The Believers Authority

                                         

                                         THE BELIEVERS’ AUTHORITY

Matthew 28:18-20  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore [you] go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

•• In the famous Great Commission, we see an impartation of authority from Jesus Christ to believers in Him. In some of His final words to His disciples before He ascended back to heaven, Jesus sends them forth into the world to preach, teach, baptize, and otherwise minister on His behalf — in essence, to teach the world "everything" (vs. 20) that Jesus had entrusted to His chosen disciples. The parallel Great Commission in Mark's Gospel (see next) confirms this transfer of heavenly authority to believers on earth.

Mark 16:15-20  [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

•• Here again, the Great Commission sender is Jesus. Those who are sent forth to minister in all the world are His disciples — "those who believe" (vs. 17). And we are not sent powerless. No! If we believe Jesus and His promises, we will heal the sick, speak in new tongues, cast out demons, and much more as we bring the Gospel to the far corners of the earth. How? Because Jesus, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18) has given us this commission and the authority to fulfill it — even with the confirmation of supernatural signs.

•• Unfortunately, in too many churches today the saints are not taught that they, not just the pastor, are called and empowered to do the work of the ministry. The antidote for this is for believers to see in Scripture that Jesus has given all of us the power and authority to accomplish His work on earth, consistent with His unique callings and the spiritual enablements given to each one of us.

Luke 9:1-2; 10:19  When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick... [and to 72 others He said, 10:19] I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

•• Not just to His apostles, but to a larger group of His followers (10:17) Jesus gave power and authority to proclaim the kingdom, to heal the sick, to cast out demons, and to overcome all the power of the enemy! And we have just seen (above) Jesus giving that same power and authority to believers to further the Great Commission in "all the world".That includes you and me!

John 14:12  Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

•• What works had Jesus been doing? Healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, casting out devils, proclaiming the kingdom of God, and more. Who else can do these works, and "even greater"? — the answer: "whoevever believes in [Jesus]". Not just His twelve apostles, not just pastors and church leaders, but whoever believes in Him! You can share the Gospel, confirmed with powerful signs, because Jesus has delegated this authority to believers. And the believer's authority is not restricted by our own natural limitations. Remember, it is God's authority given through Jesus to us.

Mark 13:34, KJV  For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

•• In the context above, Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the time between His first and second coming. He said He was going to "leave his house" — that is, return to heaven. And He gave to each of His servants on earth work to do and the authority to get it done. For this entire Church Age, Jesus has given spiritual authority to His servants on earth.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

•• The apostle Paul refused to depend on his natural abilities (as prodigious as those were!). Let this be a lesson to us. Instead, he intended that people's faith would rest, not on his human wisdom, but on a Gospel preached with a confirming "demonstration of the Spirit's power". Let's see now the source of that Holy Ghost power that Jesus has promised to us.

Acts 1:5, 8  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... [8] you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

•• We have seen that Jesus willingly gives authority to us, His followers. And the power to wield that authority effectively comes in the promised baptism with the Holy Spirit. That is where believers "will receive power" to fulfill the Lord's work on earth. The early Church needed to be filled with the Spirit, and so do we today.

•• Now let's look at some encouraging biblical examples of Christ's authority working effectively in the lives of believers.

1) Leading a soul to Jesus — John 4:28-30, 39  Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him... [39] Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”

•• This Samaritan woman was herself a brand-new believer. But there was already within her as a believer the ability to say to her townspeople, "Come and see. Could this be the Messiah?" And they did come and hear Jesus speak, and many became believers in Christ, in great measure "because of the woman's testimony". This woman, not knowing theology, simply shared what faith she had, and souls were gathered to Jesus. If she could do this, so can we. Why? Because Jesus Christ has given us power from God and the authority to minister for Him with that delegated power here on earth.

2) Leading someone into the baptism with the Holy Spirit — Acts 9:10, 17  In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” ... [17] Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

•• Ananias was simply "a disciple", a "devout man" (Acts 22:12, KJV), a believer in Jesus. Yet the Lord used him to heal Saul's blindness and to minister the baptism with the Holy Spirit to Saul (who later became the apostle Paul).

3) Cast out devils — Mark 16:17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils.

•• "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). Jesus confirmed this promise in the Great Commission: "These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons" (Mark 16:17).

4) Healing the sick — Mark 16:17-18, KJV  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name ... [18] they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

•• It is the privilege of all believers ("them that believe") to lay hands on the sick and see them healed.the sick. Among them might very well be some with the Holy Spirit-given "gifts of healing" (1 Corinthians 12:9).

