Bible Study Is the Charismatic Movement Dangerous and Heretical?

[Free]

I certainly have already, from the scriptures. You have chosen to reject what the scripture so plainly says.

Criteria is your word. The scripture plainly says that "signs of an apostle" Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

These signs as well as the baptism with the Holy Spirit continue today, just as there are Pastors, Teachers and Evangelists.


And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, Ephesians 4:11-14

Jesus Christ is the Apostle and High Priest.

Jesus Christ is The Prophet.


He dwells in His people and continues to manifest these giftings through His people whom He has called and chosen for each specific ministry.

Please don’t misrepresent my position, especially since it appears you don’t understand my simple question. You are making the same mistake that some others do when they say that our good works save us, when it is works that are evidence of one who is saved. Again, you’re conflating the acts (works; signs) of the Apostles, which are the evidence that they are Apostles, with the qualifications for becoming an Apostle in the first place. Where do we find the criteria? Since you seem to be unwilling to study, here they are:

Act 1:21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Act 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
Act 1:23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. (ESV)

In order to be considered for the office of an Apostle, a person first had to have been with Jesus during his entire ministry. Second, they had to have been an eyewitness to his resurrection. And, third, they had to be appointed by Jesus himself. Of course, it happened in a more dramatic and personal way with Paul in his direct calling and commission from Jesus himself, but he was the exception, not the rule.

Do any of today's "Apostles" meet those criteria? Is it possible for anyone apart from those living during the time of Christ to meet the criteria?

 

[GodsGrace]

Please don’t misrepresent my position, especially since it appears you don’t understand my simple question. You are making the same mistake that some others do when they say that our good works save us, when it is works that are evidence of one who is saved. Again, you’re conflating the acts (works; signs) of the Apostles, which are the evidence that they are Apostles, with the qualifications for becoming an Apostle in the first place. Where do we find the criteria? Since you seem to be unwilling to study, here they are:

Act 1:21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Act 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
Act 1:23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. (ESV)

If a person knows how to heal people, he can be called a doctor, if he can do everything a doctor does.
In this same way, a person is an Apostle IF he is doing what the Apostles were sent out to do.
Teaching and laying on of hands and baptizing is still done today.

I dislike the word Apostle used for todays "apostles" because it does take away from a very special position that the Apostles held.

However, that's the word we have and that we have to work with.
Jesus sent the Apostles on the great commission.
He told them to teach and to baptize.
Does anyone in the church today teach and baptize?

2 Timothy 1:8-11
8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
9who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
10but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.

From the beginning of time, God called some for a special purpose.
What was that purpose?
Preacher
Apostle
Teacher

If a person is fulfilling ALL the same functions as an Apostle,,,then he can be called an Apostle.

In order to be considered for the office of an Apostle, a person first had to have been with Jesus during his entire ministry. Second, they had to have been an eyewitness to his resurrection. And, third, they had to be appointed by Jesus himself. Of course, it happened in a more dramatic and personal way with Paul in his direct calling and commission from Jesus himself, but he was the exception, not the rule.

Do any of today's "Apostles" meet those criteria? Is it possible for anyone apart from those living during the time of Christ to meet the criteria?

Then we should stop teaching, preaching and baptizing.

Since, as you believe, that office (which entails ALL of the above) no longer exists.

 

[JLB]

Please don’t misrepresent my position, especially since it appears you don’t understand my simple question. You are making the same mistake that some others do when they say that our good works save us, when it is works that are evidence of one who is saved. Again, you’re conflating the acts (works; signs) of the Apostles, which are the evidence that they are Apostles, with the qualifications for becoming an Apostle in the first place. Where do we find the criteria? Since you seem to be unwilling to study, here they are:

Act 1:21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Act 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
Act 1:23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. (ESV)

In order to be considered for the office of an Apostle, a person first had to have been with Jesus during his entire ministry. Second, they had to have been an eyewitness to his resurrection. And, third, they had to be appointed by Jesus himself. Of course, it happened in a more dramatic and personal way with Paul in his direct calling and commission from Jesus himself, but he was the exception, not the rule.

