Matthew 16:13-20 (KJV) 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
This portion of scripture reveals the fact that the church belongs to Jesus Christ - It's His church...created by Him and for Him. The church does not belong to man to do with it what he wants. The church exists for the purposes of the kingdom of God.
Some observations about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ include:
The Church belongs to Jesus Christ
The Church does not belong to men
The Church is not of this world but is in the world
The Church is not a political entity or football
The Church is not goverened by the principles of the world
The Church is a place for God's people to learn and be equiped for the work of ministry Ephesians 4:11-16
The Church is people that are empowered by God Acts 1:8, John 14:12
The Church supposed to be one CHURCH in Christ see John 17
It is a living organism and not an inatimate building of bricks and mortar. The church cannot be stopped by Satan even though he does come against the church - he can't prevail against it or overpower it. The church has been empowered by God to do the works of ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Friday, June 25, 2010
Do you even care?
In the Phillips paraphrase, Hebrews 8:13 reads this way – "When a thing grows weak and out of date, it is obviously soon going to disappear."
I was talking to a lady from the Lutheran Church in the town where I live last evening. I know the church, the folks and the pastor and the church is the traditional Lutheran church in every respect. She was saying how the church there is in trouble financially and how attendance has dropped way down to just a few people so that there are not enough helpers to serve communion etc. They are talking about the possibility of the church closing. She said she can't understand how the people could want the church to be there for them when they had a need but they didn't attend or support the work.
She also spoke concerning the support moneywise and how the folks there raised the question about giving more money to something that might close soon.She said this because the thought was introduced, by leadership people, that the people should give more to meet the financial needs the are overwhelming the church now.
According to Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Community church and author of the book, "The Purpose Driven Church," the reason that 95% of all churches in the world never grow past 300 members is because their structure keeps them from growing beyond that point. Quoting today's scripture, he said, "When a thing grows weak and out of date, it is obviously soon going to disappear. That's true of churches, too. If a church cannot change, it will eventually die." (taken from Timothy Satryan's First Impressions page)
Is the traditional church in trouble today? Not just one church or denomination but the way church has been done throughout the land. Is it time for a change in the methods or the way we approach the idea of "church"? What do you think? Do you even care? Give me some feedback..Thank you.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
I was talking to a lady from the Lutheran Church in the town where I live last evening. I know the church, the folks and the pastor and the church is the traditional Lutheran church in every respect. She was saying how the church there is in trouble financially and how attendance has dropped way down to just a few people so that there are not enough helpers to serve communion etc. They are talking about the possibility of the church closing. She said she can't understand how the people could want the church to be there for them when they had a need but they didn't attend or support the work.
She also spoke concerning the support moneywise and how the folks there raised the question about giving more money to something that might close soon.She said this because the thought was introduced, by leadership people, that the people should give more to meet the financial needs the are overwhelming the church now.
According to Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Community church and author of the book, "The Purpose Driven Church," the reason that 95% of all churches in the world never grow past 300 members is because their structure keeps them from growing beyond that point. Quoting today's scripture, he said, "When a thing grows weak and out of date, it is obviously soon going to disappear. That's true of churches, too. If a church cannot change, it will eventually die." (taken from Timothy Satryan's First Impressions page)
Is the traditional church in trouble today? Not just one church or denomination but the way church has been done throughout the land. Is it time for a change in the methods or the way we approach the idea of "church"? What do you think? Do you even care? Give me some feedback..Thank you.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Church
“Church is not for pretenders and performers. Church is a place for pastors to preach principals of faith in order to prepare believers to face the storms of life on the stage of an unbelieving world. We are after all, the light of the world - - Christ shining through us.
Church is not the place to promote programs but to profess faith.
The church is not to be pliable but principled.... See More
The church is not to be preoccupied but prevailing.
The church is not perfect but predestined.
The church is not philosophical but predetermined.
The church does not pressure or pollute but pronounces and protects.
The church does not prey on the lost; it prays for the perishing.
The church does not pollute the mind; it provides food for the soul.
The church does not profane the truth; it possesses God’s Word.
The church is not passive or progressive; it is purging and possessive.
The church should not reflect pop culture but portray godly attributes.
The church should not seek pleasures but seek after God.
The church should not be prideful but princely – we are children of the King.
The church should not promote anything – but preach Christ only.
The church platform is not a playground but the place of proclamation.
The church is not to reflect the world but to be a portrait of Jesus Christ.
The church is not a public institution – Christ purchased it with His purifying blood.
The church should not work for its own profit; it is Christ’s priceless possession.
The church’s lectern is not a politician’s prop but a preacher’s pulpit.
