Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

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Recovering the Apostolic Way
http://jaxchristian.com/images/stori...stolic_way.png

The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is in a battle. Kingdoms are at war for the souls of men. The Church must again dig deep to return to the ancient paths of biblical Christianity. We have lost our way and most don’t even know it, because what we do and how we do it is all we have ever seen. I can’t but feel sorry for them and thank the Lord everyday for His grace in my life. Because, you see, I once lived in that rat race.




The Current Crisis

Apostles and prophets whom the Lord left to steer His ship have been rejected and most thrown over the side. This God-ordained leadership vacuum has caused the American Church to be inundated with “Successful Business Practices to Church Growth,” where the leaders have been administrators and accountants. The apostolic faith and the apostolic mandate to “go” have been replaced by what’s the bottom line. Add to that the current business of offering diplomas for money and you have an entire army of theological “head” soldiers who have never spent one day on the front lines. They have never, like Elisha, poured water on the hands on an Elijah. They have never learned what it means to walk in relationship and covenant.



The cost has been great. Not only has discipleship suffered, but the exponential and multiplication factor of the church has grounded to a halt. We now spend hours trying to keep the same immature Christians, who float from congregation to congregation, looking for who is offering them the most. It’s no longer about what I can give back to Christ, but who can get me my best Sunday high.



In the midst of this mess, The Lord Jesus Christ—the head of the church—has begun to open the eyes of frontrunners. Men and women, young and old, whether by a “crash and burn” with the system, or by divine revelation are beginning to awaken and to forge a path through the jungle vines of human traditions. They march only to orders from the King. They are Holy Spirit people who have tasted of the good things to come and just can’t return to the old ways. They are teachable but they can smell religion a mile away. They don’t really care what others think about them because they are dead or are in the process of dying to themselves. Like bond slaves they have been set free, but have chosen to die in the house of their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.



It is to these devout, holy, and recklessly abandoned to King Jesus types that I, by the Holy Spirit, pen these words—praying that they will find good ground and bear fruit worthy of our Lord. We are on a journey. Like the original Huguenots who settled Christian America, we must leave the port of Religion and launch out into the deep, not knowing where we are going but knowing we are willing to toss it all for a chance to be free, to abide and raise up spiritual children in His presence.



The Two Greatest Dilemmas

We pull away from the docks, but along with us come two obstacles that we must conquer. They will appear like viruses after we are out to sea. The first is like an unwelcomed stowaway, which is the pain of our past. Whether we like it or not, many of us are wounded from the fight for freedom. Since the church was in the condition she was in, many good intentioned and sincere leaders have suffered at her hands. Things like: no love, no commitment, no covenant and no appreciation have left many who stepped out by faith shipwrecked. Some of those that have survived have told me “I will never do that again.” Their families and their ministries still carry the scars of the last time they “trusted Christ” at the hands of the modern church. Like eunuchs, the devil has emasculated their faith. Healing is the only answer and a healthy loving church is the only antidote. It is my prayer that those whom God is raising up will come together to manifest the true Church and by our conduct be the healing balm of Gilead of the 21st century.



The second dilemma is that, like the Enterprise, we have to go where we have never gone before. The true church is like a ship that has to be built out at sea. It will be a process as the Lord works with us and by His Spirit reveals to us where we are lacking, and what must be thrown overboard. Our greatest battle is our natural inclination to return to the false safety of doing things the way we now know. Many have left the institutional church only to set up an institutional house church. Everything we do and how we do it must be questioned. The secret will only be found in corporate prayer and in the synergy of biblical counsel that is found in a true apostolic company. I am not talking about control or human government. I am talking about a loving family that has fivefold elders with wisdom and faith. These men don’t necessarily know how. But they have the experience of what will not work, and the passion to stay true to the pattern set forth in his Word. It is the biblical model of apostles and prophets who are hammering out the foundations of His true church. This is God’s safety net from heresies and tangents, the counsel of the presbytery.



Returning to the “Apostolic Way”

We know the current system of conferences and seminars, traveling with a guaranteed up front offerings based on the receiving party’s faith, and waiting for invitations. Now we have to forge through these human patterns so that we may be faithful to the apostolic mandate of Kingdom expansion.



