New Depths in God by Praying in the Spirit

                           

                                       
       Acts 6:4; “We shall be persevering to THE prayer and the service of THE saying (Logos). “
 1cor. 14:4a-He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself;
                                                                  NT Greek Interlinear
The Early Christians understood that they could not neglect prayer. They were a praying church and how great and mighty things they achieved in prayer. Even when they became very busy in ministry, they did not allow business to get in the way of prayer. I want you to notice in the literal text it says, “We will persevere and give ourselves to the prayer…” Pay attention to the words ‘the prayer’, not just a prayer. It was a definite article meaning a determiner that introduces a noun phrase and implies that the thing mentioned has already been mentioned and was common knowledge. The Early Church comprehended that ‘praying in tongues’ was the prayer. Praying in tongues was known as the prayer. There are many kinds of prayers in the Scripture but Tongues is the ultimate prayer in the New Testament. The Early Church gave much time and attention to it. This was common knowledge to the early disciples and it should be so in the modern church.
Prayer, especially praying in tongues, is a vital aspect to our spiritual growth, walking in the supernatural and being sensitive in the spirit. There is no way around it! If you want to grow in the anointing, it is imperative that you become a person of prayer. Jesus was a man of prayer, as was the Apostle Paul. The Early Church was birthed and based on prayer. The Holy Writ shows that prayer and specially ‘tongues’ played a very prominent role in the life of the Early Church and it must play a prominent role in your life.
If you want to grow in the anointing, it is imperative that you become a person of prayer.
One of the greatest ministers who ever graced this earth was Reverend John G. Lake. Although he went through terrible hardships, he was a world shaker. What was the secret to John G. Lake’s deep revelations, extraordinary manifestations, and the success of his ministry? Here is an excerpt from his own mouth; “I want to talk with the utmost frankness and say to you, that tongues have been the making of my ministry. It is that peculiar communication with God when God reveals to my soul the truth I utter to you day by day in the ministry. Many times, I climb out of bed, take my pencil and pad, and jot down the beautiful things of God, the wonderful things of God that He talks out in my spirit and reveals to my heart.” Notice these words: “Tongues have been the making of my ministry.” Tongues will be the making of your life. Another great man who knew the power of praying in tongues was Smith Wigglesworth. He was an uneducated plumber who, when he partook of the blessing of tongues, was transformed into the Apostle of Faith. The miracles, boldness, and manifestation of the supernatural became evident in his life and ministry. The church and the world are waiting for end time apostles who will be carriers of power and deliverance. You can be so as you develop the habit of praying in tongues! Apart from the obvious and common knowledge ones, let me list two benefits that you will enjoy as you partake of this marvelous blessing:

1. Praying in tongues strengthening your inner self with might.
Ephesians 3:16 tells us, “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.”

The Weymouth New Testament words it like this, “To grant you-in accordance with the wealth of His glorious perfections-to be strengthened by His Spirit with power penetrating to your inmost being.” To strengthen means “to make stronger.” It also means “to increase in strength and force.” According to the Apostle Paul, when you pray in tongues, you are strengthening or fortifying your spirit man with might. Obviously, he would know more about the might of tongues, as he declared to the Corinthian saints that he prayed in tongues more than them all (see 1 Cor. 14:18). The word ‘might’ is the Greek word ‘dunamis’ and it means “miracle power and explosive power.” The more you pray in the Spirit, the more you are increasing in spiritual force on the inside of you. The more you pray in tongues, the more explosive power and miraculous power are growing inside of you. How
can you be depressed when the strength of God is within you? Just like barbells will build up your arms, praying in tongues will build up your spirit. When you r spirit is strong, it will help to keep that flesh body of yours in line. The more you pray in the Spirit, the more you are increasing in spiritual force within.
2. Praying in tongues is part of the offensive of the armor of God. It is the lance that will shoot down the enemy.
Just like barbells will build up your arms, praying in tongues will build up your spirit.
Ephesians 6:13-18; “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
“The whole armor of God”: Pay attention to the words ‘whole armor’ referring to the Greek word panoplia, meaning “whole, complete set.” It was a word used to depict the full armor of a hoplite or heavily-armed Roman soldier. Whenever the Roman soldier would put on his full armor, there were seven things that he would put on. The Apostle Paul listed all the other Roman weaponries by name except for the lance. No Roman panoply would be complete without the lance. Since six is “the number of man” and seven is “the number of God”, seven stands for completion. That is why in the Old Testament we see and read of the seven feasts of Israel, seven sacrifices, seven furnitures of the tabernacle, seven lamps of the candlestick, seven pillars of wisdom, and seven cities of refuge, to name a few. The New Testament, specifically the Book of Revelation talks of the seven churches, Seven Spirits of God, seven golden candlesticks, seven starts, seven lamps of fire, seven seals, seven horns and seven trumpets, to name a few.
God does things in sevens, and the seventh weaponry of the armor of God is the lance of prayer in the Spirit. The Roman lance was called a pilum.
It was the typical legionary weapon together with the short sword gladius. It was designed to penetrate the shield as well as the soldier holding it, and to bend upon impact o make it unusable for another opponent. The pilum was used for long distances by throwing it, and for shorter distances they would use it to charge. It was a very offensive weapon. Praying in tongues is an aggressive and offensive weapon to put holes in the cover of the devil. The lance of tongues is designed to paralyze the movements of the devil against your life. No wonder the devil fights tongues so much, as it causes great harm in his kingdom. When Peter’s life was threatened by Herod, the church tapped into “the unceasing prayer of tongues’ and reversed the death sentence and demonic assignment. Tongues will make your progress unstoppable! Pray in tongues!
                                                                101 NUGGETS OF TRUTH
                                                                     
