What to do in church meetings Protestant Tradition v. Scripture

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Bob-Carabbio

Well-known member
Jun 24, 2020
1,602
803
113
#81
That is merely an assumption. You did not grown up with apostles and prophets, but evangelists, pastors, and teachers. There are only twelve apostles of the Lamb, and all were eye-witnesses of the resurrected Christ (Paul included).
Standard Cessationist rhetoric!!!! By all means deny the continued ability / willingness of God to gift, and speak through His people.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,773
113
#82
You are mistaken:
Not if you go by the History of the Christian Church. Schaff explains Ireneaus and Tertullian's words:
"We do not know how long the glossolalia, as thus described by Paul, continued. It passed away gradually with the other extraordinary or strictly supernatural gifts of the apostolic age. It is not mentioned in the Pastoral, nor in the Catholic Epistles.

We have but a few allusions to it at the close of the second century. Irenaeus (Adv. Haer. 1. v. c. 6, § 1) speaks of “many brethren” whom he heard in the church having the gift of prophecy and of speaking in “diverse tongues” ,bringing the hidden things of men to light and expounding the mysteries of God . It is not clear whether by the term “diverse,” which does not elsewhere occur, he means a speaking in foreign languages, or in diversities of tongues altogether peculiar, like those meant by Paul. The latter is more probable. Irenaeus himself had to learn the language of Gaul.

Tertullian (Adv. Marc. V. 8; comp. De Anima, c. 9) obscurely speaks of the spiritual gifts, including the gift of tongues, as being still manifest among the Montanists to whom he belonged. [Montanism was heretical. "It also became clear that the claim of Montanus to have the final revelation of the Holy Spirit implied that something could be added to the teaching of Christ and the Apostles and that, therefore, the church had to accept a fuller revelation." Britannica]

At the time of Chrysostom it had entirely disappeared; at least he accounts for the obscurity of the gift from our ignorance of the fact. From that time on the glossolalia was usually misunderstood as a miraculous and permanent gift of foreign languages for missionary purposes. But the whole history of missions furnishes no clear example of such a gift for such a purpose.

Analogous phenomena, of an inferior kind, and not miraculous, yet serving as illustrations, either by approximation or as counterfeits, reappeared from time to time in seasons of special religious excitement, as among the Camisards and the prophets of the Cevennes in France, among the early Quakers and Methodists, the Mormons, the Readers (“Läsare”) in Sweden in 1841 to 1843, in the Irish revivals of 1859, and especially in the “Catholic Apostolic Church,” commonly called Irvingites, from 1831 to 1833, and even to this day.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,773
113
#83
Standard Cessationist rhetoric!!!! By all means deny the continued ability / willingness of God to gift, and speak through His people.
I am still waiting for you and Marilyn (or others) to give us CONCRETE examples of apostles and prophets today. Names, dates, prophecies, and whether they are simply rehashes of what is already in the Bible, or genuine revelations.

Accusing Cessationists but failing to prove your point means that you have no evidence.
But we have our evidence, and it is the COMPLETE Word of God, with the apostles and prophets within its pages. If you cannot be satisfied with this, then you are the one with a problem. We do not need new revelations, since God has given us all that we need. And the apostle-prophet John made that abundantly clear, while Paul said that prophecies would indeed cease.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,915
852
113
#84
You will not find a verse that says "this is about the Bible". So you have to "connect the dots".

Peter said We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Please note the following:
1. "We have a more sure word of prophecy." This is in relation to the written Word of God. Peter puts his own, and all the apostles writings into the same category as "prophecy of the Scripture", and tells us that absolutely all the writers of the OT (called "Scripture" here) wrote under divine inspiration ("moved by the Holy Ghost").

2. Then Peter equates ALL of Paul's epistles with the OT Scriptures: And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:15,16)

3. Then Paul (before Peter) said this: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Tim 3:16). Which implies a complete Bible.

4. Then John said this in the last chapter of the last book of the NT: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (Rev 22:18) Was John speaking solely about Revelation, or was he applying this to the whole Bible, since he knew that all the apostles had passed on and he was the last one? the Bible closed with Revelation around 95-96 AD. Was it complete? Absolutely.

