50 Truths Concerning Apostolic Ministry

50 Truths Concerning Apostolic Ministry

John Eckhardt

Crusaders Ministries
Chicago, Illinois

Unless otherwise indicated, all scriptural quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

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Contents
1. Apostles Have Been Set in the Church by God.......................7 2. Apostles are Set in the Church by God First...........................8 3. Apostolic $. Apostolic inistry is First in !i"e.........................................# inistry is First in %an&.......................................1'

(. Apostles are )ioneers............................................................11 *. Apostles Have a Brea&throu+h Anointin+.............................12 7. Apostles are Here !oday.......................................................1$ 8. Apostles are Given ,or the )er,ectin+ o, the Saints...............1* #. Apostles are A"bassadors o, Christ......................................17 1'. Apostles are Sent -nes........................................................18 11. Apostles Have the Ability to .ud+e Correctly.....................1# 12. !he Apostles/ 0or& Bear 0itness !hat !hey are Sent........2' 13. Apostles 1stablish and Set 2octrine....................................21 1$. Apostolic 2octrine Co"es Fro" Heaven............................22 1(. Apostles Brin+ %evelation to the Church............................23 1*. Apostolic %evelation is the Foundation 3pon 0hich the Church is Built..........................................................................2$ 17. Apostles 4ay Foundation.....................................................2( 18. Apostles are 0ise asterbuilders.......................................2* 1#. Apostles 2on/t 4i&e to Build 3pon Another/s Foundation. .27 2'. Apostles are )lanters...........................................................28 21. Apostles Care ,or 4ocal Churches.......................................2# 22. Apostles are Bishops 5-verseers6 o, 4ocal Churches..........3' 23. Apostles -rdain 1lders........................................................31 2$. Apostles Set in -rder..........................................................32 2(. Apostles Bind and 4oose.....................................................33 2*. Apostles are Given Authority ,or 1di,ication......................3$ 27. Apostles 2o 7ot Have 2o"inion -ver -ur Faith...............3(

28. Apostles Have a

easure o, %ule.......................................3*

2#. Apostles are 18a"ples to !hose 0ho Follo9 !heir inistries..................................................................................37 3'. Apostles are Fathers............................................................38 31. Apostles :"part Spiritual Gi,ts............................................3# 32. Apostolic inistry is a inistry o, 0ar,are.......................$' 33. Apostles )ull 2o9n Stron+holds.........................................$1 3$. Apostles Have the Ability to 2ispute and )ersuade............$2 3(. Apostles Have a Godly .ealousy -ver the Saints................$3 3*. Apostles a&e :ntercession ,or the Saints...........................$$ 37. !he Stren+th o, Apostolic inistry is )rayer and the inistry o, the 0ord.................................................................$* 38. Apostles 2e"onstrate the Spirit and )o9er........................$7 3#. Apostolic $'. Apostolic $1. Apostolic $2. Apostolic $$. Apostolic inistry is -ne o, Si+ns and 0onders...............$8 inistry !ouches ultitudes..............................$# inistry !ouches Cities......................................(' inistry !ouches %e+ions..................................(1 inistry is a inistry o, Boldness......................(3

$3. Apostles are !ar+ets o, 1nvy and .ealousy.........................(2 $(. Apostles are )ersecuted.......................................................($ $*. Apostles are !reated as 4ast................................................(( $7. Apostles are %e,or"ers.......................................................(* $8. Apostles are Hated and Feared by %eli+ious Syste"s.........(7 $#. Apostles are 2e,enders o, the Faith....................................(8 ('. 0e are to !ry !he" !hat Say !hey are Apostles...............*'

1. Apostles Have Been Set in the Church by God

And God hath set so e in the church! first apostles, secondarily prophets! thirdly teachers... 1 Corinthians 1"#"$

he word <set< is the 8ree2 word tithemi meaning to place, appoint, ordain, put or settle. :o ordain means to establish or order by appointment, decree, or law. 3postolic ministry is ordained by 8od. 5egardless of what men thin2 or belie4e, this ministry has been ordained by 8od=s appointment. 3postolic ministry is fruitful because it is chosen and ordained of 8od >0ohn $9:$&?. 3ny ministry set and ordained by the %ord will be fruitful in spite of opposition or misunderstanding. 3postles are set I* :@1 C@U5C@. 3s long as there is <a Church", apostles will be a part. :he )cripture does not say 8od set them only in the <135%A C@U5C@< or the <C@U5C@ B :@1 B ; B 3C:)< but <:@1 C@U5C@<. :his includes the present day Church. :here are many who teach and belie4e that apostles are not for <: 63A<. If there are still teachers in the Church >mentioned as thirdly in the )cripture?, there are still apostles. If there are still <di4ersities of tongues< >mentioned last in the )cripture?, there are still apostles.

". Apostles are Set in the Church by God First

od is a 8od of order, and @is Cord states that apostolic ministry is BI5):. <Birst< is the 8ree2 word proton meaning firstly in time, place, order or importance. It also means before, at the beginning, chiefly, or first of all. If the Church is to be successful, we must operate according to the law of BI5): :@I*8). :his law recogniDed 8od=s order in all things. Chen 8od says, <first<, @e doesn=t mean second, third, fourth, or when we get around to itE @e means BI5):. If we fail to recogniDe 8od=s order, we will not recei4e the fullness of blessing in what we do. Ce ha4e been guilty of o4erloo2ing this order because we ha4e either $? not been taught itE #? did not see it clearlyE or ,? simply reFected it. :radition has also made this word of none effect >Mar2 ":$,?. Because of tradition many would rather call someone a <re4erend<, a <doctor<, a <superintendent<, or a <bishop<E but 4ery seldom an 3P ):%1. Many ha4e ignored, a4oided and attac2ed the office of the apostle. But 8od is restoring this ministry to the Church, and gi4ing us a re4elation of its purpose and function.

%. Apostolic Ministry is &irst in Ti e

he Church was started and birthed through apostolic ministry. <Birst in time< means it must be recogniDed at the start or beginning. Churches need to be birthed and started through apostolic ministry. 14erything has a beginning. :his is called the la o! "enesis# 14erything has a beginning and reproduces after its 2ind. If something begins wrong, it will usually end wrong. If it begins right, it has a better chance of ending right. 3postles are usually the first ones to go into geographical regions to preach, to establish and plant churches, etc. :hey are often the first to preach certain re4elations that 8od is releasing into the earth. 14ery field of study has <apostles<. :here are pioneers in medicine, economics, a4iation, law, ci4il rights, etc. :hese are the first people to ha4e significant brea2throughs in their fields. It is the same in the realm of the spirit. :he apostle Peter was to e!perience brea2throughs among the 0ews. :he apostle Paul among the 8entiles. *ations, regions, cities and denominations all ha4e apostles. :hese are the first I* :IM1 to preach a truth, establish a church, or e!perience a brea2through in a nation, city, region, etc.