5) Have prayers answered — James 5:13a, 16b  Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray... [16b] The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

•• Remember, believers have authority given by Jesus, the possessor of all authority in heaven and on earth. This applies to our prayer lives as well, where we find that the prayer of "a righteous man" is powerful and effective. Be confident as you pray, come boldly to His throne of grace in your times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

6) Manifesting gifts of the Holy Spirit — Acts 21:8-9  ...we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. [Amplified: "who had the gift of prophecy"]

•• Four young ladies, each of whom had the gift of prophecy. This is consistent with Peter's great Pentecost sermon where, quoting the prophet Joel, he says, "...I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy..." (Acts 2:17).

-Not just pastors and five-fold ministers, but the members of the church  and laity broadly — born-again Christians, aware of the authority Jesus has given believers, and finding the source of spiritual power in the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 7:19-20  Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t wedrive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

•• Many Christians, like those disciples, may be thinking, "Why couldn't we...?" And Jesus replies quite simply that's it's a matter of faith.

• Do you believe that Jesus has given authority to His servants? (Mark 13:34)

• Do you believe that He gives us a large measure of divine power in the baptism with the Holy Spirit? (Acts 1:5, 8)

• Do you believe that, as you go forth with the Good News, He will confirm the word with supernatural signs? (Mark 16:20)

• Do you believe that those with faith in Jesus will do His works and "even greater"? (John 14:12)

•• Jesus told his doubting disciples that, if they had faith, they could "move mountains", and nothing would be impossible for them.

•• How can this be? Simply because our resurrected Savior, who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18-20) has chosen to impart authority to His servants, so that we might go forth in power to expand the kingdom of God on this earth. And you are one of those servants that our Lord has called and empowered to be effective ambassadors for Christ to this lost world.

Jesus did not leave behind a powerless church when He ascended back to heaven. To the contrary, He imparted divine authority to those who follow Him, along with Holy Spirit power to accomplish great works embedded in righteousness for Him on this earth.

Overcoming Strongholds

Discerning Ancient Strongholds

Ancient strongholds and evil paganism is warring against the Church of Christ, but Scripture declares you are well able to subdue the wicked. The Bible teaches, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” Strongholds include demonic paganism sourced from ancient spirits. Plato (429 BC) was a pagan philosopher that taught many subjects including that all things spirit was good and all things natural were evil. Some Christians in the middle ages were influenced by his mystical worldview and became “so heavenly minded they were no earthly good.” His teachings turned some away from the biblical responsibility to take dominion for Christ sake and gave dominion to the state. Plato was against individual liberty and viewed it as selfish. He wrote in the “Laws”: “In a word, he should teach his soul, by long habit, never to dream of acting independently, and to become utterly incapable of it. In this way, the life of all will be spent in total community. There is no law, nor will there ever be one, which is superior to this, or better and more effective in ensuring salvation and victory in war. And in times of peace, and from the earliest childhood on should it be fostered, this habit of ruling others, and of being ruled by others. And every trace of anarchy (independent liberty) should be utterly eradicated from all life of all the men, and even of the wild beasts which are subject to men.” Teachings such as that lead to a totalitarian warfare state. By rejecting the personal liberty and dominion expectation of God through righteousness opens a great door for the development of secular humanistic states and demonic authoritarian governments. In short the government of the wicked. Platonic statism and mystical spiritualism are being challenged today by the apostolic church. The apostolic church is a governing church with governing disciples of Christ. It consists of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, priest, and kings all working together to manifest the Kingdom of God on earth. It’s doubtful many understand the spiritual opposition that some ancients released against the Body of Christ. It’s not often you will read that ancient demon inspired Greek philosophers have caused some of the Church to withdraw themselves from obeying God, but in this, we will touch on the subject. This will help spiritual warriors like you follow Apostle Paul’s instruction to cast down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. FOR CHRIST’S GLORY Christ has given you power saying, “Whatsoever you bind on earth is bound in heaven.” This is the spiritual authority to say no. It is the power to bind, as with chains, demon powers and their teachings. It’s not power that the Christian seeks but rather power given by God to take dominion for Christ’s glory. Man was created in the image of God and commanded to take dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-27). Not only is man called to take dominion, but it is also in his nature to do so. The word dominion was first used by God, not man. God created man in his image and with his nature. The redeemed man is a vicegerent of Christ,2 one appointed by his ruler to subdue and govern on His behalf. On His behalf or in His stead with legal authority from his maker is important to remember. Since Adam’s treason, it is in the fallen nature of man to subdue and take dominion over the earth to fulfill selfish lusts and desires. The redeemed man, in contrast to the reprobate man, knows the differ¬ence and takes his charge of dominion as one with “delegated authority” who exercises dominion “under God.” In other words, dominion must always be on God’s terms. The antithesis of the Disciple of Christ is the reprobate man. In his fallen state man desires to be God. Man can never be God because there is only one Sovereign and that is God Almighty, the Creator. Christ stands outside his creation. This makes Him the sovereign of all things. Man can never be God. Saint Athanasius wrote, “God is not nature, all the constituents of which are mutually interdependent. Nor is He the totality of its parts; for He is not compounded of parts on which He depends, but is Himself the source of existence to all. To think of God as composing and putting together the universe out of matter is a Greek notion, and it is to represent Him as a workman rather than as a creator.” DELEGATED AUTHORITY Secular humanistic dominion is seen in the reprobate and corrupted actions of man. The corrupted man forgets where the power to get wealth comes from. Scripture confirms the delegated authority of man that is submitted to the lordship of Christ. Scripture says, “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Christ also made it clear that he was the source of authority declaring, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Power and dominion is not an end in itself. It’s not power that the Christian seeks nor is it dominion that the Christian seeks but rather power given by God to take dominion for Christ’s glory. He is risen! Christ taught to pray the Lord’s Prayer. “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2). This prayer confirms the Christian’s re¬sponsibility to advance the culture (laws, knowledge, values and expectations of Christ) of the Kingdom of God. Christ would not ask his disciples to pray “thy kingdom come” if it were not possible to achieve kingdom manifestation. Throughout history fallen man, in an effort to subdue and take dominion have murdered millions of innocents. Trillions are spent buying weapons and maintaining militaries that advance and secure the various desires of politicians, states, people groups, gangs, and dictators alike. Because of the brute force used by some to subdue and control some Christians refuse the concept of dominion and can even turn hostile to the idea. Regardless, Christ has commanded his Disciples to “occupy” till he comes (Luke 19:13). Occupy means to march aggressively into another’s territory with spiritual force for the purpose of conquest and occupation. One cannot bury his talents in the ground and expect a blessing from the Lord. Dominion requires labor and a subduing spirit.

