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By Ché Ahn
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What's Been Seen, Heard and Experienced
Much has been taught, written and spoken about apostles and apostolic ministry during the last 30 years or so. Some even believe we had a bona fide "apostolic movement" beginning in the late 1990's through the late 2000's. There was a much needed acknowledgement of apostolic callings which resulted in some divine connections being made for encouraging one another. There were some instances of co-laboring that developed. A few of these still exist in varying forms. Among some circles, in varying degrees, acknowledgement of the apostolic gift, office and ministry gained some measures of acceptability, if not in function, at least in matters of discussion and consideration.
Although there are some apostolic ministers and ministries functioning today, we still find ourselves without an establishment of it in fullness beyond a few visible instances where the gifts, energies and efforts of those involved provided the impetus. Therefore, we can say that some of us are moving with what God gave us; ministering according to how Christ graced us. Although this should always be the case in the church, that in itself does not comprise a movement of any sort. Instead, being faithful to what we've been given is always to be 'the plain ole' standard of stewarding what's been given which always applies: to all of us, at all times. Folks, it's (past) time we stopped considering obedience to God as a special event when God gave us His grace, faith and abiding Holy Spirit through Christ so that following Him would become standard operating procedure.
Moving, In and Of Itself, is not a Movement
Instead of an apostolic movement, we have had varying degrees of response to the Lord's call made by individuals and groups in various settings with differing understandings of how to proceed. But when an actual movement of the Spirit takes place, God takes those who have been consistently obedient and accentuates their anointing far beyond previous levels. He actually visits beyond the level of the gifts present, transforming normal daily events in natural time (chronos) by manifesting in our midst, moving in ways those present could otherwise not accomplish- even at their peak performance (kairos). What has been waited on for years, that which had not previously been attainable by complete obedience, co-laboring and functioning in agreement with others, is then accelerated forward and brought into the now, "suddenly."
It is this realm of God's outpouring to Christ's Church that releases what has been promised in harvest; it is this personal accentuation by God to those who have remained in position by steadfast obedience which results in personal promises being fulfilled (Heb.6:10-15; 10:35-36). Of course we not only may, but must always pray for such an outpouring, but equally: we must obey our way forward to arrive at the timing of God in position and right condition so we can receive, carry and release it outward with His glory. But sadly, the examples of "many are called; few are chosen" begins in the Bible with Israel in the wilderness, but continues to this day evidenced around us; each of personally having the opportunity for God's greatest glory (Mt. 22:14; Eph. 3:20-21).
This week will be 20 years since the Lord truly visited me in ways that completely changed our lives. That promise only came after serving Him by His faithfulness for over 16 years to that point. Through many seasons of high, low, fast and slow we have been graced to continue to walk in what we know as we flow. It might rhyme, but it is not "preacher-talk," it is personal testimony.
So let me encourage you: whatever you "know that you know" God is now saying to you, or regarding that which He has done which has propelled you to this point, "this same Jesus" will neither change His mind, nor disqualify you from what He revealed (Acts 1:11). He knew about the day you are now in before He first spoke, revealed or sent someone to relay these matters personally to you. Question's you may have about what has happened to this point, or what you may (or may not) have done can neither be considered nor allowed to remain an issue (Php. 3:12-16). The course the Lord now calls for will result in you coming into what He promised by following it step by step- keeping Him your "exceeding great reward" (Gen 15:1).
Perceiving the Church & Ministry the New Testament Way
Since moving with God consistently and steadfastly enables us to remain in "confidence" and be ones who approach God with "unfeigned faith," promised moves of God can only be walked toward "in Spirit and in truth" by those whose hearts are fully devoted to His (Heb.10:35; 2 Tim.1:5; Jn. 4:23-24). For you to perceive the Lord's revelation in ways true to His heart, in agreement with His Word, and conducive to His Spirit's flow, some essentials need to be brought 'front and center.' Because in the same way Jesus is "the same, yesterday, today and forever," there are aspects of God that will always be non-negotiable (Jn.13:8; 1 Sam.15:29).
It is always necessary that we arrive at all definitions and understandings of the Church and ministry from the New Testament. When this is done, you clearly see that first it testifies to the person, presence and power of Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit (Lk. 4:14; Ac. 10:38-39). Then it reveals the Church "in Christ" through the power of the Spirit (Ac.1:8; Ro. 8:1-4). This is the essence of what is meant that we have "a new covenant" (Heb. 8:18,13; 9:15; 12:24). Whether from what was then known to be either "Jew" or "Greek" in bloodline, culture (or both), "we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father" (Ro.1:16; Eph. 2:18).
