Just released latest edition of Apostolic Notes, an ezine that we publish about monthly. The topic of this one is "Send It On Down." It deals with the attidude that we are waiting for God to pour out on us some special anointing and we will become instantly powerful, walking in apostolic authority.
However, the biblical truth is we are to walk led of the Spirit in us and by faith demonstrate what we are being shown by the Spirit. Check it out at: www.apostolicmissions.org/senditondown.html
Showing posts with label apostolic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apostolic. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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
Monday, August 4, 2008
Where Do You Do Your Laundry?
This morning my wife and I were doing laundry - really spiritual huh? You see, we are in the middle of a transition, we have sold our home and have not found anther one yet, so we GO to the laundromat. Now you may be wondering what does this have to do with a blog about spiritual authority?
While we were at this facility, I remembered a story/testimony I had either heard or read. It seems there was this ministry couple, which do to their particular circumstances, also had to go to the laundromat to wash their clothes. During the repeated trips, they were able to reach and minister to a number of people, many who were born again and brought into the Kingdom.
The story continued, that when their situation had settled down and they purchased a house with its own laundry space, the wife still chose to go to the laundromat. It seems that over this period of time, she had developed a place of ministry that was outside of the normal confines of church.
This is the application of this story. To many individuals when we speak of a ministry, we think of a place within the confines or structure of the local assembly or building. Leadership works to establish various programs to not only minister to people, but to also create places for members to use their particular gifts in ministry. The idea is that it is all centered around a building or organization we call the church.
However, WE ARE the church. It is within each of the born again believers that He has placed His spirit and giftings. With these giftings, there comes a commission and a place of operation. While we do need certain programs and ministries at a local assembly, I believe the majority of giftings were given to use OUTSIDE the local assembly in the every day life of the believer.
In the great commission, Jesus said GO! It is in this going - that we will find a place of ministry for our giftings. This is what I believe this wife found - that when she went OUT to do her laundry, she was stepping into a place of ministry authority.
It is interesting to note, that much of Jesus' teaching and ministry took place OUT among the people. In fact, He was criticized because of the crowds He hung out with: harlots, publicans, tax collectors, fishermen, everyday sinners. Yet it was in the midst of these people, Jesus demonstrated the power of the Kingdom of Heaven.
We must think like Jesus, we must think Kingdom. When we are commissioned with apostolic authority, we are commissioned to GO. When we are using our giftings OUTSIDE of the four walls of the church is when we will see a confirmation of this authority we have been given.
So, let me ask: "Where do you do your laundry?"
While we were at this facility, I remembered a story/testimony I had either heard or read. It seems there was this ministry couple, which do to their particular circumstances, also had to go to the laundromat to wash their clothes. During the repeated trips, they were able to reach and minister to a number of people, many who were born again and brought into the Kingdom.
The story continued, that when their situation had settled down and they purchased a house with its own laundry space, the wife still chose to go to the laundromat. It seems that over this period of time, she had developed a place of ministry that was outside of the normal confines of church.
This is the application of this story. To many individuals when we speak of a ministry, we think of a place within the confines or structure of the local assembly or building. Leadership works to establish various programs to not only minister to people, but to also create places for members to use their particular gifts in ministry. The idea is that it is all centered around a building or organization we call the church.
However, WE ARE the church. It is within each of the born again believers that He has placed His spirit and giftings. With these giftings, there comes a commission and a place of operation. While we do need certain programs and ministries at a local assembly, I believe the majority of giftings were given to use OUTSIDE the local assembly in the every day life of the believer.
In the great commission, Jesus said GO! It is in this going - that we will find a place of ministry for our giftings. This is what I believe this wife found - that when she went OUT to do her laundry, she was stepping into a place of ministry authority.
It is interesting to note, that much of Jesus' teaching and ministry took place OUT among the people. In fact, He was criticized because of the crowds He hung out with: harlots, publicans, tax collectors, fishermen, everyday sinners. Yet it was in the midst of these people, Jesus demonstrated the power of the Kingdom of Heaven.
We must think like Jesus, we must think Kingdom. When we are commissioned with apostolic authority, we are commissioned to GO. When we are using our giftings OUTSIDE of the four walls of the church is when we will see a confirmation of this authority we have been given.
