Apostolic People: Advance the Agenda of God (June 16, 2023)

Friday, June 16, 2023

Hello, Friend

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Think of "Apostolic" as an Adjective

In this series, we're believing the Holy Spirit is forming an apostolic people.

This is the 2nd part in the series. Did you miss the 1st part? No problem. See last week's newsletter on the JS site.

Think adjective.

We don't need more people who see themselves as card-carrying apostles ... it seems we have enough of that!

I personally believe there are apostles today (as a noun). These are not apostles with a capital "A" like the first 12 founding apostles. They don't write inspired Scripture.

But they are leaders who initiate Kingdom activity, plant churches and ministries, oversee larger sections of the Body of Christ, and so on.

Alert: we will also discover in this series that there may be apostolic energies from Christ that work in a Kingdom way in society and culture at large.

This is very compelling to me. I'm sure it must give the Darkness unholy hysterics. A holy booyah to that!

For now, I want to motivate us to think of "apostolic" as a descriptor (adjective) for the people of God ... for those who have ears to hear as Jesus would often say!

Something of the anointing of the Ultimate Apostle - Jesus Christ - is in you. And via you to the world around you.

What Do We Mean by "Apostolic"?

I love this statement from 5Q, a ministry organization that "unlocks potential and purposes in disciples, leaders and organizations."

"We all have a part to play in the body of Christ. As disciples, when we are together in community, we have the potential to grow into the fullness of Christ, activating kingdom potential within us both individually and collectively."

"Apostle" from the New Testament Greek literally means "sent one." To be apostolic is to be missional.

You are sent with a message and agenda from above!

You are on mission. On assignment. You are a co-agent (I like to say Vice Regent) of King Jesus in His Kingdom.

I'm not an expert, but I understand apostolic to be pioneering. You penetrate new territory to create something new. And you guard it.

You're interested in innovation, reproducing, and expanding into new cultures and sub-cultures.

Apostolic is architectural in nature. You are building something. In truth, God is building with you!

Christ is the foundation of the Higher Design in our lives. He is the cornerstone and God is active and building in our world.

All of this in our lives is a preface, a precursor to the New Heavens & New Earth and the New Jerusalem coming down to a renewed earth ...

We can be *enlightened, *taste the heavenly gift, *partake of the Holy Spirit, *taste the good word of God .... and, get this, *taste the powers of the Age to Come now. See Hebrews 6:4-5 for these 5 potential elements.

Can you see how dynamic this apostolic anointing and energy from Christ can be?

In the Church, yes. But also in society and culture!

We're learning.

A prayer ...

Father, I pray for my friends. For myself too. According to Ephesians 1, fill us with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (advanced relational knowledge) of Christ. May the eyes of our understanding see clearly. Cause us to experience the hope of our calling in a richer way.  Reveal to us what this means for our lives and callings. Sovereignly connect us with the people of God who are running hard and accurate. All for your name and fame. Your glory and story. Amen.

Appreciate you. Until next time.

Brian Del Turco