ARE THERE APOSTLES TODAY?

Dear Pastor, Would you comment on the "Gift of Apostle" being present in the church today? L.C.M.

As I understand Scripture, Apostleship falls into two categories: First, there are the "Twelve Apostles of the Lamb" whose names are written in the foundation of the Holy City. Revelation 21:14. This number is fixed, inalterable, and will never be exceeded. The qualification for these men was that each had been a "witness of Jesus' Resurrection." Acts 1:22.

Secondly, in the Greek Scripture where the word "apostolos" appears more frequently than in English translations, it means "sent ones," "delegates," "ambassadors," or "messengers." Let me give Scriptural examples: "If anyone inquires about Titus ... or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers (apostolos) of the churches ..." II Corinthians 8:23.

"Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus ... but your messenger (apostolos). Philippians 2:25. Barnabas is also called an apostle: "But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes ..." Acts 14:14. These men are not equal with the "Apostles of the Lamb" but in a lessor way are legitimate bearers of this title.

In Paul's First Thessalonian Letter he begins with the names, "Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy," and then proceeds to use the personal pronouns "We," "Our," "Us," some twenty times.

Count them. In chapter two, verse six, he says: "Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as "Apostles of Christ." Notice the letter "S." The word Apostles is plural. Not singular. 2:6. What is Paul saying? He is acknowledging that Silvanus and Timothy were Apostles with him. Were they his equal? No. Their ministry never achieved what his did. Even so, Scripture acknowledges them as "sent ones" in a valid sense. To deny their Apostleship would be a flagrant denial of Bible fact.

In Acts, chapter one, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. That restored the number Twelve--but we later find that King Herod killed the Apostle James, Acts 12:1,2, and another James, "the Lord's brother," was added to the Twelve. Paul makes specific reference to seeing this Apostle during his visit to Jerusalem. Galatians 1:19. It was this new "James" who presided over the Council of Jerusalem. Acts 15:13. Approximately 25 Apostles are identified in the New Testament.

To me, the most significant proof that the Five-Fold Ministry of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers, is still with us, is verified by the Ephesian Letter: The original Apostles were given before the Resurrection and were witnesses of it. Jesus gave other Apostles after the Resurrection. Paul explains, "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men ... And He Himself gave some to be apostles ..." 4:8,11. Study this judiciously: "When He ascended on high (after the Resurrection) ... He Himself gave some to be apostles." These came later than the original Twelve.

In the Book of the Revelation, Jesus commended the church at Ephesus because it "tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars." 2:2. Why would the church have tested anyone if there were only the Twelve? On the contrary, believers had to examine those claiming Apostleship because the gift was still present and functioning. The church in our day must heed this same admonition: Every one claiming ministry in the Body of Christ, whether Apostle or Pastor must be put to the test of Scripture. Beware those who are prideful, arrogant, self-serving, controlling. "Follow after that which is good." Remember, "There are many false prophets gone out into the world." I John 4:1.

What proof do we seek in those recognized as Apostles? Paul answers that question. Of himself, he said to the Corinthians, "The signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds ... I myself was not burdensome to you." II Corinthians 12;12,13. Observe that Paul identifies two character traits, "Perseverance," (patience) and his not being "burdensome" to the saints. Secondly, he lists "signs, wonders, and mighty deeds." In varying degrees, these qualities must be present in those claiming Apostleship today.

Let me also answer another question: In what capacity were the Apostles of the Lamb infallible? Peter tells us that "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." II Peter 1:20,21. As the Holy Spirit articulated through them, they wrote correctly. He dictated; they transcribed. He inspired; they recorded. Jesus had earlier promised them, "The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." John 14:26. The writing of Scripture was not trusted to men's fallible memory but to the perfect revelation of God. Of Himself, Jesus declared, "My doctrine is not mine but His who sent Me." John 7:16.

The Bible teaches Apostolic infallibility only in regard to the writing of Scripture. There is no such claim for the Apostle's private lives, personal faith, indestructible health, etc. It is important that we understand this. Without this knowledge, we will needlessly try to force Scripture into positions that are unrealistic and wrong. The Apostles and Prophets were men "of like passions as we are." James 5:17. Not only were they subject to fail but frequently did so. Paul rebuked Peter to his face because of his inconsistencies regarding the Jews. Galatians 2:11. Trophimus was left at Miletus sick. II Timothy 4:20. Paul and Barnabas' quarrel ended their joint ministry. Acts 15:36-41. Timothy endured "often infirmities." I Timothy 5:23. At one point Paul "despaired even of life." II Corinthians 1:8. Was it his personal faith that triumphed in crisis? No, the weakness of his faith brought despair. Instead, God's grace was his sole rescuer.