'. Apostolic Ministry is &irst in (an)

ank is defined as a degree or position of dignity, eminence, or e!cellence, a grade of official standing >Cebster?.

14en though we are all equal in Christ as to sal4ation, there are different ran2s in the spirit. 6ifferent ran2s carry different degrees of authority and power. ne of the definitions of <first< is chie!ly# :his means according to the highest ran2 or office, of greatest importance, significance, or influence. 0ust as there is ran2 in the military, there is also ran2 in the <army of 8od<. :here is ran2 in the spirit realm. :here is ran2 in the 8odhead. :here is ran2 among angels. :here is e4en ran2 among e4il spirits. 3ll authority and power is based upon ran2. Ce must be able to recei4e, wal2 in, and discern different ran2ings in the spirit. 14il spirits recogniDe spiritual ran2. 14ery belie4er has ran2 to cast out de4ils. 3postles wal2 and minister in the highest ran2. 14il spirits and angels must recogniDe and respect their ran2. :hey ha4e enough ran2 in the )pirit to command, decree and rebu2e with authority. :heir ran2 is within their sphere o! authority# In other words, they ha4e ran2 in the areas they ha4e been assigned to by 8od.

1'

5. Apostles are *ioneers

ince apostles are set in the Church BI5): by 8od, they ha4e what I call a PI *115I*8 anointing. 3 pioneer is defined as one of the first to settle in a territory. :o pioneer means to open or prepare for others to follow. 3postles ha4e the anointing to in4ade new areas of re4elation, ministry, or geographies. :hey are P3:@BI*615) and :53I%B%3G15). Cithout pioneers, we would become stagnant as a Church lac2ing progression into new areas. Pioneers 2eep us mo4ing ahead. :hey 2eep us on the <cutting edge<. :hey help us <set a course< for the future. thers are blessed by the courage, 4ision, and strength of the PI *115). thers mo4e into <new areas< because the way is made by the pioneer. 3postles as pioneers preach new truths, plant new churches, establish new belie4ers, and in4ade new territories with the gospel. Pioneers are not satisfied with <settling down<. :hey must ad4ance until all the land is possessed.

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+. Apostles Have a Brea)through Anointing

reakthrough is defined as an act or instance of brea2ing through an obstructionE an offensi4e thrust that P1*1:53:1) and carries beyond a defensi4e line in warfare >Cebster?. Pioneers ha4e the ability to brea2 through ignorance, fear, and other obstacles that 2eep men from ad4ancing. 3postolic ministry has the ability to penetrate the defenses set up by the powers of dar2ness. :his is why it is BI5):. )omeone must brea2through !irst before any significant progress can be made. )omeone must ha4e the courage, ability, and power to B513;:@5 U8@ the obstacles set up by the enemy. 3postolic preaching and teaching has this penetrating power. :here must be brea2throughs in finances, tele4ision, radio, publishing, buildings, etc. Ce must be able to brea2through tradition, religion, ignorance, po4erty, witchcraft, pride, rebellion, etc. :he apostle has the anointing to brea2 through these things that people might be <set free< to wal2 in the truth. *ations, cities and regions are <opened up< because of this &reakthrough anointing. Cithout this <brea2through< anointing, areas remain closed to the truth. :his is why it is so difficult to brea2through in some cities, nations or groups of people. :hese areas and people need a <)1*: *1<Hthe apostles. Chen apostles are sent into a region, they ha4e the ability 12

6. Apostles Have a Breakthrough Anointing through the anointing to penetrate the dar2ness and bring light and re4elation to the people. :here is no substitute for the apostle. :his ministry is li2e a <battering ram< against the citadels of the enemy.

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,. Apostles are Here Today

Till -e all co e in the unity o. the .aith! and o. the )no-ledge o. the Son o. God! unto a per.ect an! unto the easure o. the stature o. the .ullness o. Christ# /phesians '#1%

his 4erse clearly tells us that all fi4e+fold ministry will be gi4en until we ad4ance and arri4e at oneness of faith and mature manhood and stature in Christ. If we honestly loo2 at the condition of the Church today, we can ob4iously see that we ha4e not yet arri4ed. 3postles, prophets, e4angelists, pastors and teachers are all needed today if we are to come to this placeE and 8od, by @is grace, is gi4ing us these ministers to fulfill this purpose. 3s stated pre4iously, there is no substitute for the apostle. :he prophet, e4angelist, pastor or teacher cannot do what the apostle can do. *either can the apostle do what the other gifts can do. 1ach gift is needed and has a unique purpose. :hey are not optional. 8od ga4e them to us because we need them all. In fact, we need them : 63A more than e4er. Ce need perfection today more than e4er. If we plan to come "unto the measure o! the stature o! Christ" today, then we need apostles <today<. Ce needed them yesterday, we need them : 63A, and we will need them : M 55 C until we "come in the unity o! the !aith, and o! the kno ledge o! the son o! "od, unto a per!ect man, unto 1$

7. Apostles are Here Today the measure o! the stature o! the !ullness o! Christ#"

1(

$. Apostles are Given .or the *er.ecting o. the Saints

&or the per.ecting o. the saints! .or the -or) o. the inistry... /phesians '#1"

o per!ect means to equip. :he saints need apostolic ministry to be equipped for ser4ice. :he saints cannot be perfected without the ministry of the apostle. Chen and where apostolic ministry is lac2ing, the saints will be lac2ing in their ability to do the wor2 of the ministry. :he apostle, along with the prophet, e4angelist, pastor and teacher, has a part in this <perfecting<. Bollowing the death of the early apostles, the church went into apostasy and tradition. 3s a result, the ministry was relegated to the clergy# 8od, in this hour, is releasing all belie4ers to do the wor2 of the ministry. :his began with the restoration of the truth of "the priesthood o! all &elie'ers" that came through the 51B 5M3:I *. 3ll belie4ers can do the wor2s of 0esus >0ohn $.:$#?. 3postles help to perfect that which is lac2ing in our faith. Ministries are birthed and disciples are raised up as mighty ministers as a result of apostolic ministry. Belie4ers are released to preach the gospel, heal the sic2, raise the dead, and cast out de4ils through apostolic ministry >Matthew $':$+(?.

1*

0. Apostles are A bassadors o. Christ

1o- then -e are a bassadors .or Christ!...