Kingdom Synergy

Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of His friend."

I see many relationships that are now clashing, that will become flashing "two-edged" swords forged together by the Spirit to do exploits and bring great devastation to the camp of the enemy. I saw relationships that seemed totally against each other, being welded together as God's love was dealing a fatal blow to their egos and "the way I see things." God is forging them into 'two-edged' swords to sever roots of the strongholds of division over families, churches, cities, and nations!

Friction Between Opposing Relationships Will Create Synergy in the Kingdom This Year

Synergy: the interaction of two or more agents or forces, so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Synergy is the result of two people working out their differences together. Get ready—the person you don't like right now may become your best friend!

Through unparalleled troublesome times, many opposing relationships will be challenged to synergize together, forging relationships similar to "Jonathan and David" and "Ruth and Naomi" to experience covenant relationships that will affect the course of history. 

Those in clashing relationships who differ in their convictions like day and night but are willing to continue to walk together in love will ultimately be the ones who discover the many facets of truth in God's Word and learn what truly pleases the King of kings. I am not talking about what is clear-cut in the Word of God regarding sin. I am talking about those many gray areas that have been splitting churches and dividing friends forever.

Those who hang out with friends who seem to see eye to eye on everything and who never disagree, will not grow much this coming year. There is going to be a shaking and sharpening in all of us! Get ready—the person you don't like right now may become your best friend. The person you don't like may have the gift of healing for your sickness or affliction. As a result, the command to "love one another" will become a matter of life or death for some churches and individuals. 

Have you ever met a person who seems to have an edge to them? That means they are sharpening you. Again, Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

Iron Sharpens Iron, Stones Smooth Stones, and People Grind People

God may call the person who seems to grind you the wrong way to sharpen you. In reality, this person is your friend. He knows they are destined to help conform you into the image of Jesus Christ—God's goal for your life!

I sense the enemy has been working overtime trying to convince many that you no longer need the irritation and grinding of certain people in your life. Be careful, the Lord may still be sharpening you. The person who is least like you and sees things so differently, may be your best asset for your future purpose in God's kingdom.

The grinding may not take so long as your glaring differences clash and cut away at each other's views that are usually at best, a little off-centered from the Lord's perspective. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8-9).

Agree to Allow Each Other to Disagree Is a Major Step Towards Unity

In many conflicts, I have found that the longer I was willing to stick it out during disagreements and personality differences, the easier it became to understand the person and why they are the way they are. The grinding, slowly but surely, gave way to a binding in the Spirit, where God could actually use us together with our differences more than if we were left by ourselves and our own convictions.

