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The Apostolic and Prophetic Foundation
Perhaps it can be said that prophets are concerned with the manifestation of God’s glory in His house, and apostles are consumed with building God’s house in such a way that His glory will abide in it. If there was only prophetic input, the church might be a bit chaotic. The house of God is not a mob of people each doing “his own thing.”
There is a correct way to build so that order is preserved with the spontaneous prophetic moving of the Holy Spirit. Structure does not bring forth life, but life does give structure. Correct building will be marked by the order and structure that springs from His life. Much of what has been built in Christendom needs adjustment. There is a great need for those with insight on how to build.
Apostles are ones who are sent (Grk. apostolos - “one sent on a mission”). They are not pastors, teachers or evangelists who travel. The idea that apostles are local leaders who have attained a certain level of experience is without basis in Scripture. For example, it is possible for a young man such as Timothy to be an apostle (1 Thess. 1:1; 2:6). On the other hand, God may choose to expand a man’s heart, give him an apostolic burden, and release him to travel after he has been faithful pastorally in a local church for a number of years. That is His prerogative. The point is that an apostle is unique, with a specific calling, burden, emphasis and function. He will have unique insight into the mystery of the person of Christ and will seek to unveil Him as the foundation of God’s house. There is indeed more to being an apostle than simply having a traveling ministry (Eph. 3:4 - 5).
This is not to say that pastors or teachers cannot travel in an extra-local capacity in the Body of Christ. If the whole Church is to be apostolic in nature, then obviously pastors, teachers and evangelists must be apostolic as well. Apostles will impart the grace of God as the Lord causes the whole Church to become apostolic. However, that will not make everyone in the Church an apostle.
What exactly is an apostle? It is clear that teachers teach, pastors pastor, evangelists evangelize and prophets prophesy. But how does one apostle? This term is unique when considered alongside the other four ministries. For example, Paul and Barnabas came from a group of prophets and teachers (Acts 13:1). It is likely that Paul was one of the teachers (2 Tim. 1:11) and Barnabas one of the prophets. His original name was Joseph and he had been given the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) by the twelve (Acts 4:36). Since encouragement is a key ingredient of prophecy (1 Cor. 14:3), this could suggest a prophetic ministry in Barnabas. Yet both of these men became apostles (Acts 14:14).
This indicates that in New Testament times, an apostle would function as either a prophet or a teacher (or more probably as any of the four other ministries in a local church) before moving out apostolically. Yet not all prophets and teachers necessarily became apostles. For example, there is no record that Agabus - who was a prophet - ever became an apostle, even though he traveled among the churches. Thus, apostleship is a unique calling from God.
This raises a question: How does an apostle who has previously functioned as a teacher differ from one who is simply a teacher? There must be unique and identifiable elements of the apostolic ministry. Listed below are a few important attributes of all ministries. Let us consider how they apply specifically to apostles.
Obviously, anointed teachers will function by revelation as well. However, apostles will have a dimension of revelatory insight that will bring a foundational impartation of Christ to those listening.
...when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit.
That which comes forth from their ministry will reflect the anointing of the Holy Spirit and not just mere methodology. Indeed, they are to be men of the Spirit. Their concern is not to find out “what works.” Rather, their consuming passion is to see Christ revealed on the earth in corporate expressions of His life. This is why divine order is such an important issue to them. They do not seek to establish proper structure so they can accomplish what they want; rather they desire God’s order implemented so that Jesus may be revealed in great diversity all across the face of the earth. Whatever hinders this must be confronted and set aside. They do not seek a place for themselves; they want only to assist in the construction of the house God is building for Himself.
The reason they plant churches is not so they can expand their sphere of ministry; rather, they seek to see Him extend His kingdom both in and through His people. Having a large ministry is simply not their priority. If there is an increase of their realm of influence, it will merely be the by-product of the Lord increasing His government (Is. 9:7).
Some men are considered to be apostles because they have been gifted in an administrative capacity. One reason for this is our tendency to admire those “who can get the job done.” Everyone loves a winner. It is often impressive to God’s people when men “take the bull by the horns” and get things accomplished. In other words, many want more than talk; they want action. It is fine to preach about mystical things like the love of God, but how do we take it in practical terms to the world?
Men are often thought of as apostolic whenever they are able to bring theological truths into concrete activity and mobilize others to follow them in their particular burden. However, God’s requirements of builders in the construction of His house are very specific. There is more involved than simply doing impressive works in the name of the Lord. Above all, it is crucial that one be called of God to be an apostle.
One cannot just decide on his own to have such a ministry. God sets the members in the body just as He desires (1 Cor. 12:18). Notice how Jesus chose the twelve.
And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons.
The first priority of the apostle should be to spend time with the Lord. The message he carries will be formed in this place of intimate relationship with Christ. How can one be sent representing another if he does not take the time to wait and hear what is on His heart? Thus, apostles are preeminently men of relationship. Their time with Him takes precedence over everything else.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
The lack of consistent intimate time with the Lord is probably the primary reason why many men propagate principles at the expense of imparting life. This is not to imply that teaching biblical principles is wrong; we do this whenever we minister His word. However, when we know what is on His heart for the moment, we can rise up to speak in His Name with the full power and anointing of His presence. There simply is no valid substitute for hearing from the Lord.
Since the very message we are called to convey is a Person, we must take time to behold and consider His glory, His beauty, His grief, His love, His righteous indignation, His purpose. The foundation to be laid is a Person! The Spirit we have received ...searches all things, even the depths of God. (1 Cor. 2:10 NASB)
Theology is not about the study of the things of God; it is the study of God Himself! This requires as much (if not more) time on one’s knees as it does in books. Plumbing the depths of His heart is the necessary prerequisite to the miraculous event of communicating Him to His people. Any ministry of power to others will then come as a reflection of this priority. Many have done miracles in Jesus’ name. This does not mean they were apostles. In fact, it may not even mean they extended God’s kingdom.
Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew (Grk. gonosko - this word implies a relationship) you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!”
Intimate communion and relationship with the Lord was the missing ingredient in the ministries of these individuals. They moved in the gifts God gave them, but they did not walk in the close fellowship with Christ that true Kingdom ministry requires. Thus, they worked lawlessness. In other words, they did what seemed best to them - and did it in His name. God has not called us to do “what seems best to us.” He has called us to obey Him. The fact that God moved in power through spiritual gifts operative in their lives did not indicate His approval of their motives, methods or character. This is why Jesus instructed us to evaluate ministries by their spiritual fruit and not by their words or spiritual gifts (Mt. 7:15 - 23). Thus, signs and wonders by themselves cannot be the distinguishing feature of apostles.
Jesus sent out the twelve to preach, cast out demons and heal the sick (Mk. 3:13 - 15). It seemed that wherever the apostles of the New Testament ministered, the power of God was consistently manifested. The Kingdom we have been called to extend cannot be brought to bear on society through words alone. We must have the power of God permeating our words, our prayers and our songs.
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power.
(1 Cor. 4:20 NASB)
Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
They do not see themselves as more significant than others; they consider others more important than themselves (Phil. 2:3). They do not seek to be served, but to serve others that they might come forth in all God has ordained for them.
...And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls...
In our day, a father might work and save over many years so his child could attend college. So also Paul saw his calling to pour himself out that the Corinthian believers could come into all that God desired for them.
Some leaders believe that the people are to serve them and fulfill their vision for the local church. Any other vision than the one in the leader’s heart would only produce a “di - vision.” In other words, division comes from failure to support the goals in the heart of the leader(s). My question is, What if the vision in God’s heart for that fellowship is greater than what is seen by the leader(s)? (By the way, it always is.) Overseers are not to be threatened by the emerging of Christ’s perspective through other members of the body.
On the other hand, neither must there be any rebellion in the hearts of God’s people because leadership has only a limited view of the Lord’s purpose or a different view than they have. Both pride and rebellion are addressed when true apostolic men lay a foundation of servanthood. All believers will be challenged to not only serve each other but to hear from one another. Elders especially will be envisioned to set the example of servanthood! They will lead the way. Such an approach to leadership will result from the influence of the apostle’s bondservant heart.
By definition, a bondservant is simply a slave (Grk. doulos). He does not belong to himself any longer; he is the property of another. His whole life is given to the purpose of seeing his Owner’s vision (not his own) come to pass. He is aware that his Owner may speak through anyone He chooses (even a donkey if necessary!). When that occurs, obedience is always the proper response. A bondservant will not seek to perpetuate his own aspirations and desires. As James Garrett has written,
...no one fully understands lordship nor fully experiences lordship, without grasping the principle of the “doulos”.[2] There always will be pressure on us to do other than and more than what God has called us to do.[3]
He goes on to say:
There are two words in the Greek New Testament that make us aware of two different “wills” of God. The first is the word boulee. This word and its derivatives tend to be used for God’s irresistable will - His plan or purpose. This is going to be accomplished and nothing can prevent it.
The second word is thelema. This word tends to be used in the sense of “wish,” or “desire.” God does not always get His wish or desire. For instance, it is not God’s wish that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (1 Tim. 2:4, 2 Pet. 3:9).[4]
However, it is obvious that many will not repent and so will perish.
As those who want to please the Lord and do His will, not only do we bow our knees to His sovereign purpose, but we long to bring joy to His heart as we embrace His wishes.
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers...
For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
How can it be that the one ministry God sets first in the Church would be displayed as last? Yet this expresses the way of the Lord. Did He not say that the first would be last? When He began construction of His eternal dwelling, He started with twelve men whom He named as apostles. When He commenced to reach out to the Gentile world, He sent an apostle to the house of Cornelius. When He began to establish churches among the Gentiles around the Roman Empire, He sent the apostles Paul and Barnabas. Soon prophets and teachers were also appearing on the scene with increasing frequency. How is it then that the one ministry Jesus set first in His Church would end up being viewed as last?
Apostles are mindful that God’s value system differs significantly from man’s. In order for His house to reflect His personality and values, it must be built with a strict adherence to His tastes and desires. However, leaders who are constrained by the opinions of others will ultimately fail to build God’s house according to His plans. What others think of them will affect their response to the Lord. Clearly, the values and methods of man have long contaminated the house God is constructing. It simply does not reflect heaven as it should. However, God intends to reveal the glory of His value system on the earth.
How does one work with the Lord to this end? Probably the greatest hindrances are insecurity and the fear of man in the hearts of Christian leaders. The tendency is to see the cost of obedience and then pull back. When men give themselves unreservedly to the Lord and His ways (as bondservants), they will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). Sadly, this often comes from religious people who think they are rendering service to God. The primary reason they bring opposition is because their values and tastes are threatened by the structural changes sought by those with insight into God’s heart. Thus, apostles by the very nature of their call will be seen as insignificant and irrelevant by many (those who are comfortably entrenched in their own perspectives of divine order). In such an atmosphere, apostles will say with Paul:
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Even to the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.
Lord, we present our lives to You afresh, even right now. We want to be Your bondservants. Send us anywhere to serve in any capacity or to speak any word that is in Your heart for us to express. Lord, teach us Your ways that we may learn what is valuable to You. Cause us to become an accurate reflection on the earth of Your value system. We desire for men to look at us and not be misled concerning Your priorities. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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