So did Paul's prophecy regarding the cessation of all prophecies come to pass? Absolutely. Therefore Paul was careful to say: But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away (1 Cor 13:10). Notice that he did not say "He who is perfect" but "that which is perfect". And the incomplete Bible ("that which is in part") was replaced with a complete Bible ("that which is complete")

Could that verse have also be stated as "that which is complete"? Absolutely.
Stephanus Textus Receptus 1550
οταν δε ελθη το τελειον τοτε το εκ μερους καταργηθησεται
Strong's Concordance
teleios: having reached its end, i.e. complete, by ext. perfect
Original Word: τέλειος, α, ον
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: teleios
Phonetic Spelling: (tel'-i-os)
Definition: having reached its end, complete, perfect
Usage: perfect, (a) complete in all its parts, (b) full grown, of full age, (c) specially of the completeness of Christian character.


The verses below verse 10 do not relate to the Bible, but to the perfection of the Christian. When we see God and Christ face-to-face after the Resurrection/Rapture, we all will be perfect and glorified. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Cor 13:12)
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us
who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:5
So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God.

1 Corinthians 4:19
But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words
of those who are arrogant, but their power.

1 Corinthians 4:20
For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,915
852
113
#85
Not if you go by the History of the Christian Church. Schaff explains Ireneaus and Tertullian's words:
"We do not know how long the glossolalia, as thus described by Paul, continued. It passed away gradually with the other extraordinary or strictly supernatural gifts of the apostolic age. It is not mentioned in the Pastoral, nor in the Catholic Epistles.

We have but a few allusions to it at the close of the second century. Irenaeus (Adv. Haer. 1. v. c. 6, § 1) speaks of “many brethren” whom he heard in the church having the gift of prophecy and of speaking in “diverse tongues” ,bringing the hidden things of men to light and expounding the mysteries of God . It is not clear whether by the term “diverse,” which does not elsewhere occur, he means a speaking in foreign languages, or in diversities of tongues altogether peculiar, like those meant by Paul. The latter is more probable. Irenaeus himself had to learn the language of Gaul.

Tertullian (Adv. Marc. V. 8; comp. De Anima, c. 9) obscurely speaks of the spiritual gifts, including the gift of tongues, as being still manifest among the Montanists to whom he belonged. [Montanism was heretical. "It also became clear that the claim of Montanus to have the final revelation of the Holy Spirit implied that something could be added to the teaching of Christ and the Apostles and that, therefore, the church had to accept a fuller revelation." Britannica]

At the time of Chrysostom it had entirely disappeared; at least he accounts for the obscurity of the gift from our ignorance of the fact. From that time on the glossolalia was usually misunderstood as a miraculous and permanent gift of foreign languages for missionary purposes. But the whole history of missions furnishes no clear example of such a gift for such a purpose.

Analogous phenomena, of an inferior kind, and not miraculous, yet serving as illustrations, either by approximation or as counterfeits, reappeared from time to time in seasons of special religious excitement, as among the Camisards and the prophets of the Cevennes in France, among the early Quakers and Methodists, the Mormons, the Readers (“Läsare”) in Sweden in 1841 to 1843, in the Irish revivals of 1859, and especially in the “Catholic Apostolic Church,” commonly called Irvingites, from 1831 to 1833, and even to this day.
Acts 20:29
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you,
not sparing the flock.

Christian history is the decline of the activity of the Holy Spirit and the
power of the Holy Spirit.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,251
1,106
113
#86
Not if you go by the History of the Christian Church. Schaff explains Ireneaus and Tertullian's words:
...
"... Schaff explains Ireneaus and Tertullian's words"

Attempts to explain away what is clearly written is common in those who cannot bring themselves to just accept the truth.


"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" John 7:38-39

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:4
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,559
654
113
#87
I am still waiting for you and Marilyn (or others) to give us CONCRETE examples of apostles and prophets today. Names, dates, prophecies, and whether they are simply rehashes of what is already in the Bible, or genuine revelations.

Accusing Cessationists but failing to prove your point means that you have no evidence.
But we have our evidence, and it is the COMPLETE Word of God, with the apostles and prophets within its pages. If you cannot be satisfied with this, then you are the one with a problem. We do not need new revelations, since God has given us all that we need. And the apostle-prophet John made that abundantly clear, while Paul said that prophecies would indeed cease.
Just to be clear, You have given us no concrete proof of your one verse theology either... not one iota. So as you judge others, you condemn yourself with the same lack.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,915
852
113
#88
That is merely an assumption. You did not grown up with apostles and prophets, but evangelists, pastors, and teachers. There are only twelve apostles of the Lamb, and all were eye-witnesses of the resurrected Christ (Paul included).
Barnabas was called an apostle.

