Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Let me make another point. The Church has no problem saying certain members are evangelists, pastors, shepherds, teachers and healers. But for some reason it no longer seems to want to designate anyone as an apostle.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Let me make another point. The Church has no problem saying certain members are evangelists, pastors, shepherds, teachers and healers. But for some reason it no longer seems to want to designate anyone as an apostle.
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Interesting observation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Why is that? Why would the Church be so hesitant? . . . I think there are two reasons: The Church knows intellectually that saying a person is an apostle confers immense authority to that person, and is careful about doing that. . . . The Church does not have the prompting from the Holy Spirit recognize anyone in such a way.
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I think there's very related third reason... The church is sufferingfrom the effects of folly religion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
The only groups that ever claim anyone is an apostle are tiny, fringe groups like the Local Church Movement.
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Kind of like what the church actually was back in the days when folks claimed to be apostles... And even wrote letters to other believers saying just that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
And it's always one of their guys who gets the honor. Surprise!
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Paul is very clear regarding how people love to hold to those they are familiar with... And we are all gulity of doing so, in ine way or another and to one degree or another.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
I think it's dangerous to go around claiming present day men (or women) are apostles. I don't think the Lord hands out that kind of authority anymore. So for me, no miracles, no apostle. Period.
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According to a simple definition of the word "apostle" as used by Paul in Romans 1:1... It seems that all Paul was saying is that he was a type of representative/messenger of God... "...a delegate; specifically an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ..."
And I think that being born again is a wonderful miracle... And if it is a miracle... Then there are miracles happening every day throughout this earth.
But you might be referring to a specific type of miracle... But even regarding that, unless you are aware of what goes on in every part of this earth with all believers in Christ Jesus... Then it would be impossible for you to know if there are "...no miracles, no apostle. Period."
Do you know what goes on in all places with all believers in Christ Jesus, Iggy?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
You guys need to be more keen on the potential of abuse of authority. You don't just call someone an apostle because he has what you think is an impressive ministry and has planted some churches--not unless you like opening the door to Mr. Apostle stepping in and running your lives.
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Many members... One body... With each member having a particular part.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Some people are abusers. Some are enablers. It's called co-dependent dysfunction.
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In our fallen man... We all, including yourself... Suffer from the above.