                                                                 
1. Tongues is the entrance into the supernatural.
2. Tongues is the prayer in the New Testament.
3. Tongues is a direct line to talking to God.
4. Tongues is the believer’s direct access to the throne room.
5. Tongues is speaking divine mysteries divine coded secrets.
6. Tongues is drawing secrets to life’s complicated issues.
7. Tongues is prophesying your God-ordained future.
8. Tongues is praying out God’s plan for your life.
9. Tongues is knowledge, counsel and secrets withheld from the wicked.
10. Tongues is the entrance into the realm of the spirit the miraculous zone.
11. Tongues is strengthening your inner man with might.
12. Tongues keeps you spiritually fit.
13. Tongues is praying things that have been concealed to be revealed.
14. Tongues is decreeing the rhemas of God.
15. Tongues pulls you from the past into the future.
16. Tongues is home improvement and a source of spiritual edification.
17. Tongues is building a strong premise to carry the anointing.
18. Tongues builds and stimulates your faith.
19. Tongues gives you unstoppable progress that your enemies cannot deny.
20. Tongues is giving praise and thanksgiving well unto God.
21. Tongues lines you up with the divine will of God.
22. Tongues is speaking the language and will of God.
23. Tongues is help with your ultimate weakness.
24. Tongues is the ultimate assistance in prayer.
25. Tongues qualifies all things to work for your good.
26. Tongues readies you to be God-inside minded.
27. Tongues makes you miracle-minded.
28. Tongues magnifies God.
29. Tongues enlarges your perspective of God’s
potency in your life.
30. Tongues give spiritual refreshing and rest.
31. Tongues home your sharpness and accuracy
in the anointing.
32. Tongues facilitates the entrance into the gifts of the Spirit.
33. Tongues equips you for the wonders of God.
34. Tongues is fine-tuning and sensitizing your spirit man to the voice of God.
35. Tongues is assistance to bring your natural tongue under subjection.
36. Tongues develops intimacy with the Holy Ghost.
37. Tongues is your private conversation with God.
38. Tongues is deep calling unto deep.
39. Tongues accesses revelation knowledge.
40. Tongues taps into the mind of God.
41. Tongues opens the Scriptures to you from a divine perspective rather than an intellectual standpoint.
42. Tongues is part of the armor of God, the lance that will shoot down the enemy.
43. Tongues is the pilum to cause great damage to the kingdom of darkness.
44. Tongues helps you to develop your prayer life.
45. Tongues synchronizes you with the timing of God.
46. Tongues is alignment with the assignment of God.
47. Tongues is a door of utterance and boldness.
48. Tongues is the Holy Spirit searching your heart and praying through you the perfect will of God.
49. Tongues is pulling treasure out of you.
50. Tongues is leaning upon God.
51. Tongues is blowing the ram’s horn for battle.
52. Tongues is the rallying sound of victory.
53. Tongues is releasing angels on heavenly assignments to change earthly situations.
54. Tongues is brainstorming session with God.
55. Tongues taps into the creativity of Elohim.
56. Tongues overrules and overturns death assignments against your life.
57. Tongues reverses demonic assignments against your well-being.
58. Tongues removes you from the limitations of the flesh to God’s abundant supply of the Spirit.
59. Tongues is making demands upon the power of God.
60. Tongues enables a closer walk with God.
61. Tongues is speaking the hidden wisdom of God.
62. Tongues is the beginning of being led by the Holy Spirit.
63. Tongues is living supernaturally in a natural world.
64. Tongues opens the heavens and charges the atmosphere.
65. Tongues is the release of the manifested presence of God in your life.
66. Tongues is getting drunk on the new wine of the Holy Ghost.
67. Tongues is pouring in the oil and wine of the Holy Ghost.
68. Tongues are life filled words, faith filled words and anointed filled words.
69. Tongues lights the fire of God in your life.
70. Tongues delivers you from the scourge of the tongue.
71. Tongues is unlocking every closed prison door in your life.
72. Tongues is well springing up into Zoe-God kind of life.
73. Tongues is the beginning and the maintaining of partnership with the Holy Spirit.
74. Tongues is Koinonia with the Parakletos.
75. Tongues is releasing the winds of God to blow in your life.
76. Tongues is the wind in your sail.
77. Tongues is the wind beneath your wings.
78. Tongues unleashes the winds of revival and refreshing in your life.
79. Tongues is refilling empty vessels.
80. Tongues is spirit -to-Spirit communication.
81. Tongues helps in living effectively in the last days.
82. Tongues is the ignition key to walking in the power of God.
83. Tongues is being endued with power from on high.
84. Tongues is rivers of living waters flowing out of you.
85. Tongues is drinking from the river and reservoir of God.
86. Tongues is serving God from your spirit.
87. Tongues enables you to perform your priestly duties.
88. Tongues is building your image of God in you and confidence.
89. Tongues is expressing, enforcing and declaring the will of God in your life and the earth.
90. Tongues is extracting answers from the indwelling Spirit to solve life’s problems.
91. Tongues is praying from your spirit.
92. Tongues is giving your spirit ascendency and power over of the flesh.
93. Tongues aids you to mortify the deeds and evil cravings of the flesh.
94. Tongues connects the intercession of the Holy Sprit with your great High Priest Jesus.
95. Tongues is the highest form of the prayer of agreement.
96. Tongues is the divine agreement of the prayers of our earthly and heavenly intercessor with the plans of God.
97. Tongues is the threefold cord that will not be broken.
98. Tongues is ministering to yourself, to the Lord and unto others.
99. Tongues is worshiping the Father in spirit and in truth.
100. Tongues charges your spiritual battery.
101. Tongues makes you God-friendly rather than seeker-friendly, confuses the devil and ignites revival.