Matt 10:7-10

7 And as you go, preach, saying,'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,* cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.


Matt 28:18-20

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore* and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.*



An apostle in the very definition of the name is a messenger or a sent one. For years the institutional church has used these verses to teach that every believer must go witnessing door to door but these verses were mandated to apostles of the Lord. We must go, and we must go as the Lord sends us, trusting in Christ as our only Source. The faith to go demonstrated by the original apostles must return to the post ascension apostles whom the Lord is raising up at this hour. We must jettison all human measurements of success in numbers and bottom lines.

We need to understand that we are the mature ones and we must step out by faith to expand His kingdom in the areas where the Lord is opening doors. Books, articles, blogs, tapes and cd’s have been a blessing from God but nothing can replace the impartation found in the hands of His apostles and prophets, the wisdom found at their feet, and the anointing that follows where there feet have walked.

My spiritual father, Don Atkin, a true apostolic servant, puts it this way in his book, “Creation’s Cry the Heart of Apostolic Passion,” pp103-104.

“The apostle has freely received the authority and anointing to expand the kingdom within his sphere. His mandate is to freely give of himself in daily obedience to the Holy Spirit for the purpose of kingdom expansion. As he freely gives, people will begin to experience the fruit of God’s love, and embrace His kingdom.

As Jesus dictated to John the letters to the seven churches, He addressed them to the messengers. It is vital that apostles remain messengers, oracles, and not be misled into managing a local church, apostolic network, mission agency, para-church organization-whatever. Leaders need to lead and let managers manage.

The apostles are first and foremost messengers. Jesus said, “As you go, preach! “Repentance” is the apostle’s message. Repentance (in the context of the gospel) is a change of government, from self-rule to the Kingdom (rule) of God. When men and women cease to rule their own lives and yield to the government of God, everything begins to change. They become new creatures from the inside out. Sin is forgiven, the sick are healed, the dead are raised, the lepers are cleansed and the demons are cast out.

Jesus compares the kingdom to leaven, which gradually changes the shape of the loaf. Kingdom influence works like salt and light. Kingdom expansion works like leaven in the loaf.

The administration of an organization will not produce this kind of change. Only the communication of the kingdom message will bring the order of God, to an individual, community and nation.”



Isa 6:8

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:

"Whom shall I send,

And who will go for Us?"

Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

I hear the Lord once again crying out for His apostles and prophets to come together and go where He needs them Sometimes they will know specifically what they are to do. But sometimes they will arrive not knowing what God has planned except that God said to go. Like in the New Testament it will then be the responsibility of the church to send them on from there to continue the Lord’s Kingdom expansion. Sometimes all they will be able to give will be a prayer and a hug and sometimes they will be able to give generously and thankfully toward the work. In the end the Source will see to it that His work is supported.

What I have shared here I have now lived for 25 years. Sometimes more faithfully than other times, but again I feel the urgency of King Jesus for a Bride that he must bring unto himself spotless and without wrinkle.

May the Lord show Himself strong among those who have an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to His apostles and prophets.

for the love of His Name,

Jose L. Bosque

4/4/2011

Article found here:
http://jaxchristian.com/churchminist...-apostolic-way

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

a couple of thoughts on this:

1. There is some truth. I think the "Church" has become fat, lazy, and lukewarm in many ways. We say that we are rich and increased with goods. Ministers are better educated, people are better off economically, we've moved from across the tracks to main street, we have health care and credit cards so we no longer have to trust God for healing or for our next meal. Professional clergy run the church with marketing techniques, professional worship teams put on a show. A large religious/political organization (UPC) exercises "control" from top on down to what we can wear, what we can watch, and where we can go. In some ways we have created a Frankenstien type monster over which we have lost control and of whom we are now afraid.

2. At the same time, people are getting saved, healed, and baptized in the Holy Ghost. Lives are being dramatically changed. The hungry are being fed, the naked are being clothed, the sick are being healed, the homeless are being sheltered. God's Spirit is being poured out all over the place and we can jump into the rain of the Holy Ghost if we want to. There is more emphasis on fasting and prayer in the first 6 months of this year than there has been for many years. Muslims are being converted. I have read that there are more Jewish people coming into faith in Jesus as Christ than in any other century (including the first century).

