John wrote: > I do believe that the apostles had a measure > of the Spirit that was in addition that of the > gifts of the Spirit
The apostolic office is characgterized by special signs and wonders, yes, but this should not be characterized as you have done here. Read 1 Cor. 12 for the proper perspective of apostles to the rest of the body of Christ. John wrote: > ... the 7 deacons could not do anything of a > miracluous nature before the apostles layed > hands on them. Mere speculation on your part, which flies in the face of church tradition and historical writings. Furthermore, the Scriptures themselves suggest otherwise when they describe these men already as men of faith, filled with the Holy Ghost. John wrote: > Miracles do continue in the church to this day > but to the exclusion of "faith healings." An effeminate remark which even the female founder of your church has disagreed with. John wrote: > There is no more impa rtation of scripture. Speculation and presumption, which might be right, but it has no basis of authority. John wrote: > In the Pentecostal tradition, I have seen many who > claim to be "apostles." Not a single one can raise > the dead, heal by casting a shadow, walk through > unopened doors and the like. I do not think these > men to be evil -- simply confused. Surely there are false apostles today just as there were in New Testament times. Why does Jesus praise the Ephesian church for testing false apostles if John was the last one? Why would there be any testing at this time if John was to be the last apostle? I have known personally two men who have been raised from the dead. I have met apostles who have reported to me experiences of raising the dead, of people being healed as they walked by, and who have had cloths taken to the sick and seen them healed. Just because you have met false apostles does not mean they are all false apostles. I have met false apostles too. When Jesus ascended on high, he gave gifts unto men, namely, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The reason they were given was for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ. This was to be until we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Now when someone starts stripping away these gifts, claiming that the apostles are no longer in the body of Christ, or that the modern prophet is now the theologian, or other such fantasies, it only serves to change the body of Christ into something else, more akin to a Christian social club. Why is it that people are so accepting of teachers and pastors, but they do everything they can to discredit and remove from the body of Christ the apostles and prophets? I say that until we are brought into unity of faith and knowledge, unto a perfect man and the fullness of Christ, we need them all. If we have not arrived at such, part of the reason is that we reject the present day ministry of apostles and prophets, so the local church has no solid foundation in Christ. Ephesians 4:8-16 (8) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) (11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 2:19-22 (19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
