some time. Now I understand that the grace of the Lord and the presence of God for each apostle and kingdom endeavor varies to a greater or lesser degree, and it is not to be compared one with another {2 Corinthians 10:12-18}. But you are not going to hit first base as an apostle either by avoiding the negative and harsh reality that there are people in worse case scenarios than we, real hurting people in the throes and woes of life… This is not to dredge up a false humility or to play on ones emotions to feel guilty, extremely sympathetic and remorseful for not leading the way in compassion for all people.

But notice the scripture below…

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity {Greek – "feebleness – of

body and mind, malady {morally – frailty}, disease, sickness, weakness"}…Hebrews 5:1-2

With that in mind, it is necessarily important to always be open to minister to whomsoever He wills, as ministry is not a bucket of fried chicken where we indulgently pick our part or piece only. If we randomly pick our part, we may pick apart the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 2:1-5; 3:1-4; 12:18-28; Galatians 6:1

Phillip of Acts 8th chapter had the compassion of Christ to minister to large crowds in the first half of the chapter, and continued with compassion to minister to just one person without prideful comparisons in the last half of chapter 8 of Acts {Book of Activation, Action, Active Rhythm of the Spirit}. Nowhere in the script do you find Phillip more anxious to get to the crowd as crowd pleasers and less appealing to minister to one person. Beloved, if there is going to be a real release of the kingdom throughout the earth, there must also be a change of nature towards the kingdom and the work of the ministry. Apostolic character will evoke apostolic purity, and apostolic purity will reflect apostolic maturity.

For the promise is unto you, and your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he {Peter} testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:39-41

7 - Apostolic Mentality is simply the advancing of the kingdom {The Authority and Agenda of the Spirit for Planet Earth - the Vision of the Lord, His Plan, and Eternal Purpose, the Destiny and transformation of the nations through the reformation and transformation of the Church from Church to Kingdom} beyond the four walls of physical and monumental structures.

In all truth, the assembly is never a human made building at all, but an assembly of people. When ministers ask you where your church is, they are concluding that the church is a building. However, there is one scripture in Acts 19:37 which speaks of robbers of churches, yet that Greek word for churches there is the same for the word "temple," and is not translated "Ekklesia." For again, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is not a physical building, but a people, and assembly, a kingdom community of purposes and destinies in divinely appointed covenant assemblage. In Romans 16:5…"Greet the church that is in their house."

In apostolic mentality, we preach the gospel of the kingdom, not a Jesus only message. Jesus never preached Jesus, he preached the kingdom. And when we preach the kingdom, signs surely follow…

I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent
{apostello - set apart, sent out on a mission}. Luke 4:43 {Jesus}

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ...Acts 28:31 {Paul}

Dr. Timothy Early

Website:www.apostolicparadigms.com

Intimacy

Intimacy... Dwelling in God's Glory

by Bill Johnson

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One of the best-known stories in the Bible is about the Lord and His uniquely chosen servant, Moses, who was invited into the presence of the Lord in a greater measure than any man had ever seen.

It came to pass when Moses entered the tabernacle that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle and the Lord talked with Moses (Exodus 33:9).

Moses came into the actual presence of God. But it's important to remember that he wasn't even born again. If dwelling in the glory of God was available to him, how much more has the blood of Jesus made this available for us!

While this chapter is primarily about Moses and the glory he encountered, I'd like to focus on Joshua.

And all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshipped, each man in his tent door. So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.

Exodus 33:11

Joshua did not depart from the dwelling place of God's glory! Joshua became known as a great warrior because He led Israel into the land of promises. Moses wasn't allowed to take them in because of his disobedience at a very critical point in Israel's journey. Joshua was Moses' right hand man, his assistant, the one he was training and mentoring on life. Moses would go outside the camp when the Lord summoned him. (Intimacy with God is always outside the religious camp. Even if you go with a crowd of a thousand people, it is still a one-on-one issue.) When Moses went to meet with the Lord, Joshua would go to the tent door and wait. He was aware of God talking with Moses inside. Lying facedown at the door while God was talking with Moses must have been the highlight of Joshua's life. All of Israel saw it. They would likewise fall on their faces and stay there until Moses would emerge with a fresh message from God. Israel heard the thunderings and saw the lightnings and heard the voice of the Lord in the tent.

If anyone was positioned for fame and popularity, it was Joshua. Because he was Moses' right hand man, he easily could have let everyone know, “I work with this man. He just met with God face to face, and I'm his friend.” But if you look at this passage, Joshua doesn't even show up in the story until Moses left the presence to carry out his God-given assignment. I would like to suggest the reason the Lord chose Joshua is that he remained in the glory when it would have been easy to seek the glory of man. Not all the “assistants” in Scripture were chosen to succeed their master. Some of the prophets found that those they poured their lives into were not the kind of people that God wanted to take their mantle of anointing. As a result, those associates never stepped into their destiny.

I would like to suggest that Joshua's value for the presence of God is what made him stand out head and shoulders above everybody else around him. He wasn't in leadership for the recognition of man. He wasn't in it even for the thrill of the outcome of Moses' encounters with God. Joshua stayed at the tent because of his love for God's presence, his love for His glory.

Devotion to prayer and intimacy with God is the only setting in which we can completely step into the fullness of God's purposes.

Website: www.bjm.org

Apostles

ARE THERE APOSTLES TODAY?

By Charles Carrin

Dear Pastor, Would you comment on the "Gift of Apostle" being present in the church today? L.C.M.


