Microsoft Word - Apostolic Alignment

Chapter 1: My Father, My Father Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:7 KJV - But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers: [My note: The five offices or ministries listed above are what is commonly termed "The Five-Fold Ministry."] 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, [My note: Proof that the apostles Jesus gave are still here with us today is the fact that the body of Christ has not yet come into complete unity. These five gifts are given "UNTIL"... "TILL" we come into unity. This does not diminish the importance or unique place that the original "12 apostles of the Lamb" held. No one could ever replace the 12 that walked with Jesus and those that were the original founders of the church.] and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 1 Corinthians 4 1 Corinthians 4:14 KJV - I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 17 ¶ For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? Note the reference to SONS and FATHER. Paul was a FATHER to the church at Corinth, not just an instructor. You may read many great Christian books... you may benefit from many Christian teachers... you may enjoy many ministries and conferences, but WHO IS YOUR SPIRITUAL FATHER?

3