The church is a place to pray for those who do not know Christ and to praise the Savior for making a way for salvation if they will only believe.
Billy Graham – Storm Warnings – pg. 164, 165
Thanks Cindy Lyon King
Blessings
Pastor Kitner
Church is not the place to promote programs but to profess faith.
The church is not to be pliable but principled.... See More
The church is not to be preoccupied but prevailing.
The church is not perfect but predestined.
The church is not philosophical but predetermined.
The church does not pressure or pollute but pronounces and protects.
The church does not prey on the lost; it prays for the perishing.
The church does not pollute the mind; it provides food for the soul.
The church does not profane the truth; it possesses God’s Word.
The church is not passive or progressive; it is purging and possessive.
The church should not reflect pop culture but portray godly attributes.
The church should not seek pleasures but seek after God.
The church should not be prideful but princely – we are children of the King.
The church should not promote anything – but preach Christ only.
The church platform is not a playground but the place of proclamation.
The church is not to reflect the world but to be a portrait of Jesus Christ.
The church is not a public institution – Christ purchased it with His purifying blood.
The church should not work for its own profit; it is Christ’s priceless possession.
The church’s lectern is not a politician’s prop but a preacher’s pulpit.
The church is a place to pray for those who do not know Christ and to praise the Savior for making a way for salvation if they will only believe.
Billy Graham – Storm Warnings – pg. 164, 165
Thanks Cindy Lyon King
Blessings
Pastor Kitner
Monday, May 3, 2010
MOM
For Mom's: "You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God's fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts." - Charles Spurgeon
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Be blessed
Pastor Kitner
Friday, November 13, 2009
Growing the Church
Church Multiplication: Growing the Church Exponentially
The long-term health of any denomination or movement can be evaluated by two simple standards: the number of new churches born each year that survive and prosper; and the vigor and reproductive rate of its established of “adult” churches.
In the American Church today, some denominations are thriving, while many others are on the road to extinction. Declining denominations are marked by striking similarities — their members are getting older, their congregations are declining in size, and they start few new churches. Thriving denominations, on the other had, have a much younger demographic and they start many more new churches each year. Eventually declining denominations will become extinct unless they dramatically change their values and behaviors.
In this issue of Enrichment, we explore the topic of church multiplication from multiple perspectives. Hear compelling essays from: Mark Batterson, Neil Cole, Earl Creps, Dave Ferguson, David Kinnaman, Dave Mills, Dave Olson, Nelson Searcy, Ed Stetzer, and others - click on the Title above.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
The long-term health of any denomination or movement can be evaluated by two simple standards: the number of new churches born each year that survive and prosper; and the vigor and reproductive rate of its established of “adult” churches.
In the American Church today, some denominations are thriving, while many others are on the road to extinction. Declining denominations are marked by striking similarities — their members are getting older, their congregations are declining in size, and they start few new churches. Thriving denominations, on the other had, have a much younger demographic and they start many more new churches each year. Eventually declining denominations will become extinct unless they dramatically change their values and behaviors.
In this issue of Enrichment, we explore the topic of church multiplication from multiple perspectives. Hear compelling essays from: Mark Batterson, Neil Cole, Earl Creps, Dave Ferguson, David Kinnaman, Dave Mills, Dave Olson, Nelson Searcy, Ed Stetzer, and others - click on the Title above.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Thursday, November 5, 2009
15-signs-that-a-church-is-in-trouble - click here
What are the signs that a church is in trouble and will decline if something is not done or God intervenes.
Look at these signs
Pastor Kitner
Look at these signs
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Future of the Church
People are always questioning the relativity of the church to this time in our world. How does the church fit in?
Ralph Winter said: “Unless and until the future of the world becomes more important to the Church than it’s own future....the Church has no future in the world.”
What do you think about that statement? How does it fit in with what you believe?
Blessings On Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Comment on this below....
Ralph Winter said: “Unless and until the future of the world becomes more important to the Church than it’s own future....the Church has no future in the world.”
What do you think about that statement? How does it fit in with what you believe?
Blessings On Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Comment on this below....
Friday, September 11, 2009
9/11 A Special Day
If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself - 2 Timothy 2:13
9/11 was a terrible day for this nation and also the world was affected as well. As a pastor I opened up the church to our community to come and pray and held special services to help people deal with the travisty of 9/11 and point them to Jesus Christ in the process. What bothers me the most now is this: I saw the people come into the churches temporially for several weeks only.