As I understand Scripture, Apostleship falls into two categories: First, there are the "Twelve Apostles of the Lamb" whose names are written in the foundation of the Holy City. Revelation 21:14. This number is fixed, inalterable, and will never be exceeded. The qualification for these men was that each had been a "witness of Jesus' Resurrection." Acts 1:22.

Secondly, in the Greek Scripture where the word "apostolos" appears more frequently than in English translations, it means "sent ones," "delegates," "ambassadors," or "messengers." Let me give Scriptural examples: "If anyone inquires about Titus ... or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers (apostolos) of the churches ..." II Corinthians 8:23.

"Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus ... but your messenger (apostolos). Philippians 2:25. Barnabas is also called an apostle: "But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes ..." Acts 14:14. These men are not equal with the "Apostles of the Lamb" but in a lessor way are legitimate bearers of this title.

In Paul's First Thessalonian Letter he begins with the names, "Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy," and then proceeds to use the personal pronouns "We," "Our," "Us," some twenty times.

Count them. In chapter two, verse six, he says: "Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as "Apostles of Christ." Notice the letter "S." The word Apostles is plural. Not singular. 2:6. What is Paul saying? He is acknowledging that Silvanus and Timothy were Apostles with him. Were they his equal? No. Their ministry never achieved what his did. Even so, Scripture acknowledges them as "sent ones" in a valid sense. To deny their Apostleship would be a flagrant denial of Bible fact.

In Acts, chapter one, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. That restored the number Twelve--but we later find that King Herod killed the Apostle James, Acts 12:1,2, and another James, "the Lord's brother," was added to the Twelve. Paul makes specific reference to seeing this Apostle during his visit to Jerusalem. Galatians 1:19. It was this new "James" who presided over the Council of Jerusalem. Acts 15:13. Approximately 25 Apostles are identified in the New Testament.

To me, the most significant proof that the Five-Fold Ministry of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers, is still with us, is verified by the Ephesian Letter: The original Apostles were given before the Resurrection and were witnesses of it. Jesus gave other Apostles after the Resurrection. Paul explains, "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men ... And He Himself gave some to be apostles ..." 4:8,11. Study this judiciously: "When He ascended on high (after the Resurrection) ... He Himself gave some to be apostles." These came later than the original Twelve.

In the Book of the Revelation, Jesus commended the church at Ephesus because it "tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars." 2:2. Why would the church have tested anyone if there were only the Twelve? On the contrary, believers had to examine those claiming Apostleship because the gift was still present and functioning. The church in our day must heed this same admonition: Every one claiming ministry in the Body of Christ, whether Apostle or Pastor must be put to the test of Scripture. Beware those who are prideful, arrogant, self-serving, controlling. "Follow after that which is good." Remember, "There are many false prophets gone out into the world." I John 4:1.

What proof do we seek in those recognized as Apostles? Paul answers that question. Of himself, he said to the Corinthians, "The signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds ... I myself was not burdensome to you." II Corinthians 12;12,13. Observe that Paul identifies two character traits, "Perseverance," (patience) and his not being "burdensome" to the saints. Secondly, he lists "signs, wonders, and mighty deeds." In varying degrees, these qualities must be present in those claiming Apostleship today.

Let me also answer another question: In what capacity were the Apostles of the Lamb infallible? Peter tells us that "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." II Peter 1:20,21. As the Holy Spirit articulated through them, they wrote correctly. He dictated; they transcribed. He inspired; they recorded. Jesus had earlier promised them, "The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." John 14:26. The writing of Scripture was not trusted to men's fallible memory but to the perfect revelation of God. Of Himself, Jesus declared, "My doctrine is not mine but His who sent Me." John 7:16.

The Bible teaches Apostolic infallibility only in regard to the writing of Scripture. There is no such claim for the Apostle's private lives, personal faith, indestructible health, etc. It is important that we understand this. Without this knowledge, we will needlessly try to force Scripture into positions that are unrealistic and wrong. The Apostles and Prophets were men "of like passions as we are." James 5:17. Not only were they subject to fail but frequently did so. Paul rebuked Peter to his face because of his inconsistencies regarding the Jews. Galatians 2:11. Trophimus was left at Miletus sick. II Timothy 4:20. Paul and Barnabas' quarrel ended their joint ministry. Acts 15:36-41. Timothy endured "often infirmities." I Timothy 5:23. At one point Paul "despaired even of life." II Corinthians 1:8. Was it his personal faith that triumphed in crisis? No, the weakness of his faith brought despair. Instead, God's grace was his sole rescuer.

Paul apparently suffered eye disease at one point in his ministry. Galatians 4:13-15. The Galatian letter, which he identifies as having been written with his "own hand" in "large letters," also speaks of the people's willingness to "pluck out their eyes" for him. To the Corinthians he confessed that his "bodily presence was weak." II Corinthians 10:10. These were not discouragements. He later explained, "I glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." II Corinthians 12:7-10.

In view of this should we assume that Paul, Peter, Timothy, Barnabas, and the others, were free of failure, sin, and disease? Not at all. Rather, we are to rejoice that God used these men in spite of their weakness. Identically, our failures do not keep us from sharing in Paul's testimony: "The Lord delivered me out of them all!" II Timothy 3:11. Simply stated, we must realize that these men were not angelic beings, living in glorified bodies, immune to frustration and failure. Each was subject to the same consequence of humanity as we are today. The Holy Spirit worked His perfect will through imperfect men. The glory therefore goes to Him--not them. They triumphed over their adversities--so may we! Hallelujah!