Acts 14:14
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out.

If Cessationism is correct then the other ministries of the Holy Spirit, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Cannot be legitimate ministries of the Holy Spirit.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,773
113
#89
Just to be clear, You have given us no concrete proof of your one verse theology either... not one iota. So as you judge others, you condemn yourself with the same lack.
It is not a one-verse theology. The complete Bible is the evidence. See my new post. And actually one verse can establish a complete doctrine (e.g. John 3:16).
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,230
1,126
113
New Zealand
#90
Barnabas was called an apostle.

Acts 14:14
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out.

If Cessationism is correct then the other ministries of the Holy Spirit, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Cannot be legitimate ministries of the Holy Spirit.
There were close associates of the apostles who were given similar commission. They are the exception..not the rule in scripture.

Pastors, evangelists and teachers, in the Bible, have nothing in the future of those positions that leads to them ceasing.

The only thing that affects them..is there is no longer a need for them to be accompanied by signs and wonders.

I believe Ephesians 4 shows the gifts of these ministries has ceased.. as the point of unity has come with the death of the apostles and inspiration of the scriptures finishing. But there is nothing to say the ministries themselves have ceased.

In interpreting this . .. it's looking at them, there and then.. and what happens in the future of them, there..rather than directly applying to us now.

Any scripture..if there is nothing limiting a work of God in the future of that.. then it could be applied to now.

Especially the sign gifts of the apostles have things that affect there use in the future of them, there.

I know Ephesians 4 is not always agreed on by cessationists as ministry gifts also being put away.. but they do all agree the sign gifts have.

As Nehemiah6 typed.. there are no prophets today or apostles. The Biblical requirements for them... no one now meets.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,773
113
#91
Acts 14:14
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out.
The Bible does not contradict itself. So look at this verse: And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (Rev 21:14)

So how was Barnabas called an apostle? Not a single commentator has addressed this. But what we know of Barnabas from the rest of Scripture show that he was not an apostle. Acts 9:27 and 15:2 clearly distinguishes him from the apostles, while Acts 13:1 puts him among the prophets and teachers. But because he was sent with Paul in Acts 13:2, and closely associated with him, he was called an "apostle" ("sent one" but not one of the 12).
 

Marilyn

Well-known member
Jul 27, 2021
1,120
244
63
#92
That is merely an assumption. You did not grown up with apostles and prophets, but evangelists, pastors, and teachers. There are only twelve apostles of the Lamb, and all were eye-witnesses of the resurrected Christ (Paul included).
The 12 Apostles were appointed BEFORE Christ died. They had to be witnesses of His life, death, resurrection and ascension. (Acts 1: 21 & 22) They were to witness of Christ to Israel as Lord and Messiah. (Acts 2: 36)

The Apostles AFTER Christ ascended were for the Body of Christ. (Eph. 4: 10 - 13)

Big difference there. Different purposes in Christ.
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,230
1,126
113
New Zealand
#93
from got questions.org:

"There was also a spiritual gift of apostle (this is not to be confused with the office—they are separate). Among those who had the spiritual gift were James (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Corinthians 9:6), Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7), possibly Silas and Timothy (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:7), and Apollos (1 Corinthians 4:6, 9). This latter group had the gift of apostleship but not the apostolic "office" conferred upon the Twelve and Paul. Those who had the gift of apostle, then, were those who carried the gospel message with God’s authority. The word "apostle" means "one sent as an authoritative delegate." This was true of those who held the office of Apostle (like Paul) and those who had the spiritual gift (like Apollos). Though there are men like this today, men who are sent by God to spread the gospel, it is best NOT to refer to them as apostles because of the confusion this causes since many are not aware of the two different uses of the term apostle."
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,773
113
#94
The Apostles AFTER Christ ascended were for the Body of Christ. (Eph. 4: 10 - 13)
That is a misinterpretation of that passage, because you want to see apostles and prophets today, when there are none.

