The greatest hinderance to our operation of apostolic authority is the traditions of men that are taught as bible truth. Jesus commented to the pharisees that they taught the traditions of men, making the commandments of God of no effect. Here, in my opinion, are a couple more traditions we find in the modern church. Let me know what you think.
A traditional church is one that…
…continues a division between a professional clergy and laity resulting in a one man show. This attitude fosters a control issue, focusing power in the hands of a select few and does not promote a priesthood of believers.
The apostolic church is one that...
…recognizes that we are all one body, with different giftings The purpose of the ascension gift ministries is to equip or fully perfect the saints for the work of service (Ephesians 4:11 NASU). NOT to do all the work of service themselves.
A traditional church is one that…
…does not actively seek an empowerment of the believers. Due to the division of the clergy and laity, there is minimal effort placed on developing the spiritual giftings of the believer. The average believer is seen as a labor force for the programs of the church. Little is expected from them, so little is what they give.
The apostolic church is one that...
…empowers each believer in their spiritual gifting. The saints are to be equipped for the work of service or ministry. Each member is gifted and placed in the body as God chooses (1 Corinthians 12). The body should function effectively as each member is working in their gifting.
Next time, a couple of more traditions that may hinder us.
Martin
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Traditions
Tradition it is the act of giving over, giving up or surrender. It has the same etymology as the word treason. Jesus said, “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,” (Mark 7:7-8). Jesus declares the results of these traditions in verse 13, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition.” According to Thayer’s “Making of none effect” is one word meaning “deprive of force and authority.”
Man’s traditions affect our faith by creating predetermined paradigms that hinder our ability to walk in apostolic authority. A paradigm is: “A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them.” American Heritage Dictionary (Dictionary.com). These traditional paradigms create a filter we view the Lord, His purpose and our spiritual lives through.
During my time of practice, occasionally, there would be a patient who would come in exasperated or frustrated and say,“Just do something.” I would explain that to help them, we needed to undergo a diagnostic process to determine WHAT the true SOURCE of their problem was. In the church today, many pastors and leaders are like these patients. They know something is wrong and they are frustrated. They look to do something, by grasping the latest church growth program, big name evangelist or that one special conference. I know, I have been there. It is my desire to help us walk in apostolic authority. This Apostolic Notes and the next one, are a diagnostic process to assist us in determining WHAT the true source of our problem could be.
A review of the modern church reveals some of the developed characteristics of man’s traditions. Along with these traditions I have also given food for thought about an apostolic approach.
A traditional church is a church that….
…preaches a “bless me” gospel
This gospel and its message is an attempt to alleviate man’s discomfort and pain. The Bible is seen as a cookbook with recipes to fix our current problem. This is a “self” focused gospel. Much of modern preaching is about how we are to be "healthy, wealthy and wise."
The apostolic church is a church that...
….preaches the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus’ first message and that of the disciples was the gospel of the kingdom of heaven (Matt 4:17, 4:23, 9:35; Lk 9:60, 10:9). He did not come preaching how wonderful we are, He came declaring the reality of a Spiritual Kingdom. We are to be ambassadors of this kingdom. Our blessings are a by-product of obedience to His purpose.
The purpose of the apostolic church is to demonstrate and reveal our King and His kingdom. In the next couple of posts I will give more examples of man's traditions that have affected the modern church.
Till next time
Martin
Man’s traditions affect our faith by creating predetermined paradigms that hinder our ability to walk in apostolic authority. A paradigm is: “A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them.” American Heritage Dictionary (Dictionary.com). These traditional paradigms create a filter we view the Lord, His purpose and our spiritual lives through.
During my time of practice, occasionally, there would be a patient who would come in exasperated or frustrated and say,“Just do something.” I would explain that to help them, we needed to undergo a diagnostic process to determine WHAT the true SOURCE of their problem was. In the church today, many pastors and leaders are like these patients. They know something is wrong and they are frustrated. They look to do something, by grasping the latest church growth program, big name evangelist or that one special conference. I know, I have been there. It is my desire to help us walk in apostolic authority. This Apostolic Notes and the next one, are a diagnostic process to assist us in determining WHAT the true source of our problem could be.
A review of the modern church reveals some of the developed characteristics of man’s traditions. Along with these traditions I have also given food for thought about an apostolic approach.
A traditional church is a church that….
…preaches a “bless me” gospel
This gospel and its message is an attempt to alleviate man’s discomfort and pain. The Bible is seen as a cookbook with recipes to fix our current problem. This is a “self” focused gospel. Much of modern preaching is about how we are to be "healthy, wealthy and wise."
