Ten Trustworthy Traits of True Apostles

 

By Duke Taber  - Viral Believers

 

I don’t know how many times I get people on Christian Faithbook who use the title of “Apostle.” I get numerous emails from these so called Apostles wanting me to support their ministry. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry have the label “Apostle” before their name. I seriously get tired of it all.

I get tired of the hubris associated with those that would label themselves such. I get tired of the religiosity of it all.

There are those that believe that there were only 12 Apostles. Apostles are the “sent ones” who represent the essence of what the church vision or mission is all about.

In John 17, Jesus constantly referred to the fact that He was sent by the Father to the world, which is one reason

Hebrews 3:1 refers to Jesus as our Apostle. Jesus was God’s apostle sent into the world to redeem it.

In Revelation 22:14, we see the term “the 12 apostles of the Lamb.” There will never be another apostle added to that list since there were only 12.

However, it seems evident (at least to me) that Paul was also an apostle, which means that apostolic calling was not limited to merely 12 in total.

In the New Testament there were dozens of people identified as apostles.

It is my view that since Paul was an apostle his apostleship transcended the churches he founded. Although Paul did not found the church in Rome, he was respected enough by the general body of Christ that he was able to write the letter to the Romans with apostolic weight and authority as if he was the one who planted it.

Hence, apostles garner a high level of respect beyond the borders of their own church networks, even though they would never attempt to supplant the authority of an apostolic leader who is the founder and/or leader of another network (unless there was heresy or a gross violation of biblical ethics).

Also, Paul warned that there were some who were masquerading as apostles (2 Cor.11:13), which probably means that this term was used to identify some significant apostles who were not among the original 12.

So the issue in my eyes, is not whether or not modern day apostles exist, but rather who have the true characteristics of apostolic calling and authority.

Here is a list of 10 traits that you should look for in deciding if you or somebody else has an apostolic calling.

1 APOSTLES LIVE SIMPLE LIVES

Apostles have made the choice to live lives that are unencumbered by the things of the world. That does not mean that they must live in abject poverty, but they also do not have attachments to the things that the world is attached to.

They do not aspire to live in luxury or opulence. their spiritual and psychological needs have already been met through their deep and abiding relationship with Christ. They have been so satisfied with living with the person and presence of God that they count all things as dung compared to knowing Him

Phil 3:18-20

For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

Their greatest desire in life is to fellowship with Jesus, meditate on the scriptures, and serve God’s people and His kingdom.

Because of that, they do not need to drive the most expensive cars, live in huge houses or make an absorbent salary in order to be content in this life.

They live in simplicity, are content with little and are not driven to pursue material possessions and pleasure.

2 APOSTLES GO THROUGH GREAT TRIALS

1 Corinthians 4:9

Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world – to people and angels alike.


Paul gives a picture here that being an apostle is like being a prisoner of war and that your side lost. That is a picture of great hardship and trial.

Now it doesn’t mean that he felt that the battle was lost, but that the amount of hardship was at the same level as someone who had lost.

This kind of apostolic leader must have the capacity for high-stress leadership combined with the kind of emotional maturity to deal with all kinds of difficulties that the average person could never endure.

3 APOSTLES HAVE AN INTENSELY INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS...

Since apostles have to represent Jesus and not merely a church or denomination (understanding that all believers are called to represent Christ), but that apostles are called to do so with a greater degree and responsibility, they must know Jesus intimately and walk in His presence and power.

All of the original 12 apostles walked with Jesus personally for more than three years before they were launched into their ministry, and Paul the apostle had a personal encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).

All true apostles will spend great time and effort getting to know the risen savior and understanding His heart intimately.

4 TRUE APOSTLES WILL HAVE BOTH CALLING AND INFLUENCE BEYONG...

Although Paul stated that he endeavored to go and preach where there had been no proclamation of Christ, it is obvious that he had influence and calling beyond where he had been and where he had been the original church planter.

His letter to the Romans is a prime example of this. He spoke and claimed apostolic authority in a place where he had yet not been and where he had not participated in the planting of that church.

Paul had vast influence way beyond the primary sphere of activity he was focusing on (Read 2 Cor. 10:10-14). His influence has even reached to us 2,000 years later through his inspired New Testament writings.

Since apostles of Christ represent the Lord Himself, by nature they have to be trans-national, trans-cultural, and multi-generational and have a desire for kingdom advancement, not just the enlargement of their church networks.

