5 Smooth Stones

the example of both a cornerstone and a capstone. Someone could fall upon a cornerstone, and a capstone could fall upon someone, thus indicting He is the fi rst stone and the last stone in the building of God’s habitation. Apostles and prophets, along with the other ascension gifts will be involved in the building of the church or habitation of God from beginning until end. When Paul the apostle wrote to the church in Rome that he wanted to come in his gift of apostle, he was not saying to them that he wanted to come plant another church within the church, he was saying that there were things that needed to be established within the church that could not be done through a le tt er, but had to be accomplished through the personal presence by receiving an apostle in the name of an apostle gift. We get our word stereo from the Greek word sterizo , which is translated establish. This means to build a fi rm foundation or footing which is sure. This is not something that only needs to be done once, but as the Lord clari fi es the present truth needed for a person or a church, it puts them on a fi rm footing from which they can stand fi rm (not blown about but having done all, can stand.) Likewise the gift of apostle is necessary to establish churches so they can withstand the wiles of the devil and all the growth pains that come with a growing and thriving living organism. Here are a few other examples of the use of the word establish in association with the gift of apostle. 2 Peter 1:12: “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.” Romans 16:25: “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began.” 1 Thessalonians 3:2: “and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith.” 61 A related word stereoo is used in Acts 3:7 where Peter and John, apostles, healed the lame man at the gate of the temple Beautiful. Acts 3:7: “And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” [ stereoo ]