They went back to spiritual apathy as soon a the government brought their solutions to the forefront. As if the government is the answer to the problem. Has a strong delusional spirit been allowed to cloud/or blind the minds of the people in this country? The problem is not the events of 9/11 but the condition of the hearts of all men. Jesus Christ is the... only solution... for what ails all of mankind. People need to do Hebrews 10:25 today more than ever. The churches should be full every Sunday. In some other countries they have church services every day and we think that is revival in this country.
The affect that 9/11 has on me is that as a pastor I have been more aware that we as the church, God's people, those who name the name of Jesus as Lord need to be about our Fathers business! The harvest is truly plenteous but the laborers are few..pray... the Lord of the HARVEST to send laborers into the harvest. Pray that He would send you!
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) 14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
9/11 was a terrible day for this nation and also the world was affected as well. As a pastor I opened up the church to our community to come and pray and held special services to help people deal with the travisty of 9/11 and point them to Jesus Christ in the process. What bothers me the most now is this: I saw the people come into the churches temporially for several weeks only.
They went back to spiritual apathy as soon a the government brought their solutions to the forefront. As if the government is the answer to the problem. Has a strong delusional spirit been allowed to cloud/or blind the minds of the people in this country? The problem is not the events of 9/11 but the condition of the hearts of all men. Jesus Christ is the... only solution... for what ails all of mankind. People need to do Hebrews 10:25 today more than ever. The churches should be full every Sunday. In some other countries they have church services every day and we think that is revival in this country.
The affect that 9/11 has on me is that as a pastor I have been more aware that we as the church, God's people, those who name the name of Jesus as Lord need to be about our Fathers business! The harvest is truly plenteous but the laborers are few..pray... the Lord of the HARVEST to send laborers into the harvest. Pray that He would send you!
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) 14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Two denominations — two very different directions - click here
There has been some very different results in how the church is progressing. What I find alarming also is the fact that there are denominations at all. The Bible reveals that there are divisions in the church that ought not to be. Read the Gospel of John and see what the prayer of Jesus is and let me know if you think the church has arrived at this point yet. There are only believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and non-believers. Men have polluted the stream of the water of life with their divisions. Could this be a reason for the Gospel of the kingdom, being so slowly preached around the world given the technology that we have today?
What are your thoughts?
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
What are your thoughts?
Be Blessed
Pastor Kitner
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sexy Survey by Anne Jackson - full article click here
Modesty Survey By Jeff Leake
This has some interesting things shown about church and the way some folks dress.
Check it out.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
This has some interesting things shown about church and the way some folks dress.
Check it out.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
America: A nation of religious drifters - click here
What do you think about the article and where are you as far as a religious change in your lifetime?
Give me some feedback on this.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Give me some feedback on this.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
How do you see church?
Here is a video of pastor Shannon O'Dell, who pastors in Bergman, Arkansas (population 407, who left a church of 3000 and took a $30,000.00 a year pay cut to start ministry in a small church of 88 and look at what the Lord has done!
BNC Vision Video 2008 from Zach Gilliam on Vimeo.
Video from the blog site of Tim Stevens: Click here
This is the kind of thing that I am happy to see happening so the kingdom of God is increased and the Lord is exalted! This gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all the world for a witness and then the end shall come.
Blessings on ya!
Pastor Kitner
BNC Vision Video 2008 from Zach Gilliam on Vimeo.
Video from the blog site of Tim Stevens: Click here
This is the kind of thing that I am happy to see happening so the kingdom of God is increased and the Lord is exalted! This gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all the world for a witness and then the end shall come.
Blessings on ya!
Pastor Kitner
Monday, January 26, 2009
Denominational loyalty low among church-goers
Click on the headline and see how the church fairs in the loyalty area to the denominitions.
Blessings
Pastor Kitner
Blessings
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Take the "LID" off!
A challenge for the New Year as we begin 2009. Take the "LID" off.
What is it that stands in between you and God in getting something done for the kingdom of God?
One Sunday we had a prophetess at the church speaking and she challenged the church to take the lid off at the church.
What hinders us personally to the point that we hinder the church and its overall mission and become the people that say we never did it that way before and go round the same circle that we have always gone in. After all if you always do what you have always done then you will always get what you have always gotten before.
The challenge is to take the “LID” off this year.
Lids are multifunctional. They keep things in and they keep things out of the pot etc. So as individuals and as a church we need to take the lid off. We also need to see what the lids are for us as individuals and as the church. I have a few that I will list here to help us identify the lids of our lives.