5 APOSTLES MODEL SERVANTHOOD

Mark 10:42-45

So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Apostles are unassuming, do not have an entitlement mentality, have a servant’s heart, and do not lead with a top-down autocratic approach like the rulers of the Gentiles.

They model Jesus’ words when He said that the greatest in the Kingdom is the one who serves.

They understand the difference between positional authority and relational authority and strive to build relational authority in people’s lives rather than demanding that their authority be recognized and followed.

6 APOSTLES LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR THE  GOSPEL AND THE SHEEP...

John 10:11-13

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.

All of the original 12 apostles (except John) as well as the apostle Paul were martyred for the gospel.

As Jesus laid down His life for the sheep, those who represent Him are willing to die daily (Rev. 12:11; Acts 20:24; Gal. 2:19-20) whether it is to their own will or literally to lose their lives.

7 APOSTLES DO NOT CHASE MONEY

2 Corinthians 2:17

You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us.

Apostles have so much faith in God, they trust God will provide all their needs as long as they are in His will and doing what He has assigned them to do.

They do not go to a place to minister just because the offerings will be good but they go only where the Jesus is leading them to go.

Paul said he did not peddle the word of God for money, and the apostle Peter warns shepherds not to minister for dishonest gain (1 Peter 5:2).

Although I believe those who labor in the word full-time are worthy of double honor and should make a living from the gospel (1 Tim. 5:17; 1 Cor. 9:14), the bottom line for apostles of Christ is the will of God, not material gain.

There have been many times in my life as a pastor and not an apostle that I have gone where I knew the money was poor and that it would cost me financially.

If that is admirable in a pastor, then it should be something that is required in an apostle who is looked upon with much greater honor and authority.

8 APOSTLES DO NOT SEEK RECOGNITION

Phil 2:5-8

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Apostles are not concerned about reputation or seeking public recognition.

Their identity is so strongly centered in Christ that these things have no meaning for them.

They have instead taken on the model Jesus showed and humbled themselves to the point they live the life of a servant or slave.

9 APOSTLES DO NOT WANT OR NEED TITLES

This is where most of today’s modern day apostles fail the test. They glory in their title which is why they label themselves as apostle.

True apostles do not personally crave titles (they will use them when appropriate) and do not need institutional church structures to validate their ministry or calling. Their ministry validates their calling.

Those that have to boast, do so because they aren’t really what they are boasting about. Apostles don’t need to boast, their ministry is confirmed by what they do.

2 Corinthians 12:11

You have made me act like a fool – boasting like this. You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” even though I am nothing at all.

10 APOSTLES ARE KINGDOM MINDED

Wanna-be apostles are out to build their own little kingdoms. They are concerned with just their little piece of the pie.

It may be in a local church, network of churches, or a denomination but it is just their little piece that they want to control.

On the other hand, true apostles have an ambassadorial call that transcends any one church, movement or denomination. Hence, even if they try to focus on one group or movement, God will constantly pull them into other church communities and/or nations to build apostolic foundations related to doctrine or kingdom life.

They will seek first the kingdom of God rather than the kingdoms of man even if they are Christian kingdoms.

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Your Thoughts? (Please keep your comments civil and family friendly)

7 Furious Prayers for March 2016

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1st GEMA Lunch fellowship Meeting for Missions CEO’s.

   

 Mission Executives, Directors and Heads of Mission Organizations gather at the Sun Lodge Hotel to deliberate on National and Global Missionary work and to pray for the Church, Missionaries and Mission Agencies both indigenous and globally.

Secondly, the Lunch meeting also offers a platform for Leaders to fellowship and interacts with each other at a deeper level as well as discusses issues of interest to all.

This was Organized and hosted by the Ghana Evangelical Missions Association. (GEMA)

Venue: Sun Lodge Hotel, Tesano – Accra, Ghana, Date: 24^th Feb 2016

The Main Speaker, Rev Edmund Vandoeuvre who is also the National Director of “International Needs, Ghana”.

The Highlight of the Meeting were

1.  the importance to maintain godly and transparent Leadership in every area of life and ministry.

2. Well defines Ministry Philosophy and strategic objectives from Biblical perceptive.

3. Missionary work must contribute to National Development by transforming lives and changing communities through the Power of the Gospel we proclaim.