The apostolic church is a church that...
….preaches the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus’ first message and that of the disciples was the gospel of the kingdom of heaven (Matt 4:17, 4:23, 9:35; Lk 9:60, 10:9). He did not come preaching how wonderful we are, He came declaring the reality of a Spiritual Kingdom. We are to be ambassadors of this kingdom. Our blessings are a by-product of obedience to His purpose.
The purpose of the apostolic church is to demonstrate and reveal our King and His kingdom. In the next couple of posts I will give more examples of man's traditions that have affected the modern church.
Till next time
Martin
Friday, October 17, 2008
What Stops Us From Being Apostolic?
We have presented the idea that the proof of being apostolic was not in our doctrine or structure, but it was obediently going and doing what we have been sent to do. The challenge we face is that in many (if not most) believers lives and churches we are not going. Now I understand there are always exceptions and there are churches and believers out there who are being apostolic. However, as a whole we are not accomplishing the great commission. So the question begs to be asked: “Why are we not being apostolic?”
Reviewing the early church, it is clearly seen that the apostles walked in a miracle producing authority. They performed the miraculous, and the Lord confirmed their preaching by signs and wonders. This miraculous demonstration of apostolic authority in the daily lives of the first believers was so powerful and convincing that cities were stirred to riots because of its affect, and a reverential fear or awe of God was produced with many souls being converted.
In the Christianity of today, we find that many of man’s ideas have become a hindrance to the operation of the Spirit, limiting the church’s ability to operate in apostolic authority. Jesus said, “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,” (Mark 7:7-8). Jesus further spoke of the result of holding the traditions of man in verse 13, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered:” According to Thayer’s “Making of none effect” is one word and it means “deprive of force and authority.”
The greatest hindrance to apostolic authority that is faced in this day and age, is the tradition of men and the resulting structure of traditional churches. Traditions create a biased paradigm that is used to filter scripture. This tainted view of scripture affects the individual’s faith and ability to walk in apostolic authority. Centuries of man’s tradition have created an organization that is far from the original apostolic church.
In the New Testament, the Greek word paradosis is translated as tradition 13 times, 11 times in a negative context and the two times it is used positive it must have a qualifying statement to make it positive. According to Thayer’s it means: “a giving over, giving up. 1. the act of giving up, the surrender: 2. a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing.” Most online English dictionaries that I have looked at include for the modern word tradition a component of a “handing down or over.”
According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; tradition’s etymology is Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradition, from Latin tradition-, tradition and is the action of handing over. It is from the same root word as treason. (emphasis added)
Once again, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; the etymology of treason is Middle English tresoun, from Old French traison, from Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over, betray. (emphasis added).
It should be a shocking revelation to us that tradition and treason have the same etymology. They mean a handing over of something. So we see the significance of tradition is that it can be considered a treason of beliefs or values that were once held by individuals or a group. In respect to the traditional church, we see that there has been a surrendering, a giving up or handing over of the power of God, as demonstrated through apostolic authority. This treasonous act has been a replacing of the commandments and power of God for the traditions of men. This is truly making the commands of God none affect.
In the next few Apostolic Notes Ezines I will present for discussion some areas of traditions that I believe are hindering us from being a true apostolic church. I encourage you to write me - agree, disagree, give more examples.
Till next time---
Martin
Reviewing the early church, it is clearly seen that the apostles walked in a miracle producing authority. They performed the miraculous, and the Lord confirmed their preaching by signs and wonders. This miraculous demonstration of apostolic authority in the daily lives of the first believers was so powerful and convincing that cities were stirred to riots because of its affect, and a reverential fear or awe of God was produced with many souls being converted.
In the Christianity of today, we find that many of man’s ideas have become a hindrance to the operation of the Spirit, limiting the church’s ability to operate in apostolic authority. Jesus said, “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,” (Mark 7:7-8). Jesus further spoke of the result of holding the traditions of man in verse 13, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered:” According to Thayer’s “Making of none effect” is one word and it means “deprive of force and authority.”
The greatest hindrance to apostolic authority that is faced in this day and age, is the tradition of men and the resulting structure of traditional churches. Traditions create a biased paradigm that is used to filter scripture. This tainted view of scripture affects the individual’s faith and ability to walk in apostolic authority. Centuries of man’s tradition have created an organization that is far from the original apostolic church.