1. The lid of Limitation – with God all things are possible.
2. The lid of we can’t & we won’t – choices are up to us.
3. The lid of not changing or status quo – I like it this way.
4. The lid of religious works – legalism or works righteousness & self righteousness.
5. The lid of we never did it that way – unwilling to change – nothing new to be tried.
6. The lid of I like our “little church”.
7. The lid of our own individual comfort zones.
8. The lid of selfishness – I want it my way – I want my kingdom built & my needs met.
9. The lid of doubt and unbelief.
10. The lid of what I can or can’t do – it depends on what I have or don’t have etc.
11. The lid of I believe God can – but never I believe God will.
12. The lid of it’s the pastor’s job that’s what we pay him for. He is not a hireling.
13. The lid of prayerlessness – I don’t have time to pray.
14. The lid of unwillingness to be involved.
These are a few lids that I have identified that will hinder the work of the church and the life of individuals. So what happens when you take the lid off?
When the lid comes off several things are evident.
When the lid comes off there is:
1. Access to something more being put in.
2. Access to what’s inside and something being taken out.
3. There is an openness or even an emptiness.
4. The limitation of the lid is gone.
5. The aroma of what is inside fills the place. – a sweet smelling savor or a stench?
6. When the lid comes off then God can fill us as individuals or the church with Himself.
Take the challenge in the beginning of this New Year and see what God will do for and through you.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
What is it that stands in between you and God in getting something done for the kingdom of God?
One Sunday we had a prophetess at the church speaking and she challenged the church to take the lid off at the church.
What hinders us personally to the point that we hinder the church and its overall mission and become the people that say we never did it that way before and go round the same circle that we have always gone in. After all if you always do what you have always done then you will always get what you have always gotten before.
The challenge is to take the “LID” off this year.
Lids are multifunctional. They keep things in and they keep things out of the pot etc. So as individuals and as a church we need to take the lid off. We also need to see what the lids are for us as individuals and as the church. I have a few that I will list here to help us identify the lids of our lives.
1. The lid of Limitation – with God all things are possible.
2. The lid of we can’t & we won’t – choices are up to us.
3. The lid of not changing or status quo – I like it this way.
4. The lid of religious works – legalism or works righteousness & self righteousness.
5. The lid of we never did it that way – unwilling to change – nothing new to be tried.
6. The lid of I like our “little church”.
7. The lid of our own individual comfort zones.
8. The lid of selfishness – I want it my way – I want my kingdom built & my needs met.
9. The lid of doubt and unbelief.
10. The lid of what I can or can’t do – it depends on what I have or don’t have etc.
11. The lid of I believe God can – but never I believe God will.
12. The lid of it’s the pastor’s job that’s what we pay him for. He is not a hireling.
13. The lid of prayerlessness – I don’t have time to pray.
14. The lid of unwillingness to be involved.
These are a few lids that I have identified that will hinder the work of the church and the life of individuals. So what happens when you take the lid off?
When the lid comes off several things are evident.
When the lid comes off there is:
1. Access to something more being put in.
2. Access to what’s inside and something being taken out.
3. There is an openness or even an emptiness.
4. The limitation of the lid is gone.
5. The aroma of what is inside fills the place. – a sweet smelling savor or a stench?
6. When the lid comes off then God can fill us as individuals or the church with Himself.
Take the challenge in the beginning of this New Year and see what God will do for and through you.
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
This Makes Me Want To Charge Hell With A Water Pistol
This Makes Me Want To Charge Hell With A Water Pistol
There are often things I read that inspire and motivate me…and then there are things that I read that MOVE me…SERIOUSLY move me…
In my opinion, Brian Houston is one of the most incredible leaders on the planet…and today I want to share something that he said in regards to the church that COULD be one of the most POWERFUL things I’ve ever read…
If you are a church leader or volunteer…seriously take a few minutes to read through this…and then beg God that this would be true of your church…I am BEGGING God for this at NewSpring Church…
“The church that I see is a church of influence. A church so large in size that the city and nation cannot ignore it.
A church growing so quickly that buildings struggle to contain the increase.
I see a church whose heartfelt praise and worship touches heaven and changes earth. Worship which influences the praises of people throughout the earth exalting Christ with powerful songs of faith and hope.
I see a church whose alters are constantly filled with repentant sinners responding to Christ’s call to salvation.
Yes, the church that I see is so dependent on the Holy Spirit that nothing will stop it not stand against it.
A church whose people are unified, praying and full of God’s Spirit.
The church that I see has a message so clear that lives are being changed forever and potential is fulfilled though the power of His Word. A message beamed to the peoples of the earth through their television screens.
I see a church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found and acceptance is given.
I see a people so kingdom-minded that they will count whatever the cost and pay whatever the price to see revival sweep this land.
The church that I see is a church to committed to raising, training and empowering a leadership generation to reap the end-time harvest that all its ministries are consumed with this goal.
I see a church whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commission.
Yes, the church that I see could well be our church.”
