APOSTLE AND PROPHETIC GATHERING....

Comment

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 8, 2009 at 3:02pm

The Five-fold Ministry Gifts

Apostles are leaders and visionaries... they bring direction to the church. They have the courage and ability to keep the Church moving forward, growing, building in new directions. Apostles are also fathers, able to nurture and disciple the other ministry gifts. They have maturity and experience beyond their fellows and can give guidance as well as leadership. They wear the Helmet of Salvation, which means they walk "within" salvation. They know the mysteries of Christ's salvation. Such knowledge is only acquired through time and experience, trials and testing. An apostle is proven by his example of holiness and demeanor in Christ Jesus. The Helmet of Salvation is not a royal crown: it is the hat of a warrior general who is accustomed to putting his life on the line, for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Many who are in this office will never be recognized as APOSTLES! The reason is this, when a man is truly led by God to establish a work of any kind, it may bristle against the establishment.

The Apostle Paul is a good example of a man on a “Mission from God”, I laugh as I write this because I am reminded of the movie The Blues Brothers, They were the oddest of odd, yet they went through every obstacle because they believed they had a mandate from God. Listening to God is not easy, it can cause you to be treated like an outsider and at times even a rebel! I believe men that are in the office of Apostle are always MISUNDERSTOOD and treated like oddballs. Based upon scriptural precedence apostles are usually the recipients of dreams and visions, Apostles receive an abundance of Revelation from God, Why? They establish ministries and churches. It is quite possible to be an Apostle and NEVER pastor a church.
Contrary to popular belief Paul WAS NEVER A PASTOR! Paul was a TEACHER/APOSTLE. Now another shocker is that PETER was not a PASTOR either, the PASTOR of the church in Jerusalem was JAMES (The Lord’s Brother); Peter was an EVANGELIST/APOSTLE. Apostles usually carry dual roles! Here is another curve for you Barnabas was an Apostle too, but he was a DEACON/APOSTLE his ministry was one of service and support yet he was counted as an APOSTLE! I do believe that there are Apostles today, Men that are SENT to establish works according to God’s divine mandate. Now too many guys are starting storefront churches and calling themselves “Apostle”. Real Apostles don’t run around calling themselves APOSTLE! They know it, and they walk in it!




Prophets/Prophetess has a strong sense of right and wrong, but even more than that: they have a strong sense of the Spirit’s leading. Their spiritual antennae start quivering when things are going off balance or in wrong directions. Their voice is important for keeping the Church on track in what the Lord wants to do. Prophets also understand justice and are defenders of what is fair and right. Prophets carry the Breastplate of Righteousness, which illustrates the passion and conviction that burns deep within their heart and soul and spirit. "Righteousness" is actually an ethereal word, a supernatural word. True righteousness flows only from the throne of God. Therefore, the insight of the prophet is a very mysterious, deep conviction that is not easily described even by those who walk in this gifting. The purpose is for guidance and revelation, so that the church can learn what it means to be the Holy People of God.
The Prophet/Prophetess must maintain a level of personal holiness that is exemplary. The primary purpose of the prophet is to warn the church of apostasy and help saints press into the holiness and purpose of God. (Elijah and Ezekiel) Unlike the Office of Apostle which is male ordered, Women can function in this office as well as men. (Deborah, Huldah, and Phillip’s Daughters)



The Prophet must have an extraordinary prayer life, If you study the life the Biblical prophet they were often solitary people. (Elijah and Jeremiah) They didn’t have a lot of friends, this is on purpose! God needs those in the prophetic office to be focused on HIM! The Prophet and the Teacher are similar in this regard; Prophets focus on the inspired word (Rhema) and the Teacher more on the written (Logos). But if you look at Acts 17:11 the Bereans understood the importance of both, but they confirmed the Rhema by studying the Logos! Usually God places Prophets and Teachers as friends and companions for this reason.
Teachers build the foundations of the church. They minister in the Word of God and remind us of the priorities and foundations that will keep us stable in our lives. They teach the church how to be wise in the ways of God. Both teachers and prophets have a special gift for worship because the prophet can worship in "spirit" and the teacher can worship in "truth" and those two characteristics are necessary for true worship. Teachers carry the Belt of Truth, which means they have intimate knowledge of Him who is Truth.
Teachers are guardians of Biblical Doctrine (Logos), the Bereans (Acts 17:11) Exemplify the character of a Teacher. Teacher search the scriptures. I am a teacher and I study the Word more than the average person, there are times when I have stayed up all night reading entire books of the Bible because I had to determine if something I heard preached in church was accurate. In many cases Teachers are somewhat cold, in that they care more for truth than unity or peoples feelings. If you remember Paul in Galatians, He read Peter and the Hebrew saints the riot act for the way they allowed the Judaizers to distort the Gospel of Grace. When I hear a sermon that is “off” scripturally it drives me crazy. I believe Teachers are like the Scribes of the Old Testament in that they were determined that every jot and tittle would be correct. Pricilla and Aquilla were teachers and they caught Apollos preaching doctrine that wasn’t correct, they pulled him aside and corrected him in love. If a church doesn’t have the office of a teacher within it’s ranks it is in danger of falling into error. (I Tim. 4:1-4)

