Declare.

One of the most helpful tools to build your faith and renew your mind is to declare out loud what the Scriptures say. Paul told us that, “faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17). As you hear yourself speak God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will cause faith to come in the promises you are declaring.

Notice this gem from the book of Job (22:25-28) “Then the Almighty will be your gold and choice silver to you. For then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you . . . You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you; and light will shine on your ways.”

Notice that in the context of prayer and delighting in the Almighty, Father hears our prayer and then we decree a thing and it will be established for us. As beings created in the image of our God, we speak to our situation and say, “Let there be light!” We call for a revelation of the truths that Jesus purchased for us.

In the New Testament, Jesus put it this way: Mark 11:23 “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”

Take note that Jesus is talking about our declarations. Speak to the mountain. Believe in your heart that what you are saying is coming to pass and you will have whatever you are saying. Another translation puts it this way: “For most assuredly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says” (WEB).

Observe that he believes that what he is saying is happening. It doesn’t say anything about what he feels or what he sees with his natural eye, but rather what he is believing in his heart and saying with his mouth - because it is based on what God has said - is happening.

Consider for a few minutes some other similar thoughts from Jesus. In Luke 17:6 Jesus says, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.” The Passion Translation puts this quite clearly: “If you have even the smallest measure of authentic faith, it would be powerful enough to say to this large tree – ‘my faith will pull you up by the roots and throw you into the sea’ – and it will respond to your faith and obey you.” Certainly you have “even the smallest measure of authentic faith!”

And at another time He commented, “For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Take note of the things Jesus said would be the result of faith-filled words: The mountains in our life would be removed. The problem we speak to would obey us. Nothing would be impossible for us.

So as you go through these promises and declare them, remember that God “watches over His Word to perform it.” And as the apostle Paul said, “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Cor. 4:13)

This is from a devotional series Joe McIntyre is preparing: Declaring Your Faith

When God's Kids Grow Up

As I mowed the grass in the sweltering heat, I thought about my spiritual discontent.

Again.

I watched a video last night featuring Greg Hawkins, the executive pastor of  Willow Creek church, who discussed the trend of committed, born-again Christians leaving traditional churches in large numbers. Wanting to know what was behind it all, pollsters like George Barna have been collecting data from studies and have reached several conclusions - one of which I'll discuss in this message.

The most startling fact uncovered is that most of the people who are leaving the church are not lukewarm, marginal Christians, but those who are the most committed to living for Jesus. The sold-out, on- fire children of God are seeking greener pastures in which to rest.

Five years ago - this revelation would have shocked me. But today, it confirms what I've seen happening among my friends and it sheds light on what I've experienced in my own life.

In 2008, when I first began having dreams - many of them took place in church buildings. I'd dream about praying for people to be healed or I'd be prophesying at a church service. At that time, my wife and I attended an AG church regularly. The church dreams didn't last long. The church we attended had a lot of problems and God called us to meet with people in different locations and soon, my dreams took on a different setting.

The church dreams ended and instead I was praying with people in ambulances, stores, streets and hospitals. Literally anywhere but in a church building. I knew God was calling us out of that setting, and into the community at large, but we had a hard time giving up our church life.

Over the years, my wife and I have tried to find a church to attend, but haven't been successful. We don't have an ax to grind against the institutional church. Yes, we see a number of problems with the traditional church scene, but we also see some positive things that a traditional church setting can provide. We just can't find one that meets our  particular needs. One of the problems is that we seem to have outgrown most churches and the things they teach.

One thing most churches do well is help new believers become rooted and grounded in the truth of scripture. While some folks may be content to study the bible their entire lives, others require a bit more diversity. Some churches have nothing to offer beyond basic bible teaching. So when a church successfully nurtures it's members into maturity and they require training and equipping beyond the basics, where do they go?

Many believers today have discovered their identity in Christ and are fully capable of teaching with authority and operating in the power of God. They're not beginners any more. They're seasoned veterans. As their numbers have grown - it's become apparent (to me at least) that the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God spoken of in Scripture may finally be here. God's kids have grown up. And unfortunately for church leaders -  they've nearly worked themselves out of a job.

The body of Christ now needs advanced training and equipping and leaders are late in responding to that need. A few (Bill Johnson for example) have seen the need and developed advanced curricula. To their credit, Bethel has made their school of supernatural ministry curriculum available to others, but a better approach would be for local fellowships to develop and implement their own.

The need for more challenging instruction might explain the boom in conference attendance. Many people find that two or three days of immersion in worship and advanced teaching is more helpful than digesting weekly sermons.

The present challenge to leaders is to recognize the need for advanced training and equipping and ask God for the resources and insights on how those needs can be met. If the needs of the sheep are not met, they'll continue to head for the exit sign.

Here's the interview with Greg Hawkins:

THE KINGDOM AND THE GOVERNMENT OF MEN

The goal or vision of God is that HIS kingdom would come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What is His will? There will be no more sin, no sickness, no death, no grief, but in His eternal kingdom established on earth (which is the will of God), His will is done perfectly, His kingdom is executed perfectly as the heart of all are in complete union and oneness with Christ who is becoming the "All in all" in the endless age of the fullness and increasing reign of His kingdom.

Example: Today we have doctors and physicians which is a good thing and a blessing. I believe doctors are ordained of God to help us in an age where sickness is still reigning in the lives of many. But God's perfect will is DIVINE HEALTH. While many who know and love God are in the health-care field, the health-care field is a temporary aid until the time that Divine health is the norm and sickness and death are fully placed under his feet (we are His body and by extension His feet!)

The goal in this case is that divine health would be that which REMOVES THE NEED for doctors and the whole system upon which the system of health-care is built.

If you are called to health-care system , you MUST be in it for obedience sake, but it is not our destiny, and it is not our hope. It is secondary function that must end in the age of the kingdom being fully established.