4. Maintaining a high sense of Accountability and Transparency and

5. Having and sustaining good International Relations from holistic approach.

These and many other issues were all tabled and thoroughly deliberated upon.

Among the Key Leaders who were in attendance of the GEMA Lunch Meeting are the Vice President of GEMA who chaired the meeting, Pastor Ray Mensah, Rev Ed Arcton President of Liberation Mission For Christ, Rev Theophirous Asare from TheoVision Int,  Some GEMA Executive Board Members and others CEO’s from different Organizations.

The Meeting was successful and we give thank to the Lord for His grace and mercy upon us all.

GEMA needs your support today has a Prayer Partner and Financial Partner to carry out its mandate “Declare His glory among the nations and his marvellous deeds among all peoples” (Psalms 96:3)

You are blessed when you partner with GEMA. Please Contact address below.

 mailing address is: 

GEMA

P.M.B 253, Accra-North

Phone: 233 244 080 498 Ghana

For further help:   www.edarcton.net, info@edarcton.net, 

A Church without a Mission to accomplish is a dead Church.

Missions are the Life Blood of every Local Church wherever it may be located.

It’s true, the Church is "sanctuary". It has been said many times that the church is not a museum for saints; it is a hospital for broken people. We come to be saved, healed and remade by His love and by His Word but as we are saved, healed and remade, so must we help others. As we have found Salvation in Christ Jesus so must we bring others to the saving knowledge of the Son of God. We cannot use Church attendance as just an escape from the world. We must also remember that we can find sanctuary within and do not need a brick and mortar building to find it !

 And what do people say about your church after they have visited? Were they WELCOMED and made to feel "at home?" This is important...and just as important...are our churches praying for each member, AND ministering to each other, and saving the lost for Christ.  I know so many people who are really being assaulted by the world outside and need the "sanctuary of the church only to be told you aren't doing enough or not welcome. 

It's called a sanctuary for a reason so let's praise God and pray for our brothers and sisters who make it into the church for guidance, prayer, fellowship and support.  The Local Church should commits to pray for Global evangelization, sending and supporting Missionaries as they plant more Churches in an unreached area of our world today. The Church holds children of God journeying to become Christ like. Proclaiming the message of Christ Jesus to a dying world, rescuing the perishing caring for the dying souls. 

 Whose mission is it?

This is the Mission of God assigned to the Church of God to accomplish. The Lord Jesus Himself started it and commands us to finish it, till He come back again. 

Do all churches have the same mission? Let consider the following text.

(Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:47, John 17:18 and Acts 1:8)

contact: www.edarcton.net, info@edarcton.net

PRAYER FOR MARITAL BREAKTHROUGH AND REVOLT AGAINST SATANIC DEGREES

“CENTER FOR WORLD PRAYER COMMAND”

Scripture Ingredient: Psalm 27:2

“when the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell”.

.(Colossians 2:14-15)

“Blotting out the hand writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it”.

(Rev 12: 11)

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they love not their lives unto the death”.

(Galatians 3:13-14)

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, curse is everyone that hang on the tree: that the blessing of Abraham mighty come on the Gentles through Jesus Christ; that we mighty receives the promise of the Spirit through faith”.

 Declare War against Marriage Destroyers and hijackers in the spirit.

Please enter into this battle with a Militant spirit and heart. Be violent and aggressive in spirit and in attitude. Put your heart and whole self into your fighting machinery. Believe in the Power of the Holy Scriptures and have faith in every word that come out of your mouth in prayer.

With this in mind, “the battle is the LORD’S” and He will fight for you and will deliver and give you Breakthrough in JESUS mighty name.

Please fire the PRAYER ARROWS below like a MACHINE GUN in the spirit realms. It’s your Supernatural Weapons in your hands.

To begin with, understand the dynamics  of marriage that it is more spiritual than natural. It’s spiritual because it originated in Divine Wisdom and Goodness of God and it is the Word of God that plant and establishes the destiny of marriages. Human effort cannot yield the appropriate outcome, neither produces the intentions of God or reveals it’s purposes as it was from the beginning before the eating of the forbidding tree, or the Tempter had touched the world, that drove out man and his wife from the paradise God originally created for them. God designed marriage to promote human happiness and holiness, the rite is the foundation of home life and social order, and must so remain till the end of time. It was sanctioned and honored by the presence and power of Jesus at the marriage in Cana, in Galilee, and mark the beginning of His Wondrous works. It is declared by the Apostle to be Honorable in all. So it is ordained that a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave unto his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh, united in hope, aims and sentiment in all the interests of this present time.