Are there Apostles today? Yes. These are "sent ones." They did not volunteer for ministry but were called. Like Paul, many struggled with that Divine Summons. Some fought it. But "God's hand was stretched out and who shall turn it back?" Are these men infallible? Not at all! But they are aflame with holy love for Christ and His Bride. Do they promote or advertise themselves as "Apostles"? No. They are concerned with truth--not titles. They seek God--not gold. Purity not praise. Pray for these men! Support them! From the others, turn away. Thanks for the question! ___ CCC


Website: www.charlescarrinministries.com

The Kingdom Gospel

What Is The "Gospel Of The Kingdom"?

By Charles Carrin

The day that Jesus, as a young Jewish Rabbi, climbed the hill above Galilee, the world little knew it faced a moment of historic change. In that brief period, the congregation seated on rocks and grass was the first to hear His “Gospel Of The Kingdom”--the message by which He single-handily challenged world religion and philosophical thinking. Within a few decades that gospel had “turned the world upside down.” Acts 17:6. Beginning with the nation of Israel, which was thrown into immediate panic, to Rome, whose world-domination ended and its’ slavery system abolished, Jesus’ “Gospel of the Kingdom” brought cataclysmic change. Two thousand years later that gospel is challenging the very church which it established in the beginning.

Jesus’ gospel is specific, exactly identified in New Testament doctrine, is not vague, and has the same character, nature, and disposition, as the Kingdom from which it proceeds. It is a commissioned, ambassadorial representation of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. As such, the “Gospel of the Kingdom” is permanent, secure, and unchanging. In the purpose of God, it is this same gospel, unabridged and exact from the first century, which we must preach today. We dare not--through excuse-making to justify our failures or theological maneuvering to hide our ignorance--suppose we can alter that gospel or separate it from the Kingdom. To do so isolates us from Kingdom-power and produces an imitation, inefficient gospel. Much of current Christianity is bereft of the Holy Spirit’s “signs and wonders” Jesus promised and in their place has substituted an alluring--but soulish--imitation. The greatest problem in the North American Church is its creation of this “denominationalized” gospel which has been re-designed to accommodate dozens of public opinions. In many cases, truth that does not fit local preference is carefully disqualified: I Corinthians 11 is valid, 12 is not, 13 is valid, 14 is not., 15 is valid ..., and so the emasculation of the Word continues. The result is a “church” gospel with which denominational hierarchies are comfortable--the “Kingdom” gospel has been subtly replaced.

Thankfully, this is not true in other parts of the world--and explains why their gospel is “turning the world upside-down.” Acts 17:6. In the past century, primarily as a result of full-gospel preaching, more than 100,000,000 believers in Latin America have come to Christ. In China the statistics are more amazing. Africa is ablaze.

The Gospel Of The Kingdom

A. Matthew 4:23-25. “Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.”

B. Matthew 24:14-15. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

Jesus spoke of The Kingdom 130 times in the New Testament, in most cases emphasizing a different aspect of the Kingdom’s purpose and meaning. In its widest scope, the Kingdom is the rule of God by which He governs every aspect of the Universe. That rule directs the spiritual and physical realms of Creation. Nothing is exempt from its power. Not even Hell, Satan, demons, or angels, are beyond the reach and dominion of His Kingdom’s reign. In its lessor scope, the Kingdom is the rule of God in which He extends spiritual authority to believers to rule and reign with Him. In this capacity it is possible for one to be near the Kingdom but not in it, to be an heir of it but not possess it. Most tragically of all, it is possible for one to read about it in Scripture but not believe it. In a progressive revelation, the extent of the Kingdom opens to us like pages in a great book. We may stop reading at page one or we may proceed beyond page 10,000.

Our concepts can stop at the level of tree tops above our heads or we may go light-years beyond the most remote galaxy in outer space. The extent of the Kingdom is as inexhaustible as God Himself.

The gospel of the Kingdom is a reflection of this greatness and therefore is much, much more than presentation of Bible facts. It is the vocal, audible, declaration of Jesus’ universal atonement, accompanied by the Holy Spirit’s anointing, which draws into one message all the spiritual and physical benefits of Kingdom power. In varying ways, this Kingdom-gospel is confirmed with “signs following”. Through it, the Spirit and the Bride simultaneously say “come.” In the intent of God, this is the only gospel; ageless, unchanged, eternally the same. Any lessor gospel is insubordination to the Kingdom. The purpose of the Holy Spirit’s anointing is to empower redeemed men and women with Kingdom authority to preach that gospel with all its original, miraculous manifestations. The gospel of the Kingdom is not intended for the hearer’s outer ear only but for the inner ear of his heart; its target is not merely to change his thinking but to prepare his total nature--body, soul, and spirit--into Kingdom of God citizenship.

Therefore, the authentic gospel is an extension of Kingdom authority through the human voice. When Peter preached to the household of Cornelius, “The Holy Spirit fell on all them who heard the word,” Acts 10:44-45. Today, as then, the empowered gospel can invade the physical realm, reconnect it to the spiritual by changing natural circumstances into supernatural manifestations. Peter’s presence as a messenger of the Kingdom was essential but the man himself was not the source of power--it was the Holy Spirit’s anointing upon him. Then, as now, the Holy Spirit anoints preaching that honors Jesus. “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit ...” 1 Thessalonians 1:5. Paul further explained, “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:19-20. Today, Peter and Paul are long-gone but the Holy Spirit is still here.

