Shemen Camp 26: S11 The Test of Genuine Evidence of an Apostolic Ministry

Who is an Apostle? Apostle is the Greek Word “Apostolos” which means the following: 1. A Delegate: A person sent or authorized to represent another). 2. An Ambassador of the Gospel or a Commissioner of Christ. 3. A Messenger: A Carrier of a message or is employed to carry messages on behalf of another. 4. One sent forth with orders Genuine Evidence Of An Apostolic Ministry 1. Evidence Of The Call Of God The first genuine evidence or sign of an apostolic ministry is His calling. Who then calls an Apostle? Jesus Christ! Apostle Paul described his calling; •He was not called or appointed by a group of people; •He was not called by any human authority; •He was called by Jesus Christ Himself, God the Father, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Galatians 1:1 NLT, Acts 9:1-6, 15, Acts 22:17-21, 2. The Evidence Of Having a Certain Degree Of Freedom (1 Corinthians 9:1). The next thing from being called as an Apostle is to have some degree or realm of freedom to do certain things. You cannot claim to be an Apostle a too much restrictions, your apostolic ministry may never be fulfilled. The word freedom is the Greek word “Eleutheros” which means; •To be Free Born In a civil sense of not being a slave. How can you be an Apostle of Jesus Christ and also be a slave to one thing or the other; one person or another. That will curtail your movement and ministry. As an Apostle, you must even marry a woman who will give you some degree of freedom to do the work of God. •To be Unrestrained Apostle need a certain realm of freedom to express their apostolic ministry especially when they are called in a ministry. The administrative structures must allow such apostles some degree of freedom from restrictions so they can express their apostolic ministry or calling. •To be Granted Certain Exemptions from Laws Apostles are people who have a strange heart for the Lord of their call and their calling. So they often come up with a lot of innovations, ideas and creativity. Therefore without a certain of degree of exemption from rules, regulations and laws, they will be restricted and cannot fulfill their apostolic ministry. 3. THE EVIDENCE OF SEEING JESUS CHRIST (1 CORINTHIANS 9:1). One of the qualifications Apostle Paul gives to the genuineness of his apostolic calling is that he has seen Jesus Christ. A genuine of Apostle of Christ may encounter Jesus Christ once and again during his ministry calling. Be blessed as you listen to this thought provoking and challenging teaching from our father!