Paul apparently suffered eye disease at one point in his ministry. Galatians 4:13-15. The Galatian letter, which he identifies as having been written with his "own hand" in "large letters," also speaks of the people's willingness to "pluck out their eyes" for him. To the Corinthians he confessed that his "bodily presence was weak." II Corinthians 10:10. These were not discouragements. He later explained, "I glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." II Corinthians 12:7-10.

In view of this should we assume that Paul, Peter, Timothy, Barnabas, and the others, were free of failure, sin, and disease? Not at all. Rather, we are to rejoice that God used these men in spite of their weakness. Identically, our failures do not keep us from sharing in Paul's testimony: "The Lord delivered me out of them all!" II Timothy 3:11. Simply stated, we must realize that these men were not angelic beings, living in glorified bodies, immune to frustration and failure. Each was subject to the same consequence of humanity as we are today. The Holy Spirit worked His perfect will through imperfect men. The glory therefore goes to Him--not them. They triumphed over their adversities--so may we! Hallelujah!

Are there Apostles today? Yes. These are "sent ones." They did not volunteer for ministry but were called. Like Paul, many struggled with that Divine Summons. Some fought it. But "God's hand was stretched out and who shall turn it back?" Are these men infallible? Not at all! But they are aflame with holy love for Christ and His Bride. Do they promote or advertise themselves as "Apostles"? No. They are concerned with truth--not titles. They seek God--not gold. Purity not praise. Pray for these men! Support them! From the others, turn away. Thanks for the question! ___ CCC

GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON'S VISION AT VALLEY FORGE
AND THE FUTURE HE FORESAW FOR THE UNITED STATES

In view of our Presidential Election this year, I felt you would benefit from President George Washington’s angelic visitation which reputedly occurred during the American Revolution when the General and his army were encamped at Valley Forge. This report was originally published in the National Tribune in 1859, as told to Wesley Bradshaw–a newsman–by Anthony Sherman, an officer, who served under General Washington at Valley Forge. In the vision, Washington foresaw three great trials that would overtake the Union. These were the Revolutionary War, later, the Civil War, and another, still to come. If this vision be true we can be encouraged for the Nation’s survival in spite of its enemies. Additionally, we can be thankful that our first President was a man of prayer.--- Charles Carrin.

The Report, Wesley Bradshaw explained that the last time he saw Anthony Sherman was on the Fourth of July, 1859, in Independence Square, Philadelphia. Sherman was then ninety-nine years old and active though becoming feeble."Let us go into the Hall," Sherman said. "I want to tell you of an incident of Washington's life–one which no one alive knows except myself; and if you live, you will before long see it verified”.

In the Hall, Sherman continued, "From the opening of the Revolution we experienced all phases of fortune, now good and now ill, one time victorious and another conquered. The darkest period we had, I think, was when Washington, after several reverses, retreated to Valley Forge, where he resolved to spend the winter of 1777 ... You have doubtless heard the story of Washington's going into the thicket to pray. Well, it was not only true, but he used often to pray in secret for aid and comfort from God, the interposition of whose Divine Providence brought us safely through the darkest days of tribulation ... Returning just after dusk, he dispatched an orderly to the quarters of the officer I mention, who was presently in attendance.

After a preliminary conversation of about half an hour, Washington, gazing upon his companion with that strange look of dignity which he alone could command, said to the latter:

"I do not know whether it is owing to the anxiety of my mind, or what, but this afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful female. So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed, that it was some moments before I found language to inquire into the cause of her presence. A second, a third, and even a fourth time did I repeat my question, but received no answer from my mysterious visitor except a slight raising of her eyes.

“By this time I felt strange sentiments spreading through me. I would have risen, but the riveted gaze of the being before me rendered volition impossible. I assayed once more to address her, but my tongue had become useless, even thought itself had become paralyzed. A new influence, mysterious, potent, irresistible, took possession of me. All I could do was to gaze steadily, vacantly at my unknown visitor. Gradually, the surrounding atmosphere seemed as though becoming filled with sensations and luminous. Everything about me seemed to rarify, the mysterious visitor herself becoming more airy, and yet more distinct to my sight than before. I now began to feel as one dying, or rather to experience the sensations which I have sometimes imagined accompany dissolution. I did not think, I did not reason, I did not move; all were alike impossible. I was only conscious of gazing fixedly, vacantly at my companion.