Who Jesus Calls and Equips - Full Flame Film Series by Reinhard Bonnke

Reinhard Bonnke - Catch The Fire Conference 2015

Apostolic Revolution-Catherine Brown

 

The Gospel, Grace & Apostleship

Paul opens his letter to the Romans with a greeting that teaches us something about his apostleship:

Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-6).

Immediately he links his apostleship with the gospel — he was 'called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel'. These aren't two unrelated callings, as he goes on to talk about both — the gospel and apostleship — as the greeting proceeds, drawing the two together again in verse 5 when he writes of 'grace and apostleship' received through Jesus.

So, Paul's apostleship is connected with his call to preach the gospel. In fact, Paul's apostleship is meaningless in separation from his call to preach the gospel — to be called as an apostle is to be separated to the gospel.

And this gospel which is so linked to his apostleship isn't something vague — it's not simply any biblical teaching (as if we could somehow make it refer to 'church government by apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, elders and deacons'), but rather some very specific good news. It is God's gospel. It is the good news He promised in the Old Testament. It's the good news all about 'His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'. It's the good news that involves Christ's incarnation ('born of the seed of David according to the flesh') and His death, resurrection, and vindication (which is our justification — 1 Tim. 3:16; Rom. 4:25). In other words, apostles are separated to the biblical message of Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, who lived, died and rose for us and our salvation.

And this separation to the gospel is to be seen in proclamation of the gospel. 'Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name' (v.5).  Here we see that apostleship is empowered by the gospel — that's where its strength and capability comes from — for it is only 'through Him' — because of who Jesus, the true Apostle, is and what He has done, and because those whom He has called to share in His ministry of apostleship only truly minister as apostles in union with Him. Jesus is the source and strength of apostleship. All true apostleship is found only in Him and so it's only as He is at work through those who are united to Him that we see the ministry of apostleship. (And the same, of course, applies to prophets, teachers, pastors and evangelists too.) It's not the mere presence of apostles that brings about 'obedience to the faith among all nations', but rather, as Paul will tell us later in this epistle, 'faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ' (Rom. 10:17). So it's as the apostles (and others) proclaim the Gospel Word of Christ crucified and raised that people from all nations come to faith in Him and He builds up His Church.

Apostles are not the gospel. But apostles are called to proclaim, to teach, to defend, to contend for, and above all to believe the gospel. When we lose sight of the glorious grace of God, the apostles should be first in line to point us back to Jesus! We don't need apostles for their great ministries of what they can do or show us to do — we need apostles who find their ministry and identity in Christ and who point us to Christ as they proclaim the grace of God in Christ in the Gospel.

Grace and apostleship go together. The Gospel and apostleship go together. Thankfully, the Gospel and the grace of God don't depend upon apostles, so we can have gospel and grace without them. But it doesn't work the other way round. Sure, we can have titles; but we can't have true apostleship unless it is rooted in, grounded upon, permeated with, and always pointing to the Gospel of God's grace in Jesus. Apostleship isn't really about what we all too often think of as leadership, nor is it about administration — it's about Jesus.

May the Head of the Church graciously grant her more such apostles, who'll point us all back to Him.