Without a proper foundation, buildings don't stand, civilizations don't last, and Christians don't witness well. The foundation I am talking about is the foundation of basic Christian doctrine. Do you know what the Trinity is? How many natures does Jesus have, one or two? Are we saved by grace through faith or by grace and works? For what purpose did Jesus die? Did He rise from the dead? And If so, why?
Perhaps you do not believe that knowing doctrine is important. Maybe you think that we should just tell people about Jesus and let them choose to accept Him or not. Unfortunately, witnessing isn't always that simple. Knowing what and why you believe is essential. For example, if someone says he wants to receive Jesus as Savior but doesn't believe that He is God in flesh, is that important? If someone says that the Trinity is not biblical, what would you say? Is the Holy Spirit a force or God? Doctrine is important because it defines who you put your trust in. It is not simply that you have faith, it's who you put your faith in.
Evangelists are the warriors, the foot soldiers who take the gospel to the remote areas of the world. They advance the gospel and in so doing they battle directly with the hindrances of the gospel as well. There are many more warriors in an army than there are generals and so there must be many, many evangelists in the church. Evangelists wear the Shoes of Peace because they bring news of Peace to a world that suffers in strife and turmoil. Every one of the other 5-Fold Ministers MUST do the WORK of the Evangelist, because soul-winning is EVERY minister’s duty!
Too many of our churches have lost sight of the office of Evangelist and have distorted their purpose by calling “Revivalist” Evangelist, there is difference by a mile. An Evangelist is a SOULWINNER first and foremost, they go into the streets, prisons, hospitals, and mission fields. Many of the people we call “evangelist” are preaching to people already saved. A revivalist preaches to people already saved to inspire and fire them up, this really more of the ministry of the Prophet, an Evangelist bottom line is REACHING THE LOST and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The motto of an Evangelist could be a quote from Paul, “Woe unto me if I preach not the Gospel!”
Pastors nurture the flock and comfort them. They build up the sheep in the most holy faith. They tend to the wounded and the sick and have skills for healing. The pastor leads the healthy sheep into good pastures so they will eat well and be strong. And, the pastor looks for the sheep who have wandered away so that none will be lost. Pastors carry the Shield of Faith. Often a warrior was protected by an armor bearer who held his shield for him. In the same way, pastors will shield those who need it until they are strong again. They hover over their flock to build them and strengthen them in the faith. The pastor is not distant from the sheep. The pastor is next to them and among them, holding the Shield in order to deflect the flaming arrows, the weapons, the wild beasts that would destroy. The pastor works one on one so that his sheep will prosper. A flock that prospers is a direct credit to the shepherd who oversees them. A Pastor has to love the sheep, too often people choose Pastors because they can preach well, but eloquence is not the earmark of a great Pastor, it is LOVE. Pastors have to care for those that are hurting and broken, and at the same time be open to have the other 4 ministry offices SHARE in the ministry, I think too often it has been supposed that the office of Pastor is the most important office, but they all are equally important. A Pastor needs an Evangelist to bring souls into a place where they can be nurtured and fed the sincere milk of the Word of God.

Comment by Apostle Rozell Tottress, Jr. on May 8, 2009 at 12:38pm

Elder Mark thanks for your post, we are actively doing ministry like Jesus. We are increasing our teams for hitting the street -4real!

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 8, 2009 at 8:28am

Ministering Like Jesus - Key to Church Growth

38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Where did Jesus and His disciples preach?

a) In Synagogues b) In Cities and Villages (Matt. 9:35) c) Outdoors (John 8:1 / Matt. 5:2 / Luke 8:1) d) Everywhere (Mark 16:20)

20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16)

How did they preach?

a) Under the anointing (Luke 4:18 and Acts 1:8) b) With authority - 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matt. 7) c) With Compassion (Mark 6:34) d) Without Fear

29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Church Growth!

Why don’t we experience it ?

