HOW TO IDENTIFY A TRUE APOSTLE
There are many in the world right now who claim to be Apostles. It is not for me to say who is and who isn’t, but we can see what the hallmarks of true and false Apostles are from the Scriptures.
I have met men in Third world countries who have no riches and no formal training, who exhibit the love and life of Jesus in all they do. I have also met many men in first world countries who exhibit similar attributes. But alas I have also met some who claim to be very great in Gods kingdom, who walk away with the wealth of the local Church, who live extravagant lives, and who care very little for the sheep.
Last year we had a man in our Church as a guest speaker who didn’t arrive until after the people were seated and singing, and who left before the end of the meeting because he didn’t want to mix with the sheep. This same minister demanded huge offerings. And when asked to pray for individuals pushed them aside.
Last year I also met a man who has a Church of 25,000 people in India. Such humility and love for God’s sheep touched me deeply. This man had 90 full time Pastors and much other fruit, but he still had time to greet and entertain strangers for the sake of the kingdom.
One trusted God totally for provision and saw something big that Glorified Jesus. The other demanded provision and lifted up a ministry. It was easy to see who the true Apostle was.
But so many are following after the flash Harry type. Paul saw the same thing in His day.
2 COR 11 I hope you will be patient with me as I keep on talking like a fool. Please bear with me. 2 I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. For I promised you as a pure bride* to one husband, Christ. 3 But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. 4 You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 5 But I don’t think I am inferior to these “super apostles.” 6 I may not be a trained speaker, but I know what I am talking about. I think you realize this by now, for we have proved it again and again. 7 Did I do wrong when I humbled myself and honored you by preaching God’s Good News to you without expecting anything in return? 8 I “robbed” other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost. 9 And when I was with you and didn’t have enough to live on, I did not ask you to help me. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me another gift. I have never yet asked you for any support, and I never will. 10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, I will never stop boasting about this all over Greece.* 11 Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do.12 But I will continue doing this to cut the ground out from under the feet of those who boast that their work is just like ours. 13 These people are false apostles. They have fooled you by disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers. In the end they will get every bit of punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
REVELATION 2: 2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
Apostolic Authority is being restored to the Church. There is a release of the Five fold ministry which is intended to bring maturity to the Body of Christ. It is intended to produce a mature bride. A bride that will reflect the Glory of her bridegroom, not the ministers who train her.
If we search the scriptures we see some things that are hall marks of Apostolic anointing,
1) Has no riches, but pours out all they have for love of the body
2) Appears to be unlovely
3) Has authority through servant hood
4) Pours himself out for the sake of the body
5) Is prepared to suffer loss and even death for the sake of the gospel.
One of the mistakes being made in this current move is that when the Lord pours out His provision to release the kingdom of God, many who call themselves Apostles hold this provision for themselves. And still the Hungry suffer, and the lame go without healing, and the lost fail to hear the word, because the provision is not released into the kingdom.
In India I had the privilege of going into the Little Sisters of the poor orphanage; I want to tell you it was a very moving event in my life. The provision that came in went into the unloved and the poor. It was like looking into the face of Jesus. It was true glory revealed.
Paul it seems was not a good looking man, or even a very eloquent man . But a man who was sold out for the sake of Jesus he was. In the natural the little sisters of the poor were hidden behind very ordinary doors. No one really knew what was going on behind these doors. But The glory of God was here.
Jesus said if you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be the servant of all!
In this day every one wants the up front ministry, very few want the ministry that causes the hands to become dirty or puts pressure or demands on ones time.
The little Sisters of the poor were simply being the servants that Jesus has called us to be. While others around look for ways to get noticed.
How far would we go for the sake of the kingdom? Would we pour ourselves out in total; surrender? Or even die for the sake of the cross? This is how to truly evaluate your ministry and your calling as an Apostle.
False anointing and false authority are a stench in the nostrils of the Lord.!
The word of the Lord today is simple:
1) Lay down the ambition for power
2) Lay down the ambition for the recognition of men
3) Take up the cross of weakness
4) Take up the shame of its shadow
5) Desire the heart of a servant
6) Restore the voice of humility
In this power crazy world there are still humble servants of Christ who do not seek recognition or reward from men. I think of Teresa of Calcutta, founder of the little sisters of the poor, when the whole world was mourning the death of Dianna princess of Wales, and lifting her up as something more than a servant, Teresa slipped out of this world and into a reward almost without mention, she would have liked it that way. Because all she did, she did in the name of Christ, to bring Him glory.
In her own words!
"I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper’s wounds, I feel I am nursing the Lord himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?" -- 1974 interview.
Many strive for the path of human success and accolades, but few walk in true Apostolic Authority, because as a Church we have forgotten that to serve is to see the face of God.
Jesus our master washed the feet of the disciples, touched the lepers and commanded them to be well, spent his time with the sinners and sick, because here is where the Glory of God shines brightest. (In the dark)
So Jesus being our greatest example, how do you think the man who breezed into town, failed to speak to the lowly and humble, and demanded an offering of unheard of proportions, holds up as an Apostle?
Its time for the Church to take stock of its direction, to ask the Lord for forgiveness before all the walls fall down. And in doing this we will see the Glory of God revealed. We will see the true Apostolic restored again.
What of the ones who pillage the house of God! On these too God will have mercy, and bring a release of servant hood.
There is a levelling of the playing field. Its time for His Glory! Not mans to shine
Psalm 45
2 You are the most handsome of all. Gracious words stream from your lips. God himself has blessed you forever.3 Put on your sword, O mighty warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic!4 In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!5 Your arrows are sharp, Piercing your enemies’ hearts. The nations fall before you, lying down beneath your feet.6 Your throne, O God,* endures forever and ever.Your royal power is expressed in justice.7 You love what is right and hate what is wrong.
May His true Apostles bring Him glory and praise in this day! Amen.
Ian Johnson www.papelim.org.nz