Much has to do with our vision. God is bringing us to perfection and complete oneness with Him on the earth. If you don't believe that then you can be happy looking to the security of men's systems, if you do, then your goal is to preach and establish the kingdom which is not dependent upon these ending systems.

This means economic, political, religious systems are ending and we must begin to establish God's kingdom, which is the only system that will remain in this unfolding age. Daniel's dream interpretation saw that ALL the nations of men (and their supporting systems)will be shattered into dust as the rock uncut by human hands crushes it and grows to be the mountain of God, (His kingdom).

Our goal is that Christ be the "all in all" that nullifies the need for systems that have been a temporary aid in times of darkness. BUT, the light is coming and even now dawning!!

Clarifying Apostleship, Etc.

by Steve Crosby, Greg Austin and Don Atkin

There is considerable fussing and fuming over apostles and apostleship these days. When a topic like apostleship becomes trendy, some who are not really called or graced as apostles—for a variety of unsanctified reasons—try to be apostles. Others, who are genuinely graced and called, prematurely attempt to make their own place within an old religious system rather than waiting upon the Lord to reveal His divine intention for them and their servanthood.[1]


Excesses continue to hinder the purpose of God.  The two most popular extremes are (1) to dismiss apostles as not having a place in today’s church, or (2) to exaggerate the role of apostles, placing a greater importance upon their role than that of others in the body. In balance, the church can never come to the fullness of God’s intention without functioning apostles. The same is true for every individual in the body.  We are all horizontally placed under the headship of Christ, who will be revealed in glory through His body as we honor and yield to one another.


A bird that continually has to call attention to itself or describe itself, is not much of a bird. If a bird simply gets on with what it is created to do, everyone will know it is a bird by reason of its flying. While we need not apologize for our calling (e.g.: Paul, an apostle, etc.[2]) none of us needs to emphasize our calling. Our identity in Christ is the source of our ministry, not our calling or “anointing.” Kingdom ministry proceeds from healed, transformed, new creation identity, not our “gift”—apostolic or otherwise. If we preach Christ and Him crucified, live the same, and just get on with being who God has made us to be, everyone born of the Spirit will know who, or what we are, without the need for ourselves to it point out for their presumed enlightenment and benefit.


God’s eternal purpose and ultimate objective is to fill the earth with His governance and glory by multiplying fruitful sons through whom He subdues all of creation under His mighty hand.  His highest form of creation is humankind, originally made in His image and likeness, and subsequently restored through Jesus Christ.


A new creation, seeing and operating in the kingdom of God—heaven on earth—filled with, empowered by, and led by the Holy Spirit, will eventually mature in holiness and wholeness, to deliver creation from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.


God’s creation mandate will finally be fulfilled as He brings many sons to glory, through the spirit of sonship and the maturing process of discipleship. To consider the specific roles of fivefold servanthood in any other context will miss the mark. We must grasp temporal assignments and anointing in the light and context of eternal purpose and ultimate objective.


Equipping graces should be subservient to the priesthood of believers when developing or expressing value systems. Equippers exist to exemplify cohesive servanthood together, not to function in executive administration.  We have allowed that vital order to be reversed at the expense of God’s purpose for a developing people.


God will not fill the earth with apostles. He will not fill the earth with prophets. Neither will He fill the earth with evangelists, shepherds or teachers.  He will fill the earth with saints, known together to be ecclesia—called out and set apart to experience, be immersed in, and to glorify—reveal and show forth--Christ, the Anointed One.


Equipping servants are hands of God to—in obedient collaboration and concise action in the Holy Spirit—mold the saints for works of service UNTIL we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.  Understanding our limitations and not extending ourselves into perpetuity will release us to new levels of usefulness in the Master’s hands.


Equipping servants are individually brief in form, and collectively comprehensive in scope. There is a significant, supernatural and exponential affect when properly functioning together, each one succinct in his/her grace.  In like manner, failure to stay within the boundaries of our specific graces and spheres, and attempting to function in roles intended for others, will result in exponential error.


When a shepherd (pastor) tries to be an apostle, the result is control.

• By divine design, the shepherd's  primary focus is the immediate community. A pastor tends to gather and hold, rather than develop and release. When a pastor tries to be an apostle, it usually results in methodologies that build the local group, but there is very little broad expression of kingdom life.

When an evangelist tries to be an apostle, the results are shallowness and insecurity.

• The evangelist tends to come up with new projects, outreaches, missions, etc. for a single purpose: to win souls. He/she is normally not graced to build and disciple lives. The evangelist finds satisfaction in "activity." If a community of believers is viewed as not active enough, an evangelist will usually go elsewhere to find expression or keep the community "a-buzz" with activities and projects that provide breadth, but little depth.

When a prophet tries to be an apostle, the expression becomes coercive and spiritually neurotic.

• A prophet generally lacks the supernatural gathering grace that normally accompanies an apostle. Everything from Christ within the prophet is at odds with what the prophet tries to do to be an apostle. The prophet's focus on truth that separates and scatters, means that when a prophet thinks he/she is an apostle, heavy-handed methods will have to be used to try to counteract the "scattering" effect that true prophets tend to have. Insecure prophets with unhealed identities who try to build like an apostle, cause great damage to the casue of Christ in and through the saints.

When a teacher tries to be an apostle, it results in legalism and division.

• Teachers emphasize principles and conformity to principle, but are
  prone to squabble and divide over non-essential doctrinal differences. They
  also tend to reduce the expression of kingdom life to "teaching sessions" ad
  nauseum. Possessing the critical capacity for essential narrow focus on
  individual truths, their gift precludes the breadth of scope of a true
  apostle. When teachers try to be apostles, the "doctrine" may be correct,
  but because they lack the integrating grace of an apostle, they will produce
  relationally sterile communities that are prone to fragmentation and
  division.