"Presently I heard a voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn,' while at the same time my visitor extended her arm eastwardly. I now beheld a heavy white vapor at some distance rising fold upon fold. This gradually dissipated, and I looked upon a strange scene. Before me lay spread out in one vast plain all the countries of the world -- Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. I saw rolling and tossing between Europe and America the billows of the Atlantic, and between Asia and America lay the Pacific. 'Son of the Republic,' said the same mysterious voice as before, 'look and learn.' "At that moment I beheld a dark, shadowy being, like an angel floating in mid-air, between Europe and America, dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of each hand. He sprinkled some upon America with his right hand, while with his left hand he cast some on Europe. Immediately a dark cloud raised from these countries and joined in mid-ocean. For a while it remained stationary, and then moved slowly westward, until it enveloped America in its murky folds. Sharp flashes of lightning passed through it at intervals, and I heard the smothered groans and cries of the American people.

"A second time the angel dipped water from the ocean, and sprinkled it out as before. The dark cloud was then drawn back to the ocean, in whose heaving billows it sank from view. A third time I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' I cast my eyes upon America and beheld villages and towns and cities springing up one after another until the whole land from the Atlantic to the Pacific was dotted with them. Again I heard the mysterious voice say, 'Son of the Republic, the end of the century cometh, look and learn.' "At this the dark, shadowy angel turned his face southward, and from Africa I saw an ill-omened spectre approach our land. It flitted slowly over every town and city. The inhabitants presently set themselves in battle array against each other. As I continued looking, I saw a bright angel, on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word "Union," bearing the American flag, which he placed between the divided nation, and said, 'Remember ye are brethren.' Instantly the inhabitants, casting from them their weapons, became friends once more and united around the National Standard. "And again I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.'

At this, the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia, and Africa. Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene: from each of these countries arose thick, black clouds that were joined into one. And throughout this mass there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men, who, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America, which country was enveloped in the volume of the cloud. And I dimly saw these vast armies devastate the whole country and burn the villages, towns, and cities that I beheld were springing up. As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat, I heard again the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' When the voice had ceased, the dark, shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth and blew a long and fearful blast.

"Instantly a light as of a thousand suns shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel, upon whose head still shone the word "Union," and who bore our national flag in one hand and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens, attended by legions of white spirits. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle. Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict, I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious.

"Then once more I beheld the villages, towns, and cities springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, planting the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice, 'While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the Union last.' And taking from his brow the crown on which was blazoned the word "Union," he placed it upon the Standard, while the people, kneeling down, said, 'Amen.'

"The scene instantly began to fade and dissolve, and I at last saw nothing but the rising, curling vapor I at first beheld. This also disappearing, I found myself once more gazing upon the mysterious visitor, who, in the same voice I had heard before, said, 'Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted:

Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful is the third, passing which the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land, and the Union.' With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat, and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, progress, and destiny of the United States."

"Such, my friends," Anthony Sherman concluded, "were the words I heard from General Washington's own lips, and America will do well to profit by them."

MY PERSONAL WORD

I welcome a Black President as Commander-In-Chief of the United States.

General Colin Powell and Condalisa Rice, who served nobly as our Nation’s Secretaries of State and in numerous public capacities--along with many other black citizens--who proved their love for this Country and reverenced its history, would have my immediate vote. All godly statesmen, black, white, yellow, whatever their national origin, have my undying support.

The issue with me is not one of color, I am not racist. Nor do they have to agree with me religiously. But, I do expect national leaders to be loyal patriots, loving the nation devotedly, saluting the flag with emotion, and being moved inwardly when the National Anthem is played. In my opinion, anyone who discredits the flag and refuses to acknowledge the National Anthem cannot be a fit President.

For those reasons, and others, I cannot, and will not, under any circumstances vote for Barak Obama. I am saying this, not as editor of this publication, and expressing this does not make me racist. I say this as a citizen of the United States. I am not telling anyone how to vote. Vote as you feel disposed. But, for Heaven’s sake, vote! –And I will do the same. CCC


 

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