In the New Testament, the Greek word paradosis is translated as tradition 13 times, 11 times in a negative context and the two times it is used positive it must have a qualifying statement to make it positive. According to Thayer’s it means: “a giving over, giving up. 1. the act of giving up, the surrender: 2. a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing.” Most online English dictionaries that I have looked at include for the modern word tradition a component of a “handing down or over.”
According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; tradition’s etymology is Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradition, from Latin tradition-, tradition and is the action of handing over. It is from the same root word as treason. (emphasis added)
Once again, according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; the etymology of treason is Middle English tresoun, from Old French traison, from Latin tradition-, traditio act of handing over, from tradere to hand over, betray. (emphasis added).
It should be a shocking revelation to us that tradition and treason have the same etymology. They mean a handing over of something. So we see the significance of tradition is that it can be considered a treason of beliefs or values that were once held by individuals or a group. In respect to the traditional church, we see that there has been a surrendering, a giving up or handing over of the power of God, as demonstrated through apostolic authority. This treasonous act has been a replacing of the commandments and power of God for the traditions of men. This is truly making the commands of God none affect.
In the next few Apostolic Notes Ezines I will present for discussion some areas of traditions that I believe are hindering us from being a true apostolic church. I encourage you to write me - agree, disagree, give more examples.
Till next time---
Martin
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Proof Of Being Apostolic
Previously, we have defined that apostolic means being sent as the representative of Jesus Christ to reveal His kingdom. The definition of being “sent” includes four components, the fourth being the completion or manifestation of the duty is proof of the sending. This truth was even stated by Jesus himself in John 5:36: “But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent (apostello) me.” Jesus was saying the works I am doing, proves that I have been sent.
In Mark chapter 6, this process of sending is revealed as Jesus begins to send out the disciples. Beginning at verse seven, Jesus calls the twelve and commissions them. His instructions include an empowering, preparation and mode of operation. Then they were sent (apostello vs 7) out. These disciples had watched Jesus perform the miraculous. Now He has authorized and sent them to do the same. Can you imagine the excitement in their lives? They have been chosen by the Lord to go and act as His representative – to do what Jesus had been doing – WOW!
Lets Stop Here For A Moment - Fast forward 2000 plus years to 2007, the modern church era. We have been given the same commission as His first disciples. Jesus emphatically states that all power has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Following this statement He commissions the first church to GO and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). This is our commission for today. To accomplish this mission we are told that: He will go with us (Matthew 28:20), that signs would follow us (Mark 16:17-19), that we would do greater works (John 14:12), that we have already been blessed with all we need (Ephesians 1:3), that we are seated in a place of authority with Him (Ephesians 2:6) and that we have all been gifted to perform this commission (Ephesians 4:7, for further explanation see the book Apostolic Authority pg 38-40).
Back to the disciples of Mark 6. - After they had been called, empowered and instructed, they went! The fourth component of being apostello or sent is the completion or manifestation of the duty as proof of the sending. Verse 30 states “And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.” Now this is significant to me; in verse 7 he called the twelve and sent them. It was in verse 30 AFTER they had completed or manifested their duty that they are called apostles! It was when they went and did what they were empowered to do that they became apostles. In their obedience to the sending, they were not just called apostles as a title of position – they were being apostolic.
The same applies for the modern church today. In my opinion, the proof of being apostolic is not in our structure or doctrine alone. It is if we are obeying the One who has sent us. This means WE MUST GO and DO what we have been sent to do; which is preaching and demonstrating the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Many yeas ago, I read an article about a talk show host who interviewed some professional bodybuilders. In the conversation the host asked: “What do you do with all those muscles?” One of the bodybuilders responded by striking a particular pose. The talk show host responded: “No, I mean what do you do with all those muscles?” To which the bodybuilder changed to a different pose. This time the host stated: “You do not understand, What do you DO with all those muscles?” The bodybuilder struck yet another pose.
There is application of this story to the church today. We talk about who we are in Christ or what He wants to do with us. We speak of the authority or power that is available in the life of a believer. There is talk of the restoration of the ascension gift ministries. You can attend workshops and seminars on how to operate in spiritual gifts, authority or power. But the question needs to be asked of us: “What are we doing with all this authority?” In other words, are we GOING and DOING what we are sent to do? The proof of being Apostolic is in DOING what we are sent to do.
As I study and the Word speaks to me, I must evaluate my life. Will you join with me in this study and self evaluation to determine, are we talking or are we going? What must we do to fulfill His sending in our individual lives?