" Corinthians 5#"0

he word <apostle< is ta2en from the 8ree2 word apostolos meaning an ambassador of the 8ospel, officially a commissioner of Christ. @1 :@3: I) )1*:. 3n ambassador is defined as an o!!icial en4oy, a diplomatic agent of a foreign go4ernment or so4ereign as the resident representati4e of his own go4ernment or so4ereign >Cebster?. :his gi4es us an idea of the authority apostles carry as am&assadors o! Christ# :hey ha4e authority to spea2 and represent the ;ingdom of hea4en while ministering on the earth. 3n ambassador carries the ran2 necessary to carry out a commission with authority. :his authority and ran2 is official. :he spirit realm must recogniDe this authority because it is official. :o be o!!icial means legal, right, 3U:@ 5I:3:II1. 6emons don=t recogniDe uno!!icial authority. :he apostle as an ambassador has official authority and ran2 to penetrate dar2ness and represent hea4en on earth. :hey ha4e official license from hea4en to preach and teach with authority the message committed to them by the %ord.

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10. Apostles are Sent 2nes

And ho- can they preach! e3cept they be sent4... (o ans 10#15

chose this 4erse because all ministers are sent by 8od including prophets, e4angelists, pastors and teachers. @owe4er, the word apostle by definition means a )1*: *1. :hey ha4e the authority and power of the )1*615. 3postles are sent forth by the @oly 8host >3cts $,:.?. 0esus called @is twel4e disciples and ga4e them power >Matthew $':$?. 3fter @e sent the twel4e, they were called <apostles< >Matthew $':#?. :hey were sent to preach the gospel, heal the sic2, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out de4ils >Matthew $':(?. 3s sent ones, they ha4e the ability to Fudge correctly >0ohn (:$&?. :hey preach doctrine that comes from hea4en and from themsel4es >0ohn ":$9+$"?. :heir wor2s >planting churches, laying foundation, pioneering, etc.? bear witness that they are sent from the Bather >0ohn 9:,&?. :hey are sent into certain cities, regions and nations. :hey are sent to preach and minister in a particular area of re4elation.

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11. Apostles Have the Ability to 5udge Correctly

And yet i. 6 7udge!
y 7udg ent is true# .or 6 a but 6 and the &ather that S/1T M/. not alone! 5ohn $#1+

his is another characteristic of a )1*: *1. :he 5ieu translation says, <but I and @e that sent me Fudge together.<

:he Fudgment is true because of the presence and anointing of the )ender upon the sent one. Judging is issuing sentences and passing 'erdicts# :he apostle Paul issued a sentence and passed a 4erdict concerning a fornicator in the Church >$ Corinthians 9:,+9?. 3postolic Fudgment is necessary to 2eep the Church in order. Chere there is no proper Fudgment, confusion and anarchy reigns. 0udgment is based on proper discernment. It is also based on 2nowledge, wisdom and understanding. 3postles ha4e 2nowledge, wisdom and understanding through grace to Fudge correctly. :his does not mean they are infallible. :hey will Fudge correctly as long as they operate and wal2 in the )pirit. Chen difficult situations arise in the church concerning indi4iduals, doctrines, etc., we need the wisdom of the apostle to Fudge correctly. :his helps 2eep the church on course through proper Fudgment.

1#

1". The Apostles8 9or) Bear 9itness That They are Sent
But 6 have a greater -itness than that o. 5ohn# .or the -or)s -hich the &ather hath given e to .inish! the sa e -or)s that 6 do! B/A( 96T1/SS o. e! that the &ATH/( HATH S/1T M/. 5ohn 5#%+

nyone can stand up and say, <I am an apostleE I ha4e been sent by 8od.< :rue apostles ha4e wor2s that bear witness to the fact they ha4e been sent. I call these apostolic orks# @ow many churches ha4e been plantedJ @ow many sons and daughters ha4e been birthed and mentoredJ @ow many miracles ha4e been wroughtJ In other words, the wor2s will spea2 for an apostle. :he wor2s will testify that this one has been sent. :he purpose of apostleship is to accomplish and do greater wor2s in the earth, not to wal2 around with titles. 0esus pointed to @is wor2s as 4erification that @e was sent. 3postles are <sent ones< and their wor2s will bear witness to this fact.

2'

1%. Apostles /stablish and Set :octrine

otice, it is called <the apostles= doctrine< >plural? not the apostle=s doctrine >singular?. *o one man has all the truth and re4elation. *o one man can set himself up as the presenter of all truth. :his was one of the 2eys to the Church=s success in the boo2 of 3ctsHapostolic doctrine# Cith so much false doctrine being taught in the body of Christ today, how desperately we need the ministry of the apostleK :he doctrine of a true apostle does not proceed from man but from hea4en >0ohn ":$9+$"?. :hey minister with re4elation that cannot be taught by a man. Chen the Church lea4es apostolic doctrine, the result is apostasy#

And they continued sted.astly in the apostles8 doctrine... Acts "#'"

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1'. Apostolic :octrine Co es &ro Heaven

And the 5e-s arvelled! saying! Ho- )no-eth this letters! having never learned4 an

5esus ans-ered the ! and said! My doctrine is not ine! but his that sent e. 5ohn ,#15;1+

he :aylor translation says, <@ow can @e 2now so much when @e=s ne4er been to our schoolsJ<

:he 0ews were astonished at 0esus= ability to teach seeing @e had ne4er recei4ed a theological education. 0esus replied that @is doctrine came from @is Bather who sent @im. 3 true <sent one< is taught by the )ender. :he apostle Paul recei4ed his re4elation from the %ord. @e was not taught his gospel by man, but from the %ord. 3postles ha4e the ability to preach and teach re4elation from the )criptures that cannot be learned in schools. I am not referring to e!tra+biblical re4elation, but re4elation from the written Cord of 8od. 3postles ha4e the ability to cause people to see things in the )criptures by the )pirit of re4elation. :his ability comes with apostolic grace as a result of being sent.

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15. Apostles Bring (evelation to the Church

9hich in other ages -as not ade )no-n unto the sons o. en! as it is no- revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. /phesians %#5

artin %uther brought re4elation to the Church of the Middle 3ges concerning "(usti!ication &y !aith"# :his truth was brought forth originally by the apostle Paul. @owe4er, it was brought again to the Church by another apostle, Martin %uther. 6ifferent apostles bring forth different re4elation. :here are apostles of faith, deli4erance, lo4e, prosperity, healing, etc. 5e4elation is the roc2 upon which the Church is built >Matthew $&:$"+$(?. )upernatural churches are raised up through apostolic re4elation. 14ery re4elation has apostles that preach and teach until it is recei4ed by the Church. 3postles ha4e the anointing to brea2 through the ignorance and dar2ness that 2eeps people from recei4ing re4elation. :heir preaching and teaching causes men to see truth and wal2 in it.