WOW…thanks Brian for being an amazing leader and inspiring us with the words so clearly given to you by Jesus!!!
This is from Perry Noble's blog -- I thought it was worth the read. Click on his link (the title) and read some other interesting thoughts as well.
Pastor Kitner
There are often things I read that inspire and motivate me…and then there are things that I read that MOVE me…SERIOUSLY move me…
In my opinion, Brian Houston is one of the most incredible leaders on the planet…and today I want to share something that he said in regards to the church that COULD be one of the most POWERFUL things I’ve ever read…
If you are a church leader or volunteer…seriously take a few minutes to read through this…and then beg God that this would be true of your church…I am BEGGING God for this at NewSpring Church…
“The church that I see is a church of influence. A church so large in size that the city and nation cannot ignore it.
A church growing so quickly that buildings struggle to contain the increase.
I see a church whose heartfelt praise and worship touches heaven and changes earth. Worship which influences the praises of people throughout the earth exalting Christ with powerful songs of faith and hope.
I see a church whose alters are constantly filled with repentant sinners responding to Christ’s call to salvation.
Yes, the church that I see is so dependent on the Holy Spirit that nothing will stop it not stand against it.
A church whose people are unified, praying and full of God’s Spirit.
The church that I see has a message so clear that lives are being changed forever and potential is fulfilled though the power of His Word. A message beamed to the peoples of the earth through their television screens.
I see a church so compassionate that people are drawn from impossible situations into a loving and friendly circle of hope, where answers are found and acceptance is given.
I see a people so kingdom-minded that they will count whatever the cost and pay whatever the price to see revival sweep this land.
The church that I see is a church to committed to raising, training and empowering a leadership generation to reap the end-time harvest that all its ministries are consumed with this goal.
I see a church whose head is Jesus, whose help is the Holy Spirit and whose focus is the Great Commission.
Yes, the church that I see could well be our church.”
WOW…thanks Brian for being an amazing leader and inspiring us with the words so clearly given to you by Jesus!!!
This is from Perry Noble's blog -- I thought it was worth the read. Click on his link (the title) and read some other interesting thoughts as well.
Pastor Kitner
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Apostles Today? - click here
Apostles Today?
Rediscovering the gift that leaves churches and well-connected pastors in its wake.
by Skye Jethani
We all know about the apostles named Peter, Paul, and John, but have you ever heard of Andronicus or Junia? Some are surprised to discover that the New Testament identifies more apostles than the twelve men who followed Jesus around Galilee. That fact raises some interesting, and even controversial, questions. What exactly is an apostle, what does the gift of apostleship look like, and how should we understand an apostle's role today?
Various theological streams and ecclesiastical traditions hold opposing views on apostleship. Some believe the gift was limited to the twelve disciples closest to Christ. Others contend that apostleship flourished during the foundational era of the church but is no longer active today. On the other end are those who believe modern apostles exist and possess the same authority as the Apostles who penned the New Testament.
Somewhere in the middle are those who affirm the gift's activity today but in a more generic capacity. The word literally means "sent one," a designation that may be applied to many believers. But the middle-ground viewpoint acknowledges there is a difference between being gifted as an apostle (little "a") and possessing the authority of an Apostle (capital "A")._ _ _ _ _ _ _
Check out the whole article at the link above....
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Leadership Journal.
Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
Spring 2008, Vol. XXIX, No. 2, Page 37
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Rediscovering the gift that leaves churches and well-connected pastors in its wake.
by Skye Jethani
We all know about the apostles named Peter, Paul, and John, but have you ever heard of Andronicus or Junia? Some are surprised to discover that the New Testament identifies more apostles than the twelve men who followed Jesus around Galilee. That fact raises some interesting, and even controversial, questions. What exactly is an apostle, what does the gift of apostleship look like, and how should we understand an apostle's role today?
Various theological streams and ecclesiastical traditions hold opposing views on apostleship. Some believe the gift was limited to the twelve disciples closest to Christ. Others contend that apostleship flourished during the foundational era of the church but is no longer active today. On the other end are those who believe modern apostles exist and possess the same authority as the Apostles who penned the New Testament.
Somewhere in the middle are those who affirm the gift's activity today but in a more generic capacity. The word literally means "sent one," a designation that may be applied to many believers. But the middle-ground viewpoint acknowledges there is a difference between being gifted as an apostle (little "a") and possessing the authority of an Apostle (capital "A")._ _ _ _ _ _ _
Check out the whole article at the link above....
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Leadership Journal.
Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
Spring 2008, Vol. XXIX, No. 2, Page 37
Blessings on Ya!
Pastor Kitner
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)