Our understanding the spiritual nature of the gospel is not achieved by human wisdom. Fundamental truth comes by God’s revelation. We are to “study to show ourselves approved unto God,” II Timothy 2:15, but Paul goes on to explain, “I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-13. Seminaries, Bible Schools, are important, but their efforts are in vain if the student does not receive his own personal anointing with the Holy Spirit. Personal anointing was necessary even for Jesus: He “came to Nazareth ... And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel ... ” Luke 4:16-20. Both with Christ or us, kingdom-preaching is inseparably connected to anointing. The words “Christ” and “Christian”--from the Greek word chrios--are designations of anointing.

Information about the gospel may be learned academically but the actual ministry of the gospel can be experienced only by the Holy Spirit. The difference between preaching and lecturing is the presence or absence of the anointing. Paul explained, “Our sufficiency is of God who has made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” II Corinthians 3:5-7. Apart from the Holy Spirit even the “letter” of the New Testament becomes destructive. The holy anointing which speaks through the preached Word is able to destroy evil, bring light into darkness, pull down demonic strongholds, transform fallen humanity into Christ’s divine nature, and bring men to salvation. The proof of the gospel is the “mighty signs and wonders” which accompany it. Where there are no “signs” there is no full gospel. The point is this: Bible literature remains only that until the voice of the Holy Spirit speaks through it. Fully presented, the gospel produces the same results today as it did in the first century.

Jesus said to the first disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching themto observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus was emphatic. His instruction, “teach them all things,” referring specifically to the church at the “end of the age” is unmistakably clear. He expected the 21st century church is to be taught precisely what He taught the first century church. There is no change! A century ago, Charles Spurgeon shouted his warning to the church: “Death and condemnation to a church that is not yearning after the Spirit, crying and groaning until the Spirit has wrought mightily in her midst. He is here! He has never gone back since He descended at Pentecost ... Brethren, if we do not have the Spirit of God, it were better to shut the churches, nail up the doors, put on a black cross and say, ‘God have mercy on us!’ If you ministers have not the Spirit of God, you better not preach and you people had better stay at home. I think I speak not too strong when I say that a church without the Spirit of God is rather a curse than a blessing. This is the solemn word: ‘The Holy Spirit or nothing ... and worse than nothing!’”

Question: Why do those supporting the “cessation” theory claim God removed the Holy Spirit’s power from the gospel?

Answer: To justify the absence of miracles and acquit itself of failure, the modern church has blamed God for the power’s disappearance. But hear what Paul said about such a change: “I marvel that you are so soon removed from him who called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some who trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-10. How could language possibly be more plain? I know not! Quoting Paul, may I say that any “gospel” which claims to be different from the original is a “perverted” gospel. Scripture severely warns against our preaching “another gospel.” In the sight of God there is only one, the original gospel endorsed by and in tribute to His Son.

Question: Why are we not experiencing “first century” power in our day? I can give you a one-word answer: Unbelief. The power is absent because the masses of Christianity have replaced faith in Bible truth with doctrines of denial. Jesus established one church for all time; there is no such thing as an “apostolic” and “post-apostolic” gospel with different teachings, different powers, and different expectations. As Jesus is “the same yesterday, today, and forever,” so His gospel is as unchanging as Himself. Hebrews 13:8. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:5. But new winds are blowing! Millions of believers are returning to faith in the full gospel message. Out of a world-wide population of two billion, more than 500,000,000 Christians now acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s gifts and power. I not only believe in Kingdom-power but I am seeing it happen in many, many congregations. Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations and then shall the end come.”

Matthew 24:14-15. The Bible’s final word of warning about changing the gospel comes from Jesus. He said: “For I testify unto every man who hears the words of the prophecy of this book ... if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He who testifies these things says, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:16-20.

2 Peter 1:10-12. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” ___ CC

"STANDING BETWEEN THE LIVING AND THE DEAD "

George Whitefield was an Englishman of the 18th century and one of the greatest evangelists of all times. Today’s "signs and wonders" would seem mild in comparison to the Spirit’s astonishing demonstrations that occurred in his ministry. My request of the Lord is that He will anoint me with the same Holy Spirit’s power that He put upon Whitefield. I encourage you to do the same. Be bold in your request of God. When preaching in Boston, Whitefield ordered people in the trees to come down. He knew that once the power of the Holy Spirit fell upon the crowd many of those sitting on tree limbs overhead would drop like acorns. Phenomenal signs accompanied his preaching.

For example, in the Fall of 1756 Whitefield preached at St. Michael’s Anglican Church in the village of Haworth, north England. The local pastor, William Grimshaw, was a godly man and powerful in the Scripture. Whitefield stood on a platform erected outside an open window of the church where he could be heard by those crowded within the building and the several thousand standing without. He paused silently to pray and then in a loud, commanding voice, announced his text: "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after death the judgment."

Before he could speak his next words there was a loud shriek from the audience. A person had dropped dead. There was a moment of confusion as Reverend Grimshaw rushed in that direction. The dead person was carried away. After a pause, Whitefield repeated the text loudly again, "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after death the judgment." From a different section came another shriek. A second person had dropped dead. Both had died instantly upon hearing Whitefield’s announcement about death and judgement. This one was also carried out of the crowd. From the place where the second person had fallen, Grimshaw shouted to Whitefield, "You are standing between the living and the dead!" His reference was to the time when Aaron stood with his censer between those alive and those who perished under God’s judgement. Numbers 16:48.

We know nothing about those who died that day, the condition of their souls, or why God chose to call them to judgement at the moment Whitefield proclaimed the word. But you and I do know that a holy terror gripped the people standing before him. This man was no ordinary preacher. The congregation knew that in a paralyzing way the Holy Spirit was "confirming the word with signs following." Mark 16:20.