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1+. Apostolic (evelation is the &oundation <pon 9hich the Church is Built
And 6 say also unto thee! That thou are *eter! and upon this roc) 6 -ill build y church= and the gates o. hell shall not prevail against it. Matthe- 1+#1$

eter recei4ed a re4elation from hea4en that 0esus was the Christ, the )on of 8od. 0esus said that upon this roc2 >the re4elation of Christ as the )on of 8od?, @e would build @is Church. :he Church is built upon the roc2 of re4elation. 5e4elation is the foundation upon which the Church stands. Cithout apostolic re4elation, the Church cannot be built correctly. 6ifferent apostles are sent to preach different re4elations. :here are apostles of faith, deli4erance, prosperity, etc. 3lthough there are different messages re4ealed to different apostles, these re4elations will be foundational. :he message of the apostle lays a strong foundation in the li4es of the saints upon which others can build.

2$

1,. Apostles >ay &oundation

...6 have laid the .oundation! and another buildeth
thereupon.

1 Corinthians %#10

!oundation is a basis >as a tenet, principle, or a!iom? upon which something stands or is supported. 3postolic ministry is first because it lays foundation. Aou cannot build a building without first laying the foundation. :he Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets >1phesians #:#'?. :he correct foundation will determine whether the building will stand o4er a period of time. 3ttac2s from the enemy, represented by rains, winds and floods >Matthew ":#"? will beat upon e4ery house. :he house without a proper foundation will not be able to stand. 3 house is a type of the church. 3 church without apostolic ministry as a part of its foundation will not stand under the attac2s of the enemy. :his is why there are so many wea2, tottering churches that are coming apart at the seams. :hey are not founded upon the roc2 of re4elation.

2(

1$. Apostles are 9ise Masterbuilders

According to the grace o. God -hich is given unto e! as A 96S/ MAST/(B<6>:/(... 1 Corinthians %#10

master&uilder is an architect. 3rchitects are needed in the proper construction of building. :he Church is called 8od=s building >$ Corinthians ,:-?. :he %ord uses apostolic ministry to lay foundation and help go4ern the proper construction of @is buildingHthe Church. :he Builder is the %ord, and the apostles are the architects @e uses to construct the building. Cise masterbuilders ha4e the wisdom to lay a proper foundation and build upon it correctly. :hey ha4e supernatural wisdom through the anointing to 2now when a house is constructed correctly or incorrectly. :his ability is by grace# :hey ha4e grace from the %ord to be wise masterbuilders. :his is the apostles area of grace. @ow desperately the churches need this graceK :he wise masterbuilder 2nows the importance of the B U*63:I *. :hey 2now the strength of the house is determined by the !oundation of the home. :hey minister foundational truths concerning sal4ation, holiness, deli4erance, prayer, the @oly )pirit, etc.

2*

10. Apostles :on8t >i)e to Build <pon Another8s &oundation

?ea! so have 6 strived to preach the gospel! not -here Christ is na ed! lest 6 should build upon another an8s .oundation# (o ans 15#"0

he 8oodspeed translation says, <so as not to build on foundations other men had laid.<

)ince apostles are foundation layers, they generally don=t li2e to build upon another=s foundation. :hey would rather lay a new foundation when the foundation is not correct. :hey ha4e the anointing to replace it with a correct foundation. 3postolic anointing will be the strongest in areas, regions, or li4es where a foundation needs to be laid. Aou don=t need foundational men when the structure has been completed, unless something is wrong with the foundation. 3n apostle can minister as a pastor or teacher in many cases, but will flow best when a foundation needs to be laid.

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"0. Apostles are *lanters

6 have planted! Apollos -atered= but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians %#+

postles plant churches. :hey ha4e the anointing to plant new wor2s. :here are many new wor2s that need to be planted in inner cities, areas, and nations yet to be reached. 3 planter must be able to P% C through territory that is not conduci4e to planting. :hey brea2 up the fallow ground and plant the seed of the Cord. Planters are sowers. 3postles sow their li4es and ministries within the places they are sent. )ome will say that we already ha4e enough churches and need to wor2 on and change many of the e!isting ones. Pastors especially get ner4ous about a new church being planted in their areas. @owe4er, many e!isting churches are resistant to new truth and re4elation. Many are traditional and fight change. *ew mo4es of 8od produce new re4elation that requires new churches to carry and preach that re4elation. :his is why new churches must be planted e4en in areas where there are already e!isting churches. 3postles ha4e the authority and power to do this. :hey preach re4elation and plant churches to carry that re4elation.

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"1. Apostles Care .or >ocal Churches

Beside those things that are -ithout! that -hich co eth upon e daily! the care o. all the churches. " Corinthians 11#"$

postles are responsible for the churches they plant and o4ersee. :he Phillips translation says, ") ha'e the daily &urden o! responsi&ility !or all the churches#" :hey carry local churches in their hearts and prayers. :hey correct and are responsible for order in these churches. 3postolic ministry is graced by 8od to care for and o4ersee local churches. :hey care for the ministers and pastors of these churches. 3postles 2now the importance of the local church. :hey 2now that local churches must remain strong in order to reach people with the gospel and disciple new belie4ers. :hey understand the spiritual warfare in4ol4ed in trying to plant and maintain churches. 3postles 4iew the churches they plant and o4ersee the same way a Bather 4iews his children. :hey nourish and cherish these churches and ha4e a responsibility from hea4en to o4ersee them. :he apostle=s greatest Foy comes in seeing churches birthed, growing and fully de4eloping into a strong fellowship in the area in which it was planted.

2#

"". Apostles are Bishops @2verseersA o. >ocal Churches

... >et his habitation be desolate! and let no therein# and his B6SH2*(6CB let another ta)e. an d-ell Acts 1#"0

he word &ishop simply means o4erseer. :o o'ersee means to sur4ey, watch, inspect, e!amine, super4ise >Cebster?. Chen 0udas lost his apostleship, he lost his BI)@ P5IC;. :he <bishopric2< is an office, wor2, charge, or position of being an o4erseer. :he word &ishoprick is the 8ree2 word episkope meaning inspection. :o inspect means to e!amine officially. 3postles ha4e the official right to inspect the churches they plant and o4ersee. :his includes correction based on correct Fudgment. :hey are not called to dominate and control the saints. Chen spirits of domination and control manifest through an apostle, deli4erance is needed to a4oid Fudgment from the %ord. :he %ord is the Bishop of our souls. 3postles, along with other ministry gifts, are responsible to bishop >o4ersee? the saints with lo4e and wisdom.

