1/31/2011 Apostolic Identity Week #2Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 11:2, Esphesians 5:25-27, Luke 10:8-11, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 13:14, 2 Corinthians 6:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Having an apostolic identity requires disciple; disciple comes from instruction, correction and guidance. This leads us to self-disciple where we can live a life that pleases God. What kind of church does God want? A chaste virgin: a glorious church without spot or blemish. He wants His people to be clean and pure, because our identity is revealed in our obedience: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" In the Bible we read about the principle of authority and submission, an example being how a priest had the responsibility of determining between the holy and unholy. "And the LORD spake unto Aaron, saying, Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses..." Ask yourself the question: who is watching for your soul? It is our responsbility to obey and submit, while God gives us a pastor who is a watchman who helps protects us from impending danger. A pastor is to make decisions based on scriptural principles for the whole congregation. There are three areas that a person applies these principles to to gain an apostolic identity: 1) Bible Principles- areas where the Bible is not specific, but gives direction for us to follow morally and ethically. For example: If while shopping a cashier gives you too much money back, what is your response? The Bible doesn't specifically outline this situation, but it gives moral guidelines about stealing that apply. 2) Church Standards- Bible principles that a pastor determines are to be publicly seen in the congregation and the pastor is accountable to God for them. 3) Personal Convictions- This is a conviction an individual has laid upon them personally by God. Bible truths are things which we can never compromise! They do not change! We are to "be not conformed to this world," "make no provision for the flesh," come out and be separate, and "forsake the appearance of evil." Apostolic identity sets us apart unto God. Comments are closed.
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