5 Smooth Stones

Chapter Four

CHARACTER COMES FIRST

H ow do we know who is truly called of God to fi ve-fold ministry? What about false apostles and false prophets? There has been a signi fi cant amount of discussion on judging ministries for oneself, and time and experience present a need to give serious consideration and re fl ection on this subject. Discerning true, false, functioning, fallen, or those immature in ministry is very important. Based upon the study of the scripture, and much re fl ection in rightly dividing, applying, and understanding scripture, including practical application in light of the ministry of apostleship, some insights become clearer. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, King James Version (KJV) the apostle Paul wrote what he called the signs of an apostle. “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds 5 .” Paul is clearly speaking of his apostleship in this verse, and in the immediate context of this verse. He was not defending his Christianity as no one questioned that he was a Christian, not even Caesar Nero when he was later brought before him. However, men had come into Corinth and had caused the church there to question his apostolic ministry, which he was defending. The vast majority of people reading this verse believe Paul is stating that the sign of his apostleship was signs, wonders and mighty deeds. In the characterization of apostles and the apostolic movement we ought not make excuses to those who want to see more signs and wonders. Dr. Eric Belcher, who was an ordained apostle and Vice President of Christ for the Nations International, taught that apostles should keep a fi le of the miracles God has done through their ministry, mainly for personal referral and to go through from time to time for encouragement and faith building and remembrance, but not mainly to convince doubters and naysayers. He said it should not be mainly for anyone else, but for personal encouragement, by recalling God’s goodness. Most everyone would love to see increased miracles and see them more often. However, we also can be reminded that the Pharisees demanded more signs and wonders from even Jesus! So we might draw some understanding from this

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