When apostles act like apostles, teachers like teachers, shepherds as shepherds, evangelists as evangelists, and prophets as prophets, in personal security, love and genuine interdependency the Head is exalted, the Body is "out-fitted" (built), and the kingdom expanded.


Oh, how we need one another, healed, whole and  . . .  functioning. 


In closing, let us consider the most prolific error that continues to hinder the developing of the priesthood of believers.  Hierarchy, using Gentile authority models in the church, was condemned by Jesus—both in as many words[3] and also by what He modeled.[4]


There are two specific “titles” that have emerged in ecclesial governance with no New Covenant precedence or foundation for the way they function—Pastors and Bishops.[5] We must retreat to Old Covenant temple worship, when there was a clear divide between priests and the people, in order to find these titles in divine operation.   Many traditions cleave to two classes of believers—the clergy and the laity. Pastors exercise headship over local congregations; Bishops exercise headship over more than one Pastor and congregation.  Individually, they represent singular rule over their flock(s).


Another Bible term[6] that has taken on Babylonian baggage is leadership.  Once again, we need to turn to Jesus and study His leadership style[7] so that we may know how the leadership of the Holy Spirit[8] manifests in our lives.


We realize that many honest men and women with great integrity and with sincere desire to serve God and His people are yet giving themselves within the context of such traditions.  It is not our desire or intention to be critical or accusatory of such brethren.  We are prayerfully hoping to inspire and instruct those with open hearts and minds.


We are persuaded that the testimony and patterns of New Covenant church order present Jesus as the only Head of His church, and plural elders overseeing the flock of God in each city or region.[9] Jesus, Himself, gave us the example of leading those who follow Him,[10] not corralling, controlling or driving them like cattle.  Believers are on a par level with one another, loving and serving one another in grace.[11]


Apostolic grace[12] encompasses the global vision and kingdom values to the end that every grace gift for equipping servitude is functioning in tandem, that every believer finds his/her identity within the body of Christ, and we all become equipped for works of service according to the divine will of God.  May His Spirit continue to instruct us in His higher thoughts and ways.  May His kingdom (governance) come on the earth as it is in heaven.[13]


Governance is the normal outworking of kingdom life.  Governance does not produce spiritual life.  Spiritual life produces heaven’s governance.

From Apostolic Servants.

---

[1] We are using servanthood and shepherd rather than ministry and pastor.  We are hopeful that these choices of words will more clearly define God’s intention for these roles.
[2] Paul refers to himself and his calling when either defending his apostleship from attack, or when refuting heretical doctrine in the epistles. He did not make a routine practice of preaching about himself and his ministry.
[3] Matthew 20:25-28
[4] John 13:14-15
[5] Pastors and bishops are synonymous with elders, but have been given different meanings within the context of hierarchical religious structures.  We suggest that shepherd more closely defines the actual function intended by God.
[6] Romans 12:8
[7] John 10
[8] Romans 8:14
[9] Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5
[10] John 6:65-69
[11] Ephesians 5:21
[12] 1 Corinthians 3:10-17; 15:10
[13] Matthew 6:10

A Victorious Eschatology

For a few generations, the American church has held to a theology that God is challenging today. With all the "End of the world" prophecies and fears circulating the globe today, it's not surprising that God is addressing end times theology.

Hal Linsay's hit The Late Great Planet Earth popularized the belief that the righteous shall be "raptured" and sucked out of their shoes. This idea was unheard of until the early 1800s when a 15-year-old Scottish girl had an unusual vision. It's reported that some men in her day were lacking in their ministry and seized the opportunity to promote a new doctrine of sorts. John Nelson Darby, a British evangelical preacher and founder of the Plymouth Brethren, is often credited as the first to publish it.

If you've read the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, you're familiar with the doctrine in question. There has been a rise in what Businessweek is calling The Rapture Profiteers.

This perspective is losing ground. Believers around the world are questioning this long-unquestioned theology, and discovering that there is very little biblical support for it. One excellent book questioning this theology is The Rapture Exposed, by Barbara Rossing. The one that shook my roots is Raptureless, by Dr. Jonathan Welton.

And the best theological foundation of a more biblical perspective may be apostle Harold Eberle's Victorious Eschatology. In the videos below, Harold explains much of the content of the book.

...

God Is In Control....Isn't He?

by Praying Medic
I've been engaged in discussions with people about who exactly is in control of things; God or us. I'd like to share with you a brief explanation of my thoughts on the matter. You're welcome to disagree, but please do so respectfully. I'm writing this as a reference for future discussions. I'll examine only one aspect of the question, though there are others that may be considered.

The scripture teaches that God is an all-powerful, all-knowing being. These attributes are particularly well - illustrated in the Old Testament. I'm not arguing that this revelation is wrong. I would argue that it's incomplete, if you fail to consider what the gospels have to say about the nature of God and his dealings with man.

When Jesus came to earth, He revealed mysteries about the nature of God in the parables of the kingdom. In the parable of the wicked vinedressers, (Matt 21) He confronted the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, but He also revealed that God is one who leaves things in the hands of His servants for a season. Those He leaves in control are free to do as they please with the things He entrusts to them. From this parable, we see that God delegates a level of responsibility and authority to His servants. The parable of the talents (Matt 25) illustrates the same principle. Adam was given authority and dominion over the earth, but failed to rule wisely and suffered the consequences. Adam had been given a real assignment with real consequences that rested on his shoulders. Like Adam, we still exercise a measure of rule over the things that happen here on earth.

Jesus said all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him, (Matt 28:18) but He delegated some of that authority to us. (Luke 10:19) The kingdom of God is a realm where God truly does give power and authority to his servants to do as they see fit; for better or worse. Some use it for the advancement of the kingdom, some do not. God requires an account from everyone at the end of the age.