Dwight L. Moody's Encounter With The Holy Spirit

A century ago, the ministry of Dwight L. Moody shook the nation in a way that continues to vibrate mankind to this day. What changed an ordinary man into one of the great voices in Christian history? Moody himself gives the explanation:

"I began to cry as never before for a greater blessing from God. The hunger increased; I really felt that I did not want to live any longer. I kept on crying all the time that God would fill me with His Spirit. Well, one day in the city of New York --- oh!, what a day, I cannot describe it, I seldom refer to it. It is almost too sacred an experience to name. Paul had an experience of which he never spoke for fourteen years. I can only say, God revealed Himself to me and I had such an experience of His love that I had to ask Him to stay His hand."

Moody's baptism with the Spirit was so overwhelming, so filling with the glory of heaven, that he felt he would be physically crushed there on the streets of New York. Moody's cry, "God --- stay Your hand!," is not unusual for those upon whom the power of the Spirit has fallen. Many Old Testament saints as well as Saul of Tarsus in the New Testament literally fell to the ground when the power of God came upon them. Strange as it seems to some, that manifestation of the Spirit still occurs today. On that historic day, Dwight L. Moody left the spot as a new man ---a new minister --- and a true New Testament evangelist. What God did for him, He will do for us also who, " ... cry as never before ... hunger ... do not want to live" without being "filled with the Spirit". Jesus said, "Ask and you shall receive." Drop your religious objection and receive everything God has! Believe me, you will like the change.

Charles Carrin Ministries
CarrinMin1@aol.com
Website: www.charlescarrinministries.com

New Jerusalem, the Command Center

I See New Jerusalem

By Ron McGatlin

I awakened this morning to an awesome experience in the Spirit. I was actually feeling life in New Jerusalem. I felt the love and the peace of a world filled with the light of God. I lack the words to describe this feeling of experiencing heaven on earth. Everything was as it should be in perfect order of love, peace, and joy. Through this experience deep and solid hope was planted in me along with passion to continue on with all endurance to boldly proclaim the word of the kingdom. A new measure of faith that the New Jerusalem people of God are truly being formed on earth is at rest in my soul.

John saw New Jerusalem

A couple of millennia ago an apostle of Christ Jesus named John saw, in the Spirit, many intricate and detailed visions from heaven which symbolically or figuratively revealed the future of the kingdom of Christ coming forth on earth. John was not a man unlike others. He was not born a son of God. He was born and grew up a son of the first Adam with all the limitations and lack imposed on Adam after the fall. But Jesus came and changed all that!

Christ Jesus came, chose John, captured His heart, and John chose to follow Him. Jesus came to die for the sin of John and all mankind who will believe.

Jesus was resurrected and ascended to the throne of God in heaven and on the day of Pentecost returned to earth in the Holy Spirit to live within John and all who would believe and seek Him with their whole hearts.

The Spirit of God was within John. However, on the occasions when the visions from heaven came to John, he said, “I was in the Spirit.”

Rev 1:10: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet.

Rev 4:2: Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

Rev 21:10: And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.

Jesus had previously told John and the other disciples that it was better for them that He go away and the Spirit come. Jesus went on to say that He would return to them and be in them and they would be in Him.

John 16:7: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you.”

John 14:18: "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

John 15:4: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

John 17:21-23: "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one. I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

When we believe in Christ Jesus and are born again, the Spirit comes to indwell us. When we fully yield our whole heart to Him, we can be filled and saturated with the Spirit of God. The Bible refers to this as the baptism of the Spirit. By this, John could be in the Spirit that was within him and experience spiritual visions and interactions with the Lord and holy angels.

As we are filled with the Spirit within and live and walk in the Spirit, an opening into the spiritual realm is opened to us. John saw it as a door open in heaven and was told to come up and be shown things in the spiritual realm.

Rev 4:1: 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."

God continues to speak to His people. For those who will humble themselves and become holy sons the invitation is to come up in the Spirit to hear and see things to come forth into the world.

God is calling in this hour for men and women who will be transformed by the indwelling Spirit of Christ into pure, holy, humble sons filled and saturated by the Spirit of God to live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit. God is calling us to come up into the open door in heaven to see and experience the spiritual substance of the New Jerusalem life and become those who will demonstrate the life of God in the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. The substance of God is flowing into the earth through His chosen and faith-filled sons who will not let go of the visions they have seen but will birth them into the world.

I see the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven prepared as a bride. The substance of this spiritual vision has greatly encouraged me. To experience even a small part of the LOVE and perfect HOLINESS and the beautiful PEACE of the light of GLORY that God is imparting to His people on earth is overwhelming. I tremble and weep with gratitude at His perfect gift of Christ Jesus and His irresistible LOVE drawing and compelling a lost world to leave the past and come unto the HOLY ONE to abide in Him and He in them.

Father God will not cease this endeavor until all things are gathered to His Son Christ Jesus, our loving and glorious KING. Even as we are fully at rest in Him, our mission will not be complete until we have finished our part in being gathered and gathering into Christ all things on earth.

Can you see it? Can you feel it? A people of God in a world filled with the light of God, illuminated by the Lamb. God Himself dwelling with His people and wiping away our tears. No defilement - nothing will enter that defiles. Greed and strife will no longer have place. Competition with brethren will not exist. Love shall rule in all things. No more tyranny, abuse, and terror. Righteousness, peace, and joy in every heart. All nature in harmony and cared for by the sons of God. This and much more is the plan of God for His people on Planet Earth. (Revelation 21)

Only in the Spirit can the spiritual reality of the New Jerusalem be received and planted in the hearts and lives of the maturing sons of God.