WHAT IS AN APOSTLE?
Apostle (Gk. Apostolos) Sent One
Envoy, ambassador, or messenger commissioned to carry out the instructions of the commissioning agent.
An apostle is a delegate, appointed, authorised and anointed by God
1. To testify as a witness to the risen Christ
2. To preach and to teach the Gospel
3. To make disciples, baptise and teach obedience to Christ
4. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and deliver the demonised.
5. Encourage, exhort, reform
APOSTLES ARE CALLED OUT/DESIGNATED/COMMISSIONED
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:” Lk 6:12-13
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.” Ro 1:1-2a
APOTLES FUNCTION TO ADVANCE THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Apostles are a type of spiritual entrepreneur i.e. they are ministerial pioneers.
Apostles initiate new Kingdom enterprise that reaches people with the Gospel.
OUR MODEL – JESUS CHRIST OUR APOSTLE
“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” Hebrews 3:1
APOSTLES ARE A GRACE GIFT JESUS GAVE TO THE CHURCH ON HIS ASCENSION (ONE OF THE FIVE FOLD GOVERNMENTAL OFFICES)
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”
9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7-13
APOSTLEHSIP IS A GIFT OF GRACE TO REACH THE MULTITUDES
“Through him and for his namesake we received grace and apostleship to call people from among the gentiles to the obedience that comes by faith.” Romans 1:5
APOSTLES HAVE SIGNS AND SEALS OF THEIR APOSTLESHIP = FRUIT!
SIGNS – VALIDATE APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY
“The things that mark an apostle – signs, wonders and miracles – were done among you with great perseverance.” 2 Corinthians 12:12
“Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.” Acts 2:43
SEALS - VALIDATE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY
“Make room for us in your hearts.” 2 Corinthians 7:2
“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by every body and you show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tables of human hears.” 2 Corinthians 3:2-3
“Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 9:2)
GOVERNMENTAL ROLE OF APOSTLE
APOSTLES ARE APPOINTED BY GOD AS FIRST IN THE CHURCH
“And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28
The word “first” (Gr. ‘proton’) means first in TIME – someone must be “first” in time; Jesus is firstborn from among the dead and firstborn over all creation.
Jesus is described as FIRSBORN (PROTOTOKOS)
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn *prototokos) over all creation.” Colossians 1:15
“He is the beginning and the firstborn *prototokos+ from among the dead.”
Prototokos means first-born (usually as a noun, lit or fig):- firsbegotten (-born)
Jesus is also ascribed as FIRST AND LAST
“I am the First (protos) and the Last” Revelations 1:17
Adam is described as the FIRST MAN (PROTOS)
“The first man Adam” 1 Corinthians 15:45
Protos means foremost (in time, place, order of importance):- before, beginning, best, chief (-est), first (of all), former
God is the God of “firstfruits” prototokos) 1 Cor 15:20
PLACE – someone must be “first” in place – first to love, first to serve, first to suffer. Jesus taught “I am among you as one who serves.”
Jesus was the first to suffer for our sakes.
“Disciples were first (proton) called Christians at Antioch.” (Acts 11:26)
ORDER – God is a God of order and governmental power and authority.
“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” 1 Corinthians 12:18 (1 Cor 12:28, Eph 4:11)
God is omniscient (all knowing), omnipotent (all powerful) and omnipresent (present everywhere at all time). He has authority, power, wisdom and knowledge and has created order.
The Gospel is “first *proton+ for the Jew” (Romans 1:16; Ro 1:9, Ro 2:10).
The kingdom of darkness recognises Christ’s authority. We need His governmental power and authority for spiritual warfare. He is the Captain of the Host and the Commander of the armies of heaven.
IMPORTANCE – Jesus is our model
Before, at the beginning, chiefly (at, at the) firs (of all) John baptised but pointed to the one whose sandals he felt unworthy to untie.
John “first” *proton+ baptised. (John 10:40)
Proton is also closely connected with PROTOTATES, which means ONE STANDING FIRST IN THE RANKS i.e. A CAPTAIN (champion):- ringleader.
APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY
Apostles function with high levels of spiritual authority. Where does this authority come from? It is not a religious hierarchy, but an authority given by Christ to serve God and people. Apostolic authority is given to build others up:
“For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.” 2 Corinthians 10:8
AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF DESIGNATION/CALL
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” Luke 6:12-16
AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF CALL/CALLED OUT TO ADVANE GOD’S KINGDOM AND OVERCOME THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS
“He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” Matthew 10:1
“There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called …” Ephesians 4:4
“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” Hebrews 3:1
AUTHORITY BECAUSE THEY ARE COMMISSIONED AND SENT BY THE LORD JESUS
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” Matthew 28:18
“Therefore go … and make disciples of all nations …” Matthew 28:19
“As the Father has sent me …” John 20:21-33
AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF THE GRACE OF APOSTLESHIP
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:7
AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF SOVEREIGN APPOINTMENT BY GOD
“And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles,” 1 Corinthians 12:28
AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF ASSIGNMENT
“We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to .you.” 2 Corinthians 10:13
AUTHORITY BECAUSES OF LEADERSHIP COMPETENCY
“Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us
competent ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF REVELATION