1. The Aquarium Syndrome - Churches have become aquariums, or holding pens for Christians.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. (Luke 5)

2. Not Realizing Our Potential

29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4)

3. The Violent Take it by FORCE! Time to get in the devil's face.

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. (I Sam. 17)

4. Evangelism doesn’t work from pulpits very well. Works better in the street.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28)

5. Pentecostal Prayer and Praise

7 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1)

32 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4)

6. Must have a STRATEGIC PLAN

10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

7. Discipleship vs. Membership - Disciples beget disciples, members come once a week.

23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

Final Thought

While many churches are meeting 2 to 3 times a week, with the same handful of people it had for the last 5 years; The Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Nation of Islam is out Monday through Friday spreading lies and winning converts. The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ did not invent door to door witnessing, JESUS DID! We have the truth and don’t spread it! We have the power and don’t use it! We have the authority to act in Jesus name, and we sit at home. God Forbid! It’s time for an EVANGELISM EXPLOSION! Examine your heart and ask God to fill you afresh, and give you holy boldness to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Mark H. Stevens

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 4, 2009 at 9:46pm

The children of Israel were lured away from their relationship with the Lord by sexual sin. God constantly warned Israel not to intermarry and fornicate with the heathen nations around them. Sexual intercourse unites the parties involved emotionally; this is called a SOUL TIE. This is why married couples are not truly married until they have sexual intercourse; it is the consummation of the marriage. When sex takes place between unmarried people they are still emotionally tied to one another, this is why Israel backslid and followed the god’s of other nations. The church is modern Israel! The devil uses the SAME tactics today! That is why pornography is a 90 billion dollar a year industry! Too many pastors have 1st ladies and 2nd ladies on the side! Too many choir directors are sweeter than the morning danish! Too many women in church are being used by Satan to help tempt men to sin! I won’t leave out anyone because there is enough blame to go around WE MUST REPENT! Solomon was the worlds wisest man in the world, he was anointed by God to lead the mightiest kingdom on earth, yet he threw it all away because his desire for women. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and the scripture say he LOVED THEM ALL! Satan knows that woman was created for man. God created woman not only to be a companion, but also as a helper and advisor. Satan always perverts what God creates. Remember King Ahab? He was Israel’s most wicked king, guess were he got all of his advice? His wife Jezebel!
(Romans chapter one; Proverbs 7:14-26; I Corinthians 7)

Comment by Fred Hutton on May 3, 2009 at 3:04pm

Hello,

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Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 2, 2009 at 6:31pm

One problem with man’s denominational teaching is that HOLINESS in many churches and groups means stay away from them sinners! The only way sinners can see Jesus Christ is through the Church (The Body of Christ). The local church is a part of the larger body of blood washed believers. Sinners can only see the light of Jesus Christ through US. Now I am not saying Christians should go to bars and nightclubs…BUT we do have to interact with sinners! Jesus went to places where people congregate. I remember many of my fellow preachers telling saints they shouldn’t go to bowling alleys, teens shouldn’t play sports, and saints don’t go swimming! These are in some people’s minds what “holiness” is all about!

True holiness means we are set apart for God’s use and purposes. God’s highest purpose is that we influence people to accept Christ! I don’t think you can do that locked up in your church 7 days a week with black suits, long wool skirts, and doilies on your head! I used to witness on the streets of Song Tan City in Korea, there were nothing but bars, nightclubs, and whorehouses in this sin filled town. Many professed “Spirit-filled” Christians would warn me about going downtown. They would tell me it was dangerous and that there was too much temptation there. I believe the awesome power of the Holy Ghost is MORE than enough to protect us while we minister to sinners!

I have led prostitutes, Moslems, drug addicts, and drunks to Jesus Christ in some pretty dangerous places. The Holy Spirit was given to us to insulate us from the World, much like an astronaut’s suit protects him on the Moon. If you stand up in church and brag about how Spirit-filled you are in one breath, and in the next you say you are scared to be around sinners, guess what? You might not be as Spirit-filled as you may think. The Holy Spirit is not just for “shouting” and speaking in tongues! He is the third person of the Godhead. His job is to bring glory to Jesus the Messiah. We need Him to help us live a sanctified life, and our sanctification is so we can win sinners. Sinners are supposed to be drawn by the Christ IN US! Greater is He (The Godhead – see I John 5:7) that is in us, than He (The Enemy) that is in the world! We are walking Temples of God! Remember the Old Testament Temple? God’s presence would fill the Temple as the people of God offered sacrifice unto God. Well today Jesus is our once and for all sacrifice. Holiness churches are locking themselves in just like the Amish and the Mennonites. We are supposed to be an influence on the world. You cannot influence someone you are avoiding. Jesus was out in the workplace, in the marketplace, in the wilderness, in the mountains, in the Temple, and yes in the company of prostitutes and tax collectors. Jesus did NOT sin while hanging out with sinners…and you don’t have to either. The power of the Holy Ghost is MORE than enough to help you stay saved (Jude 24 and Romans 8:32)