In Mark chapter 6, this process of sending is revealed as Jesus begins to send out the disciples. Beginning at verse seven, Jesus calls the twelve and commissions them. His instructions include an empowering, preparation and mode of operation. Then they were sent (apostello vs 7) out. These disciples had watched Jesus perform the miraculous. Now He has authorized and sent them to do the same. Can you imagine the excitement in their lives? They have been chosen by the Lord to go and act as His representative – to do what Jesus had been doing – WOW!
Lets Stop Here For A Moment - Fast forward 2000 plus years to 2007, the modern church era. We have been given the same commission as His first disciples. Jesus emphatically states that all power has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Following this statement He commissions the first church to GO and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). This is our commission for today. To accomplish this mission we are told that: He will go with us (Matthew 28:20), that signs would follow us (Mark 16:17-19), that we would do greater works (John 14:12), that we have already been blessed with all we need (Ephesians 1:3), that we are seated in a place of authority with Him (Ephesians 2:6) and that we have all been gifted to perform this commission (Ephesians 4:7, for further explanation see the book Apostolic Authority pg 38-40).
Such a place of privilege – we have been chosen to be His representatives.
Yet how do we prove to the world we are sent?
Yet how do we prove to the world we are sent?
Back to the disciples of Mark 6. - After they had been called, empowered and instructed, they went! The fourth component of being apostello or sent is the completion or manifestation of the duty as proof of the sending. Verse 30 states “And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.” Now this is significant to me; in verse 7 he called the twelve and sent them. It was in verse 30 AFTER they had completed or manifested their duty that they are called apostles! It was when they went and did what they were empowered to do that they became apostles. In their obedience to the sending, they were not just called apostles as a title of position – they were being apostolic.
The same applies for the modern church today. In my opinion, the proof of being apostolic is not in our structure or doctrine alone. It is if we are obeying the One who has sent us. This means WE MUST GO and DO what we have been sent to do; which is preaching and demonstrating the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Many yeas ago, I read an article about a talk show host who interviewed some professional bodybuilders. In the conversation the host asked: “What do you do with all those muscles?” One of the bodybuilders responded by striking a particular pose. The talk show host responded: “No, I mean what do you do with all those muscles?” To which the bodybuilder changed to a different pose. This time the host stated: “You do not understand, What do you DO with all those muscles?” The bodybuilder struck yet another pose.
There is application of this story to the church today. We talk about who we are in Christ or what He wants to do with us. We speak of the authority or power that is available in the life of a believer. There is talk of the restoration of the ascension gift ministries. You can attend workshops and seminars on how to operate in spiritual gifts, authority or power. But the question needs to be asked of us: “What are we doing with all this authority?” In other words, are we GOING and DOING what we are sent to do? The proof of being Apostolic is in DOING what we are sent to do.
As I study and the Word speaks to me, I must evaluate my life. Will you join with me in this study and self evaluation to determine, are we talking or are we going? What must we do to fulfill His sending in our individual lives?
Till next time---
Martin
Martin
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Stratigically Placed
On my recent trip to Okinawa Japan, my host was Command Sergeant Major Rufus Parker (Ret. US Army). During our conversations he stated that Okinawa was of major importance to the US Military. This small 460 sq mile island was strategically placed, from here the US can reach anywhere in the world.
What is in the natural, many times is the same in the spiritual. The church that Rufus Parker pastors is a small church, probably never much over 60 people. The primary focus is military personnel and their dependents. Since these individuals are constantly on the move, large numerical growth is a challenge.
Yet this church has influenced the world. Since it started in 1979, there have been 60+ ministers of the Gospel sent from this assembly. Many Asian missionaries were born again or spent crucial development time here under the mentoring of the various pastors. Other personnel have returned home or been stationed in other parts of the world. Each taking with them the training and teaching of the Gospel.
My point to this is - do not measure your success by the worlds standard of size or notoriety. You have been strategically placed in the body of Christ where He wants you. In this placement he has adapted or gifted you to operate for a purpose. Find out what that is, focus on its completion. In time, you will be able to look back and see how you were able to impact a greater area than you first imagined.
What is in the natural, many times is the same in the spiritual. The church that Rufus Parker pastors is a small church, probably never much over 60 people. The primary focus is military personnel and their dependents. Since these individuals are constantly on the move, large numerical growth is a challenge.
Yet this church has influenced the world. Since it started in 1979, there have been 60+ ministers of the Gospel sent from this assembly. Many Asian missionaries were born again or spent crucial development time here under the mentoring of the various pastors. Other personnel have returned home or been stationed in other parts of the world. Each taking with them the training and teaching of the Gospel.