I am not endorsing deism. But I can't go along with the idea that I'm a helpless being, devoid of authority and that God is in absolute control of every detail of my life. We are His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20). As such we're representatives of His kingdom. An ambassador knows the King he represents and how His kingdom operates. We're given a measure of freedom as representatives to establish His kingdom and enforce His will, here on earth.

I've been amazed at the freedom God has given me in the way I live out my Christian experience. Several years ago, He started giving me dreams about the things I might do. At first, I thought everything He showed me was something I would do. But I've come to realize some of them were things He offered and I chose not to do them, choosing something else instead. Once I said 'no' to them, He came along side me and said, "If you're interested in that, I can use you there, too." He then revealed how He would use me in that area. God gives us choices. After we make a choice, He'll give an assignment. It's up to us to choose the area and accept or reject the assignment. If we accept, it's up to us to decide how it's carried out.

A friend and I often say, "God is in control, but he left us in charge."

HEALING IN HIS WINGS

A TURNING OF HEARTS, A TURNING OF THE PAGE
We must lay down what we have known and perceived to be of value. In the face of Father and His great love we are as unfaithful prodigal sons, yet He receives us unreservedly as we approach Him with faith as a child. The ensuing days will be as if we had awakened from a dream, and we will forget the former things, new things have come: When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD has done great things for them. The LORD has done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Father says, "Now is the day of my healing, now is the day in which those who fear my name and honor me shall go forth in freedom leaping as calves who have been kept in a stall, but now are freed. The time of affliction and infirmity of my beloved one has ended, the Day of the Lord is at Hand." Great healing is come to Father's own. Perseverance in the midst of trails and weakness is bearing fruit in this hour. Father says, "I have seen your weakness and you trails, and I now move my hand on your behalf. The world will tremble, the powers will all be shaken, but My name in your midst is a strong tower."

HEALING IN COMMUNION
While I have experienced healing in many ways in my life, Father has made it clear that for myself and many others another level of healing from the effects of the fall is coming in communion (common union) with others. There is a fullness that is found only in communion with the body. For those able to accept it, It has always been the will of God that Christ would be known in fullness in His body, truly the glory of God in Christ is being revealed in us. We are complete in Him, and we are also ONE IN HIM with others. Their strengths and graces in Him are available to us in relationship, and what He has given us is made available to others; the Life Blood flows and healing comes to the body. It is in effect HIM that we receive in others! There is coming a place of losing distinction as to what is Him and us as we become ONE with Him. There is a healing of mind, body, soul and spirit that is about to burst forth like a dam that has been blocked for nearly an age.

The healing coming forth is a result of His children returning to Him, and as a result returning to communion (common union) with each other as members of his body. Christ is coming to us in fullness as we receive Him and the portion He is releasing through His people. Truly, our "communion" of fellowship is in His blood, and we are partakers (part) of His body. For His blood courses through the veins of His body bringing life to the separate members. As we come together unified IN HIM, healing and life is flowing. I Cor. 10:16-17 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the fellowship of the blood of the Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the fellowship of the body of the Christ? For one loaf of bread means that many are one body, for we are all partakers of that one loaf.

DISCERNING THE BODY
When the body has a severed part the blood does not flow and life leaves the severed part. We must clearly separate from that which is NOT HIM. But, we are expected to be ONE body corporately as we become ONE with Him individually. The weakness and sickliness that have come from not "discerning" His body is ceasing as He bring to an end the division and "cutting off" of the true members of his body. I Cor. 11:29-30 For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
We cannot hope to truly discern in the flesh those that are of Him and those that are not. By the Spirit we know apart from doctrinal agreement and diversity of gifts and callings those that are in Him. I was given a prophetic word with this scripture: "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." I have personally been moved by Holy Spirit to spend my energies on behalf of those hungry for truth and meeting needs of those oppressed by religion. He is delivering me from the need to "point out" the failings of others and begin to build a bridge of common union in Christ with those who are in Him.

We have transitioned into a new day where operating gifts in isolation falls short of the glory that He wants to reveal to us and in us. There is love that is in the Spirit that those who are truly His must unite in that breaks down barriers and brings the healing flow. Let there be a healing flow from Him, and let it begin with me.

In His Love
Kriston Couchey
http://my.opera.com/Boanerges/blog/

What is an Apostle?

One of my favorite things to do on a fine, sunny afternoon is sit with a friend at the edge of a meadow and watch the clouds. I always see interesting shapes in the clouds (Look! There’s a puppy!), but my favorite friend (who still wears a ring I gave her some decades ago) generally sees different things than what I see (No, that’s a flower!). And as we watch, the cloud shifts slightly, and it’s no longer what I saw or what she saw; it’s something else entirely, except that what she sees now is still not the same as what I see. And a couple of minutes later, it shifts again, and again, and again.
I’ve been asked by a friend about “What is an apostle?” I’ve decided that it reminds me of watching those clouds with my sweetheart: it’s hard to see; it changes fluidly and consistently, what you see depends on your viewpoint and expectations, and it doesn’t really matter what you think you see: it doesn’t change what it is. The clouds are really water vapor, not a puppy, floating across the sky, no matter how loudly I declare that it's a puppy!

Because of some unusual circumstances in my life, I know a couple of dozen apostles personally, and a couple dozen more at a distance. And I’ve worked on that exact question for a few years, long before my friend asked it. All the apostles I know are completely different from one another. What is it about them that defines them as an apostle?

Fair warning: this document is not intended to be a treatise on apostles; it’s thoughts about apostles, and it’s written from the perspective of “very early in an apostolic age.”

I have studied this topic intently for a while, and I’ve been gathering input for a decade or two, so some parts will come from memory; many others will come from observations. Some fresher portions comes from watching and interacting with apostles.