Holy Spirit centered life "in Christ" is the only standard which prevents reinterpreting the Bible based on either existing or previous traditions, circumstances, past experiences or based on our current setting (2 Cor. 5:16-21). The only Christianity the apostles taught as real or relevant to Jesus was lived in the Spirit (1 Jn. 2:20-27; 1 Thess.1:5 contrast with Gal. 1:6-12). All originally came from Jesus Himself, who made it clear: "it is the Spirit who brings life; the flesh counts for nothing" (Jn. 6:63; Gal. 1:12). Holy Spirit centered life "in Christ" is the only apostolic standard.
Jesus: The Apostle
The Father sent the Son: "the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Jn. 3:16-17; Heb. 3:1). Therefore, He is now and forever "Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession" (Heb.12:2). All of our understandings of how to relate to God as His Body, Bride, Church, royal priesthood, holy nation, salt and light, etc, are inseparable from who Jesus is and what He gave to us by His life of full obedience to the Father, and now: through His Spirit, by His Word. At the ascension, Jesus made it clear those He poured His daily life and personal ministry into were being sent to minister as His "apostles" (Lk. 6:13). It was the result of Him personally preparing them.
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age"(Mt. 28:18-20).
The Lord also made it clear that the impact on lives touched by Him through His apostles was to cause an ongoing forward motion of Him moving in and through their lives. This would be the result of truly "teaching them to observe all that I commanded you." At that same time, He also made it clear that, "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
The Apostle and High Priest of our Confession
His authority established and lasting forever, presides in Heaven, His authority residing with Him. It proceeds from the throne and is accessible to all who have received Him (Mt. 6:9-13; Jn.1:12; Heb. 4:12-16). Jesus was sent to establish a Church that would be sent as He was sent. Jesus inaugurated an apostolic Church. A people who "hear my words and put them into practice," built on "rock" and discover that He makes them indestructible by any and all aspects of life coming against them (Mt. 7:24-28; Mt.16:16-18). These are the hallmarks of what the Father designed and desired for us, the Son Himself fulfilled in obedience to His Father and for our sakes. All has been secured that we might fully have "with Him," while He "ever lives to make intercession" for us (Mk. 3:13; Ro. 8:32; Heb. 7:22-25; Ro. 8:27). None of what has been established for you is rooted in being a memory exercise, or reduced to a set of 'how to' instructions packaged in the prefab kit from IKEA or Wal-Mart. We have the Holy Spirit, not only a person, but The Person of God Himself, alive and living inside us (Ro. 8:16-17). The Anointed One is now present in resurrection power within you (Col.1:27; 1 Jn. 2:20). All the time (Heb.13:5). And for whatever you do not know? "He will teach you all things" (Jn.14:26; also 1 Jn. 2:27).
The Lord Himself acts within you, not just in order to execute actions on His behalf, but to know Him in all ways "as He is" so that you are fulfilled in Him by His fulfillment in you (Jn.14:15-17; 16:7-15; 1 Jn 4:17). Intimacy is the essence of all matters apostolic, just as was the Father with the Son in the earth (Jn. 5:19; 14:24). Now at the Father's right hand, "Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession" reveals Himself to each of us in the inner man (Jn.16:14-15). Without an establishment of apostolic intimacy, the church will continue being more task-oriented than relational in life and ministry. Much more importantly, actually essentially, those who minister will be missing the companionship love of God that protects and perfects us (1 Jn. 4:16-19). And we only produce after our own kind (Lk. 6:44).
Apostolic Qualities Briefly Defined
The apostle is the closest to Jesus in matters of personal discipleship (Lk. 6:13). Apostles are the first recipients of the power and revelation of the Gospel (Ac.1:5-8; 2:1-4). Also, in matters of a direct commission for gathering the harvest (Ac.13:1-4). Therefore, we must only seek to comprehend each of these matters as revealed to us by the New Testament (Jn.10:35; 2 Pe.1:20).
By starting with the Scripture we will be required to ignore, even disregard present forms of the Church which dictate how apostles and the apostolic ministry is often perceived. This is because any undue regard for that which is different from the function or form of the New Testament church always causes us to try and 'add' the apostolic to the church and ministry in its present form. This is done in hopes that by simply including it we will be renewed in Spirit, restored in function and eventually reformed in DNA and self-identity "in conformity to the image of the Son" (Ro. 8:29).