We can believe God for new cars, healing, new jobs, and house but we don’t believe He can keep us saved in an evil world! Daniel and the 3 Hebrew boys WERE NOT Spirit-filled, yet they resisted the world and influenced those around them! We have a MUCH BETTER covenant than they did! Jesus EXPECTS us to mingle with sinners from day to day, and influence THEM! Stop being a coward and GO into the highways and hedges! No one in your community will get saved because you go to “Mt. Zion AME Baptist Fire Baptized Primitive Holy Nazarene COGIC” every Sunday. They will get saved if you talk to them about Jesus and become a part of their lives! True holiness makes us interact and become a part of the lost lives. The Holy Spirit we brag about having was given to us to help us be lights in a dark world. We are not supposed to run from sinners, rather run to them with the love of Jesus Christ. Stop worrying about sinners rubbing off on you, We are the Salt of the Earth! When I was in the Air Force stationed in Korea, I was invited to a Super Bowl party by a co-worker, he wasn't saved and none of the guys at the party were either, my Christian friends scolded me and said I shouldn't go because they were going to be drinking and cursing. I learned early in my Christian walk that the Holy Ghost is NOT traditional nor does He think like us. I went to the party, and most of them knew I was a saved deacon. I didn't act snobbish are pious, I simply drank my coke and enjoyed the game. By halftime most of them were asking me questions about the Bible and the Lord. I kept the answers simple and invited them to Bible study. That Tuesday 8 of the 15 brothers showed up for Bible study. My Christian friends had nothing to say to me anymore.

True holiness is fearless and confrontational, we are supposed to stand in the midst of evil and be a beacon. How can evil men and women be converted and saved unless WE lead them to Christ Jesus? One of the first things I noticed after I got filled with the Holy Ghost was a dose of courage. I always thought I was a pretty brave guy, but the power of the Holy Spirit is like steroids for the soul. I have preached on street corners, prisons, mental institutions, overseas in Muslim countries, and anywhere the Holy Ghost leads me.

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 2, 2009 at 5:56pm

Pastors have to teach soul-winning to the congregations, NOT just to increase numbers, but to also stir up gifts in the assembly of God. Spiritual gifts are activated when we do ministry, in particular soul-winning. The Gifts of the Spirit are not for show, they are for WORK. Every one of the Gifts are primarily given so we can win the lost and help them get filled with the Holy Ghost and make them disciples of Christ. (Acts 1:8) It grieves the Lord when he sees ministers become hirelings with no concern for lost souls. Too many churches are showcases or museums built to display the egos of the leaders. Churches named after men and women with their pictures plastered everywhere. Jesus was so low-key and humble when He did His fathers business. Jesus favorite title was "Son of Man". Jesus was God in the Flesh yet He carried himself as a lowly servant. It amazes me when I meet ministers for the first time and they introduce themselves as "Apostle" or "Evangelist", Jesus didn't even do that, in fact he called his disciples friends. Some ministers today are so high minded they won't even talk to you, you have to go through their "administrative assistant" or "armour bearer". And we think God is pleased with our foolishness? Freely you received...freely you give.

1Co 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1Co 9:17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.


30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Prov. 11)

Comment by Apostle Alfred Henton on May 1, 2009 at 10:34pm

Comment by prophetessELIZABETH M FONCHAM on April 30, 2009 at 5:27pm

PEOPLE OF GOD THE BIBLE SAYS ARISE AND SHINE FOR THE LIGHT HAS COME AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD HAS RISEN UPON YOU,isaiah 60v1.BUT THE WORLD SAY THERE IS CRISIS AND THE LOVE OF GOD HAS WAXED COOL IN THE HEART OF MANY,THAT IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE LET ME TELL YOU WHY ,WHEN EVERY THING SEEMS DIME,THEN THE LIGHT OF GOD COMES IN AND ILLUMINATES THE SITUATION.
GOD IS ABOUT TO BLESS HIS PEOPLE JUST AS HE DID IN THE CASE OF ISAAC WHO SOWED IN THE LAND OF THE PHILISTINES(GERAR) TO BE PRECISE.
AND REAPED A HUNDREDFOLD IN THE SAME YEAR.
WHAT WE NEED FOR THIS DIVINE VISITATION IS TO BE FOCUS,PRAYERFUL AND LIVING IN TOTAL OBEDIENCE ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD.
I HEAR A RAIN AND ,MAY THE RAIN OF ALL ROUND FAVOUR RAIN UPON THE CHILDREN OF GOD THIS YEAR IN THE POWERFUL NAME OF JESUS.
READ THIS 5 MINUTES CLAIM IT AND IT SHALL BE YOURS IN JESUS MIRACULOUS NAME OF JESUS AMEN

Comment by Bishop James 'I Feel God' Brown on April 30, 2009 at 10:27am

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