3'

"%. Apostles 2rdain /lders

And -hen they had ordained the elders in every church! and had prayed -ith .asting! they co ended the to the >ord! on -ho they believed. Acts 1'#"%

postles ordain and set elders in place to go4ern local congregations. 3postles ha4e the wisdom and discernment to recogniDe and appoint elders who are called and qualified. 3postolic ministry is necessary to set up and release proper leadership in the local church. *ot only do they ordain, but they impart into leadership as well. 3postles impart wisdom, gifting and teaching into leaders chosen by the %ord to equip them for leadership position. :hey train and instruct potential leaders and release them at the proper time. 14erything rises and falls on leadership. 3s the leadership goes, the church follows. I belie4e apostles ha4e the anointing to raise up strong leadership for local churches. 1lders who are e!posed to apostolic anointing will recei4e the strength and gifting they need to become strong leaders in the house of 8od.

31

"'. Apostles Set in 2rder

&or this cause le.t 6 thee in Crete! that thou shouldest set in order the things that are -anting!... Titus 1#5

he apostle Paul sent :itus to Crete to set things in order. Chen a local church is out of order, the apostle will discern it and set things in order. 3postolic ministry is necessary to set order in the Church and maintain that order. :he ;ingdom of 8od operates through di4ine order and authority. 3postles ha4e 3U:@ 5I:A to set things in order. :his is often an unpleasant function but a necessary one. )etting in order can mean correcting, rebu2ing, and remo4ing people from certain positions. It includes ma2ing adFustments in leadership, doctrine, 4ision or spiritual priorities. It also includes dealing with sin, rebellion, disobedience and confusion which often gains a foothold in the church. 3postles also deal with strife, di4ision and carnality that manifests in the saints. Chen things are out of order in our li4es and churches, apostolic preaching and teaching will confront it and correct it. :he apostles ha4e the grace, boldness and authority to confront and correct. :his grace and authority comes from 8od and not man.

32

"5. Apostles Bind and >oose

And 6 -ill give unto thee the )eys o. the )ingdo o. heaven# and -hatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven#... Matthe- 1+#10

lthough I belie4e all belie4ers ha4e authority to bind and loose, I belie4e the fullness of binding and loosing will be seen through apostolic ministry. :he apostle Peter was gi4en the 2eys of the ;ingdom based upon his re4elation from hea4en. 3postolic re4elation is the basis of binding and loosing. :o &ind means to ma2e secure by tying, to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds, to arrest, apprehend, ta2e charge of, to chain, to fetter, to put a stop to. :he wor2s of dar2ness, both inside and outside the Church, need to be bound through apostolic ministry. :o loose means to untie, to free from restraint, to detach. People need to be loosed from the powers of dar2ness and set free through apostolic ministry.

33

"+. Apostles are Given Authority .or /di.ication

...according to the po-er -hich the >ord hath given e to edi.ication! and not to destruction. " Corinthians 1%#10

he authority gi4en to apostles as sent ones is for the purpose of edifying >building up? the Body. :his authority should not be used to hurt or destroy 8od=s people. 3postles are not called to be dictators o4er 8od=s people. :hey are to rebu2e and correct in lo4e, not in control or pride. :his authority is not meant to destroy, but build up. If apostles minister in the flesh, destroying 8od=s heritage, they will be Fudged by the %ord. :he apostle Paul 2new the purpose of authority. @e 2new his authority was gi4en to Church. @e confronted false apostles who too2 8od=s people. Balse apostles are recogniDed by authority which is really !alse authority# his apostolic build up the ad4antage of their abusi4e

Bleshly authority is manipulati4e, controlling, dominating and destructi4e. :rue apostolic authority is edifying and uplifting.

3$

",. Apostles :o 1ot Have :o inion 2ver 2ur &aith

1ot .or that -e have do inion over your .aith! but are helpers o. your 7oy#... " Corinthians 1#"'

his is another side of point number #&. 3postolic authority is limited in that 0esus is still the @ead of the Church. :he ;no! translation says, "*ot that e ould domineer o'er your !aith#" :he 8oodspeed translation says, "*ot that you and your !aith#" e are masters o!

3postles, li2e other ministers, are not to be %ords o4er 8od=s heritage, but ensamples to the floc2 >$ Peter 9:,?. 5emember also that there are false apostles who operate in false authority >witchcraft?. 3postles are not to replace the %ordship of 0esus Christ. :hey minister and are under the headship of 0esus. 3postles who begin to minister in the flesh will attempt to ha4e dominion o4er the faith of the children of 8od. 3postolic authority is not unlimited. :here are limitations >boundaries? to e4ery ministry. 3postles and those they minister to must 2now these boundaries.

3(

"$. Apostles Have a Measure o. (ule

But -e -ill not boast o. things -ithout our easure! but according to the easure o. the rule -hich God has distributed to us! a easure to reach even unto you. " Corinthians 10#1%

call this an apostolic sphere# :he <sphere< is the area of influence and authority an apostle ministers in. :his sphere also places a limit upon an apostle based on grace. :here are apostles of churches, cities, regions and nations. *o one man can e!alt himself and say, <14eryone submit to meK< Paul=s sphere was to the 8entiles >uncircumcision?E Peter=s was to the 0ews >circumcision?. 3postles only ha4e authority to minister in their spheres. :here is no grace or authority to minister outside one=s sphere. It is important that apostles 2now and stay within their measure o! rule# Chen one goes outside of their spiritual Furisdiction, they will do damage to the li4es of those who submit to their authority. 3ll authority is based upon one staying within their spiritual Furisdiction.

3*

"0. Apostles are /3a ples to Those 9ho &ollo- Their Ministries
1ot because -e have not po-er! but to ensa ple unto you to .ollo- us. a)e ourselves an " Thessalonians %#0

ince apostles go first, they are usually prototypes for others to follow. :he :wentieth Century *ew :estament says, <but our obFect was to gi4e you a pattern for you to copy.< :he ;no! translation says, <but as a model for your own beha4ior.< Paul tells :imothy, "%ut thou hast !ully kno n my doctrine, manner o! li!e, purpose, !aith, longsu!!ering, charity, patience###" ># :imothy ,:$'?. 3postolic ministry is to set an e!ample for others to follow. :hey must be an e!ample in word and deed. :his includes their ministry and character.