So look at the tense used: And he gave [PAST TENSE] some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; It does not say "and He will also give..."

So where are your wonderful apostles and prophets of today? You have not provided a shred of concrete evidence. Neither has anyone else. Just condemnation of those evil "Cessationists".
"There was also a spiritual gift of apostle (this is not to be confused with the office—they are separate).
I would disagree. The spiritual gift was limited to the twelve (Judas excluded and Paul included).

Paul specifically speaks of "the signs of an apostle", and Hebrews 2 tells us that signs, wonders, and miracles were a part of the office (ministry would be more accurate) of an apostle. Not one of those named by gotquestions.org performed any miracles.

Thus we have only "twelve apostles of the Lamb". Paul told the Corinthian Christians that he had shown the signs of an apostle himself. He was compelled to boast because people were doubting his apostleship. The eleven performed miracles both before and after the resurrection of Christ. And Paul was already destined for the apostleship before he was born. God and Christ wanted a converted Pharisee as their apostle. And he did much more than any of the others.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,773
113
#95
BEWARE OF FALSE APOSTLES, FALSE PROPHETS, AND FALSE TEACHERS!

The New Apostolic Reformation claims that there are (and will be) apostles and prophets. GotQuestions.org has summarized their teachings, and basically this is FALSE DOCTRINE.

The New Apostolic Reformation teaches that God’s intended form of church governance is apostles and prophets, holding leadership over evangelists, pastors, and teachers. However, this has not been the case for the vast majority of Christian history. So, according to the New Apostolic Reformation, God began to restore prophets and apostles over the last thirty to forty years. Only now, as the church is properly guided by the appropriate spiritual leaders, can it fulfill its commission. This commission is seen as more than spiritual, as it includes cultural and political control.

In the New Apostolic Reformation, apostles are seen as the highest of all spiritual leaders, being specially empowered by God. True maturity and unity, per the New Apostolic Reformation, is only found in those who submit to the leadership of their apostles. According to this teaching, as the church unifies behind the apostles, these leaders will develop greater and greater supernatural powers. Eventually, this will include the ability to perform mass healings and suspend the laws of physics. These signs are meant to encourage a massive wave of converts to Christianity. These apostles are also destined to be recipients of a great wealth transfer (in the end times), which will enable the church to establish God’s kingdom on earth.
[Sure: it is all about making money off gullible Christians]

Prophets in the New Apostolic Reformation are almost as important as apostles. These people have been empowered to receive “new” revelations from God that will aid the church in establishing dominion. According to the New Apostolic Reformation, only prophets, and occasionally apostles, can obtain new revelations. Evangelists, pastors, and teachers cannot. The prophets’ new revelations are crucial to overcoming the world, and the success of the church depends on the apostles following through on the information prophets provide. Most of their prophecies are extremely vague and easy to re-interpret, and the New Apostolic Reformation is willing to modify them, since they set no standard of infallibility for themselves.

According to New Apostolic thinking, mankind lost its dominion over earth as part of the fall of Adam. So Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross not only resolved our sin debt, but it empowered mankind—specifically, Christians—to retake control of the earth. The New Apostolic Reformation sees seven areas in which believers are supposedly empowered and expected to dominate: government, arts, finances, education, religion, family, and media. Of these, the New Apostolic Reformation sees government as the most important because of its ability to influence all of the other facets of life. As a result, the New Apostolic Reformation overtly encourages Christian control over politics, culture, and business. In some ways, this is nothing unusual, as people should be expected to vote and lobby according to their convictions. The New Apostolic Reformation, however, is often accused of pushing for outright theocracy.

Spiritual warfare, according to the New Apostolic Reformation, is meant to resolve worldly concerns. For example, economic troubles or health problems in a particular city are seen as the result of a demonic spirit’s influence. Prayer, research into the specific name of that demon, and other spiritual disciplines are then applied in an effort to combat this presence. This is necessary not only for the health of the region, but also because the church cannot take “dominion” over that area until the demonic control has been lifted.