Keep in mind also: while I know some mature apostles, I ain’t one, so I’m writing about other people.

What Does Not Make an Apostle?
First, here are some things that I have rejected as signs (or even requirements) of an apostle:

• Church planter. Most church planters I know (I know several dozen) are pastors, teachers, or pastor-teachers.
• Pioneer. Often, apostles pioneer new works, yes, but not always.
• Head of a network, ideally an “apostolic network.” Bah, Humbug. Many heads of networks are ambitious, not apostles.
• Famous. Most apostles I know are not famous. A few are. Most shy away from it.
• Strong willed. Hmm. Often. Not always. I think.
• Leaders of mega-churches. Most leaders of mega-churches are successful businessmen, excellent administrators, or, in those that are in the Calvary Chapel movement, gifted bible teachers. I have known only a couple of real apostles who led large churches, and for them, their large church was an accident.
• Miracle workers. Some argue that miracles accompany a true apostle. I won’t argue, but that doesn’t make them specialists in miracles, nor does it make them famous for miracles. People who do miracles and draw attention to the miracles are often either evangelists, or they’re self-seeking. Apostles don’t seem to seek the spotlight, unless they’re also working under an evangelist’s anointing (some do). Some apostles use miracles regularly; many don’t. I will say this: I don’t know a single apostle who shies away from miracles or refuses to start something just because it would take a miracle to complete it!
• Experienced. Nope. Nobody’s mature when they start something, and we’re just beginning the Apostolic Age. There are a lot of rookie apostles out there. A lot of them don’t even know the calling on their lives. Some do, and run screaming. A few embrace the calling and want to know why they aren’t suddenly experienced.
• Have clear or powerful vision. Often. Not always. Most with strong vision are merely ambitious. Paul – the prototypical apostle – had only the vision of “preach where no-one has preached before.” Other than that, he pretty much stumbled into his ministry trips.
• In the Marketplace. For a long time, almost every successful Christian Businessman in his 50s was considered a “Marketplace Apostle.” Most of them weren’t apostles. Some knew it. Paul was a successful businessman. Peter, James & John left their business behind to pursue Christ.
• Missionaries (cross cultural). A few are. Most are not. Evangelism is a more useful tool to most missionaries.
• Male. Yeah, the mindset of “only men can be apostles” still exists in some circles. Heidi Baker ought to be enough to kill that little heresy, all by her little lonesome.

“Apostle” in Ancient Culture
Studying the original language for “apostle” is an interesting exercise. It was a word that was well used before it was ever used in the Bible, so the best tools for understanding the concept are often secular tools. It was never used for religious purposes before Jesus co-opted it for the twelve.

In fact, the word is so unique, that we haven’t even translated it into English. The Greek word is “Apostolos.” All we did was spell it with Roman letters.

The concept of an apostle was something that was invented by the Phoenician empire and used heavily by the Romans. When the Roman army conquered a new nation, a new culture (something they did with remarkable regularity!), the Emperor would send an “apostolos.” It was the name given to the lead ship in a fleet of ships sent from Rome to the new land, and especially for the man – one man – who led that fleet. The fleet – and that man – were carrying the embodiment of Rome with them to the new territory.

The apostle’s job description in Roman culture is functionally the foundation for the apostle’s job in the Church: to bring the home civilization to the new territory. In Rome’s day, the apostle brought Rome’s legal system, education system, language, government, financial systems, entertainment, culture. His job was to make the new culture fit into the Roman empire, to become Roman, to the degree that when Caesar arrived, he’d feel at home in the new territory.

In our day, a Christian apostle is probably the spearhead of God’s answer to the prayer that he taught us to pray: “on earth as it is in heaven.” The apostle’s job is to see heaven, to understand what he sees enough to cause it to be done on earth: to manifest heaven on earth, to the degree that Jesus will feel at home in the territory.

How’s that for vague? Pretty good, eh? Now let’s try to make some application from that. This is where it gets really interesting!

Apostolic Ministry
So the apostle observes what’s going on in heaven, draws on heaven’s resources, and works with heaven’s strength and strategy to accomplish change on earth. In my experience, the biggest changes are needed in the ways we think, so an apostle’s job often involves a new, heaven-based worldview, one that emphasizes the spiritual realm and de-emphasizes the natural realm. So apostles often teach, but they teach from revelation as often as they teach from straightforward study. I think.

The teaching includes foundation-building: this is what the Kingdom of God is like. But the teaching of a true apostle will often involve strategies: this is what God is emphasizing right now, and that changes. Bill Hamon teaches – and the Bible illustrates – that occasionally, and under limited circumstances, apostles may find themselves teaching new doctrines from revelation rather than from scripture. No, they won’t teach doctrine that isn’t supported by the written Word of God. To be honest, this one scares me, but I recognize the validity of the principle.

Seeing spiritual realities, apostles often confront strongholds, though that may be a casual confrontation, or it may be “collateral damage” when they’re going after something else. Since apostles are fixated on Heaven (and with Him who sits on Heaven’s throne), their idea of warfare is often God-focused; since they’re in touch with God’s plan for people, they may also be mercy-driven, and American Church culture doesn’t know what to do when spiritual warfare is driven by mercy.

The power of God is present to support the work of an apostle, though it may not manifest dramatically. I know one woman who hated harsh language, but couldn’t rid herself of it. She said, “Oh crap!” around a young apostle. He replied, “No thanks. Already did,” and she was delivered from her “addiction” to swearing. Accidentally, really. Was that power? Yes. But it didn’t fit in the “normal” way we expect to see miracles.

