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| PentecostalTheology.comA FEW THOUGHTS ON APOSTLESHIP – Ray E Horton
Quoting Christopher Alam
“Apostle (or any of the ministry gifts) is a function, not a title.” I’ve said that for years. Glad to see this understanding reinforced.
A good message from brother Christopher Alam:
“Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead)” (Galatians 1:1).
Title versus Function
Functions are given by God according to the Calling and the Anointing that God places upon our lives. Titles are given by man
Firstly, please do note this, that at no point does Paul ever call himself “The Apostle Paul”, but it is always “Paul, an Apostle”.
This is significant, because “The Apostle Paul” is a TITLE, whilst “Paul, an apostle” is a FUNCTION. In other words, “Apostle” is a Function rather than a Title.
Functions are given by God according to the Calling and the Anointing that God places upon our lives. Titles, on the other hand are given by man.
Paul makes it clear in this Scripture that he was an apostle, and that NOT OF MAN, but BY JESUS CHRIST. Man gives Titles. God Calls Apostles!
I am expressing this because in certain cultures people just love grandiose ecclesiastical titles. I personally have an aversion towards this whole modern-day concept of people calling themselves “Apostle”. It is far better to do the work of an Apostle – Preach the Gospel with Signs Following, pioneer in areas untouched by the Gospel, Raise the dead, plant churches, raise up ministers and leaders, defend the simplicity of the Gospel.
Forget the title, do the work
I believe in Apostolic ministry and Power. Let us live it, serve in it, flow in it, and demonstrate it – instead of just throwing around the title.