Biblically, there are major problems with the New Apostolic Reformation. Claiming that Christians have access to certain spiritual gifts is one thing, but their distinctive approach to the role of apostles and prophets is a stretch from what is found in the Bible. More to the point, the office of apostle requires traits that are impossible today. For example, true apostles must be personal eyewitnesses of the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:7–8), specifically designated as apostles by Jesus (Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:2; Luke 6:13), and already verified by miraculous signs (Matthew 10:1; 2 Corinthians 12:2; Acts 5:12)....
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,230
1,126
113
New Zealand
#96
That is a misinterpretation of that passage, because you want to see apostles and prophets today, when there are none.

So look at the tense used: And he gave [PAST TENSE] some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; It does not say "and He will also give..."

So where are your wonderful apostles and prophets of today? You have not provided a shred of concrete evidence. Neither has anyone else. Just condemnation of those evil "Cessationists".
I would disagree.
The spiritual gift was limited to the twelve (Judas excluded and Paul included).

Paul specifically speaks of "the signs of an apostle", and Hebrews 2 tells us that signs, wonders, and miracles were a part of the office (ministry would be more accurate) of an apostle. Not one of those named by gotquestions.org performed any miracles.

Thus we have only "twelve apostles of the Lamb". Paul told the Corinthian Christians that he had shown the signs of an apostle himself. He was compelled to boast because people were doubting his apostleship. The eleven performed miracles both before and after the resurrection of Christ. And Paul was already destined for the apostleship before he was born. God and Christ wanted a converted Pharisee as their apostle. And he did much more than any of the others.
Yeah-- I need to look at this more. Just trying to get these distinctions right. I don't always agree with gotquestions.org.. I'm getting at the fact of Barnabas.. etc.. being in different situation to the average believer. Close associates to the apostles who were more the exception than the rule.
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,461
458
83
#97
Yeah-- I need to look at this more. Just trying to get these distinctions right. I don't always agree with gotquestions.org.. I'm getting at the fact of Barnabas.. etc.. being in different situation to the average believer. Close associates to the apostles who were more the exception than the rule.
If I may say, I am in process also.
I find it best, when reading to see if it is present past or future yet
I see the forgiveness and the prophets as past tense now after the Christ Death, burial and resurrection
Just reading Hebrews 1 tells me this truth.
Reading as well, God has no respect of persons, tells me no one is better than another.
Forgiven is given, for us, me at least to simply do the same forgive. (Romans 2:1-4)
Not easy, when have gotten harmed, yet seeing Jesus go all the way for us the people to get us saved in. his risen Life. Had to first fulfill Law to do that, explained in his being risen to the disciples, starts in Acts 1
Hebrews 7:11-12, floors me. A change of the Priesthood, gi=ves a change go the Law with that. To love in the same as Son did, who went willingly to that cross without any flesh fight
" the Art of fighting without fighting"
Thanks
 

Marilyn

Well-known member
Jul 27, 2021
1,120
244
63
#98
BEWARE OF FALSE APOSTLES, FALSE PROPHETS, AND FALSE TEACHERS!

The New Apostolic Reformation claims that there are (and will be) apostles and prophets. GotQuestions.org has summarized their teachings, and basically this is FALSE DOCTRINE.

The New Apostolic Reformation teaches that God’s intended form of church governance is apostles and prophets, holding leadership over evangelists, pastors, and teachers. However, this has not been the case for the vast majority of Christian history. So, according to the New Apostolic Reformation, God began to restore prophets and apostles over the last thirty to forty years. Only now, as the church is properly guided by the appropriate spiritual leaders, can it fulfill its commission. This commission is seen as more than spiritual, as it includes cultural and political control.

In the New Apostolic Reformation, apostles are seen as the highest of all spiritual leaders, being specially empowered by God. True maturity and unity, per the New Apostolic Reformation, is only found in those who submit to the leadership of their apostles. According to this teaching, as the church unifies behind the apostles, these leaders will develop greater and greater supernatural powers. Eventually, this will include the ability to perform mass healings and suspend the laws of physics. These signs are meant to encourage a massive wave of converts to Christianity. These apostles are also destined to be recipients of a great wealth transfer (in the end times), which will enable the church to establish God’s kingdom on earth. [Sure: it is all about making money off gullible Christians]

Prophets in the New Apostolic Reformation are almost as important as apostles. These people have been empowered to receive “new” revelations from God that will aid the church in establishing dominion. According to the New Apostolic Reformation, only prophets, and occasionally apostles, can obtain new revelations. Evangelists, pastors, and teachers cannot. The prophets’ new revelations are crucial to overcoming the world, and the success of the church depends on the apostles following through on the information prophets provide. Most of their prophecies are extremely vague and easy to re-interpret, and the New Apostolic Reformation is willing to modify them, since they set no standard of infallibility for themselves.

