Moving in the Apostolic

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Moving in the Apostolic

apostle will be the people (believers) birthed and raised up through the apostle's ministry. These believers will have an apostolic dimension in their lives because of the gifting of the apostle; they will have an apostle's stamp upon them. They will be an apostolic company of believers, the visible evidence of a true apostle's calling. And they will manifest the characteristics of an apostolic ministry. A seal is an embossed emblem, symbol or letter that serves as evidence of authenticity. It is an authenticating mark or symbol that establishes something or someone as genuine. The apostolic seal authenticates the ministry of a true apostle. This seal or stamp will be upon the believers who are a product of the apostle's ministry. Identifying True Apostles Let's take a look at the distinguishing marks of an apostolic ministry. False apostles will not have this seal. Neither they nor their followers will bear these distinguishing marks. It is important to recognize the apostolic seal, because it can be used to authenticate, to distinguish the false from the true. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars (Rev. 2:2). We are to test or try those who say they are apostles. The church at Ephesus was commended by the Lord for testing those who claimed to be apostles. The Berkeley version says, "How you have put to the test those who call themselves apostles though they are not, and you have found them to be impostors" (MLB, italics added). We are to test or prove all things (see 1 Thess. 5:21). It is important that we know the characteristics of true apostles so we can approve and be blessed by their ministries. There are many who claim apostleship but do not have the grace to walk in this office. "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ" (2 Cor. 11:13). We must keep in mind that there is a difference between standing in the office of an apostle and being apostolic. Every believer and minister can and should be apostolic to some