Many relationships that are now straining are actually in training for future spiritual warfare.

"With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love" (Eph. 4:2, KJV). To "forbear" means to hold oneself up against; to put up with; endure; suffer. 

This picture of forbearing one another may look at first like two people who are standing up against each other in opposition. But they are actually holding themselves up against each other in order to hold each other up. Their body language is saying: "I'm not going to let you go. You are not getting away from me just because we disagree. Even though you may be causing me to suffer right now, I know God is somehow using you in my life to grind me and sharpen me for a purpose. I am going to keep putting up with you, and forgiving you until I find out God's purpose in all of this."

Have you ever wondered how long you have to put up with someone who strongly opposes your convictions and disagrees with most everything you believe? God clearly tells us how long. "Until we all come into the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13, MEV). That is just how long we need to forbear one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

Many in difficult relationships, who realize their straining is being used in training for reigning, will endure and become razor-sharp fatal weapons in spiritual warfare. 

The Name of Jesus

                                           

                               

                                  

                                             THE WONDERFUL NAME OF JESUS

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches."(Proverbs 22:1)

A person's name is their identity. Protecting and defending a good name, or living up to one's name are still meaningful concepts in today's world. A person's name represents their reputation, their family, their business, their legacy. In some cultures, a name is the most valuable thing they own, and it is dishonorable when their name is tarnished.

Since the days of antiquity, people could speak or act 'in the name of' someone because the name represents authority and power. Decrees could be issued and oral messages delivered in the name of a king, for example. For Christians, the name of Jesus Christ is the most wonderful and most powerful name in existence. In Psalm 72, although King David was writing about his son, Solomon, he also speaks prophetically of Jesus Christ. Verse 17 says, "His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed."

Jesus Christ has given Christians the right and authority to use his name. This means that Christians have been given the power of attorney. Legally, power of attorney is the authority to act in another person's behalf, at their request. It is authorization given by one person (Jesus) permitting another (Christians) to take action on his (Jesus Christ's) behalf.

"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:13,14)

"Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23, 24)

The name of Jesus Christ is not a magic word. The power is not even in saying words, but in understanding and believing all that the name of Jesus Christ signifies. His name represents all of His finished work on the cross, fulfilling God's plan of redemption and salvation, victory over sin, death, and over the devil's entire realm. When the name of Jesus Christ is invoked, it carries all of the power and distinction God gave to it. God raised Jesus from the dead, elevated Him to His right hand, and gave Jesus a name above "every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come." (Ephesians 1:21).

Philippians declares, "God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth." (Philippians 2:9, 10) Hebrews states, regarding Jesus, "when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:3, 4)

On the day of Pentecost, the people were deeply moved after Peter's powerful sermon, and asked, "What do we do?" Peter answered, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38).

One day Peter and John were going into the temple, when a lame man asked for a donation. Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Later, when interrogated about this healing miracle, Peter was bold in defending the name of Jesus and all it stands for. "Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 3:6, 4:10, 12)

It is by faith in this name above all names, the name of Jesus Christ, that people are saved, set free from bondage, healed of sicknesses and diseases, and made whole. There is no other name under heaven more powerful or more significant, and this is a dynamic reality that Christians can believe in and have complete confidence in.

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)

Jesus name reveal three main things about Him to us:

1. His presence – Mat18:20 Jesus guaranteed us his presence whenever we gather in his name.

2. His authority – Mat28:18-19, Phil2:9-11. The authority and power that a name carries depends on the bearer.

3. His achievement – Jesus is the saviour Acts 4:12, He is the Christ Mat16:13-16, Rom1:3-4.

In what area of life can we use the name of Jesus?

Jesus name can be used in :

1. Salvation – Mat1:21, Acts4:12, 10:42-43.

2. Prayer – Jn14:13-14, 16:23-24

3. Preaching – Acts4:17-18, 5:28, 9:29.

4. Instruction of command – 2Thess3:6

5. Healing and miracles – Acts3:6, 16, 4:10

6. Deliverance – Acts16:18, 19:13-17, Lk10:1, 17

7. Suffer persecution – Acts5:41-42, 9:14-16, 15:25-26

8.. Justified, Washed and Sanctified – 1Cor6:11

9. Thanksgiving – Eph5:20, Col3:17

10. Unity – 1Cor1:10, 5:4

11. Reward – Heb6:10

12. Doing all – Col3:17, Acts26:8-10

- By the authority of this Wonderful Name we get breakthrough for ourselves and for others.

