There are many teachings regarding the Apostolic, and I would like to share what I have learned on this popular subject. My desire here is to make this simple and not complicated for all to understand.First of all I would like to make reference to GMRN where I received my training and where many of the these truths stem from. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I do my part to share the pattern that the Lord has revealed to the end times Apostles and Prophets.
Below are some signs to look for in an Apostle. Having these signs in your life does not make you an Apostle, that is for the Lord to decide.
An Apostle is a pioneer. They receive a plan/blueprint from the Lord, much like Moses did and they begin to execute that plan.
An Apostle is set apart and sent by God, unlike missionaries where they are sent by an organization. They receive a direct call from God and execute that plan. Many times he or she is a loner and viewed by many as odd, or off in the wrong path.
Romans 1:1 says Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God(NKJ)
An Apostle leaves the visible church system to receive training from God. We have the example of Jesus, King David, Moses and John the Baptist.
An Apostle builds the church. But what is the church? The church are the people, not a building. They begin by setting a new foundation in the hearts of the people, doing away with old mindsets and teaching them new truths and revelation from the word.
An Apostle can function in all the five fold ministries. They may have a stronger emphasis in two to three areas, but they are able to function in all five at any given moment as the Lord requires.
An Apostle faces death to the flesh constantly and to things that just don’t go right. They learn quickly to die already, and move on.
An Apostle is a servant and receives the call from the womb. We have Jesus as the example.
Galatians 1:15 – 16 says: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood
An Apostle does not build on other men’s foundation, they receive their own blueprint from the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Can anyone be an Apostle? The answer is no. I have written an article titled “Are you Called or Chosen” that answers this question. We need to understand that being called as an Apostle carries with it a heavy price.
Can women be Apostles? Yes, because the scripture does not give reference to gender when distributing the gifts of the spirit. The Lord is looking for willing vessels, ready to carry out His plan upon the earth. Colossians 3:11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
An Apostle does not produce new scripture. So run fast from those that say otherwise.
Apostles are called to leadership, they are not followers.
Romans 11:13 Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I magnify mine office (KJV)
An Apostle will have a face to face relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and excellent communication.
This is just a very small overview of what being an Apostle is about. As the Lord leads, I will add new articles on this subject.
Filed under: Articles, Christianity, Prophetic, apostolic | Tagged: 17, 4, apostolic, What is an Apostle
to be an apostle :
…I have worked much harder , been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severly, and been exposed to death again and again.
Five times I received from the jews forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move, I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have laboured and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches… I have made a fool of myself. ( 2 Cor 11 )
Thank you Arabelle for your comment.
The early apostles paved the way, much like with all the other ministries. Thank you for the reminder of this passage.
Yvette
[...] What is an Apostle? [...]
The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance. [2 Cor12:12]
Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. [Romans 16:7]
Here Junia is a latin feminine name that means “youthful”. So women can and did have apostolic callings.
Sidharth
Thanks for the wisdom. I would also like to point out that their are 4 classes of Apostles mentioned in the bible. The first Apostle is our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ Heb. 3:1. Secondly there are the 12 apostles of the lamb who were eye witnesses of the earthy ministry of Jesus who were personally trained by him. Matt. 10:2. Thirdly you have the foundational Apostles who were inspired to write the new testament. Paul would fall under this category. Fourthly there are the non-foundational Apostle men and women who did not canonize the scripture but are commissioned by the Holy Ghost to do a work in the earth. The Apostle is the highest ranking office in the Word of God.1Cor.12:28.
Thank you for your insight Filmore!