Dear Beloved this beauty and goodness of God for marriage have been trampled under feet by Satan and his co-agents. Many Christian home and marriages have been trample under feet by the invisible force of darkness, waging war in the spirit to ensure that no Christian marriage live in peace or realized God’s goodness in their relationship. The foundation of marriage is attacked by the unseen evil forces of darkness that natural eye could not see, and has left behind deep pains and broken heart among many around us. Yet no one seems to take note and do something that will avert change to bring about supernatural turnaround breakthroughs and revolution in the spiritual realms. Satanic degrees and Laws has been issued violently against Christian marriage in the spirit, primarily to steal, Kill and destroy. While evil degrees and curses are daily issues against the children of God in the spirit, most Christians sit down unconcerned, eating and drinking as if all is well in their lives and marriages. It’s a sad situation we face today, Satan is using his agents, adviser, consultants’, evil priest and evil prophets who are pronouncing curses and issuing dangerous degrees and curses against Children of God to ensure that everything about them turn to failure and disgrace, shame and embarrassment cover children of God life daily. Today I call on you to begin to rise up and shake yourself, and  let the Eagle spirit in you begin to work for you from within you, I am calling on you, to let the spirit of the Lion of the tribe of Judah begin to roar out now, for it is time to rise from your sleep and Christ will give light. Stop sleeping, for when people sleep the enemy comes to plant bad seed in their lives through dreams attack.

You can win all the spiritual battle. Don’t just always be in the Defensive but be in the Offensive side of the battle and take the battle to the your enemies at the gate, the Host of God will stand by your side and will fight for you. Don’t allow Satan to deceive you by saying you will not be in marriage. Remember Satan is a lair from the beginning, and he is the father of all lairs.

Never be afraid, don’t ever retreat from the battle field. You are a winner, no matter what happens. Greater is He who is in you than the one coming against you. Standing on the promises of God, arise and fight, the Battle is the Lord’s. He has already given you the victory through His Blood He sheds on Calvary.

Remember JESUS is LORD, Our SAVOIR and Coming KING.

Now to the prayers for your marital Breakthrough and victory in Jesus mighty name

Begin now

     1. Confess all known and unknown sins in your life ask the Blood of Jesus to cleanse you thoroughly.

       2. Have quality time to Praise, Worship and give Glory to God for His Goodness and Mercy.

       3. Confess the Scriptures above boldly and in faith. Then begin to (pray) release these Prayer arrows (points) below like a Machine Gun in faith and in Jesus mighty name.

1.                   Every satanic law working against my marriage, be cancelled now, be replaced by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

2.                  I reverse every satanic judgment against my marriage by the power in the blood of Jesus.

3.                  Witchcraft verdict against my marriage, you shall not stand, neither shall you come to pass in the name of Jesus.

4.                  Anything buried in the ground to destroy my marriage, I nullify your powers by the blood of Jesus in Jesus’ name.

5.                  Anything buried in the waters against my marriage, I destroy and cancel your powers by the blood of Jesus.

6.                  Anything hanging in the air against my marriage, I command you to crash and burn to ashes in Jesus’ name.

7.                  Anything placed inside a bottle to lock up my marriage, catch fire and burn to ashes in the name of Jesus.

8.                 Evil pronouncements made against my marriage in the air, land or sea, be cancelled by the power in the blood of Jesus.

9.                  Every marine property working to destroy my marriage, catch fire and burn to ashes in Jesus’ name.

10.              I break and loose myself from every spiritual marriage in the dream in the name of Jesus.

11         I revolt against satanic degrees issue in spirit against my life, my destiny and my marriage right now in the mighty name of Jesus

12.        Holy Ghost eraser, blood of Jesus wipes off every evil handwriting of hatred and rejecting from my life right now in Jesus name

13.       O Lord today let my name and my marriage be deleted from any satanic and ancestor records or database, wherever it is written in the spirit realms by Power in the Blood of Jesus.

14.        Let every deadly incantations and divination's issue in spirit realms against my marriage be cancelled now by the Power in Blood of the Lamb in Jesus name.

15.        Today let my marriage be delivered from satanic domination, control and manipulations in the name of Jesus

16.        In the Order of Prophet Elijah O’ Lord send your rain of fire to destroy all enemies of my marriage in Jesus mighty name.

17.        Let God arise and let all enemies of my marriage be scatted in Jesus name.

18.        I destroy the root of evil marital foundation from my family background in the mighty name of Jesus.

19.        Today I saturate my marriage and would be spouse in the Blood of the Lamb in Jesus mighty name.

20.        By the Power of the Holy Spirit I destroy evil alters speaking and militating against my marriage in the spirit in Jesus name.

21.      Holy Spirit takes full control and overshadow my marriage from today in Jesus mighty name.

22.     Let the voice of God plant and establish the root and foundation of my marriage in Jesus mighty name.

 23.      LORD I thank You for answering my prayers.

After praying this prayer, now spend another time to Praise and thanking God for breakthrough in your marriage.

You need to stay on this prayer the period of 7 to 10 continue days for maximum impartation and breakthrough in the supernatural realm.

For any help or further assistance please contact the address below.

Rev Ed Arcton

Executive Director

Center for World Prayer Command

Box K.N 1061 Kaneshie, Accra, Ghana 

 Phone:  00233(0)24-3-45-29-45

Email:   info@edarcton.net

Website: www.edarcton.net

Who is Jesus? Who is Jesus to You ?

   

In chemistry,

He turned water to wine.

In biology,    

He was born without the normal conception;

In physics,

He disapproved the law of gravity when He ascended into heaven;    

In economics,

He disapproved the law of diminishing return by feeding 5000 men with two fishes & 5 loaves of bread;

In medicine,

He cured the sick and the blind without administering a single dose of drugs;

In history,  

He is the beginning and the end; the alpha and the Omega

In government,

He said that He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace;

In religion,                                      

He came not to form a new religion but to bring reconciliation between God and man. He said no one comes to the Father except through Him;

So, Who is He? He is Jesus!

The Greatest Man in History

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us that He gave Himself for us all.

Join me and let's celebrate Him; He is worthy of our Praise

The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil,

The hand that will share this message to everybody shall not labor in vain, and The mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall smile forever.

Remain in God and seek his face always.

Amen!

In God I've found everything!

Share this to all whom you care for. Let someone know of the works of Our Lord JESUS.

Let the whole world appreciate the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. Do not hesitate to spread the gospel to all..😊 It's your turn to spread it forth today and always.

Share and type a message …………..

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GHANA EVANGELICAL MISSION ASSOCIATION AWARD PROGRAM

 GEMA 25^th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Program

 Rev Ed Arcton was among other Dignities invited and awarded for “EXCELLENCE STEWARDSHIP AWARD” and into GEMA HALL OF FAME, GEMA ROLE OF HONOUR at the 25th Anniversary Dinner program organized and hosted by the Ghana Evangelical Mission Association (GEMA), 

Date: 28th November 2015, 

Venue - Chartered Institute of Bankers Conference Hall, Accra Ghana.

We give all Glory and Honor unto Our God for His Mercy and Loving kindness toward us for Strength and opportunity to serve the Church, the Body of Christ and for the advancement and progression of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in our time and generation.

Among those who were awarded EXCELLENT STEWARDSHIP AWARD were Dr Seth Anyomi past President of GEMA, Rev Dr Isaac Ababio (HOSEA), Rev Ross Campbell past National Director Ghana Evangelism Committee, Rev Ed Arcton past GEMA 1st Secretary and General Coordinator, Rev Dr T.B Dankwah Accra Community Chapel, Prof. Stephen Adei past Director General (GIMPA) and Mr Bernard Ofori-Atta past 1st GEMA General Coordinator, just to mention few. 

Also, there were others who were awarded OUTSTANDING APOSTELLO AWARD, DISTINCTIVE MISSION DEI AWARD and KINGDOM EXCELLENCE AWARD.

“I salute all the Awardees and also expressed my sincere gratitude to the present GEMA Executives and membership for honoring us who by the Grace of God lay done our life and sacrifice a lot for the work of Missions and Evangelization of Ghana, Africa and beyond”. God Bless us all.

Thank You GEMA

Thank you everyone

Written By Rev Ed Arcton

contact: www.edarcton.net, info@edarcton.net