- We do it because ’This Name’ has authority and we can share in it!

- We cannot afford to fear but to live in Faith. For fear is the opposite of Faith. Faith in the word and the efficacy of the blood and the Name of Jesus is the key.

Jesus has given us the legal right to use his name for victorious Christian living.....

Conquest And Affirmation

Spiritual Conquest and the Sons of God

Spiritual armor is for fighting. The war for dominion is on. It’s time to invade, occupy and influence this world for Christ. As part of the remnant you have been authorized for spiritual conquest and occupation. You are unstoppable having received a kingdom that cannot be moved. Christ has called you into the royal priesthood of disciples empowered to manifest the Kingdom of God on earth. In prayer one day the Holy Ghost said to me, “Only the sons of God walking in the Spirit can manifest the Kingdom.” Manifesting the Kingdom is found in the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer has been prayed by millions of believers yet how many believe they have a part to play in the process? Scripture says the entire earth is waiting for the manifesting of the sons of God. How much longer does the earth need to wait? The manifestation of the Kingdom of God is the responsibility of every disciple of Christ. Disciples of Christ are part of the Church at large. There is only one “church model” in the New Testament and that’s the apostolic church. No New Testament churches in the Bible were built by prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers; they were all built by apostles. Scripture says, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, govern-ments, diversities of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28). We must not discount Christ's words about building a church the gates of hell could not prevail against. This church, a governing church, has five ascension gifts with unique graces designed to empower you for victory. RULER OF RULERS Understanding the Apostolic Church model will help you understand the dominion mandate. An apostolic church model includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, priests, kings and rulers. Together they are citizens of Zion and a governing body of believers. Jesus said, ‘I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church Christ is building is a governing Church full of governing believers. Paul confirmed this writing, “Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Lord, Greek kurieuo, means ruler. Jesus is the “Ruler of rulers.” To understand the governing nature of every believer we need a solid definition of the word ruler. According to “Thayer’s Greek Lexicon” ruler means: 1) to be lord of, to rule, or have dominion over 2) of things and forces 3) to exercise influence upon, to have power over. “Strong’s Greek Lexicon” agrees. To rule: 1) have dominion over 2) lord, be lord of 3) exercise lordship over. Notice all of these are governing definitions such as lord, dominion and rule. The word dominion was first used by God, not man, when blessing Adam and Eve. They were commanded to rule (Genesis 1:26). So who are the kings and lords that Christ is the King and Ruler of? The answer is you, the born again believer and disciple of Christ. With these definitions in mind to rule means you have the right and responsibility to take dominion by influencing this world for Christ.

SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD BY APOSTLE JONAS CLARK

BENEFITING FROM  SPIRITUAL FATHERS Mentors and honoring spiritual fathers are essential.To have a good spiritual father or mentor in your life is truly a gift from God. Your response to that gift will determine much of what happens in your future. Scripture says, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). Honor reveals character. To honor someone means to show approval, gratefulness, and respect. To dishonor someone means to disdain, put down, belittle, and insult. Those that honor their fathers lengthen their lives and those that dishonor their fathers shorten their lives. This truth is found in the Fifth Commandment. “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12). You not only have natural fathers, but you have spiritual fathers. A spiritual father is that person God puts in your life to help you become all that God has called you to be. Spiritual fathers transfer a wealth of knowledge to their sons and daughters through the spirit of wisdom. Scripture says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). To have a spiritual father in your life is a gift from God. Your response to that gift will determine much of what happens in your future.   Sons must guard against the pitfalls of jealousy, pride, and dishonor. Lucifer is an example of one that dishonored his leader. One trait that led to Lucifer’s downfall was pride. Insecurity is the root of pride. An insecure and prideful person will most certainly belittle others. To belittle a person means to dishonor them. Dishonor ends relationships. Lucifer was jealous of the glory given to Jehovah. His jealousy opened the door to pride, and pride led to dishonoring God. “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” (Ezekiel 28:13-15) You need a spiritual father in your life. Apostolic ministries have apostolic fathers. I came from a generation of preachers who grew up in ministry without the benefit of spiritual fathers. Like thousands of others, we had to get whatever we could through books, audios, videos, seminars, conferences and brief meetings with men of God hurried off platforms and away from the people. I have wondered how much more effective I might have become if someone would have taken a personal interest in the call of God on my life. As the apostolic church moves forward, we can expect the heart of spiritual fathers to be restored toward the sons of God. One cannot be an apostle who doesn’t have the heart of a spiritual father. Let’s look at the Apostle Paul as an example. Paul had a vested interest in the success of his spiritual son Timothy. You can hear the heart of the father when Paul says to Timothy,“For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ you do not have many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). Today fathers are abandoning their wives, children, and responsibilities. This is a reflection of the spiritual condition of our world as we note the same pattern of abandonment taking place in ministry. Over 1500 pastors quit the ministry each month and thousands more leave churches without cause. Pastors are leaving because the ministry is tough, and a lack of understanding the roles of five-fold ascension gifts leads to abuse. If you don’t understand the role of your leader, then you can abuse that leader. Some leaders protect themselves by becoming insensitive. Callousness, however, can damage the work of ministry. In the past, some ministry gifts would not take the time to raise spiritual sons or daughters. Some even went out of their way not to make a way for any spiritual kinship at all and focused on building their own ministries instead. Some sons and daughters only want blessing, not correction and guidance by loving apostolic fathers. The result for many of God’s leaders has been to follow the path of least resistance by concentrating on their own ministries and avoiding further aggravation. It takes more time to raise a spiritual son or daughter than it does to convert a sinner. The cry of the Spirit is the return of apostolic fathers toward the sons and daughters and sons and daughters toward fathers. For decades, we have been missing the spirit of the father in our churches and homes. Our society is a mirror of the spiritual condition of our nation. A lack of fathers in the home is the primary social problem facing America says 72.2 % of those polled. In 2006, there were 12.9 million one parent families in the United States, 10.4 million single mother families and 2.5 million single father families. Just over 67 percent of the nation’s 73.7 million children younger, than 18, lived with two married parents. The results are grimly revealing. Children of single-parent homes are: Five times more likely to commit suicide. 32 times more likely to run away. 14 times more likely to commit rape. Nine times more likely to drop out of high school. 20 times more likely to end up in prison. The outcome of a lack of both parents in the home is lawlessness. The family is under attack, but hope is on the way. God spoke of the turning spirit of Elijah returning to His Church in the last days. “And he will turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:6). Times are changing. The Holy Spirit is challenging hearts and reversing them from self-centeredness to helping others. Millions of children have been raised in single parent homes, mostly by good mothers doing the best they could. The role of mothers, however, is different from fathers. Take little Johnny, for example, who was told not to play baseball in his friends’ backyard. He disobeys and breaks the neighbor’s glass window. Who do you think he runs home to tell, his mother or father? Most likely he ran to mommy. That’s because the role of mothers is different from fathers. Mother’s nurture and comfort but fathers set rules and boundaries for behavior. Fathers also discipline and correct. Little Johnny’s mom probably offered him hugs and plenty of love. I’m sure she told him that everything was going to be all right. But when dad came home little Johnny had to face the consequences of his rebellion, go to the neighbors house, repent and arrange to have the window repaired. Spiritual fathers do not replace natural fathers. Don’t expect them to take you on fishing trips or out to ball games. They are spiritual fathers. Spiritual fathers are mentors that offer wise and trusted counsel designed to get you to think. Submission to their oversight is biblical, voluntary and comes through relationship. It also affords you spiritual covering and accountability. A mentor offers instruction, advice, guidance and counsel. A spiritual father