37

%0. Apostles are &athers

&or though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ! ye have ye not any .athers# .or in Christ 5esus 6 have begotten you through the gospel. 1 Corinthians '#15

postolic ministry releases the spirit of the Bather. 3 !ather is one that plants seed and births sons and daughters. 3 father is a mentor. Paul referred to :imothy and :itus as his sons in the faith. 3 father lo4es, trains, corrects, and lea4es an inheritance for his children. 3postles lea4e a strong spiritual heritage for generations to follow. 3braham is an ld :estament type of apostolic ministry. @e is referred to as <the father of faith<. @e set the standard for Fustification by faith for others to follow. 14ery person who is Fustified by faith is compared to 3braham, the !ather o! !aith# :he %ord is raising up spiritual fathers that will re4eal the heart of the Bather. Chat the Church lac2s is not preachers, but fathers. :here are many preachers and teachers but few fathers. :his restoration of apostolic ministry is restoring the fathers to the @ouse of 8od.

38

%1. Apostles 6 part Spiritual Gi.ts

&or 6 long to see you! that 6 ay i part unto you so e spiritual gi.t! to the end ye ay be established= (o ans 1#11

postolic ministry has the ability to impart gifts, anointing, strength, and power into the li4es of the saints. Paul imparted gifts into his spiritual son :imothy through the laying on of hands ># :imothy $:&?. Ministers and leaders need the impartation that comes through apostles. Churches need the impartation that comes through apostolic ministry. :his ability to impart is necessary to raise up strong leaders and strong saints. Cithout impartation, the Church will lac2 the gifting and anointing necessary to do the wor2s of Christ. People are birthed and released into their ministries through impartation. %eaders will ne4er wal2 in the fullness of their ministries without impartation. :he Church needs the impartation of apostles to be equipped for the wor2 of the ministry.

3#

%". Apostolic Ministry is a Ministry o. 9ar.are

@&or the -eapons o. our -ar.are are not carnal! but ighty through God to the pulling do-n o. strongholds=A " Corinthians 10#'

he word <warfare< is the 8ree2 word strateia meaning military ser4ice, the 3P ): %IC C35115 >as one of hardship and danger?. Paul calls the apostolic career one of warfare. )ince apostles go first into new regions or territories, they encounter the resistance of demon powers first. :hey ha4e the anointing to brea2 through this resistance. :here is much warfare in4ol4ed in apostolic ministry. 3postles must war against tradition, ignorance, fear, and religious bondage. 3postles pull down strongholds through their preaching, teaching, prophesying and miracle ministries. 6emonic strongholds are shattered. 3postolic ministry is often militant. 3ccording to Cebster, militant means aggressi4e, and often combati4e, especially in support of a cause.

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%%. Apostles *ull :o-n Strongholds

Casting do-n i aginations! and every high thing that e3alteth itsel. against the )no-ledge o. God!... " Corinthians 10#5

he word <imaginations< is the 8ree2 word logismos meaning reasoning. It refers to arguments in the minds of men which 2eep them from the truth. :he teaching and preaching of apostles destroys and demolishes these arguments. :he :wentieth Century *ew :estament says, "+e are engaged in con!uting arguments and pulling do n e'ery &arrier raised against the kno ledge o! "od#" :hese arguments are called <strongholds< which apostolic ministry pulls down. :hey are demonic strongholds that 2eep people belie4ing lies and hinder them from recei4ing the truth. :hey are li2e castles and fortresses that are designed to 2eep the prisoner in, and the truth out. nce these strongholds are demolished, people can then see and recei4e the truth. 3postolic ministry has an anointing to demolish these strongholds.

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%'. Apostles Have the Ability to :ispute and *ersuade

And he -ent into the synagogue! and spa)e boldly .or the space o. three onths! :6S*<T61G and */(S<A:61G the things concerning the )ingdo o. God. Acts 10#$

part of the anointing to refute and destroy arguments against the truth is the ability to dispute and persuade. :he Ber2eley translation says, <persuasi4ely discussing<. :his is an ability to penetrate and brea2 through ignorance and strongholds that pre4ent men from recei4ing and wal2ing in the truth. Men need to be persuaded concerning the truth of sal4ation, healing, deli4erance, the @oly )pirit, intercession, praise and worship, righteousness, etc. :he art or practice of disputation or contro4ersy is called polemics# :his is the branch of theology dealing with ecclesiastical disputation and contro4ersy >Cebster?. Polemic preaching will destroy arguments that are used against the truth. :his is the grace upon the apostles gi4ing them the ability to dispute and persuade.

$2

%5. Apostles Have a Godly 5ealousy 2ver the Saints

&or 6 a

7ealous over you -ith godly 7ealousy#... " Corinthians 11#"

i4ine Fealousy flows through apostolic ministry. :hey will defend and fight against anything and anyone that comes to corrupt the saints. :his is a protecti4e Fealousy that parents ha4e for their children, or husbands ha4e for their wi4es. 3postles ha4e a desire to present the Church as a chaste 4irgin to Christ. :his godly (ealousy is a part of the spirit of the Bather. 3postolic ministry protects the floc2 against wol4es >false ministries? that come in to de4our and ta2e ad4antage of 8od=s people. 3postolic ministry is especially hard on false ministries. :hey guard and protect the Church against false ministries.

$3

%+. Apostles Ma)e 6ntercession .or the Saints

&or this cause 6 bo5esus Christ! y )nees unto the &ather o. our >ord /phesians %#1'

postolic intercession is important to the Church. It helps the Church to recei4e the re4elation released through this ministry. Paul=s intercession was a 4ital part of causing the churches he planted to grow and mature in the things of 8od. :he prayers of Paul are recorded in his letters to the churches he was related to. @e prayed for: $. )pirit of wisdom and re4elation >1phesians $?E #. )trengthened with might by the )pirit in the inner man >1phesians ,?E ,. 5ooted and grounded in lo4e >1phesians ,?E .. 3ppro4e things that are e!cellent >Philippians $?E 9. )incere and without offense >Philippians $?E &. Billed with the 2nowledge of his will >Colossians $?E ". Cal2 worthy of the %ord unto all pleasing >Colossians $?E (. Bruitful in e4ery good wor2 and increasing in the 2nowledge of 8od >Colossians $?. 3postles are responsible to intercede and pray for the $$

36. Apostles Make Intercession for the Saints churches and ministries they are related to. :heir intercession helps the Church to come into the fullness of what the %ord intends.

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%,. The Strength o. Apostolic Ministry is *rayer and the Ministry o. the 9ord
But -e -ill give ourselves continually to prayer! and to the inistry o. the -ord. Acts +#'

he si! were chosen to wait upon tables in order that the apostles could gi4e themsel4es to prayer and the ministry of the Cord. :his shows the importance of the ministry of @elps to the apostle. :he results were powerful, "And the ord o! "od increased, and the num&er o! the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem" >3cts &:"?. Prayer and the ministry of the Cord causes the apostolic anointing to accomplish great things. :he ministry of @elps releases the apostle to concentrate on these two areas that are so 4ital to the ministry. 3postles must ha4e time to pray and minister the Cord in order to be effecti4e. 3nything that ta2es them away from prayer and the ministry of the Cord must be delegated to others. :his is why deacons were chosen and released in the boo2 of 3cts. :hey were not chosen to run the church but to relie4e the apostles. :his is the definition of @elpsH: 51%I1I1.