The apostle Paul always travelled with a team, and the apostles in Jerusalem were a team. I want to say that apostles generally work well with a team, but I don’t think that’s true of all the apostles; Apollos doesn’t seem to have travelled with a team. It may be God’s intent, and they’re not connecting with his means. Or it may be completely fantasy.

I’ve had some really frustrating interactions with people who have called themselves apostles; some are frustrated religious businessmen and others are fresh bible-school grads. It’s probably superfluous to say, but it still needs to be said: not everybody who calls themselves an apostle is a true apostle. As an apostle friend of mine has said, “It takes more than a business card to make an apostle.”

Since there are both bad prophets (inaccurate ones) and false prophets, it is likely that there are both bad apostles and false apostles: the first are unsuccessful at building the things of heaven (or successful at building things of flesh); the latter are building things from the realm of darkness; I believe they’re rare.

Apostolic Relationships
I’ve been frustrated by apostles’ difficulty relating to other folks sometimes, but again, that’s not consistent. Some don’t relate well to anyone; others relate best to other apostles, or other 5-fold people. I’ve never known an apostle that fit into a crowd well: they pretty-much all have been kind of other-worldly a little, not completely at ease with social skills like an evangelist or a pastor is.

Since they see things from heaven’s perspective, sometimes apostles see better where individuals fit in the strategic plan of things: they can see, “Oh, you’re a prophet,” or “Your gifts would fit better here,” or “You and you should think about working together.” Again, not a focus of their ministry, and not exclusive to apostles (prophets do this too), but sometimes.

Apostles and prophets work pretty well together. But again, it’s not consistent. I know some apostles who are themselves prophets (I think of Harold Eberle), and others are paired with prophets (I think of Bill Johnson with Kris Vallotton, Dutch Sheets with Chuck Pierce).

Apostolic Function
The work of an apostle has already been outlined by Paul in Ephesians 4:11-12: “And He Himself [that would be Jesus] gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” So the work of apostles, like the work of prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, is to equip the People of God.

What does that look like? Well, like the clouds, it’s always different, and it often changes. It might look like a pastor who spends more time raising people into their calling and sending them to the nations than gathering a flock. It might look like a businessman whose work in the marketplace brings the presence and provision for the kingdom of God. It might look like a woman leading an orphanage and a church, who teaches on the kingdom, heals the sick, and raises the dead, and who sends out hundreds of pastors and evangelists and apostles who also teach the kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead and plant thousands of churches. It might look like a young man who teaches the Kingdom in churches, home groups, and on the streets, who heals the sick and teaches others how, and in his spare time, he and a squad of intercessors break demonic strongholds off of regions.

The Apostle Paul said an odd thing in Romans 11:13: “For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles.” I suggest that no one is an apostle without a people to minister to: Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles. Peter was an apostle to the Jews. It’s important to know who you’re called to. I know a man who is “only” an auto parts salesman when he’s in the US, but when he’s in India, he’s holding crusades, training pastors and leaders, and starting training schools: he’s an apostle to India, but not to the US. I would maintain that there is no such thing as an “apostle at large” or “apostle without a people” (though I have known some people who think they are).

The principle is broader than just apostles, by the way: I may be trained as a pastor (or a prophet or whatever), but until I’m a pastor to a group of people, I am not walking in the ministry of a pastor. This is an extension of the principle that “Ministry flows out of relationship.” If there’s no relationship, then there’s no real ministry.

There are clearly young apostles being raised up today. But it’s probably worth mentioning that this is not the only way that God forms an apostle. Many of the apostles I know have encountered success in another area – in pastoring, in business, as a prophet – before God released them to apostolic ministry. And while apostles are always called by Jesus (see Eph 4:11) into the role, they are very often forged for the work as well: most apostles I know have been through incredible failure, have been crushed, and have learned, first hand, to say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Finally, probably the best way to tell an apostle (or a prophet): wait until those already in the office recognize it in you before you attempt to walk in it. Believe it or not, one doesn’t become an apostle by getting Apostle business cards. More significantly, when a bunch of people in your church’s pews start calling you an apostle, ignore it: they don’t actually know what makes an apostle. But when apostles recognize the apostolic calling on you, it means it's coming out, moving from "potential" to "actual.

by Nor'west Prophetic

DIVINE AUTHORITY

KINGDOM AUTHORITY - DIVINE AUTHORITY
There is official authority that honors and relates to others based upon title and position; and there is true kingdom authority that is by nature divine and works by love. Titles do not equate to divine authority. Not everyone bearing a title carries divine authority. There are people who ARE what their title implies and bear the divine authority of that title. There are men and women with a title that are called to what their title implies, but have become a shell of what they were meant to be, and their divine authority has crumbled to near powerlessness. Divine authority is about function and not dependent upon a title.

The prophet Samuel was one who carried divine authority that truly functioned and fulfilled the purpose for which this authority was given. Scripture says "And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and did not let any of his words fall to the ground." This verse precedes the verse in I Samuel that says "And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD." He did not become a prophet because men titled him or gave him a place of honor. He became a prophet by God's calling and his speaking God's words in obedience. Men honored him with a title because he ALREADY functioned with the divine authority of a prophet.

PROMOTION COMES FROM FATHER ALONE
Holy Spirit also set apart Paul and Barnabas for the work he had for them. He commissioned them as apostles, men did not commission them. Men cannot commission men, they can recognize God's commissioning and lay hands on in agreement with His commissioning. Men cannot give or take away divine authority, only God can do so. Jesus alone gave the ascension gifts of apostle, prophet, pastor-teacher, evangelist. He alone assigns elders in His body as well. The apostles appointed elders ONLY after prayer and fasting. It was NOT the apostles choice as to who to appoint to eldership. It was Holy Spirit's choice of who to appoint to eldership with the recognition of the apostle.

