WANTED: Apostolic People

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2 RECAP He intended the church to reflect an Apostolic ministry that would induce a Kingdom attraction The Church that Jesus intended WAS NOT comprise of religious elements or distractions that we are familiar with today The Church was to be the MANIFESTATION of Jesus (the Great Apostle) in power, character & spirit

3 RECAP Apostolic First, a word not found in scripture NOR a reference to denominationalism Form of the word Apostle: Apostolos- one sent forth This is a reflection of the Latin Term: Missio Dei mission of God/ the sending of God

4 RECAP Missional is simply the adjective form of the noun missionary. It describes a church that sees God s mission as the unconditional standard that defines, shapes and sends the church to participate in what God is already doing in the earth the redemption of mankind

5 RECAP Apostolic is Synonymous to the word Ambassador The Greek word ἀπόστολος is employed by classical authors to describe a person That was in a sense an envoy, or commissioned messenger. Ambassador: πρεσβεύω (presbeúō) literally be an ambassador or envoy. Figuratively in the NT, of an apostolic ministry. This meant be an ambassador, be a representative sent by Christ Written in the: Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament

6 RECAP Goals of an Apostolic Missional Ministry To EQUIP its Local Assembly to operate Apostolically in their gifts, in their purpose and destiny To manifest the image of Christ in the earth To Make DISCIPLES

7 What does an Apostolic Person Look Like? An Apostolic Person is NOT content with simply BEING a Christian An Apostolic Person is all about DOING what has already been purposed MEANING: They Live a life ON PURPOSE

8 Model of Apostolic People They are Apostolic: People who see the importance of establishing, equipping & building the life of other people...let all things be done for building up 1Cor. 14:26(b) (NRSV)

9 Model of Apostolic People They are Prophetic: People who are guided by the divine utterance and leading of the Holy Spirit. The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them. Rom 8:14 (ETRV) The LORD says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Ps 32:8(NLT)

10 Model of Apostolic People They are Evangelistic: People who see the importance of spreading the Good News of Christ in order to make new Disciples And so the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew larger and larger, and a great number of priests accepted the faith. Acts 6:7

11 Model of Apostolic People They are Pastoral: People who recognize the urgency to nurture, develop & mature God s Sheep He said to him again a second time, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me? He said to Him, Yes, Lord; You know that I Love You. He said to him, Tend My sheep. Jn 21:16 So we continue to tell people about Christ. We use all wisdom to counsel every person and teach every person. We are trying to bring everyone before God as people who have grown to be spiritually mature in Christ. 29 To do this, I work and struggle using the great strength that Christ gives me. That strength is working in my life. Col 1:28-29(ETRV)

12 Model of Apostolic People They are Teachers: People who understand the value & significance to guide & instruct God s Sheep Let the Word of Christ the Message have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense... Col 3:16(MSG)

13 EXAMPLES OF APOSTOLIC PEOPLE Paul & Timothy They were apostolically wanting to establish & build up members at Thessalonica 1 Thess 3:1-2 (ASV) Ananias Was prophetically guided by the Spirit to help Paul Acts 9:10-18 Aquila & Priscilla Saw the need to instruct & teach Apollos also operated a small house church Acts 18:24-27/1 Cor 16:19 Paul & Barnabas They were operating evangelistically Acts 14:21-22(ASV) Barnabas Saw the need to nurture & encourage a hurting sheep named Paul Acts 9:26-28

14 RESULTS OF AN APOSTOLIC PEOPLE A. The Power of God Manifest As We Promote the Good News Message B. Community Begins to Reverence God C. The Church of God Grows & Multiplies

15 Acts 5: And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon s Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,