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%$. Apostles :e onstrate the Spirit and *o-er

And y speech and y preaching was not -ith enticing -ords o. an8s -isdo ! but in de onstration o. the Spirit and o. po-er# 1 Corinthians "#'

ne of the ways apostles demolish strongholds >arguments against the truth? is by demonstration of the )pirit and power. :he Cilliams translation says, <:hey were attended with P5 B and P C15 gi4en by the )pirit.< 3postolic ministry demonstrates the Cord preached. 8od confirms apostolic ministry with signs following >Mar2 $&:#'?. Miracles, healings, deli4erance, along with signs and wonders, should follow apostolic ministry. Philosophy and worldly wisdom can ne4er accomplish what demonstration can. :he power of 8od must be 61M *):53:16.
And -ith great po-er gave the A*2ST>/S -itness o. the resurrection o. the >ord 5esus#... Acts '#%% And by the HA1:S 2& TH/ A*2ST>/S -ere and -onders -rought a ong the people=... any signs Acts 5#1"

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%0. Apostolic Ministry is 2ne o. Signs and 9onders

...and any signs and -onders -ere done by the apostles. Acts "#'% any signs and Acts 5#1"

And by the hands o. the apostles -ere -onders -rought a ong the people=...

igns and wonders include miracles, casting out de4ils, notable healings, etc. )ome people will not belie4e e!cept they see signs and wonders >0ohn .:.(?. )igns and wonders cause brea2throughs in the spirit and open the way for multitudes to come into the ;ingdom. :he gospel cannot be fully preached without signs and wonders >5omans $9:$-?. )igns and wonders attract people to hear the gospel. :hey are the dinner bell to sal4ation. )igns and wonders captures the attention of multitudes. :hey cause people to be attenti4e to the message of the gospel. 3postolic ministry arrests the attention of multitudes and draws them into the ;ingdom.

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'0. Apostolic Ministry Touches Multitudes

And believers -ere the ore added to the >ord! o. both en and -o en. ultitudes Acts 5#1'

he result of signs and wonders are MU%:I:U61) of belie4ers added to the %ord. :hroughout the boo2 of 3cts, we see reference to the multitudes. Ce see words such as belie4ers MU%:IP%I16 or belie4ers 36616 to the Church. 3postolic ministry is a 2ey to church growth. It is a 2ey to touching the multitudes of people who do not yet 2now the %ord. 3postles ha4e the grace, power and authority to touch multitudes.
There ca e also a M<>T6T<:/ out o. the cities round about unto 5erusale !... Acts 5#1+ But -hen the 5e-s sa- the M<>T6T<:/S!... And the M<>T6T<:/ o. the that believed!... Acts 1%#'5 Acts '#%" Acts +#" Acts 1'#1

...called the M<>T6T<:/ o. the disciples unto!... ...!that a G(/AT M<>T6T<:/ both o. the 5e-s...

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'1. Apostolic Ministry Touches Cities

And the ne3t sabbath day ca e al ost the 9H2>/ C6T? together to hear the -ord o. God. Acts 1%#''

ultitudes of lost people li4e in cities. I belie4e e4ery maFor city will be touched by apostolic ministry in these last days. )trong churches are being raised up through apostolic anointing to reach the multitudes in cities. Media will be instrumental in reaching the multitudes in e4ery city. In $-9', only se4en cities in the world had a population of more than 9,''',''' people. By $-(9, this number had reached thirty+four. It is estimated that by the year #'#', this number will rise to close to one hundred, :he world is becoming increasingly U5B3*. By the year #''', ninety+four percent of the population of Canada and the United )tates will be in cities. :here will be large >mega? churches raised up by the )pirit of 8od in e4ery city. :hese will be apostolic centers that will release the power of 8od into these cities. 3postolic grace is needed to brea2 through the strongholds of maFor metropolitan areas.

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'". Apostolic Ministry Touches (egions

And the -ord o. the >ord -as published throughout all the region. Acts 1%#'0

ot only will apostles touch cities, but they will influence regions. 8o4erning churches in maFor cities will influence and affect entire regions. :here are regional anointings that will cause apostles to be a 4oice in a particular geographical area. :he Moffat translation says, the word <went far and wide o4er the whole country.< 3postolic Furisdictions will co4er certain regions. :hese Furisdictions are the spheres of authority gi4en to certain apostles. :here can be more than one apostle in a region. :here can be more than one apostle in a city. :he %ord is raising up many apostles to release @is power in this hour. Chole regions will be touched by apostolic ministry. 3postles also pioneer and trailblaDe into new regions. Paul=s desire was "to preach the gospel in the regions &eyond you, and to &oast in another man-s line o! things made ready to our hand" ># Corinthians $':$&?.

(1

'%. Apostles are Targets o. /nvy and 5ealousy

But -hen the 5e-s sa- the envy!... ultitudes! they -ere .illed -ith Acts 1%#'5

ny minister that touches the multitudes will become the target of religious en'y# Many will oppose apostolic ministry for this reason only. %eaders who fear losing their people or who are insecure in their position will accuse and attac2 true apostolic ministry. 3nyone who has power to mo4e multitudes of people for the ;ingdom of 8od will become a target of the enemy. :his is a part of the warfare associated with apostolic ministry. 3postles ha4e the grace to deal with this opposition. :hey ha4e a supernatural ability to o4ercome it and continue in spite of it. )atan stirs up en4y and Fealousy against true apostles. 5eligious leaders are usually the greatest opponents to true apostolic ministry. 1n4y and Fealousy can turn into cruel acts against anointed ministry. @owe4er, apostles ha4e the ability to be successful in the midst of en4y and Fealousy.

(2

''. Apostolic Ministry is a Ministry o. Boldness

:hen *aul and Barnabus -a3ed bold! and said!...

Acts 1%#'+

n spite of opposition, apostles are bold in their message. :he Phillips translation says, <did not mince their words but said<. :he spirit o! &oldness is a characteristic of true apostles. :hey ha4e an awareness of being sent and do not fear men who oppose them. )ometimes boldness is misconstrued for arrogance. @owe4er, boldness is necessary to o4ercome spirits of intimidation that often come from religious spirits. :he early Church prayed for boldness. Boldness causes us to maintain our momentum instead of retreating in fear. Boldness causes the Church to attac2 and confront error. Boldness gi4es apostles the ability to brea2 through the spiritual opposition they often encounter. Boldness causes them to continue to deli4er the message they are sent to preach, in spite of persecution. :o be &old means not hesitating or fearful in the face of dangerE courageous. 5equiring courage and daring >Cebster?.

