Truly the Signs of An Apostle - Part 830

After the Lord ascended into Heaven, He [JESUS] through His holy Spirit gave commandments to His apostles whom He had chosen. These twelve apostles were to be His witnesses to the uttermost part of the earth. 

Note: According to scripture, an apostle is one to whom the Word of God comes forth from. One is not an apostle because he or she quotes Bible scripture eloquently. One is not an apostle because they self-appoint themselves (or by extension, the religious culture/institution appoints them).

So that begs the question. In these last days whereby the emergence of false prophets is seemingly everywhere (and multiplying daily), how can we recognize the works of a true apostle -- an apostle appointed by our Lord God and Saviour? 

First, we study His Word for our learning. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God. Then we ask for His guidance and understanding in spiritual matters. Remember when Jesus told the disciples that the message in the parables was given specifically to them? What was He saying? That as you seek Him, a clarity and understanding evolves in the knowledge and wisdom you receive, that makes you want to know more.

Jesus said, "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

So it is in the Word that we learn about apostles. In II Corinthians 12:12, the Word states: "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." 

Further, in Acts, the Word states: "And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one." (Acts 5:12-42)

How did this happen? Because the apostles understood who God was. His identity. His name. These knew that Jesus was God in the flesh -- yes, the same God who commands the universe willingly shed His precious blood on a cross for you and I, so that we could be forgiven of our sins. These did not deny Jesus -- the Lord of lords and King of kings, nor did they deny His name. We are instructed in everything that we do in word or deed, to do in the name of Jesus, including water baptism. (Acts 2:38-42) And as such, they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine ... "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:20) 

Moreover, "when Jesus had called unto [Him] His twelve disciples, He gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease ... These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give ... And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10; Luke 9)

But Saul/Paul who we read about yesterday, was chosen of the Lord to be an apostle of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (non Jews) as well. (In this dispensation, we are the Gentiles). Paul did not receive nor was he instructed in the gospel message from other men. Instead, Paul received the gospel message through the gift of revelation (which is one of the nine gifts of the Spirit). These are the same gifts explained in I Corinthians 11-13 and the edifying gifts believers are encouraged to desire.

Believers like you and me receive the Word of God as taught by the chosen apostles of the Lord. The Word of the holy Spirit which is the Word of God was coming forth from Paul. We know this to be true because God confirmed His Word. Recall that Paul declared that if any man think himself to be an apostle or a spiritual person , then he or she should acknowledge that the things which he spoke of are/were the commandments of the Lord.

Today, we have all sorts of messages emanating from a range of religious organizations and institutions. Much of the time, the messages portrayed are totally devoid concerning the scriptural message that was delivered to the early believers from the appointed apostles. In fact, many do not call God by His name. Do they even know that Jesus is His name? That Jesus is the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? 

Regardless, as a consequence, God has enforced their unbelief by sending to these religions an even stronger delusion than one could ever have dreamed of, causing them to believe a lie. This is why we can say that the world through worldly wisdom knows nothing concerning the Lord. Indeed, so dark is their understanding of God that they call evil as enlightenment -- calling light darkness and darkness light.

Still, God has never been willing that anyone should perish. This is why God veiled Himself in flesh and laid down His life so that we could embrace redemption and be saved. God was in the world. He made you and me. And today, the wisdom of God is displayed everywhere crying out, "I AM the LORD YOUR GOD, YOUR SAVIOUR! Though your sins be dark, I will forgive you if you will only return to Me."

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." There is no other way. I am the door. There is no other door! I am the Good Shepherd. I gave My life for you! Call upon Me and I will deliver you. I send My Word to you! Only believe and receive from Me the gift of Eternal Life. The keys to the Kingdom.

When you do, you become "the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." (I Corinthians 12:27-31)

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

Therefore, do not believe those who do not preach the Word in its entirety, "for such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ." (II Peter 2; I John 4; Matthew 7; John 8:44) These lack the signs and wonders that confirm that these are speaking the truth, as outlined in the scriptures. For as believers in Jesus Christ our Lord, "we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." (II Peter 1:16)

Paul said, "Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours -- but you." (II Corinthians 12:14) Stand in the offering plate.