Revelation is part of the foundation of apostolic authority. Those who have revelation have the keys of the Kingdom (Matthew 16:17-19)
Paul spoke of the mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 3:1-5)
AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF SCRIPTURE
Apostles have authority to teach, preach and instruct the church in right doctrine “guard what has been entrusted to your care.” 1 Timothy 6:20
They teach propriety and order in worship (1 Corinthians 14:26-39) including the Sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s Supper *1 Corinthians 11])
Apostles pray for believers to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6)
AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS
“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins … Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.” M9 9:6-7
“Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38
AUTHORITY BECAUSE OF GODLY CHARACTER/LIFESTYLE
APOSTLES HAVE SIGNS AND SEALS OF THEIR APOSTLESHIP = FRUIT!
SIGNS – VALIDATE APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY
“The things that mark an apostle – signs, wonders and miracles – were done among you with great perseverance.” 2 Corinthians 12:12
“Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.” Acts 2:43
SEALS - VALIDATE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY
“Make room for us in your hearts.” 2 Corinthians 7:2
“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody and you show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tables of human hears.” 2 Corinthians 3:2-3
“Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 9:2)
(Acts 13) Barnabas and Paul meet Elymas the sorcerer in Paphos, Cyprus who was trying to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus from the faith. Paul proclaims a spiritual blindness on Elymas. Sergius converted to Christianity. Governmental seat of power restored to the Kingdom
(Acts 16) Paul and Silas are in Philippi, Macedonia. They meet a slave girl who is possessed by spirit of divination. Eventually Paul prays and she is delivered. Financial stronghold released from evil grip.
(Acts 19) Paul reaches Ephesus, establishes himself in city, trains team, after two years miracle anointing released through their mission. Seven sons of Sceva incident reveals the authority of Christ recognised by spiritual realm. Occults practitioners repent.
AUTHORITY TO TOPPLE STRONGHOLDS (ARGUMENT THAT OPPOSES THE TRUTH)
(Acts 8) Philip preaches with signs and wonders following; Simon the Sorcerer (who was previously operating in sorcery and counterfeit miracles) was converted. Jerusalem council sends Peter and John. Simon rebuked for wanting to buy the anointing. Samaria - a key city.
FUNCTIONS OF AN APOSTLE
APOSTLES ARE MINISTERIAL PIONEERS (SPIRITUAL ENTREPENEURS)
They have panoramic vision and receive strategies from God
APOSTLES ARE PATTERN MAKERS AND RECEIVE DIVINE BLUE PRINTS FOR CHURCHES, MINISTRIES AND MOVEMENTS
Paul taught with regard to lifestyle, “keep as the pattern of sound teaching.” 2 Timothy 1:13
but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow” v10
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.” V7
Paul’s pattern for city taking – enter the city, establish a base, teach/preach the Kingdom, train up a team, minister and effect entire region (Acts 19).
APOSTLES PIONEER AND CARRY A BREAKTHROUGH ANOINTING
Their breakthrough comes from the authority in Christ that they carry. Breakthrough means a significant or sudden advance or development. Peter at Cornelius home (Acts 10) is an example of breakthrough (outpouring of Holy Spirit for the Gentiles)
APOSTLES ARE CHURCH DEVELOPERS
 They father/mother and raise spiritual sons and daughters. Paul was concerned as a father for his spiritual children and maintained communication and connection with them.
 They plant and establish new churches, ministries and movements. Apostles have an establishing gift – they want to make disciples not just coverts.
 Planting is an aspect of apostolic ministry. In a missional context this allows gifts to flourish and leaders to emerge and grow (an aspect of shepherding].
 Apostles are foundational ministries to equip others for ministry; Apostles are not just concerned with evangelism but about discipleship.
 They initially do everything “first” in order to make room for others gifts.
AN APOSTLE IS A LEADER OF LEADERS (SHEPHERD OF SHEPHERDS)
 Apostles develop other leaders and they “superintend”. i.e. oversee, direct, watch over, manage, and supervise. They encourage, exhort and bring reformation.
 Apostles build paternal relationships with pastors. This is essential to overcome the problems that every church will eventually encounter. Relationships build trust.
 Apostles nurture others; they serve to mature the saints
APOSTLES BUILD UP THE BODY OF CHRIST
They build teams and raise leaders. They make disciples “Now the apostles and elders came together to consider the matter.” Acts 15:16
Apostles operate to bring Bride of Christ to full Unity; Intimacy; Maturity
Apostles plant and nurture (2 Corinthians 3)
AN APOSTLE IS A CAPABLE MOBILISER
The apostolic anointing is a “gathering “anointing.
 Mobilisation causes increased momentum. To mobilize is to gather troops and equip them for military operation
 Mobilisers have strong organization skills and are visionary leaders who are able to inspire others to partnership.
 Apostles have trans-local ministries. They are anointed networkers. They encourage unity, prayer, fellowship, intimacy with God and connect the Body of Christ.
APOSTLES HAVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO IMPART TO OTHER
“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 1 Corinthians 12:29
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12
APOSTLES HAVE AN ASSIGNMENT OR A CALL WITH AN ASSIGNED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but the same God, works all of them in all men.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
“We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to .you.” 2 Corinthians 10:13
“as the Lord has assigned to each his task.” 1 Corinthians 3:5