Do any of today's "Apostles" meet those criteria? Is it possible for anyone apart from those living during the time of Christ to meet the criteria?

I will no longer engage in this discussion with you.

I plainly gave you scripture and repeated myself multiple times.

You just want to argue.

Paul gave the best advice concerning this matter -

... having a form of godliness but denying its power.... 2 Timothy 3:4-5






JLB

 

[Tenchi]

I would recommend Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett's books:

Counterfeit Kingdom
A New Apostolic Reformation?

www.hollypivec.com

 

[Hidden In Him]

In order to be considered for the office of an Apostle, a person first had to have been with Jesus during his entire ministry. Second, they had to have been an eyewitness to his resurrection. And, third, they had to be appointed by Jesus himself. Of course, it happened in a more dramatic and personal way with Paul in his direct calling and commission from Jesus himself, but he was the exception, not the rule.

Not that I care to be involved in this discussion, Free, but the above criteria is based on assumption. The apostle Paul was not with Jesus his entire ministry, and yet he was clearly an apostle.

The truth is there is no criteria implicitly stated in scripture on what defined an apostle other than that they moved in powerful signs that established their apostleship.

Blessings,
- H

 

[Hidden In Him]

I would recommend Holly Pivec and Doug Geivett's books:

Counterfeit Kingdom
A New Apostolic Reformation?

www.hollypivec.com

This likely explains what an apostle is not, yes? I think the current discussion is more about what an apostle is, not what one is not. The typical Cessationist arguments frequently tend to make this mistake. They expound at length about everything that is not without ever addressing the more important question of what is.

 

[Tenchi]

This likely explains what an apostle is not, yes? I think the current discussion is more about what an apostle is, not what one is not. The typical Cessationist arguments frequently tend to make this mistake. They expound at length about everything that is not without ever addressing the more important question of what is.

No, the authors do a very good job of defining things in both positive and negative ways. They're credentialed Christian philosophers, so careful thinking, which includes making careful distinctions and carefully clarifying terms, is important to them.

 

[Hidden In Him]

No, the authors do a very good job of defining things in both positive and negative ways. They're credentialed Christian philosophers, so careful thinking, which includes making careful distinctions and carefully clarifying terms, is important to them.

Alright, well that sounds good then. If I should ever run across it I will give it a look. Discussing the NAR at all is like low hanging fruit. No serious Charismatic gives them the time of day, and yet they become a major talking point with the Cessationists because they're often only interested in discussing the blatant distortions.

 

[Free]

If a person knows how to heal people, he can be called a doctor, if he can do everything a doctor does.
In this same way, a person is an Apostle IF he is doing what the Apostles were sent out to do.
Teaching and laying on of hands and baptizing is still done today.

I dislike the word Apostle used for todays "apostles" because it does take away from a very special position that the Apostles held.

However, that's the word we have and that we have to work with.
Jesus sent the Apostles on the great commission.
He told them to teach and to baptize.
Does anyone in the church today teach and baptize?

2 Timothy 1:8-11
8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
9who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
10but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.

From the beginning of time, God called some for a special purpose.
What was that purpose?
Preacher
Apostle
Teacher

If a person is fulfilling ALL the same functions as an Apostle,,,then he can be called an Apostle.

Not according to the Bible.

Then we should stop teaching, preaching and baptizing.

Since, as you believe, that office (which entails ALL of the above) no longer exists.

Except that while the office of Apostle does those things, preaching and teaching are clearly also separate offices:

1Co 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
1Co 12:30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (ESV)

Eph 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV)

And then there is this:

1Co 4:9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.
1Co 4:11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless,
1Co 4:12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
1Co 4:13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
1Co 4:14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. (ESV)

Does this sound like any "apostle" existing today? Sounds exactly the opposite, doesn't it?