3. We have a modern way of "doing church" which does not have room for an apostle or prophet coming in and upsetting our program. We are much like the organized religion of Jesus' day who did not want Him coming in and upsetting their system.

4. This whole message posted here in this thread might just be more "church bashing" by some disgruntled person. It's so easy to find fault because the church is not perfect yet. Or it may be some "outsider" who feels like he/she has not been accepted by the "political in crowd" and is lashing out.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Thank u kingdom

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

how you doing sis?

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

I'm here. :-/

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Dale Yerton in his book "Foundational Truth" copyright 1984 on page 87 describes what those in the 5 fold ministry do as follows:
Apostles govern
Prophets guide
Evangelists gather
Pastors guard
Teachers ground

Lee Stoneking in his book "Five Fold Ministry and Spiritual Insights" copyright 2003 says the almost the same thing on page 25:
Structurally in the beginning:
Apostles governed
Prophets guided
Evangelists gathered
Pastors guarded
Teachers grounded

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

I attended the Apostolic Bible Institute (ABI) in St. Paul, Minnesota for one year. That was the 1956/1957 school year. It was a UPC school. Bro. S.G. Norris was the president of the school. He taught that there were never any more real apostles than 12. He taught that Matthias was not a real apostle but a mistake made by the other 11 and that Paul was the 12th and last apostle. He also taught that there have never been nor could there ever be any real prophets since the first century church. I was a fairly new Christian at the time I attended ABI, but I had read enough of the Bible in the less than 2 years that I had been saved to know that there were about 20 apostles in the New Testament. If the man, who has taught and influenced hundreds of ministers and many, many officials in the UPC was wrong about this, what else was he wrong about?

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

that is why its a necessity for us to conduct our own studies.
and some times we are proven wrong, and some times we find out something we didnt know.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

**thanks everyone for your input**
I found this article to be very interesting.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

I agree that the church has become lukewarm. The Bible talks about this happening in the latter days. Preachers are preaching water downed sermons giving the people what their "itchy ears" want to hear. New Bible versions are paraphrases of God's Holy word and and there is no agreement among them.

The Bible also predicts a famine in the land during the last days. Not of food but of the Word of God. Men will not listen to sound doctrine, but each will do what is right in his own eyes.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Hi Sam. I have always wondered about these extra apostles.Were they really apostles like the original 12? I have read the NT again to see what it says about these other people such as Andronicus,,Junia, etc. I have also read that there are specific qualifications in order to have been an apostle. Such as one had to have been an eyewitness of Christ.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Extra Apostles? Although many teach this wrong, Apostles ARE still alive and well, just as Prophets, Pastors, Evangelist, and Teachers...the other 5 fold ministries as menitoned in Eph 4:11.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

I mentioned extra because of the significant of the original 12. Theirs was a special one time mission: to lay the foundation of the church which can only be done once. We cannot lay another foundation. Also, there are very specific qualifications to be an apostle. One had to have been with Jesus or witnessed the resurrection, just to name two. Although Paul came on the scene late, he was visited by the resurrected Christ and singled out for a very important mission: to preach to the Gentiles. Paul said of himself that he was born out of time.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

So how do you know that Paul was the LAST one to have this revelation of seeing Jesus Christ in His resurrected body??? :)

Well, up to now, we are certain of 14 Apostles (the original 12, Matthias and Paul). Let's take a look. First, there was Barnabas. Acts 14:14 records,

"Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,"

There was also Apollos, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:6-9,

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another…For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

Then, there was James, the brother of Jesus Christ, who was not one of the original Twelve (there were two other apostles named James). Galatians 1:19, Paul says, "But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother." And there was Silvanus and Timotheus. This one slips by some people. In 1 Thessalonians, we find Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus, writing to those in Thessalonica:

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; (1 Thessalonians 1:1-2)

Then later, we find them referencing themselves as Apostles...