Only Jesus is the APOSTLE to the whole world, the rest are apostles to movements, churches, or territories.
APOSTLES MAY BE DESCRIBED AS GOD'S ARCHITECTS, OR HIS “EXPERT BUILDERS”
“10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
APOSTLES ESTABLISH FOUNDATIONS (they are God’s BUILDERS)
“built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:20
Nehemiah is an example of an apostolic builder (OT); Paul is an example of an apostolic builder (NT) Apostles receive blue prints; a blue print is given so that future generations have a pattern to follow (see 1 Tim 1:16)
King David is an example of an OT blue print receiver. (1 Ch 28:12)
APOSTLES BRING REFORMATION
Josiah was an OT reformer (see 2 Kings 22, 23 and 2 Chronicles 34:1-2, 8:28). Reformation is necessary when the church is out of alignment with the will of God.
APOSTLES HAVE POWER MINISTRIES (YET THEY KNOW WEAKNESS!)
“For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.” 2 Corinthians 13:4
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. “ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
APOSTLES RAISE UP TEAMS/APOSTLES APPOINT ELDERS
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust” Acts 14:23
Apostles prepare God’s people for works of service and bring believers to maturity. (Eph 4:12)
They stir up gifts, train, equip and impart (1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14)
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN APOSTLE
REVEALS THE FATHER HEART OF GOD
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Ephesians 3:14
RAISES SPIRITUAL SONS AND DAUGHTERS
“Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. “ 1 Corinthians 4:15
“Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” V16
2 Timothy 2:1; 1 Timothy 1:18); Thessalonians 2:6b-9
SHOWS GREAT LOVE AND COMPASSION TO ALL, ESPECIALLY THEPOOR
“All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very things I was eager to do.” Galatians 3:10
ENCOURAGES PRAYER
“Devote yourselves to prayer, be watchful and thankful. And pray for us too, that we …” Colossians 4:2-5
“The joy we have in the presence of our God because of you. Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10
ENCOURAGES GIVING/GOOD STEWARDSHIP (2 Corinthians 8 and 9)
ENCOURAGES UNITY/FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37)
SERVANT HOOD
HUMILITY
WISDOM
APOSTLES MOVE IN A HIGH DEGREE OF REVELATION
“I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 12:1
“I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-12
APOSTLES HAVE VISIONS/DREAMS & EXPERIENCE OPEN HEAVEN
Peter fell into a trance/vision (Acts 10:9-23)
Paul fell into a trance (Acts 22:17)
Paul had a face to face encounter with Christ (Acts 9)
Paul heard the voice of the Lord Acts 22:6-16
Paul was called to Macedonia in a vision in the night (Acts 16:9)
They operate in word of knowledge, word of wisdom; (Paul/slave girl)[Peter/Ananias)
They have encounters with angels
An angel released the apostles from jail in Jerusalem (Acts 5:19)
Peter was released from jail by an angel (Acts 12)
Supernatural phenomenon
Paul was bitten by a snake and not harmed (Acts 28:3-6)
Paul and Silas experienced earthquake in jail (Acts 16)
APOSTLES EXPERIENCE GREAT PERSECUTION/SUFFERING
Paul was rejected by the apostles and took 14 years before he was able to return and receive the right hand of fellowship, yet Barnabas was there for him. (Galatians 2).
(2 Corinthians 4:71-2; 2 Corinthians 6:3-13; 2 Corinthians 12)
APOSTLES FACE WARFARE
The ministry of the apostle is greatly opposed. (Paul was “in danger” 2 Corinthians 11)
APOSTLES HAVE “RIGHTS”
“If we gave sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?” 1 Corinthians 9:11
“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” v14
APOSTOLIC MINDSET V PASTORAL MINDSET
An apostle should demonstrate character traits that are consistent with apostolic ministry and exhibit thought patterns that distinguish them from other five-fold ministries. They should also produce fruit that affirms their apostleship (see signs and seals).
Here is a quotation that describes the mindset of an apostle viz a viz that of a pastor.
“It is not that one gift is more important that the others; it only helps prove how much we really do need each other. This is why Jesus gave us five – to emphasise that all the gifts must honour each other and work together. Here is what Jim Hodges concluded:
 The pastoral mindset focuses primarily on individual believers, the “sheep.” The apostolic mindset focuses on the corporate vision of the local church.
 The pastoral mindset wants to take the congregation to its next level. The apostolic mindset urges city and regional transformation.
 The pastoral mindset wants to maintain harmony, balance, peace and stability. The apostolic mindset desires to push out to new frontiers – with all the risks involved. Apostles are trailblazers and they develop strategies for breakthrough; this becomes important when they lead.
 The pastoral mindset regards the church as the family of God. Socialisation becomes important. The apostolic mindset regards the church as the army of God. Training and equipping become necessary for battle.
 Pastors want their people in communion (connoting intimacy with God) while apostles want them on the battlefield (connoting warfare against the devil).
 Pastors are very comfortable with teachers. Apostles are very comfortable with prophets.
 The pastoral mindset seeks to avoid controversy so that everything remains settled. The apostolic mindset welcomes and confronts controversy – with the goal of resolution.
As we consider these distinctions, we can see that it is possible to discern identifying characteristics of a particular mindset in a person’s ministry. While these characteristics are not conclusive in and of themselves, if a person exhibits a majority of them and aligns with other qualities, functions and character traits, it is very possible that he or she is an anointed and called as an apostle.”
This not a conclusive list in respect to apostolic mindset, nor does it mean that the two mindsets do not overlap from time to time.

