Apostolic Reformation
The very nature of these two words, “apostolic” and “reformation”, highlight the dynamic between the grace of the apostolic gift (Eph 4:11) and the corresponding action of bringing change. While some believe that the gift of the apostle was diminished and disappeared after the original twelve apostles of the lamb and with the death of Apostle Paul, we see no scriptural support for this position. We are also cognizant of the historical movements within the boundaries of the church which validate the rise of prophetic operations in the 1980’s and the subsequent recognition of apostolic grace in the early 1990s. Today there is a continued progression of these two emphases which is bringing about a God initiated move in the earth designed to return the Church to His original blueprint and to bring the Church to a place of greater maturity. The very heart of this push is the catalytic dimension within the heart of true apostles who are given the grace to build according to divine patterns. (1 Cor. 3:10) So what is “apostolic reformation”? – It is a release of apostolic grace into the Church to bring about a complete realignment of the internal structures (mentalities, positions, understandings, and perspectives of the Church) by clear revelation and application of scriptural principles, patterns, and values which moves the Church forward into God’s purposes.
Reformation is not a new concept or term. Hebrews 9:10 discusses the reform from law to grace. The word ‘reformation’ comes from the Greek word ‘diorthosis’, which means a structural change or to straighten. It denotes an internal ‘skeletal’ shift and the Bible reveals individual men who operated within the dynamics of reformation. Such men as David, Josiah, and Jesus brought major changes to the understanding of God’s nature and intent and thus were reformers. A reformation always exposes the limitations of the former system and pushes man towards a deeper internal heart adjustment and greater expression of the Kingdom of God. We believe that the current expressions of the Church have not and will not fulfill the full purposes of God and do not match what we see in scripture. Like Martin Luther in the 1500’s, we believe that the current expression of the church does not accurately portray God’s intent, nor architecture for the N.T. Church.
Apostolic reform has three objectives:
a. to align personal lives with the vast purposes of God
b. to present accurate representation of Christ to the nations of the earth by reconfiguring the Church
c. to move the entire earth towards the completion of the purposes of God and closure of this age
It is important to note that the thrust of Apostolic Reformation is primarily an internal process of the heart that results in manifested external change. (Luke 17:21)
Apostolic Reformation has at it’s core the understanding of the restoration of five-fold ministry to perfect the church. (Eph 4:11-20). 1 Corinthians 12:28 clearly tells us that the apostolic dimension of Christ is the first in order and rank. (First is the word “proton”, meaning first in order, in rank, in time). As mentioned earlier, the Apostle Paul described himself as a wise master builder. It is the revelation, authority, anointing, and wisdom resident within the apostolic grace that provides the foundation upon which accurate church is built. Apostolic grace (Romans 12:3; 12:6; 15:15; 1 Corinth. 3:10), is associated with creativity, building, manifestation and successful orientation. Apostolic reform demands that we engage correctly with issues of government, headship, and leadership. It removes the yoke of world systems of thought and actions and moves people towards personal freedom and a mentality to finish all that God demands. Apostolic reform has a strong thrust into personal change to Christ-likeness through the understanding that believers are called to be apostolic and prophetic in their everyday lives. Apostolic reform is showing us the intent and blueprint of the Kingdom of God so that each and every person can build their life according to the design of God.
Apostolic reform is an ongoing process and will continue until the Church becomes mature and fulfills the prophetic promises of God on the earth. The transformation of the internal man is designed to express life upon all aspects of the natural systems of the earth; business, politics, international relations and culture. Apostolic reform is not confined to any particular social, economic, geographic, ethnic, organization, or nation.
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