Much that has passed for ordination in the religious mindset church has simply been men's works of the flesh. Religious organizations with hierarchical leadership structures may label or title men with many different titles. A church organization giving someone a title and paying them wages to fulfill a role does not necessarily give their title validity in the kingdom. ONLY the Lord's designation of authority matters. Men "recognize" divine authority placed on others; even as the people recognized the establishment of Samuel as a prophet. It is not wrong to honor another with a title when they TRULY walk in the divine authority that fulfills that role. It can at times be helpful to use a title to recognize the function one has in the body in order to receive from that function. But, A title is not necessary to function in any measure of divine authority a person may have.

DIVINE AUTHORITY WORKING BY LOVE
Divine authority is most easily recognized and expressed in love relationships. Eli recognized Samuel's authority as a prophet first because He had an intimate relationship with him. Scripture says, "Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. And he said, What is the thing that the LORD has said to you?" Eli called Samuel "My son" and in that relationship was able to receive the Word of the Lord through Samuel that prophesied the demise of Eli's own lineage.

Authority in the kingdom flows freely upon love relationships and not simply because of a titled position. A man may call himself an apostle, but if he is unable to relate to people in a manner of loving trust and mutual giving and receiving relationship, he diminishes His own divine authority to serve people. Those with true divine authority do not need to relate to others based upon their calling. True divine authority flows more perfectly in eye to eye love relationships. This relationship is the sure catalyst for spiritual impartation and equipping. In love there is grace to impart powerfully, not just imparting of an anointing, but imparting real life that comes from love. Authority expressed without love is a clanging cymbal.

I was once led to fast and pray for deliverance from demonic oppression for an individual. After fasting and prayer, I ministered to this person and prayed for them. Nothing happened. It was then I simply put my arms around the person and loved them. I sensed the Spirit's prompting to once more pray and in that display of love the demonic oppression lifted and that person was set free. I experienced firsthand the principle of the kingdom in which divine authority works more perfectly by divine love.

TRANSITION TO KINGDOM REALITY
Where the love of God has waned, titles become predominant, where the love of God flows titles are not predominant and men recognize and receive more easily TRUE divine authority. There are those who use position and title as a means of personal gain rather then serving others. In the religious organizational structures that exist, positions and titles have drawn those seeking titles out of inner need for recognition or significance. The Ekklesia is transitioning into something different then the system that exists now. Many things are changing DRASTICALLY; this manner of titling and recognizing true divine authority is one of them.

When the Body of Christ relates to one another based upon love and not position, we can truly see and receive the divine authority of another. It is not wrong to recognize divine authority with a title. But, title is insignificant if true divine authority is not present. The measure of our divine authority in whatever function we are given by Father is according to the measure of the cross we allow to work in us and put to death our own ways. In all of this, we need discernment, and to walk hearing and obeying the Spirit of God. We must receive the divine authority that rests upon others. When we receive His divine authority upon the lives of others, we truly receive Him.

In His Love
Kriston Couchey
http://my.opera.com/Boanerges/blog/

Surviving Mountaintop Experiences

Many years ago, I was asking God about my future, and He showed me a series of mountain tops. My destiny was to go from where I was up to the peak before me, and from there to greater and greater peaks. (In my youth, I was excited about it; it was some time later before I figured out that this is His plan for pretty much every human being on the planet.)

After He showed me the mountains, and after a dramatic pause, the scene shifted; it rotated sideways by about 90 degrees, and I realized that the path was not simply from one mountain top to the next, but that there were valleys between the mountaintops. Having spent decades hiking through valleys and climbing peaks and ridges, I realized how much work that represented. I found myself somewhat discouraged: if every “high point” experience is followed by a fall to approximately my starting point (or worse), then I’d be completely worn out before I ever reached the higher peaks of my destiny.

I’ve seen people who lived like that. They pursue mountaintop experiences, and because they pursue them, they also find them (there’s a lesson here somewhere: if you want something, it’s probably good to pursue it). But after nearly every peak experience, they’d go into something of a tailspin, and end up discouraged, maybe falling into sin.

Elijah was a man like that. We all know him for the battle atop Mt Carmel where he called fire down from heaven and killed 450 prophets of Baal, but one chapter later, he’s hiding in a cave, whining for God to take his life. Elijah had one of the highest mountaintop experiences in the Book, but he also fell as hard as anyone ever has, so hard in fact, that God fired him.

John the Baptist seemed subject to the same discouragement. Admittedly, he was in jail on death row when he got discouraged, but he experienced the same kind of hopelessness.

Fortunately, Jesus shows us a better model. He had a mountainside experience – actually, He had several – but He never hit the “Valley of the Shadow of Death” afterwards.

I wonder if we can learn something from Him?

Here’s how I see it.

Elijah had this amazing experience on Mt Carmel calling fire from heaven, killing pretty much the whole of the priesthood of the false gods. Right afterwards, he prays in the tiny little cloud that becomes the rainstorm that ends the drought (that he started himself years earlier).

And then Jezebel threatened him. It was a vague threat, no teeth in it really, but he ran for his life and prayed to die. God fed him along the way, and met him in the cave he hid in, but when he wouldn’t abandon his self-pity, He fired him. (“… and anoint Elisha prophet in your place…”)

John the Baptist did such a good job of prophesying the word of the Lord that he ended up in jail for his straight shooting declaration of God’s opinions of the king’s adultery.

And when he got there, he despaired of his life work. “Are you even the Messiah?” he sent his disciples to ask Jesus.

I find it interesting that both are prophets. In our day and age, the prophetic gifts are growing so very free. But perhaps it’s not without a cost, and a severe one, should we be less than careful.

Elijah comes down off the mountain top, and immediately immerses himself in more ministry (ending the drought).

John spends some time (admittedly, as a guest of Herod’s jailers) reflecting on his ministry.