So, let me ask: "Where do you do your laundry?"
till next time
martin
martin
Friday, August 1, 2008
In His Image
A representative is "One that serves as a delegate or agent for another." – American Heritage Dictionary
Adam was God’s image that he chose to reveal or manifest Himself to creation. Through Adam, an invisible God made himself visible. But more than a visible image, Adam purpose was to be a representational of God. As God’s likeness, he was to ACT as God’s representative thereby revealing the nature and characteristics of God by his actions.
This representational aspect of Adam’s purpose was not manifest when God gave him dominion. It was manifest when Adam obeyed God’s command and named the animals. God’s image and likeness was revealed to creation, not by Adams position, but by his obedient actions to the commands of God.
Being apostello or sent to operate in apostolic authority is to act as the Lords representative. It is manifesting an invisible God to this world.
till next time
martin
Friday, July 25, 2008
The Purpose of Apostolic Authority
We have defined what apostolic means and presented the basic components of what it means to be sent. I would think the question in someone’s mind is “What is the purpose of apostolic authority?” Well, to answer this, I think we must first look at God’s purpose and then His purpose for creating man.
In my review of the scriptures, it is apparent that God’s purpose was to have His glory fill the earth. (Isa 6:3, Hab 2:14, Num 14:21). There are numerous other scriptures that declare that there will be one king over this earth and all nations will come and worship Him. (Ps 86:9, Zech 14:8, Rev 11:15). So…God’s purpose was to fill the earth with His glory!
If the earth was and is to be filled with His glory, what was God’s plan to accomplish this? By creating man in His image, giving him dominion and to multiply and replenish the earth (Gen 1:26, 28). Mankind was to bear fruit in increased numbers and fill, fulfill or overflow the earth with the image of God.
God’s purpose is to have this earth filled with His image and glory. His intent is to accomplish this through you and I; born again believer’s walking in His image and manifesting His glory. WOW! what an awesome place of privilege.
til next time-Martin
more on this topic click here
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Demonstration of Apostolic
There is a statement that has been around a while that is used in reference to the validity of something: "The proof is in the pudding." According to AskYahoo, the "phrase originated as "the proof of the pudding is in the eating." It means that the true value or quality of something can only be judged when it's put to use. The meaning is often summed up as "results are what count."
In apostolic authority, the fourth component of being sent is the completion or demonstration of the action is the proof that the individual was sent. It is when those that are apostello, actually go and do what they were ordered and commissioned to do or say. It was not how much they discussed or planned their actions - did they go and do it!
Operating in apostolic authority is doing what we have been sent to accomplish. It is only when we DO this, we can expect the authority of Jesus to be revealed in our lives.
food for thought
Are you acting on what you have been commissioned to do?
More information click here
In apostolic authority, the fourth component of being sent is the completion or demonstration of the action is the proof that the individual was sent. It is when those that are apostello, actually go and do what they were ordered and commissioned to do or say. It was not how much they discussed or planned their actions - did they go and do it!
Operating in apostolic authority is doing what we have been sent to accomplish. It is only when we DO this, we can expect the authority of Jesus to be revealed in our lives.
food for thought
Are you acting on what you have been commissioned to do?
More information click here
Till next time
Martin
Martin
Friday, July 18, 2008
Knowing Our Place
Apostolic authority is based on being sent. It is acting as Jesus' representative, declaring the message or words that He has authorized us to speak. This was exampled when Jesus sent out the 12 disciples (Luke 9) and the 70 disciples (Luke 10). In each case He authorized and instructed them what to do and say.
Along with the orders to go and the commission of what to do and say, apostolic authority includes a place of operation. This may be a specific, city, country, group of people or a particular setting to operate in. Jesus himself said that he was "not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" Matt 15:24. Jesus first and primary place of ministry was to the nation of Israel. In the natural world, ambassadors have authority to represent their home country in regards to the particular country they have been sent to.
In regards to our authority, we must not only know what we are to do or say, we must know where and to whom we are sent to minister.
Till next time
martin
Along with the orders to go and the commission of what to do and say, apostolic authority includes a place of operation. This may be a specific, city, country, group of people or a particular setting to operate in. Jesus himself said that he was "not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" Matt 15:24. Jesus first and primary place of ministry was to the nation of Israel. In the natural world, ambassadors have authority to represent their home country in regards to the particular country they have been sent to.
In regards to our authority, we must not only know what we are to do or say, we must know where and to whom we are sent to minister.
Till next time
martin
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Faith From Our Commissioning
Understanding our commission is crucial to operating in apostolic authority. It defines what we are empowered to do, thus giving us the liberty to operate. It is from this we can derive a faith and freedom to operate.