My point to this is - do not measure your success by the worlds standard of size or notoriety. You have been strategically placed in the body of Christ where He wants you. In this placement he has adapted or gifted you to operate for a purpose. Find out what that is, focus on its completion. In time, you will be able to look back and see how you were able to impact a greater area than you first imagined.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
UPDATE
It has been too long since I have posted anything. This past month has been very hectic: two trips overseas and hosting a conference here at home. Some of the highlights include:
Cape Town SA - We had the privilege to be one of many speakers at a Kingdom Advancement Leadership Conference. The hunger for greater illumination of the Kingdom of Heaven was obvious. For our part, we ministered the principles of Apostolic Authority. It was so humbling to see the Lord confirm His word with such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit.
Another exciting point in the conference: a local pastor was discussing with me a shoulder problem (since he found out I was a doctor). After a short consult, I advised that he could put ice on it. Then a nudge of the Spirit and I said "Or if you believe Jesus can heal you, we can pray for you." We laid hands on his shoulder and rebuked the inflammation. I then asked him how it was. The look of excitement on his face was priceless. As he began to rapidly move his shoulder in motions that he could not do 30 seconds earlier, he replied "I don't feel it any more!" Praise the Lord.
Okinawa Japan - Again we had the privilege to minister the principles of Apostolic Authority. This time it was with Missionaries Rufus and Pam Parker and the Asia Military Ministries. The majority of the people present were either military or their dependents. There were a few native Japaneses present also.
Once again I was so impressed by my God. The first night we covered two session so of Apostolic Authority: Having the right mindset & What is Apostolic Authority. When we finished teaching and opened it for prayer, there was such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit. I believe the Lord definitely imparted into the spirits of those present.
During the meeting there was an elderly Okinawan lady who limped forward and asked us to pray for her hip. We simply laid hands on her and rebuked the pain and inflammation, loosing the healing power of the Lord. The next night I watched her walk in without a limp. I watched a couple more days, then on Sunday I asked her about her hip. She said "Oh yes, I meant to tell you the pain was gone!" Praise the Lord.
Albany GA - Once we returned back to Albany, 3 days later we hosted the South GA X-Treme. This was a Spirit packed weekend. In all the services there was illumination and impartation of spiritual understanding and authority. Many claimed they were touched and healed of various afflictions.
It is such a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. In these last days, Jesus is seeking those who are hungry and open to His illumination. Those who respond will find a place of spiritual authority that they have only dreamed of.
Cape Town SA - We had the privilege to be one of many speakers at a Kingdom Advancement Leadership Conference. The hunger for greater illumination of the Kingdom of Heaven was obvious. For our part, we ministered the principles of Apostolic Authority. It was so humbling to see the Lord confirm His word with such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit.
Another exciting point in the conference: a local pastor was discussing with me a shoulder problem (since he found out I was a doctor). After a short consult, I advised that he could put ice on it. Then a nudge of the Spirit and I said "Or if you believe Jesus can heal you, we can pray for you." We laid hands on his shoulder and rebuked the inflammation. I then asked him how it was. The look of excitement on his face was priceless. As he began to rapidly move his shoulder in motions that he could not do 30 seconds earlier, he replied "I don't feel it any more!" Praise the Lord.
Okinawa Japan - Again we had the privilege to minister the principles of Apostolic Authority. This time it was with Missionaries Rufus and Pam Parker and the Asia Military Ministries. The majority of the people present were either military or their dependents. There were a few native Japaneses present also.
Once again I was so impressed by my God. The first night we covered two session so of Apostolic Authority: Having the right mindset & What is Apostolic Authority. When we finished teaching and opened it for prayer, there was such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit. I believe the Lord definitely imparted into the spirits of those present.
During the meeting there was an elderly Okinawan lady who limped forward and asked us to pray for her hip. We simply laid hands on her and rebuked the pain and inflammation, loosing the healing power of the Lord. The next night I watched her walk in without a limp. I watched a couple more days, then on Sunday I asked her about her hip. She said "Oh yes, I meant to tell you the pain was gone!" Praise the Lord.
Albany GA - Once we returned back to Albany, 3 days later we hosted the South GA X-Treme. This was a Spirit packed weekend. In all the services there was illumination and impartation of spiritual understanding and authority. Many claimed they were touched and healed of various afflictions.
It is such a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. In these last days, Jesus is seeking those who are hungry and open to His illumination. Those who respond will find a place of spiritual authority that they have only dreamed of.
till next time
martin
martin
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