By contrast, Jesus does something completely different. After His big dog experience with feeding the 5000, and what does He do? He sends the boys off rowing home as a storm rolls in, and He spends the night up in the hills praying.

I think that’s significant.

After the big ministry event:

Elijah goes on to the next big ministry event.

John reflects on the last ministry event.

But Jesus gets in God’s presence, and presumably unloads His soul to Him. (Afterwards, of course, He strolls across the storm-tossed lake to check on the boys.)

So when we have a big day with God, it seems that it would be good to spend some time unloading with Him. Debriefing.

I had a big day with him recently. Kind of an impromptu treasure hunt among believers for 10 hours. Afterwards, I needed to celebrate, yes. Worship is a good thing. But after that, I needed to spend some time reminding both Him and me that it was His work, and I was along for the ride.

A friend went through an intensive spiritual training school recently. When he came back, he spent some weeks just processing with God. Not doing. Not planning to do. Just sitting with God.

I think he was really wise.

Manifesting The Kingdom

by Kriston Couchey

Peter's Job Description

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven." (AMP) ~Jesus~ 

In the first recorded instance of Jesus giving Peter's his job description He is not talking to Peter about feeding sheep. Jesus makes clear to Peter the place of authority He was receiving. It was clear that Peter was given more then just the authority to be a leader of the church on earth; his authority was founded in the divine realm of heaven. As a doorkeeper in the kingdom of heaven; to everyone he was sent to he was charged with opening the door of the kingdom to those who were ready, and shutting it to those who were defiled and unrepentant. Peter exemplified this authority by telling a man trying to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit, "You have neither part nor lot in this matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of God." This authority to bind and loose, open and shut is an authority given to all of the church. It is the job of apostles to disciple or equip all of the body to function as doorkeepers in their own spheres or places of authority, be it a location, ministry, or gift.

Apostolic Shifting -Vision To Manifestation 

We are beginning a shift in the way in which the apostolic gift functions. True apostles are receiving a fresh understanding of the keys of authority they are given for this hour, and the PURPOSE for this kingdom authority. The Apostolic gift is at the forefront of what God is doing. The keys given in this hour to apostles can affect MANY people both for evil and for good; depending upon what is allowed (loosed/opened) or disallowed (bound/shut) in their spheres of authority.

Many apostles and prophets have been receiving revelation of the kingdom of God, and have been faithful to impart revelation as to the days we are entering. In general, the apostolic function has been mainly planting seeds by imparting vision and understanding concerning the kingdom of God. The new shift in apostolic function that is upon us coincides with the WAVE of glory coming to the church. What has once been mostly impartation of "vision", is giving way to activation of the body to "WALK OUT the vision". In other words, true Apostles will be using their keys of authority to open the door of Kingdom MANIFESTATION for those who have received the seed (vision) of the kingdom and have kept it to the bearing of fruit.

Testimony of Kingdom Manifestation 

Father has been faithful to teach me in real life lessons what He has given me to share with the body. A little while back we invited our Christian friends from around the region to come to our house for a backyard barbecue. We ended up around a campfire and the Spirit of the Lord prompted me to speak about how ALL believers should be walking in divine authority and power; receiving and ministering the gifts and graces of God to each other. This is the reality of the kingdom as opposed to only one or a few leaders or pastors ministering gifts and grace to a congregation.

A bit later, a woman asked for prayer whose ex-husband had left her for another women. She was in pastoral ministry with him for years, and was devastated spiritually and emotionally. We had been ministering to her at our home meetings and I had prayed for her before, but there was still a great fear that paralyzed her. When she asked for prayer for the fear, a man began to share how God delivered him from fear. He shared how in a special meeting in a large auditorium the Lord told him to give a testimony. He was afraid. He said, "Lord, I don't have a testimony, but I will do it anyway." With great fear he got in line with the others giving their testimonies. When it was his turn He still had nothing, but He said to the people, "Today God...delivered me from the fear of man!"

I realized he was to pray for the woman. He had attained a place of authority over fear to pray for her. This man still struggled with chemical abuse issues and other great hindrances. But, in obedience I asked him to pray for her. I stood behind her and put my hands on her shoulders while he held her hands and prayed. Suddenly he screamed out and almost fell to the ground. The woman exclaimed that the peace of God had come to her and touched her, the fear was gone. The people stood up and began praising God! Later my friend sitting behind the man told of how a wind had blown past him and had struck the man in the back the same time he screamed and she was delivered. She was a different women after that.

The Lesson

In this experience I imparted the vision (planted the seed) of the kingdom; speaking forth Father's desire for ALL of the body to walk in kingdom authority, not just leaders. Then God demonstrated it as I obediently "opened the door" to the MANIFESTATION (harvest) of the very vision (seed) I had imparted. Imparting the vision of the kingdom is only a beginning which must eventually end in manifestation. True apostles will open the door with their "keys" for others to walk in their OWN places of authority. This is the fullness of apostolic ministry that is coming to the church. It is the breaking forth of the seed from the ground that was planted through impartation. Miracles in apostolic work will not just be a random happening, but will result from apostles exercising their "keys" of authority for others who are in the place of readiness to enter in and MANIFEST THE KINGDOM and walk in kingdom realities.

What did Paul mean when he said that the kingdom is not in words but in POWER? The kingdom comes in manifestation of power and not just the words giving vision and impartation. What you harvest indicates what seed was planted; be it kingdom or religion. God is sending his apostles with signs and wonders following. Following what? Following the revelation and vision imparted that is of the kingdom. In this hour Apostles will impart vision and the manifestation will coming swiftly as they open the door of the kingdom to those that are ripe and matured for harvest. The harvester will overtake the planter. The plant grown from the seed will now begin to bear fruit and manifest the kingdom. Those who labor in the field of harvest will rejoice.

In His Love

Kriston Couchey