Also:

2Co 11:1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!
2Co 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
2Co 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2Co 11:4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.
2Co 11:5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.
2Co 11:6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
2Co 11:7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?
2Co 11:8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.
2Co 11:9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
2Co 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
2Co 11:11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
2Co 11:12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.
2Co 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. (ESV)

Apart from the biblical requirements to hold the office of Apostle being only historical and can in no way apply to anyone today, there is a serious problem with appealing to signs as evidence:

Mat 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (ESV)

So, we see that Satan and his servants disguise themselves as angels of light and servants of righteousness and are able to "perform great signs and wonders." Therefore, we cannot appeal to signs and wonders as evidence that a person is an apostle. It goes back to the historical requirements.

Besides, which of today's "apostles" has endured the following?

2Co 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.
2Co 11:24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.
2Co 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;
2Co 11:26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;
2Co 11:27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
2Co 11:28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. (ESV)

Not that it matters at this point, but if anyone wants to make the argument that since today's "apostles" are doing the signs the Apostles did, proves that today's "apostles" also hold to the office of Apostle, then, to be consistent, the above things do as well. How many of today's "apostles" are trying to plant churches in areas that have never heard the gospel? How many are trying to minister to believers in countries that are hostile to the gospel? How many are willing to give their lives to reach those who have never heard? My guess is none.

Something else to consider is how many are associated with Word of Faith? Maybe none, but I suspect most, if not all, are. Bill Johnson and Bethel are associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, but he is a false teacher who mixes New Age beliefs with Christianity. If there is such a lack of spiritual discernment (which really just requires knowing the Bible) in the NAR, then that puts that whole organization into serious, serious doubt.

 

[Hidden In Him]

How many of today's "apostles" are trying to plant churches in areas that have never heard the gospel?

Actually, this is the primary criteria used by many WoF types, and it's deeply fraudulent. They start a church in one place, tell their congregation God is now "sending" them to another, start a second church there and Presto! They are now "an apostle." It's just a common parlor trick used to make themselves out to be something they are not through a mere title. It bears nothing in common with true Biblical apostleship.

 

[Free]

I will no longer engage in this discussion with you.

I plainly gave you scripture and repeated myself multiple times.

You just want to argue.

No, I never "argue" just to argue. I'm interested in truth, which every Christian should be, particularly the truths of Scripture. And, that requires civil, rational discussion and debate with those with whom one disagrees. You did repeat yourself multiple times, but so did I because you never actually answered my question. But, I have since provided the answer.

Paul gave the best advice concerning this matter -


... having a form of godliness but denying its power.... 2 Timothy 3:4-5

I agree.

2Ti 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
2Ti 3:2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
2Ti 3:4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
2Ti 3:5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (ESV)

That is exactly today's "apostles."

 

[JLB]

No, I never "argue" just to argue. I'm interested in truth, which every Christian should be, particularly the truths of Scripture. And, that requires civil, rational discussion and debate with those with whom one disagrees. You did repeat yourself multiple times, but so did I because you never actually answered my question. But, I have since provided the answer.


I agree.

2Ti 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
2Ti 3:2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
2Ti 3:4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
2Ti 3:5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (ESV)

That is exactly today's "apostles."

The truth is, the power in scripture is directly associated with the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8



No Baptism with the Holy Spirit, No power.





JLB

 

[JLB]

Actually, this is the primary criteria used by many WoF types, and it's deeply fraudulent. They start a church in one place, tell their congregation God is now "sending" them to another, start a second church there and Presto! They are now "an apostle." It's just a common parlor trick used to make themselves out to be something they are not through a mere title. It bears nothing in common with true Biblical apostleship.

Amen!

However, if there is a counterfeit, then there must be the authentic.

We don't measure what people say, or what people do.

Our plumbline is scripture; The Truth!

 

[Hidden In Him]

Amen!

However, if there is a counterfeit, then there must be the authentic.

We don't measure what people say, or what people do.

Our plumbline is scripture; The Truth!