The centurion in Luke 7 knew his commission and freely operated in authority. It was demonstrated by his confidence in giving instructions to his servants with an expectation they would obey. It was this same authority he saw in Jesus when he stated that if Jesus would just speak it, his servant would be made whole. Jesus responded by saying He had not seen such faith in all of Israel. How did this relate to faith?
The centurion had faith because he understood what a commission was. He knew who had sent him and what he was authorized to do. Because of this, he had a freedom to act.
It is the same with apostolic authority. When we grasp what we have been commissioned to do, we can then demonstrate with faith. As we do what we were commissioned to do, we can expect the Lord to support us because we are operating according to His instructions.
Food For Thought
What is your level of faith? Do you know what you have been commissioned to do?
The centurion in Luke 7 knew his commission and freely operated in authority. It was demonstrated by his confidence in giving instructions to his servants with an expectation they would obey. It was this same authority he saw in Jesus when he stated that if Jesus would just speak it, his servant would be made whole. Jesus responded by saying He had not seen such faith in all of Israel. How did this relate to faith?
The centurion had faith because he understood what a commission was. He knew who had sent him and what he was authorized to do. Because of this, he had a freedom to act.
It is the same with apostolic authority. When we grasp what we have been commissioned to do, we can then demonstrate with faith. As we do what we were commissioned to do, we can expect the Lord to support us because we are operating according to His instructions.
Food For Thought
What is your level of faith? Do you know what you have been commissioned to do?
till next time
martin
martin
Monday, July 14, 2008
Our Commissioning
The second component to the definition of apostolic is: those that are sent, are commissioned with a specific purpose.
A clear example is seen in a military commission. “Commissioned officers in the military derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position. Wikipedia.” Spiritually, apostolic authority is receiving a commission from Jesus himself in John 17:18, Jesus states: “Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” AMP. In both instances the word sent is apostello, meaning to send out and it is from where we derive the term apostolic.
The centurion of Luke 7 understood his commission and was not afraid to exercise his authority. He states; “I am a man set under authority, I say to one go and he goes to another come and he comes.” This individual was operating according to his commission and those around him obeyed his authority.
The ability to operate with Apostolic authority is available when we are operating within the dictates of our individual commissions.
Food for thought:
Is your ministry involvment based on His commission?
A commission is;
“an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner
or to perform prescribed acts.”
or to perform prescribed acts.”
A clear example is seen in a military commission. “Commissioned officers in the military derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position. Wikipedia.” Spiritually, apostolic authority is receiving a commission from Jesus himself in John 17:18, Jesus states: “Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” AMP. In both instances the word sent is apostello, meaning to send out and it is from where we derive the term apostolic.
The centurion of Luke 7 understood his commission and was not afraid to exercise his authority. He states; “I am a man set under authority, I say to one go and he goes to another come and he comes.” This individual was operating according to his commission and those around him obeyed his authority.
The ability to operate with Apostolic authority is available when we are operating within the dictates of our individual commissions.
Food for thought:
Is your ministry involvment based on His commission?
till next time
martin
martin
Friday, July 11, 2008
Sons of Sceva
In our day and time, there is an awakening in many hearts to the power and wonder of God revealed as He was in the lives of the first church. However, along with this, there are those who seek the power of God for their personal gain. This is seen in the example of the Sons of Sceva.
The sons of Sceva (Acts 19:14) were vagabond jewish exorcists. In their attempt to use what was probably to them the latest spiritual "thing" they attempted to cast a demon out of an individual. However, in this encounter ended in failure. The demon's response was the he knew Jesus and Paul, but did not know these individuals. He then proceeded to compel the man he possessed to physically attack these exorcists.
Why did this attempt at exercising authority fail? Let me suggest some ideas:
food for thought
if you are frustrated in ministry; did He send you there? or was it your idea?
The sons of Sceva (Acts 19:14) were vagabond jewish exorcists. In their attempt to use what was probably to them the latest spiritual "thing" they attempted to cast a demon out of an individual. However, in this encounter ended in failure. The demon's response was the he knew Jesus and Paul, but did not know these individuals. He then proceeded to compel the man he possessed to physically attack these exorcists.
Why did this attempt at exercising authority fail? Let me suggest some ideas:
- First, there is no indication they were born again
- Second, they were attempting use authority for their own benefit
- Thirdly, and in my mind the most important - they were not sent. If they were not sent, there would not have been the authority to operate
food for thought
if you are frustrated in ministry; did He send you there? or was it your idea?
till next time
martin
martin
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