A Shift in Leadership

A Shift in Leadership

types of the apostle, they are identified as prophets. Jesus was establishing a new order of ministry before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The Old Testament wineskin of Judaism with priests, prophets, judges, and kings could not handle the new wine of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament wineskin of the Church, with the presence of apostles, is needed to contain the new wine. Joel's prophecy emphasizes prophecy as an element of the last day outpouring. The sons and daughters will prophesy. The servants and handmaidens will prophesy. The young men shall see visions and the old men dream dreams. This is a radical release of all people. It makes no difference whether you are male or female, young or old, rich or poor, all can prophesy and operate in a prophetic realm. In the Old Testament, only a select group were anointed to minister. The old wineskin of Judaism could not contain such a release of anointing. The Holy Spirit releases all believers into ministry. Every reformation has brought about a release of all believers. The Protestant reformation in the 16 th Century emphasized the priesthood of all believers. The Asuza revival of the 20 th Century emphasized the Holy Spirit baptism and speaking in tongues for all believers. We have also learned that all believers can cast out devils, heal the sick, and do the works of Jesus (John 14:12). These things are no longer relegated to the clergy. Now we are seeing a release of all believers flowing prophetically and apostolically. This does not make all apostles and prophets, but all believers can operate in these dimensions.

42