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

the character of Christ is not more clearly exemplified than any other attributes. It is not that a minister cannot be from God if they are not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, but that there is much less chance of disappointment where the fruit of the spirit is openly apparent within the minister7. Perfection is not a requirement for an apostle or any other minister, they must only be in the process of being perfected. However, the character must be a foundation for the signs, and the signs are no replacement for the character, this is especially true for apostles. Choosing to disassociate from arrogant, self-promoting, controlling people, and other works of the flesh can be a greater blessing in the long run and lead to growth and understanding. Learn to love to associate with the humble, to be with those who promote Christ, and boast in the Lord, and glory in their own weaknesses. When the apostles were brought before the rulers in Acts 4, it was because of a notable miracle. But the miracle did not convince the judges, what they took note of was “that these men had been with Jesus.” The first impression received from an apostle might well be “that per- son has been with Jesus.” Paul said it best, pointing out that every apostle is not an apostle to every other person, “If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you...” (1 Corinthians 9:2). When it comes to the signs of apostleship - character comes first. Matthew 23:11 states, “But he that is greatest [chief] among you shall be your servant.” ENDNOTES: 5 The Holy Bible, King James Version. New York: American Bible Society: 1999; Bartleby.com, 2000. www.bartleby.com/108/. [March, 2018].

6 I sometimes jokingly say that we should prefer for people to become believers before they become leaders. Do you get my point?

7 Once I was crying out to the Lord about a particular minister who had become somewhat of a “thorn in the flesh” to me in a number of ways. I was surprised when the Lord answered me by saying that He used arrogant, controlling people to get work done all the time. I had

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