The New Jerusalem cannot be seen by looking at the works of flesh and the devil in the hearts and lives of unredeemed fallen mankind. It cannot be seen or felt in the evening news. And it cannot be seen from the view of secularism or mixtures of godliness with religion contaminated with fallen-world drives and concepts. It cannot be seen in doctrines derived from human intellectual discernment of the Bible or sometimes from the inspiration of religious spirits.

Most all of us have been trained by systems of teaching containing mixture that were derived apart from the full light and wisdom of the Spirit of God. Thus we became servants of mixture and are yet in process of becoming washed from religious beliefs and practices that limit our ability to live in the reality of the spiritual church of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. Our ears to hear Him who speaks from heaven by the Spirit have been stopped up with the words of earthly understanding. A great shaking is the result of refusing to hear Him who speaks from heaven.

City of God Heavenly Jerusalem Church

Heb 12:22-26: But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape, who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven."

God is calling to His people to choose who they will serve in life. Will we continue to serve a mixture of self and God? Will we choose to serve our needs, our views of religion, and our desire to build our own kingdom along with God’s? Or, will we choose to live and walk in the Spirit and flow the substance of God from heaven into our world? Will we seek His kingdom and His righteousness first above all else including our human feelings, desires, and needs?

Multitudes of people worldwide desperately desire to encounter the real works of God. Many would travel halfway around the world to be where the living God is flowing His love and power through just men made perfect (mature sons) – to be where multitudes of holy angels are ministering – to be where people are experiencing the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem church. This city is not halfway around the world, it is in the Spirit.

A broken groaning creation awaits the multitudes of sons of God to flow the glorious liberty of redemption of Christ by the Holy Spirit.

Rom 8:21-22: …The creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

This is the gospel of the kingdom that must be preached in the power of the Spirit to all the world.

Mark 16:15: And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Mat 24:14: And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

www.openheaven.com
basileia@earthlink.net

Unlocking the Spirit of Reformation

Positioning next Generation Leadership for the release of the Supernatural

By Apostle Matthew Stevenson

The current rise of the apostolic reformation has brought about several controversial issues that are being discussed nationally and internationally by Christian leaders. One of the more prominent issues has been the modern day need and relevance for signs and wonders. The release of miracles, signs and wonders has been considered by most evangelical Christians to be at best unnecessary and at worse heretical. This type of thinking is exactly what the Father is aggressively dealing with in the days in which we live. Prophetic leaders across the nations are sensing the level of aggression in the heavens concerning the issue of unbelief. Unbelief is not as obvious (in most cases) as other demonic interferences because it is often only indicated by subliminal undertones. Stricken with an unprecedented level of unbelief the 21st church masquerades in religious folly almost as a really bad replica to the apostolic church of the first century without little if any confrontation in some parts of the world.

As an apostle, I have been positioned very similar to Samuel and Paul in this generation, and I have been traveling nationally and internationally seeking to declare the prophetic word of the lord and anoint entire David companies to replace the Sauls from oppressing God’s people. We must realize that King Saul was still in position once David had been anointed. Young people, it doesn’t matter what the popular majority is, the anointing will shift! I have observed that the current climate of the corporate church has been more indicative of stabilizing and aligning with current culture as opposed to aligning with heaven, but the Lord is establishing a different kind of leader, one that is sensitive to his heart, secrets, plans and agendas.

The enemy has become more and more proactive about broadening the current “new age” movements. This sensual, psychic, soulish movement has captivated the hearts of entire cities, and has consequently become the alternative to accessing the power of the spirit. Psychics, witches and Satanists, have always understood the importance of supernatural power and they have been demonstrating levels of dark powers for centuries and yet the church is almost terrified of anything supernatural. Young people across the nations are being introduced to these wiles strategically by Satan himself, to keep them far away from the true source of power; The Living God! Satan knows that the awareness of “the Fullness of the spirit” in the life of a fearless young leader could mean permanent destruction of his plans over cities, nations and regions. In the apostolic movement especially, we throw a lot of buzz words around such as signs, wonders, reformation etc. But if any of these things would break out in it’s fullness I’m convinced that the church, with its current leadership probably wouldn’t know what to do. Most leaders would even question whether it’s God or not. We truly have the wrong concept about reformation and revival. We suspect that it is going to come to our organized religion. Let me tell you, there is nothing more chaotic and abrupt than reformation! I know this concept may be disturbing but if you review the rest of the article I’m sure you would agree. I believe that a part of the reason for this is the lack of next generation leaders and the lack of leaders who are next generation minded. If we do not become objective about raising the next generation of leaders instead of being so involved in the organizational structure of our churches and ministries, we are talking about God overturning entire cities and nations by way of his power! This will not happen without apostles and prophets. Further more, those of us that have begun to experience the hunger for revival need to consider that revival precedes reformation!

A reformation is what will open the door and prepare the land for the limitless abilities of God to be poured out into planet earth resulting in revival. If we are not cautious, we can unknowingly harbor attitudes and ministry practices that hinder revival and reformation. We desperately need a reformation. Now the final outpouring of the spirit will not be able to be stopped by anyone, but it can be resisted, altered and even minimized if certain elements are not put into play. Revival is not something that is intended to be a once in a lifetime experience to encourage and empower. It is meant to become a perpetual experience of what it means to walk in the power of the spirit with the end result being the greatest harvest of souls ever known to mankind.