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6)

There are two others that could be considered apostles, but it's not absolutely clear, given the language used by Paul in Romans 16:7. But that could be another two.

So, let's see, where does that leave us? Using the New Testament text, we have found at least 19, perhaps 21, men with the title of apostle. Did all 19 or 21 see the resurrected Lord? We don't know. If they did, it is not recorded in our current New Testament.

Suffice it to say, there were several other Apostles, in addition to the original 12. And while the original 11 (minus Judas) were chosen from men who had been with Christ throughout His ministry, this was never declared a universal requirement and we have numerous examples of apostles who don't meet that requirement.

Apostles are special witnesses of Christ, chosen by God to testify, to lead and teach His children and to manage the affairs of His Church. Whether it be 2000 years ago when they wore robes and sandals, or today when they wear suits and ties, apostles are special witnesses of Christ and we are blessed to have them on the Earth today.

http://www.fairlds.org/Misc/Must_All...ee_Christ.html

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

1 Corinthians 15:8 LAST of all, as though to one born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

See the post above...I added additional info. :) LAST OF ALL, does not indicated that he was the last to see Christ. Its a matter of expression like, finally my bretheren (was that the LAST thing stated EVER or was it simply a close to his thoughts on the matter).

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Hi kingdomapostle. Please don't misunderstand. I am not here to argue with anyone. However, the Bible does not record any other post-resurrected visits by Christ after Paul. When we look at the very specific qualifications needed to be an Apostle, no one today qualifies. They cannot in the same category as the original 12. There may be men and women today who are doing some of the duties of an apostle. They are sent by God to do a specific work. But that does not give them the office of an Apostle.

God bless...

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

We disagree. Blessings to you as well. :)

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Is the focus bigger buildings and bigger paychecks? Or is it solid soul winning discipleship? What is discipleship? How is true discipleship accomplished? Can it be done through two or three sermons a week?

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

What does that have to do with this post? Just curious.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Take care..till next time...:thumbsup

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Jake

You mentioned there are specific qualifications to be an apostle. Where do you get this? Please give me scripture and verse where it say one had to be a witness to the resurection of Christ and to have been with Christ to be an apostle. The statement of being born out of time does not have anything to do with his being or not being a apostle.

This is the problem in many doctrines, to much teaching from an idea taken from one verse to another pulling them out of contex to teach something that has very little to do with the original context of the verse.

Example: Many have taken the qualification given to Timothy and Titus of the office of Bishop to be the qualifications for one or all of the 5 fold ministry. This is taking the meaning of the whole out of context. If Paul was speaking of the gifts of the spirit including the five fold ministry. He would have said so. Bishops are elders in the church chosen by those in the body for thier good conduct, to be administrative overseers to the things in the body that have nothing to do with spiritual leadership. The spiritual leadership was and always has been the parents in the home. Period. This was and has been the command from God given to the Isrealites when they left Egypt. Paul teaches this in Ephesians and Corintians where he tells us the head of man is Chirst and the head of the women is the man.

While I don't expect any one to see this right off, as it took me several years of getting beyond the traditions and philosophys I have been taught my whole life to see a clear picture of how God truly wants his church to run.

I do have to voice what I feel God has shown me for if I did not I would be in disobediance to the word of God.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Form follows function. The church has become more like a business enterprise... because it essentially functions like one. Instead of being a spiritual family focused on spiritual things... pastors are focused on money and property. It becomes a consuming responsibility demanding more and more of leadership's focus.

I've heard more than a few churches speak of the "good ol' days" when they began in the home of an elder or saint of God. There was close fellowship. Solid discipleship. They had no programs... but they had spiritual family. They voiced their needs and shared their very lives and possessions. If a sister's car broke down, someone would lend her a car. If a brother needed lawn mower, another brother was ready to lend his own. If grieving they didn't have to schedule a meeting with a busy executive pastor. They voiced it there in the circle of believers in a living room. When one wept, they all wept. When one rejoiced, they all rejoiced.

When they finally got property things "changed".