Yes. The definition of the word is sent one, and no one would argue that we should not still be sent. Nor do I think it's a wise argument to say that we should go without the power of God, for this is practically paramount to going without the blessing and endorsement of God Himself.

There are modern counterfeits of what true Christianity should be in many things, not just the gifts, but our call should be to manifest what Christianity is; not just in conduct, but in New Testament doctrine and practice as well, no matter how much dedication that takes.

 

[Free]

The truth is, the power in scripture is directly associated with the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8



No Baptism with the Holy Spirit, No power.

Okay. But, what does that have to do with what I asked, which was what the requirements are for someone to be an apostle?

 

[electedbyHim]

Not according to the Bible.


Except that while the office of Apostle does those things, preaching and teaching are clearly also separate offices:

1Co 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
1Co 12:30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (ESV)

Eph 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV)

And then there is this:

1Co 4:9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
1Co 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.
1Co 4:11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless,
1Co 4:12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
1Co 4:13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
1Co 4:14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. (ESV)

Does this sound like any "apostle" existing today? Sounds exactly the opposite, doesn't it?

Also:

2Co 11:1 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!
2Co 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
2Co 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2Co 11:4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.
2Co 11:5 Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.
2Co 11:6 Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
2Co 11:7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?
2Co 11:8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.
2Co 11:9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
2Co 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
2Co 11:11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
2Co 11:12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.
2Co 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. (ESV)

Apart from the biblical requirements to hold the office of Apostle being only historical and can in no way apply to anyone today, there is a serious problem with appealing to signs as evidence:

Mat 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. (ESV)

So, we see that Satan and his servants disguise themselves as angels of light and servants of righteousness and are able to "perform great signs and wonders." Therefore, we cannot appeal to signs and wonders as evidence that a person is an apostle. It goes back to the historical requirements.

Besides, which of today's "apostles" has endured the following?

2Co 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.
2Co 11:24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.
2Co 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;
2Co 11:26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;
2Co 11:27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
2Co 11:28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. (ESV)

Not that it matters at this point, but if anyone wants to make the argument that since today's "apostles" are doing the signs the Apostles did, proves that today's "apostles" also hold to the office of Apostle, then, to be consistent, the above things do as well. How many of today's "apostles" are trying to plant churches in areas that have never heard the gospel? How many are trying to minister to believers in countries that are hostile to the gospel? How many are willing to give their lives to reach those who have never heard? My guess is none.

Something else to consider is how many are associated with Word of Faith? Maybe none, but I suspect most, if not all, are. Bill Johnson and Bethel are associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, but he is a false teacher who mixes New Age beliefs with Christianity. If there is such a lack of spiritual discernment (which really just requires knowing the Bible) in the NAR, then that puts that whole organization into serious, serious doubt.

Excellent.

 

[JLB]

Okay. But, what does that have to do with what I asked, which was what the requirements are for someone to be an apostle?

Called and chosen by Jesus Christ.

 

[JLB]

Of course, it happened in a more dramatic and personal way with Paul in his direct calling and commission from Jesus himself, but he was the exception, not the rule.

What in scripture says this doesn't happen today?

 

[JLB]

Yes. The definition of the word is sent one, and no one would argue that we should not still be sent. Nor do I think it's a wise argument to say that we should go without the power of God, for this is practically paramount to going without the blessing and endorsement of God Himself.

There are modern counterfeits of what true Christianity should be in many things, not just the gifts, but our call should be to manifest what Christianity is; not just in conduct, but in New Testament doctrine and practice as well, no matter how much dedication that takes.

Here is how Apostles were sent out by the Holy Spirit after the twelve.

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:1-3

 

[Hidden In Him]

Here is how Apostle were sent out by the Holy Spirit after the twelve.

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:1-3

Yes, and it was after the Holy Spirit Himself sent them out, not man. Their laying of hands was simply at the request of the Spirit of God, but the prophets who were there didn't commission anything. The Holy Spirit Himself commanded that it was to be done through prophetic utterance, and they simply obeyed.