5 Smooth Stones

Chapter Eleven

APOSTLES ESTABLISH, PROPHETS CONFIRM, TEACHERS STRENGTHEN

There are a few that hold a doctrine that apostles and prophets do not exist for today and were only needed in the early church until the foundation was laid and then these ministries ceased to exist. This, of course, contradicts the clear teaching of scripture, as well as the history of the Christian church. Paul wrote clearly that we would have all of the ascension ministries until the church would become perfect. Ephesians 4:13: “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.” Likewise, Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would establish an ever expanding government, and if it’s true what some say, that His government actually decreased after the early church, then Isaiah’s prophecy would be untrue. Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice. From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” His government will be ever expanding and will be established, not only once or at the beginning, but forward and forever. When it comes to apostles establishing the church it is important to understand this principle or we can not really understand the role and function of the apostles and other ministries. Fortunately we can have a foundational understanding in this area by looking at three Greek words and their association with the roles of the apostle, prophet and teacher to establish, con fi rm, and strengthen the church. These words are sterizo, episterizo, and stereos.

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