One of the greatest plagues and satanic strategies that I see creeping into the current leadership of the church is the reluctance of leaders to position and release the next generation of leaders. It is almost as if there is some type of fear of releasing young people to walk into there God ordained destines. We acknowledge the fact that young adults can have the call of God on their lives we just refuse to take the invisible leash off of them and allow them to go free! This kind of talk usually makes leaders uncomfortable and it should. Begin to recognize the emerging reformers and revivalists in your midst and benefit from their ministries because if this is not done, they will eventually attract their own following and start works in direct opposition to the one they came from because of the true lack of encouragement, fathering and support.

While some may say the aforementioned is not a really critical problem, I must declare that it is probably that greatest cancer of our day! Church, Satan is trying to kill off the lineage of the church. Not the organization but the organism! When Jesus stated in Matthew chapter 16, that “upon this rock I will build my church” he was not referring to a religious organization! He was referring to a living expression of who and what he is to humanity! Satan has been actively involved in publicizing alternatives to faith through the media, through various cultures and worse of all through the political systems of the world and the devil is after anyone who has the power or ability to do anything about it. The devil is trying to kill off the heritage of the church and that is the emerging leaders.

If we are hungry for revival we must begin to invest in heaven sent leaders. Young apostles and prophets are being stirred by God in every sphere of life in these days and they are literally being hand taught by God himself. While this is not bad in and of itself it is unfortunate because leaders of vast and great influence in some case refuse to pour they’re lives and ministries into these young revivalists. It seems that instead of allowing them to be what God is calling for them to be, the church would rather come up with a baby sitting tactic typical to the religious community! God is raising up leaders who will be the first fruit of a national movement lead by the same breed of leadership, and after school programs will not be good enough! The church is in danger of becoming outdated, obsolete and irrelevant to today’s societies and cultures and the way to prevent this from happening is to begin to entrust responsibilities, mantles and impartations to young men and women who apparently have the calling of God upon there lives. We have mistakenly thought that “if we bring in a few rappers and dress down, then we really are ministering to the young adults”. This kind of empty thinking is what individuals between the ages of 18-35 are beginning to despise.

I would like to encourage every pastor reading this article. The greatest disservice you can do to yourself, especially if you consider yourself to be apostolic, is not to literally pour your life into the next generation of leaders. You cannot afford not to do this. The devil is trying to kill you and your message and he will be successful if you fail to impart to the next generation. We mustn’t continue to hide under the excuses of “maturity and wisdom” not to allow young people to really stand in Gods purpose for them because as long as you are alive you will never stop maturing and growing. Most churches have some form of youth night, youth church or even might allow the young adults to occasionally speak on a Sunday service, and this is a great tragedy and it is alarming to the father. The church is not some community organization “facilitating the needs” of young adults!

There is a generation of individuals literally grieving for the lack of Gods power in operation. That grieving is literally what we need to see the heavens opened and the power of God released! This generation understands what Jesus’ words meant when he states in John 4:48, that “Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe”. We are living in the same conditions. A large number of older leaders have become more than content with establishing churches, missionary outreaches, bible studies, conferences, buildings and the like and it is almost becoming a morbid waste of time and resources. Some leaders could care less about ever seeing a miracle, sign or a wonder! Why focus on things that appeal more to building our “own” ministries rather than releasing a generation of miracle workers to impact their nations for Christ?! God is releasing a people that will minister until they bring men to belief!! There is nothing more powerful than the demonstrative power of God to pierce the human heart.

I have personally been in public ministry almost a decade now, and since my start I have continually heard the cry in the earth for the sons of God. I have heard the cry for a generation of people that will quit talking about the apostolic and BE apostolic! I have heard the cry of a generation of leaders longing for fathers to help them to fulfill Gods purpose on their lives without any strings attached. Beloved, this is the Key to Reformation: empowering the next generation of leaders to radically alter the social, moral, and spiritual climates of entire nations. I don’t by any means consider myself a youth minister or an advocate of “youth or young adult ministry” but I am a passionate advocate of reformation, revival and the miraculous and so by default I must call the church to make a stand for young leaders.

We need a generation of leaders who will go beyond conferences to confrontation. We need a generation of people who don’t care about loosing members or tithes and offerings, so they will preach the words of God and not some life lesson. We need a generation of leaders who recognize the agonizing need of humanity for the miraculous, and who will pray until they get endued with power from on high instead of being fascinated with “slaying” people in the spirit by “faith “only to fall down and come up exactly the same. Church, if we intend to experience true revival, we must partner the generations.

I cannot convey how many times I have come into relationship with young leaders across the Globe who are literally oppressed by the religious systems that they have been inducted in. Most of these leaders were born into these churches. This was true of Moses. The scriptures teach that he was raised in pharaoh’s house. He learned pharaohs operations. He experienced first hand the hatred of Egypt for the holy nation of God. Moses’ life experiences had been shaped by his years in pharaohs house, until one thing happened. He had a supernatural encounter with the living God. In that visitation, God extracted Moses from the system that raised him and sent him with signs and wonders to declare the fate of that system! Hallelujah! The lord is calling an entire generation to encounter him supernaturally so that every dark system opposing the rise of the one true holy nation of God will fall by way of signs and wonders! Moses went from being oppressed by a system and way of life to becoming the deliverer of an entire nation. God is raising Moses with signs and wonders that will judge the systems that oppose Gods remnant! In his youth, Moses, probably thought that pharaoh’s way of life, was the right way of life, that is, until he came to the burning bush of course. Leaders, I tell you the truth the greatest conflict is on the horizon and once these young apostles and prophets begin to manifest they will confront darkness on every level even if it is in YOUR pulpit!!