also corrects. Don’t expect a true spiritual father to ignore your mistakes and personality malfunctions. Correction is designed to help you grow both spiritually and emotionally. Spiritual fathers do not replace your relationship with God. They point you toward dependency on the Lord and away from themselves. It is Jesus that is the author and finisher of your faith. IDENTIFYING SONS AND DAUGHTERS It takes a father to give birth to a son. Son, from the Latin root su, means to give birth. Not everybody that attends your ministry is a spiritual son or daughter. Some are autonomous sheep, disgruntled goats or barbarous wolves. Others are just good people passing through. So how do you know who your spiritual sons and daughters are? One time the Holy Spirit said to me, “I have many sons and daughters for you in every nation if you will go.” I asked him how to know who they were, and he answered, “You will know them by their pursuit.” Pursuit is the key. It doesn’t mean that you were the one that led them to the Lord. It’s possible to have many spiritual sons and daughters that heard the salvation message through someone else. Hundreds of people have told me they wanted me to be their spiritual father. To know who they are, I look for pursuit. Like everybody else I am busy and want to spend my time with the right people. When we have meetings in other countries, for example, I am keenly aware of those present. If I take the time and expense to travel to another nation, and they won’t attend when they live there, then I know they are just talkers. I spend my time with workers, not talkers. The same goes for identifying your spiritual sons and daughters. Talk is still cheap and doesn’t mean much. Pursuit tells you who they are. If they are not pursuing then, don’t spend much of your time with them. On the other hand, those who do pursue are the ones you can do exploits with and help them become champions. Spend your time with them and watch them become all that God has called them to be. VICTORIOUS LIVING      Spiritual fathers don’t teach you to pass exams, they prepare you for victorious living. Our educational system has given us a pattern of learning based on lectures and exams. Students learn only to pass academic tests. Teaching to pass a test is not the Biblical model for learning. The learning pattern throughout Scripture is to find a mentor who teaches and trains you through an internship. Paul mentored Timothy, Silas, and Erastus, and Elijah taught Elisha, and Joshua interned with Moses. All creation is waiting for the sons of God to manifest (Romans 8:19). Without spiritual fathers, there can be no revealing of sons. Marks of true spiritual fathers include: Trustworthy Guide Protect Direct Nurture Shape and mold Discipline Encourage Give wisdom Instill purpose Give hope Consistency Listen Involved Instill moral values Demand integrity Develop character Provide spiritual leadership Correct. Spiritual fathers caution behavior. “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you” (1 Corinthians 4:14). Warn, Greek noutheteo, means admonish, caution and exhort. “As you know how we encouraged and comforted and charged every one of you as a father doth his children, that you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you to his kingdom and glory”  (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). Spiritual fathers set a good example. “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” (1 Corinthians 4:16). Spiritual fathers admonish. “But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?” (1 Corinthians 4:19-21). The relationships between spiritual fathers and sons and daughters are significant in the local church. Without strong spiritual fathers, we cannot have strong spiritual sons and daughters. Again, Scripture declares the entire world is waiting for the “manifestation of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19). Let’s number some of the benefits of sonship. BENEFITS OF SONSHIP The benefits of sonship include training from a spiritual father, protective oversight, prodding for spiritual and emotional growth, preparation for inheritance, and correction. 1. TRAINING, COUNSEL, AND EXPERIENCE A spiritual father is a gift to you from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual fathers are competent and seasoned through trial and experience. They have passed through places in life that you have not yet been. Wouldn’t it be nice to counsel with someone that has experience in what you are facing? Paul told Timothy, “You have known my manner of life, persecutions, and afflictions” (2 Timothy 3:10-11). 2. PROTECTION FROM DEMONIC WILES Spiritual fathers provide protective oversight to their sons and daughters. Inattention is not healthy for anyone. Because of their experience they often see things that you can’t and their vision offers protection from evil wiles and demonic onslaught (Ephesians 6:10-12). 3. SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT Spiritual fathers provide a safe environment to grow. Fathers train and prepare their sons and daughters for the transition from adolescence to adulthood. They get you to think. Everyone gets older, but not everyone matures. Maturity is vital in your life, and spiritual fathers will put a demand on you to grow. Spiritual fathers inject a spirit of excellence in their sons and daughters. Demand is good for you and helps you face personal challenges that buffet success and achievement. As you submit to their instruction you will enter new levels of triumph. Expect them to motivate you to set goals and achieve objectives (2 Timothy 1:6-7). 4. INHERITANCE Apathy is deadly and kills spiritual momentum. Growth is needed if you are going to receive your inheritance. Not heavenly inheritance, but full accomplishment of your unique calling. Inheritance is what rightfully belongs to you. Everyone has been given a gift, something specific that God has called you to do with your life. Many never discover that gift but with the guidance of a spiritual father, you will find your purpose and make a difference with your life. Scripture declares that we are under tutors and governors until we come into our sonship (Galatians 4:1-3). Like spiritual fathers, tutors give private instruction, and governors regulate your progress. 