FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

sectors of society, as mentioned. Another reason is lack of discipleship with those who are saved, and a third reason is not employing the apostolic ministry along with the evangelistic. Philip did not make this mistake. Once he started the work in Samaria, the apostles, whom he was in relationship with, came and continued the work. The apostles did a few things that Philip did not do. In Samaria we find the first time recorded in the book of Acts where people received the Lord but did not manifest the spirit with the manifestation of speaking in tongues. Some believe this is because of the influence of the sorceries of Simon. At any rate, it had not happened before and dealing with such things falls under the apostolic mantle. Peter the apostle was called upon in his ministry to bring the first Gentiles into the new birth (Acts10), and, after he accomplished this, it was possible to offer salvation to the Gentiles through any believer who presented the gospel. It appears that keeping with biblical order, Philip planted or birthed the work in Samaria, but the apostles established it and set a firm foundation which historically continued through the Church in Samaria. When apostles and evangelists carry out the work of the Kingdom by functioning in tandem with one another according to the will of God, both the gospel of salvation and the gospel of the kingdom is preached. People will be brought into the new birth as well as continue on to discipleship, and that which is begun will also be established. This will allow the Kingdom of God to move forward with power and might. One reason the early Church had lasting success is the ministries working together, each doing what they were called to do and building the kingdom together, not “building ministries” or “personal empires.” Jesus said that He would build His Church and the gates of hell would not prevail against that Church. He did not promise that hell would not prevail against man’s systems even if it is called “kingdom.” Matthew 16:18b “ I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. ” ENDNOTES: 41 Leviticus 21:10 “ He who is the high priest among his bre- thren, on whose head the anointing oil was poured and who is consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes; ” (Perhaps giving Jesus legal authority over the High Priest at this time).

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