I want to at this juncture encourage the young leaders who are reading this. Perhaps, you are hard pressed between the leaders you have known and the burden of the Lord on your life. Maybe you are a pastor of a church or in a church just being told to shut up and serve. You might be someone “stuck” in the Saturday night youth outings and you desire to alter a nation for God. You may be one of the countless thousands who are sitting in the pews listening to men and women you once admired and have now discovered that what’s being said in the pulpit in terms of power is not being done and you’re tired of being teased! God wants you to know that he is in need of you! He is awaiting a people just like you who wont allow there carnal ordinances, religious rituals and headstrong intellect to oppose what he desires to release in the nations. You are not alone! God is gathering up individuals just like you, passionate young leaders who only know the agenda and interests of God. He wants YOU right where you are to begin to agree with him for his plan for the ages…REVIVAL!!!

Apostles, Pastors, Overseers, you have the power to help bring reformation closer to becoming a reality instead of merely books and tapes. You possess the influence needed to begin to position next generation leaders, to rise to there place of prophetic destiny! Take a risk! Trust God! Don’t fight his movement, allow the young leaders that God has entrusted to you to begin to experience the blessing of his holy calling. This generation needs it! Begin to father and impart, begin to train, begin to ordain them, YES ordain them! It is sad to state that we are more comfortable ordaining senior citizens in most cases than individuals who have the rest of their lives to minister in the vocation wherewith they were called! We serve a savior that died at the tender age of 33, and yet in our day most ministers are just getting ordained and started at that point. How demonically ironic is that. Shift your paradigm! Begin to hear God calling the young adults in your spheres of influence. Be the wind beneath there wings and not the anchor on their boat. This is the key to Global Reformation.

The following is a brief list of trends that will happen as prophetic acts as we position, impart and RELEASE (emphasis added) the next generation of leaders.

1.Greater Emphasis will be placed on Revival and Societal Reformation. Next generation leaders will become more and more discontent with empty messages that do not carry the agenda of God.

2.A greater display of “Apostolic Preaching” will be seen in the nations, as it was displayed in the book of acts. Next generation leaders will preach messages that shake entire cities and cultures, not just the local church.

3.There will be greater passion for relationship with God. Next generation leaders will care less about great ministerial accomplishments and religious endeavors, they will want to see men reunited with the father through prayer and intimacy.

4.The next generation of leaders will have tremendous political impact. God will through his providence, position young adults in political circles and they won’t be there to make friends or connections for their latest project, they will be sent with the word of the lord for that territory or nation. Next generation leaders will understand the significance of ministering to political leaders for the sake of national revival.

5.Next Generation leaders will definitely experience a greater release of revelatory gifting. The word of Knowledge along with the other revelation giftings will increase far beyond anything the earth has ever seen because of the lack of fear and the desperate need for a God who is not stoic and detached. Next generation apostles and prophets will regularly call out names, specific sickness and disease, addresses and phone numbers because God will show himself through them as the God who is not afar off, but the one that is close. We have only seen ankle deep amounts of this kind of prophetic anointing. What we will see in the next decades will be the gradual increase of this prophetic power that will also affect the elements. Humanity is not yet prepared for this level of supernatural activity.

6.Next generation leaders will not preach over the major issues of the church. There will be a greater grace to confront and move in apostolic persuasion. 2nd Corinthians 5:11 say “We therefore knowing the Terror of the Lord we persuade men!” Apostolic Persuasion will be the mark of Next generation leaders.

7.Next Generation leaders will experience a tremendous level of influence and Godly fame. The message and unusual ministry practices upon these leaders will open up unusual realms of favor and renown.

8.Next Generation Leaders will be specifically burdened by the need for city wide prayer movements. Upon experiencing these leaders, human hearts will become powerless to the power of the word of God. These leaders will beckon churches to revivals of prayer the last for months at a time!

9.Global evangelization will be the focus of end time leaders. They won’t become indulged with building funds and picnics; they instead will become obsessed with turning the hearts of unbelievers to God by any means necessary. The hunger level for the miraculous will enable them to gather a different bread of skeptics and atheists that will be drawn into the kingdom of God, by way of the supernatural.

10.Corporate worship experiences led by these leaders will attract massive amounts of angelic activity. Whole services will be lead in dead silence as the manifested presence of God takes sovereign ruler ship over the gatherings. Angelic activity will increase in drastic amounts in the corporate assembly as next generation leaders lead worship services.


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Matthew Stevenson is called to father an entire generation of apostolic reformers and prophetic revivalists. He also carries a fresh cutting edge anointing that empowers his strong burden for societal reformation and a global release of signs and wonders. As an apostolic leader he travels nationally and internationally igniting flames of revival in the hearts of men and women everywhere. Apostle Matthew imparts the power of the miraculous to the thousands that have received from his ministry.

Possessing a very unusual prophetic mantle, he ministers the word of the Lord with detailed accuracy, conviction, unearthly boldness and precision. He has written several books and articles on subjects ranging from political ministry and the apostolic to the supernatural and dreams and visions. Apostle Matthew is affiliated with the IMPACT Network which is under the leadership of Apostle John Eckhardt. Recently ordained as an apostle by Apostle Eckhardt, at age 21, he is the youngest ordained apostle in the IMPACT Network. He and his wife Kamilah both serve as the resident apostles of the multicultural International Church of Fire in Chicago. He can be reached at apostlematthewstevenson@yahoo.com.