Catherine Brown
Founder/Director, Gatekeepers Global Ministries
Co-Founder, Scottish Apostolic Networking Enterprise
admin@gatekeepers.org.uk
www.gatekeepers.org.uk
Acknowledgement: Ap Brian W Simmons; Jim Hodges

Deeper Revelations on the Holy Spirit

Amos 3:3 – can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

The lives of many believers can be compared to a man who owns a small farm. He works on the farm year in year out and gets just enough to live off this farm. Unknowingly to him or knowingly, underneath his farm is oil and if only he would dig deeper, he would become very rich and will be able to afford the good things of life but he prefers to just farm at the surface. The man represents many Christians today and the field represents the Holy Ghost. The oil represents the riches in Christ. If only we will dig deep we will have oil. Instead of been Christians in poverty we will be Christians with the riches of God.

Who is the Holy Ghost? Holy Ghost is the same as the Holy Spirit. The scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit as God, stating in Acts that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God, Acts 5:3-4 , and Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that the temple of God is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He is coupled in equality with names of God in Christ, as Matthew writes, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20). He is omnipotent, Luke 1:35. He is omniscient which Paul tells us saying, “The Spirit knowing all things, searching, even the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:10-11). In Psalms 139:7- 10, David spoke of the Holy Ghost as been omnipresent because everywhere he went the Spirit was there. The Holy Ghost was part of creation.  Genesis 1:2 says and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Job said “the Spirit of God has made me”. (Job 33:4). Holy Spirit is responsible for Regeneration (John 3:5-8); Resurrection (Romans 8:11) and the distribution of spiritual gifts according to his will, 1 Corinthians 12: 4,7,11. The Holy Spirit is eternal, always existing as  Hebrews 9:14 calls Him the eternal Spirit. (E.g. Genesis 1:2; Revelations 22:17).

The Holy Spirit is a personality, not a ‘power ‘or a ‘force’ like electricity. We say someone has personality when he/she speaks and hears; thinks and reasons; feel and has emotions; and decides, has a will, and self determination. In John 16:13, we read that He both hears and speaks. (E.g. Revelations 2:7; Acts 10:19, 20; Matthew 10:20) His actions include helping us, interceding for us with a mind and will (Romans 8:26-27); leading us and giving us commands (Matthew 4:1; Romans 8:14 ; Acts 8:29); guiding and comforting us (John 16:12-13 ; Acts 9:31) ; appoints people for God’s work (Acts 13:2, 4, 20:28); testifies of Jesus (John 15:26; Acts 5:32; Hebrews 2:4, 10:15; Romans 8:16, 9:1; 1 John. 5:6-8); teaches believers and reveals things to them (John 14:26; Luke 12:12) ; being insulted or blasphemed (Matthew 12:31-32; Hebrew 10:29); being lied to, tempted, and resisted (Acts 5:3-4, 9, 7:51); and giving power (Acts 1:8; Luke. 4:14; Matthew 12:28).

The Holy Spirit also has emotions, He can be grieved or vexed (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30) or pleased (Acts 15:28).

Why does the believer need the Holy Spirit today? The Holy Spirit gives the believer supernatural ability. The list of the supernatural ability that the Holy Spirit gives to the believer are:

1.      He gives supernatural power to be a witness for Jesus ( Acts 1:8; Luke 24:48; Romans 15:13-19)

2.      He gives supernatural ability to pray ( Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 ;Ephesians 6:18 ;Jude 20)

3.      He pours natural love unto our hearts (Romans 5:5,15:30)

4.      He gives supernatural anointing to recognize truth 1 John 2:20,27; 2 Corinthians 1:21)

5.      He is the supernatural sealing for eternal life, Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30)

6.      He gives supernatural ability to cope with life , and endurance in trial and persecution ( Matthew 10:20;John 13:12-13 ; Acts 4:8,31;7:55-60)

7.      He is the gateway to the supernatural (Charismatic gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Hebrews 6:4 and Revelations 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

8.      He is the supernatural Teacher and “remembrance” of all things ( Luke 12:12 ; John 14:26 , 1 Corinthians 2:13)

9.      He is the supernatural comforter (translated –helper, intercessor, stand-by advocate, counselor, instructor, patron, John 14:16-17 ;Acts 9:31)

10.  He is God’s supernatural pledge , earnest, guarantee until  we receive our heavenly possession, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14)

11.  He gives supernatural leadership, supernatural guidance ( Luke 4:1;Romans 8:14,16,9:1;Acts 16:6-10)

12.  He gives supernatural (physical ) health ( Romans 8:11)

13.  He gives supernatural sanctification i.e. making us holy , (Romans 15:16 ; 1 Corinthians  6:11,19;3:16 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13 )