All efforts to either feature or simply add apostolic ministry are quickly found to be ineffective and regardless of our good intentions, actually misguided. A new generation cannot come forth with the wrappings of the old, anymore than Lazarus could walk in his new destiny after being resurrected- while still in his grave clothes. In a similar way, when it comes to what the Lord wants to do, we must "loose him & let him go" (This is one reason why for over 7 months we have been directed to meet at 3pm on Saturdays in response to the Lord's instruction to release His plea with His Body to "let Me move").
To the degree we remain unwilling to ignore our present forms and disregard that which brings no activation to what's already been given (which must remain active, always), we will see nothing changed. Yes, we may see moments where brief glimpses occur, but without taking what is seen and actively pursuing it until perception takes hold, enabling it to be carried, no emergence of vision will be held to, let alone established (Jas.1:21-25; Hab. 2:1-4). We need moments where revelation comes, undoubtedly. Such opportunities to receive from God are truly precious and unpredictable- both in their appearing and sudden unavailability. Although they may continue for a time, they cease when what is being revealed finds no place within the heart of those it is offered to. The Holy Spirit becomes fully grieved by not being received in ways that are truly responded to. This is the 'hallmark' of an old, wilderness generation (Psa. 78; 95:6-11/Heb. 3:1-12).
Living (at best) by trying to recall glimpses of revelation or moments of feeling God's presence- settling for perhaps another 'good meeting' as a high water mark- one finds themselves eventually left only with principles, methods and deductions from Scripture, trying to either get better at understanding, more adept at applying previous teachings, or if in ministry- looking to self-improvement or 'building a better mousetrap.'
Are You Going to Settle for Temporary Spiritual Road Service?
A few weeks ago, our car battery wouldn't crank the motor. It was only 18 months old, and there had been no previous problem. After calling AAA it jumped, and after taking it for service, they couldn't find a problem with it. Since there truly was no problem, it was an anomaly. Normal operation prevented any need for further assistance. Being temporarily inactive Spiritually can be like that for you; you may need a jump start, spiritual road service. Spiritually speaking, one of the perks of anointed gatherings can be to temporarily assist you this way, but remember: that is not their purpose. If your car battery is always dead and you do not replace it, you must be jumpstarted every time you want to go anywhere. Imagine that. And if your car lives by the jumpstart, eventually other electrical components will be strained to the point of breakdown, you could even fry the entire wiring harness if you received the wrong voltage while being serviced. Imagine that as well.
Jesus, "The Apostle and high priest of our confession," established an ongoing function for you through Him with the promise of protection as you stay within His parameters (Lk. 10:17-24). He would much rather the jumper cables remain in your car to temporarily help others than stay there for always needing help yourself. Christ designed you to function with Him in ways which truly enhance others by sharing the very DNA you've been entrusted with, to them (1Cor. 12:7). Ongoing operation in the Spirit for you- not continuous migration for spiritual rescue or emotional inspiration to continue given by others, will be the means by which you "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pe. 3:18). It will also be a sign that you can become part of an apostolic company.
We are in great need of a true move of the Spirit. One that will not only release revelation from the new wine about (or even of) apostles, but one with the fulfillment of seeing Christ fully formed in individuals responding to the call to walk in His function and demonstrate His fullness. We must have this to the degree that a new wineskin of understanding the Church and Her role as Christ's Body results from it. This can take place, it is what God wants and always leads us toward. Yet it will only take place with those who let the Lord move the matters of their personal life fully into the Kingdom of God. It will release those who make decisions with "citizenship" in "Heaven" at the fore. It will reside in those who put their full trust in God.
God has all this and more for you (1Cor. 2:8-10). Jesus has already paid for you to receive and follow Him into all of it, and is standing for you in full regard to it (Heb. 7:22-25). The Holy Spirit will do everything Jesus releases, bringing you into all of it (Jn. 16:14-15). You can see "the outcome of your faith" with a glorious eternal consequence (1Pe. 1:9; Heb. 10:35-36; Ja. 1:12). Whatever it takes to follow Jesus will lead you far beyond what is lesser and ultimately falls away; it will bring you into what is forever greater which comes to eternally stay (Eph. 2:19; Php. 3:20; Mt. 19:16-30).
Become all the Lord has designed and desired; receive all He is now present to offer you.
Bill Click