We often worship our church properties and don't even realize it. The modern structure of the church with it's salaries and properties affect the very functionality of ministry. It marches believers into the pews, a row of noses to hear a sermon. The pastor preaches a "monologue" and there is some shouting and music. But no real depth. The traditional church is a mile wide... and an inch deep.

In our house church... we might only be a small body... but it gets VERY deep in those meetings. Sometimes we'll change it up and have church at a coffee shop, a park, or the court house square... just to get out and bring people into the conversation about Jesus.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Hi Godsdrummer. Its been my experience that when someone asks to be shown the verses and yet their minds are already made up, what they are really looking for is to debate. I am not interested in that. If you study the NT you will see why only the original 12 qualified and why only they were chosen by Christ to lay the foundation of his church. Paul was the only exception and he explains why.

Blessings to you in your study of God's word.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Preaching to the choir. I don't like assumptions. :) Also, I hope I'm not reading that you feel the house church is the "deep way" and the only biblical way to do things because we disagree their too. Both are effective when they are operated by the leading of the Spirit of God. Remember, ONE Spirit, so your way CAN'T be the ONLY way the Spirit is leading.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Don't assume everyone who questions what you believe and asks for scripture is looking for a debate. :)

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Amen. I agree.

The church I attend is regarded as a network of house churches. Each house church is autonomous. We have our own elders, plan evangelistic trips, missions trips, activities, or do charity work independently of one another. Sometimes we'll fellowship another house church in our region on an endevour. The house church comprises our midweek gatherings.

On Sunday mornings all of the house churches in the network gather in a larger sanctuary just South of Town for what we call "Sunday Gathering". There is a band, great music, free coffee, free bagels, often books and materials given away. There is also AWESOME teaching. Our senior elder, Pastor Rob, is well educated in the Scriptures and sensitive to the Spirit of God. He teaches in a way I've never seen. He doesn't pick a topic, then choose a passage, or texts to help teach about it. He studies the Bible "book by book". Starting this past January Rob launched us into the Gospel of John. We're covering EVERY VERSE. The time table he offered states that we'll be in John for the better part of two years. It's the end of June... and we're only half way through John chapter 5! LOL

And the interesting thing is... it seems to ALWAYS speak to a situation in our lives, or answer a theological question that has been brewing in our minds. Talk about divine providence.

But know this... even if this community of believers becomes so focused on our internal politics, money, and property that exemplifying Christ fades... I'm gone. I just want to be conformed into the image of Christ. I value no "membership" down here. And I'm prone to support strictly house churching... but I'm willing to keep balance. After all... God uses the bigger gatherings too. I just feel more "transformation" happening in the house churches where people let down their guard, confess sin, cry, and pray together. Where relationships are made.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

GREAT! If that's what works for you, then I say more power to you.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Our house church began in Hebrews this January. We're in chapter 7 so far. Bro. Bowers moves a bit faster than Rob. But the study is very deep. And discussion time always brings far more into the picture than just the text we're covering.

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Jake
Jud 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Jud 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

2000 years after the church began traditions and philosophy's of men have crept into the simplicity of the message for the uplifting of man and not Christ. Yes I have a far different view of things then you have as I have found when one does not pick and pull a verse here and there to teach a thought but sticks with the context of the whole letter written to one group ie Romans or Corinthians and reads it as a whole instead of taking part of the book and fitting it with part of another book to bring forth a point, the message changes dramaticly.

What I am going to say next I hope you don't take too much offense at. But anyone that will not back up what they beleive and will not discuse with others differance of opinions has aready made up in thier mind that what they believe is the only way and are therefore in a grave position of missing a truth that can bring greater light to thier walk with God and relationship with him.

And for the record there is not one passage that gives a discription of an apostle where it tells us the only ones that can be apostles were those that saw Christ. By definition and apostle was simply one that was sent. At what point did the diciples become apostles? When Christ sent them into the world Acts I:8 hence one that is sent. As has been mentioned many others were to become apostles as they were sent to places to take the gospel to other parts of the world.

Every gift that was given to the early church to equip the saint to do thier ministerial work is still in the body of Chirst today.

Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the equiping of the saints, for the work of thier ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Re: Recovering the Apostolic Way
 

Nothing to add here but Amen!