Moving in the Apostolic

114 Moving in the Apostolic

Faithful Ambassadors I concur with Price that authority is one of the distinct marks of an apostle and an apostolic church. This authority is recognized in the spirit realm by angels and demons alike. It is released through preaching, teaching, prophesying and the overall ministry of the apostle. And it is desperately needed by the Church to fulfill the Great Commission. Without apostolic authority, the Church will be unable to complete its mission. The kingdom of God is established and maintained through authority. It is expanded through authority that dispels darkness and sets the captives free. When the Twelve were sent out, our Lord Jesus entrusted them with power. They were given authority over unclean spirits and sickness. They were official representatives of Christ, given authority by Him, as His ambassadors, to preach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out devils. An ambassador is an official delegate or representative, speaking for and representing the nation or organization from which they have been sent. They are given official authority to act in this capacity. This will give you some idea of the tremendous authority given to the Twelve as representatives of Christ. They had an awesome responsibility to represent the Lord correctly as His ambassadors. An ambassador is further defined as an official envoy, a diplomatic agent or delegate of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government. A delegate is simply one person acting for another. The Twelve were sent forth as official delegates of Christ, with delegated power and authority. They formed an apostolic delegation. They had specific instructions in what to do and what not to do. They had to follow these instructions because they were not representing themselves, but Christ. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health (Prov. 13:17, italics added). Faithful apostles bring healing and deliverance with their message. They will speak with power and authority because of whom they represent, but they must be faithful to the message