(3

'5. Apostles are *ersecuted

...!and are bu..eted! and have no certain d-elling place= And labour! -or)ing -ith our o-n hands# being reviled! -e bless# being persecuted! -e su..er it Being de.a ed! -e intreat# -e are ade as the .ilth o. the -orld! and are as the o..scouring o. all things unto this day. 1 Corinthians '#11;1%

his is Paul=s description of apostolic ministry. By definition, the word "&u!!eted" means punched. "$e'iled" means abused. ".e!amed" means blasphemed. :herefore, apostles are often punched, abused and blasphemed. :his is the reaction of some people to apostolic ministry. 3ny ministry that penetrates and does so much damage to )atan=s 2ingdom is sure to be persecuted. Instead of stopping apostles, persecution stirs them and causes the anointing to be released e4en stronger. Persecution doesn=t stop apostlesE it fuels their ministries. 3postles ha4e the grace to not only o4ercome persecution, but actually use it to their ad4antage.

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'+. Apostles are Treated as >ast

&or 6 thin) that God hath set .orth us the apostles last! as it -ere appointed to death# .or -e are ade a spectacle unto the -orld! and to angels! and to en. 1 Corinthians '#0

hy is a ministry that the Cord says is <first<, often treated as lastJ

:he answer is that apostles are forerunners and pioneers in the )pirit. Borerunners and pioneers are often misunderstood and mistreated. It is not easy to be a pathfinder. 3ny ministry that does so much damage to )atan=s 2ingdom is sure to be attac2ed. :he word last is the 8ree2 word eschastos meaning the lowestE and because this ministry does so much damage to )atan=s 2ingdom, it is the most persecuted and attac2ed by the enemy. Paul says that this ministry is <made a spectacle<. :he 8ree2 word theatron from which we deri4e our word theater is the translation used for the word spectacle# :his means that apostolic ministry is on a stage for the world, the Church and the angels to see. 3postles are often treated as the scum of the earth.

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',. Apostles are (e.or ers

Which stood only in
eats and drin)s! and divers -ashings! and carnal ordinances! i posed on them until the ti e o. re.or ation. Hebre-s 0#10

he transition from the ld to the *ew :estament was a time of reformation. :he %ord used apostles to bring about this reformation. :his has been the case throughout Church history. Chene4er there is a need for reformation, the %ord sends forth apostolic ministry. 3postles ha4e the ability to pull down the strongholds of tradition and bring forth new re4elation. :here are times of reformation when the apostolic anointing will be strong. 3postles operate and minister in a reforming anointing. Chen the Church is out of order and not in proper form, there will be a need to 51+B 5M it. 5eformation is unpleasant but necessary. 3postles ha4e the discerning to 2now when the Church is not in its proper form. /orm is the shape of a thing or person, a particular condition, character, or mode in which something appears >Cebster?. Chen the shape, condition or character of the Church is not according to )cripture, apostles are sent to bring 51B 5M.

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'$. Apostles are Hated and &eared by (eligious Syste s

(e7oice over her! thou heaven! and ye holy apostles and prophets! .or God hath avenged you on her. (evelations 1$#"0

his is a reference to the Fudgment of 8od upon Babylon. Babylon represents the false religious systems of men. 3postles cannot tolerate the false religious systems of men. :he preaching and teaching of true apostles disturbs and bothers these religious systems. 3postles are feared, hated and persecuted by these antichrist systems. 5eligious systems of men hate reformation. )pirits of idolatry, pride, tradition, legalism, control and per4ersion fight apostolic ministry and resist reformation. :he preaching of apostles is often <polemic<. 3s mentioned earlier, polemic means a contro4ersial argument, as one against some opinion or doctrine. 6octrines that are unscriptural are attac2ed by apostolic preaching. 3postles set themsel4es against false doctrine and attac2 it through polemic preaching. It is no wonder that they are hated and feared by religious systems as a result.

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'0. Apostles are :e.enders o. the &aith

...!)no-ing that 6 a

set .or the de.ence o. the gospel. *hilippians 1#1,

he Conybeare translation says, <am appointed to defend the 8lad :idings<. 3postles are appointed by 8od to defend the truth of the 8ospel. Contrary to what some say, the truth must be defended. 3postolic ministry is anointed to defend the Church against heresy and false doctrine. 3postles will often teach or preach P %1MIC3%%A. 0olemic means an aggressi4e attac2 on or refutation of the opinions or principles of anotherE the art of practice of disputation or contro4ersy. It is from the 8ree2 polemikos meaning war+li2e or hostile. :he reformers of the si!teenth century >i.e., Martin %uther? aggressi4ely attac2ed the error and hypocrisy of the established Church. :hey also defended the truth of the gospel against those who attac2ed their teachings. :heir maFor concern was that the truth be preached and taught at any cost. :hey would die for the truth. :o them, the only thing that mattered was the truth. 3postles recogniDe that the truth must not only be preached, but defended. If men don=t defend the truth, lies will pre4ail. If lies pre4ail, people will wal2 in bondage and deception. :his is why the Church needs the ministry of the apostle. 3postles ha4e an anointing to defend and confirm the truth. :hey wal2 in (8

!. Apostles are "efenders of the #aith boldness and proclaim the truth in spite of persecution and opposition.

(#

50. 9e are to Try The That Say They are Apostles

...and thou hast tried the -hich say they are apostles! and are not! and hast .ound the liars# (evelations "#"

he Church at 1phesus was commended by the %ord for testing those who claimed to be apostles. :he Ber2eley translation says, <@ow you ha4e put to the test those who call themsel4es apostles though they are * :, and you ha4e found them to be impostors.< Ce are to pro4e all things >$ :hessalonians 9:#$?. It is important to 2now the characteristics of true apostles, so we can appro4e and be blessed by their ministries. :here are many who claim apostleship but do not ha4e the grace to wal2 in this office. "/or such are !alse apostles, deceit!ul orkers, trans!orming themsel'es into the apostles o! Christ" ># Corinthians $$:$,?. Counterfeit apostles are dishonest and deceitful with a lo4e for money, power and position. :rue apostles are 2nown by their character and wor2s. :his is the purpose of this boo2: to gi4e the reader the distinguishing characteristics of :5U1 3P ):%1). Ce are to appro4e of true apostles, but disappro4e of false apostles.

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