14.  He gives supernatural boldness and power of God in our lives ( John 16:14 ;7:39;15:26;Acts 2:32-35)

15.  He is the constant abiding presence and power of God in our lives, John 14:16-17 ; 1 John 2:27; Luke 12:12)

16.  He gives supernatural power of preaching – 1 Peter 1:12 and demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

17.  He gives supernatural insight and interpretation of scriptures – 2 Peter 1:20-21 and spirit of prophecy – Revelations 19:10

18.  He Is instrumental in conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment ( John 16:7-10)

This is by no means an exhaustive list. The Holy Spirit does much more than all these today in the life of the believer, the local church and the world.

Why do we need to cultivate a relationship with Him? First of all a relationship with Him can be cultivated because He is a personality. An experience of been filled with Holy Spirit is not sufficient enough to know Him. We can know Him better every day of our lives.

How does one cultivate a relationship with Him? Amos 3:3 says can two walk together except they agree? No. For two to walk together they need to do some agreeing . Firstly they need to agree on direction, if a man is going north and the other is going south they cannot walk together. They need to agree on destination and route. To walk with the Holy Ghost, there needs to be agreement on the direction, destination and route. It is either we want to go in His direction, to His destination following His route or not. The Spirit filled way is a holy way. He will never dwell in an unholy life. He does not require a Holy place to come in but He requires you be willing that the place should made holy after He comes in. The Holy Spirit does not come to a man to make him famous or make a celebrity out of him or reputation. He comes to make a man holy and make him gifted and enable him to witness, Acts 1:8. You can only be filled the Holy Spirit if you are willing to be meek, docile, and humble. The very desire to be a celebrity or publicity or to be known abroad cancels the work of God on man to destroy flesh and to make him whole. The greatest gift of the Holy Spirit is a meek and a docile heart. The Holy Spirit wants to educate, domesticate and meek you.

To walk with the Holy Spirit there should be oneness between us and the Spirit of God. One in outlook, hope and thought. Fellowship is oneness with the Holy Spirit. To cultivate a relationship with the Holy Ghost, you need to be one with Him (understand and surrender to Him).

How to cultivate a daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit?

1. Develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.  The dove (representing the Holy Spirit) from heaven is so gentle and sensitive, he will never force himself on you. Moses’ face shone and he did not know it (Exodus 34:29); the Lord left Samson and he did not know it, Judges. 16:20. In the same way, the Spirit comes as a dove to rest upon us and we need to spend time in his presence to detect what grieves or pleases him. He soothes, He comforts, calls us by name and can even give you a pet name. Daily times of devotion, silence and solitude are indispensable, Psalm 46:10. Practice living in God’s presence moment by moment.

2. Cultivate fellowship with the Spirit through conversation. Greet the Holy Spirit each morning. Ask him questions. Invite him to help you constantly as you face your challenges. Freely share your joys and sorrows with him. Build a habit of referring decisions to him. At first it may look awkward as you seem to hear no reply. Understandably, it will be slower for you to make decisions, but it is just because you have not yet learnt to identify his language and symbols. He communicates all the same, and you grow gradually into understanding what he is saying.

3. Grow in daily fellowship with the Spirit as you read and react to the scriptures. Invite him to open your understanding whenever you turn to the scripture. (Ephesians 1:17) Discipline yourself to have a daily quiet time of meditating on the scriptures. Satan blinds our understanding. (2 Corinthians 4:4) The Holy Spirit opens it. He gives deeper insight and conviction. Invite him to empower you to obey the scriptures.

4. Build intimacy with the Holy Spirit through prayer. Invite him to help your weakness during times of prayer. He knows and prays according to the will of God. Ask for his anointing to make two-way praying possible. He helps to intensify your prayer. Pray in the Spirit. (Jude 20, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 13-15)

5. Increase your friendship with the Holy Spirit through passion for him. Love God’s Spirit for Himself. Be more interested in the Spirit than in his gifts and what you can get out of him. Tell him you love him. Sing songs to him as you would to a friend. Enjoy his company. Get interested in His interests and avoid grieving and quenching him. Commit yourself to cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Do not love the world.

6. Partner with the Holy Spirit in ministry. Invite him to minister with you as you preach, teach, witness, or lead the people of God. Ask for his anointing and words taught by the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2:3-5, 13) Co-operate with him concerning your fields of ministry. (Acts 16:6, 7; 8:29) Invite him to chair your meetings. (Acts 15:28) Spend time in the company of those filled with the Spirit. Let spiritual songs be around you and in your heart.

Cultivating daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit is an exciting adventure that takes time and effort but is worth it.

The first step into cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit is giving your life to Christ.

The bible said in Romans 3:23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 :23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3:16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10: 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.

The 7 Mountains Mandate-Dr. Lance Wallnau

Tabernacle of Glory- "How to Flow in the Prophetic" by Brian Carn