What's your AUTHORITY?

[thephnxman]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

This, to me, is the bottomline. Unless the five-fold ministry (I don't like the term, but it's the easiest to use for all to
understand) is brought to bear on issues like the one we are describing, (1) nothing will be accomplished. (2) We have plenty of pastors and teachers, with some evangelists. (3) But who are apostles and prophets? Where are they? Do they exist? If so, why are they closeted away?
(4) Who is refusing their ministry? Who is keeping them in check so they can't do what they are called to do?

(1) The Ministry is exercised in part...because of the "one man" authority. Today's
Ministry has not been allowed, by and large, to fully develop;

(2) We have "denominational" pastors wielding influence OVER the men, and the teacher,
and the evangelist. That is NOT a Biblical situation;

(3) Apostles and Prophets have been given only "lip service". If they remain silent, it
is for love of the Lord's flock...not wishing that they be "dispersed", by contradicting oratory;

(4) It is the same Ministry that has submitted to man's doctrine: they sought the
approval of man and governments, over the will of God.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers...".