5. CORRECTION No one likes correction, but everyone needs it. Correction helps us improve, and compliance is proof of sonship. How do you know if you are a real son or daughter? You know by your response to correction. Scripture identifies true sons in contrast to illegitimate sons by their ability to receive correction from the father and make necessary course adjustments. If you can’t handle correction, you are not a spiritual son or daughter. “And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons. My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline and do not lose heart when he rebukes you because the Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons” (Hebrews 12:5-8). THE TWIN PITFALLS OF SONSHIP The benefits of sonship are terrific, but there is something you need to guard yourself against, the twin pitfalls of sonship. Familiarity and presumption are two major traps of sonship. Developing relationships is a lot of work and fundamental in apostolic ministries. There are many reasons for not raising sons and daughters including a lack of those who want to be raised by true spiritual fathers and an increase of rebellion in the heart of God’s children. Some true fathers, while training spiritual sons and daughters, have displayed their humanity only to find some not able to handle their transparency. Relationships are tested. Mark Twain the famous author wrote, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Contempt is disrespectful behavior that leads to presumptuous actions. This is the pitfall of sonship that causes you to take your spiritual father for granted. King Saul took Samuel for granted. He entered the realm of presumption assuming a role of ministry that didn’t belong to him and lost his kingship. Jesus could do no mighty works in his hometown because they thought of him as the carpenter’s son, not the only begotten son of God. Sonship is a beautiful thing to achieve and unlocks worlds of opportunity for you. Jesus never entered his ministry until He was first called a son (Matthew 17:5). He is our prototype son that was anointed with the Holy Ghost and power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for God was with him (Acts 10:38). You, too, can become a spiritual son or daughter. Beware, however, the dangers of familiarity and presumption. ACTION EXERCISE You need a spiritual father in your life. Spiritual fathers raise learning, growing, thinking, imaginative people. The new apostolic reformation includes restoration of spiritual fathers, sons and daughters. Perhaps the Holy Spirit has been turning your heart as you read this essay. If so, remember sonship begins with serving your man of God. Find a five-fold ascension gift and pursue the gift of God in him. Serving is the entrance to sonship. Jesus was always connected to his father. Get connected through serving. When you are around him, be ready to learn and draw on his gift. Sons catch the spirit that’s on their fathers. You can’t catch what you’re not around. You can expect him to give you assignments. When he does, fulfill them with excellence. Be like Joshua, the one who lead the children of Israel into the Promise Land. He was first called the servant of Moses. Today he is remembered as one of God’s greatest leaders. CONCLUSION You need a spiritual father in your life. Apostolic ministries have apostolic fathers. Developing relationships is a lot of work and fundamental in apostolic ministries. Spiritual fathers are mentors that offer wise and trusted counsel designed to get you to think. A mentor offers instruction, advice, guidance and counsel. A spiritual father also corrects. The learning pattern throughout Scripture is to find a mentor who teaches and trains you through an internship. Paul mentored Timothy, Silas, and Erastus, and Elijah taught Elisha, and Joshua interned with Moses. The benefits of sonship include training from a spiritual father, protective oversight, prodding for spiritual and emotional growth, preparation for inheritance, and correction. A spiritual father is a gift to you from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual fathers are competent and seasoned through trial and experience. Fathers train and prepare their sons and daughters for the transition from adolescence to adulthood. They get you to think. Maturity is vital in your life, and spiritual fathers will put a demand on you to grow. Spiritual fathers inject a spirit of excellence in their sons and daughters. Demand is good for you and helps you face personal challenges that buffet success and achievement. Everyone has been given a gift, something specific that God has called you to do with your life. Many never discover that gift but with the guidance of a spiritual father, you will find your purpose and make a difference with your life. Scripture declares that we are under tutors and governors until we come into our sonship (Galatians 4:1-3). Tutors give private instruction and governors regulate your progress. No one likes correction, but everyone needs it. Correction helps us improve and is proof of sonship. How do you know if you are a real son or daughter? You know by your response to correction. Jesus never entered His ministry until He was first called a son (Matthew 17:5). Some things I've learned over the years about spiritual fathering: 1. A spiritual father will see you for who you are and will be a champion of your heart. 2. Fathers give their sons and daughters an inheritance. An inheritance has to do with a tribe, a ministry, and spiritual DNA. Read more about it here. 3. Fathers are generous with their time with their sons and daughters. They are there for them in life's storms. 4. Fathers teach their sons and daughters how to live life. They help wake them up to the kingdom. 5. Fathers don't give themselves the designation of "father," sons or daughters do. Men who talk about themselves as fathers a lot probably do so out of their own need for affirmation. Be careful of them. 6. A son or daughter should be slow to call anyone their spiritual father. They may want to do so prematurely because of the hole in their heart, but a father must prove his faithfulness over time. 7. Fathers are consistent. Too many of you have suffered under inconsistent father figures. Their inconsistency can be a form of abuse. 8. Don't confuse authority figures, especially your pastor, with your spiritual father. Pastors may qualify as a spiritual father if they show up in your life over time in a deeply invested and personal way. 9. Some of you are fortunate to have dads who have loved you well and become a spiritual father to you. Recognize that your dad is part of a rare breed of man and you are privileged. You may have other spiritual fathers, but be sure to never let that fact diminish the role of your dad in your life. Honoring your natural father for who he is and what he's invested in you is the fifth commandment God gave his people. 10. To get the most from a spiritual father, you have to press into them. Don't expect them to do all the work. Make it easy for them to invest.