According to New Apostolic thinking, mankind lost its dominion over earth as part of the fall of Adam. So Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross not only resolved our sin debt, but it empowered mankind—specifically, Christians—to retake control of the earth. The New Apostolic Reformation sees seven areas in which believers are supposedly empowered and expected to dominate: government, arts, finances, education, religion, family, and media. Of these, the New Apostolic Reformation sees government as the most important because of its ability to influence all of the other facets of life. As a result, the New Apostolic Reformation overtly encourages Christian control over politics, culture, and business. In some ways, this is nothing unusual, as people should be expected to vote and lobby according to their convictions. The New Apostolic Reformation, however, is often accused of pushing for outright theocracy.

Spiritual warfare, according to the New Apostolic Reformation, is meant to resolve worldly concerns. For example, economic troubles or health problems in a particular city are seen as the result of a demonic spirit’s influence. Prayer, research into the specific name of that demon, and other spiritual disciplines are then applied in an effort to combat this presence. This is necessary not only for the health of the region, but also because the church cannot take “dominion” over that area until the demonic control has been lifted.

Biblically, there are major problems with the New Apostolic Reformation. Claiming that Christians have access to certain spiritual gifts is one thing, but their distinctive approach to the role of apostles and prophets is a stretch from what is found in the Bible. More to the point, the office of apostle requires traits that are impossible today. For example, true apostles must be personal eyewitnesses of the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:7–8), specifically designated as apostles by Jesus (Galatians 1:1; Acts 1:2; Luke 6:13), and already verified by miraculous signs (Matthew 10:1; 2 Corinthians 12:2; Acts 5:12)....
I agree that the NAR is false.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
2,915
852
113
#99
The Bible does not contradict itself. So look at this verse: And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (Rev 21:14)

So how was Barnabas called an apostle? Not a single commentator has addressed this. But what we know of Barnabas from the rest of Scripture show that he was not an apostle. Acts 9:27 and 15:2 clearly distinguishes him from the apostles, while Acts 13:1 puts him among the prophets and teachers. But because he was sent with Paul in Acts 13:2, and closely associated with him, he was called an "apostle" ("sent one" but not one of the 12).
Please read the following.

Acts 1:21-26
Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus
went in and out among us beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us
one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection. So they put forward two men,
Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. And they prayed and said,
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy
this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they drew lots
for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

Now we have 12 apostles and then along came Paul, the super apostle!

Twelve apostles to the Jews and one super apostle to the Gentiles.

That makes 13 apostles minimum.
 

Marilyn

Well-known member
Jul 27, 2021
1,120
244
63
The Acts 1: 21 & 22 qualifications were ONLY for the 12 Apostles of the Lamb, (for Israel). They were to witness to Israel of the Lord and Christ. (Acts 2; 36)

The other Apostles were given when Christ ascended to the Father and are for the building up of the Body of Christ. The 5 fold ministries are of Christ`s Headship and certainly needed till we come to full maturity as a Body in Christ. (Eph. 4: 11 - 13)

There were many Apostles in the early Body of Christ -

APOSTLES GIVEN AFTER CHRIST`S ASCENSION.

Apostle Paul -

`Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,...` (2 Cor. 1; 1)

Apostle Silvanus -
`Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy....as apostles of Christ....` (1 Thess. 1: 1 & 2: 6)

Apostle Timothy -
`Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy....as apostles of Christ....` (1 Thess. 1: 1 & 2: 6)

Apostle Andronicus -
`Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who were in Christ before me.` (Rom. 16: 7)

Apostle Junia -
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who were in Christ before me.` (Rom. 16: 7)

Apostle James - (The Lord`s brother, not James the son of Zebedee, Matt. 10: 2)
`But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord`s brother.` (Gal. 1: 19)

Apostle Epaphroditus - ( messenger is Gk. word `apostolos` meaning Apostle.)
`Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your messenger, (apostolos/apostle) ...` (Phil. 2: 25)

Apostle Titus - (He does the work of an Apostle.)
`For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you - ` (Titus 1: