What the Apostolic Ministry IS NOT!

Darryl Samuels & Neil Girrard
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Scriptures Referenced in This Article:
          (Follow the Scripture links if you want to study the Scriptures for yourself.)
Mt. 6:33 π Jn. 13:13-18 π Acts 13:1-2 π Rom. 14:17 π 1 Cor. 9:18 π 2 Cor. 11:7 π 2 Cor. 12:12-15 π Eph 5:3 π 1 Ths. 2:5 π 1 Ths. 2:6 π 1 Tim. 1:1 π 1 Tim. 6:9-10 π 2 Tim. 2:15 π 2 Tim 3:2 π Tit. 1:7 π Tit. 3:3 π 1 Pet. 2:22 π 1 Pet. 5: 2 π 3 Jn. 9

IT IS NOT a means for personal kingdom building.

It is a mandate for all believers given the glorious privilege of presenting God’s kingdom of light to a lost and dying world in the hope that many more will be turned from darkness to light, to Christ Jesus the KING of kings, the LORD of lords, to HIS KINGDOM where HE rules and reigns SUPREME! ( Mt. 6:33 ; Rom. 14:17; top )

IT IS NOT how many churches you have in “your” network.

Apostolic building is a spiritual quality that results in the increase of Christ and His kingdom in the earth, not the increase of a network or of a mere mortal who sees himself “set” in place over his own personal creation and area of rule. Paul’s apostolic mandate was to make Christ known in a foundational way. The call of an apostle is to be gladly spent and used up by others ( 2 Cor. 12:12-15 ), not to build up a great network or a cleverly disguised pyramid scheme to swindle God’s flock for the first fruits, tithes and offerings for themselves by calling it a more excellent way of giving. ( Eph 5:3 ; 2 Tim 3:2; top )

IT IS NOT about money.

It is the quality of care for the local assembly and love for the saints. Peter wrote, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;” ( 1 Pet. 5: 2 ) And Paul wrote, “You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness.” ( 1 Ths. 2:5; top ) Paul declares, and calls upon his readers as witnesses, that he never used his ministry as a secret means of enriching himself.

IT IS NOT a multi-level marketing scheme.

A system of “church planters” where all the first fruits, tithes and offerings work their way to the top – ‘the Covering Apostle’ – is only a pyramid scheme to separate the unwary from their money. True Christian leaders have integrity with the Lord’s money. They refuse to take large amounts of monies for themselves; handle all finances with integrity and responsibility; and seek to promote Gods work in ways consistent with New Testament standards for leaders. ( Tit. 3:3 ; 1 Tim. 6:9-10; top )

IT IS NOT about human glory. “I'm Apostle so and so.”

Paul said, “We have never sought honour from men, from you or from anybody else.” ( 1 Ths. 2:6 ) Paul repudiates personal ambition. Paul never used his preaching to gain the honour, recognition and approval that men give but instead sought and taught that all men should seek God’s approval. ( 2 Tim. 2:15 ) Being Apostolic means faithfulness to the gospel, and to serve one another in LOVE! It’s about preaching the Gospel without any costs attached to it…FREE OF CHARGE…not turning God’s grace into a lucrative career and position of prestige, power and preeminence! ( 1 Cor. 9:18 ; 2 Cor. 11:7 ; Tit. 1:7 ; 3 Jn. 9 ; etc.; top)

IT IS NOT about going wherever the “apostle” thinks he is welcome.

It is not “sending” yourself or using your eloquence or charisma to collect resources so you can go wherever you’re welcomed or have gained a personal following. It is going exactly and only where God said you should go. ( 1 Tim. 1:1 ) Apostolic means that the messenger is truly sent by God. (this is Greek meaning of “apostle” – the word “apostle” is only a transliteration, imported into English to sound more official and important.) The only instance in the New Testament of this kind of sending is Barnabas and Saul – and this sending was confirmed by all present at that gathering. ( Acts 13:1-2; top )

ABOVE ALL WE SHOULD FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR CHRIST JESUS.

Jesus said, “You call Me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you must wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you. In all truth I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, no messenger is greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know this, blessed are you if you behave accordingly. I am not speaking about all of you: I know the ones I have chosen; but what scripture says must be fulfilled: ‘He who shares my table takes advantage of Me…’” ( Jn. 13:13-18 ) And “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” ( 1 Pet. 2:22; top ) Anything else is a only man-made addition or a demonically authored counterfeit to the only true way to follow Christ. AMEN!


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We’d love to hear comments and/or questions from you! Email Darryl Samuels Email Neil Girrard

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