Five-Fold Today - The Elements of the Gospel - Darkness, Babylon - The Winds of Change Are Blowing- South Wind - The Role of Apostles
SECOND8thwk
MASHACH
THE ELEMENTS OF THE GOSPEL
God's salvation is designed so as to bring the elements of the gospel into
play daily in a Christian's life within the environment in which God created
for them to function. In this manner they, as well as the christian, find the
reality of expression in Christ only.
Just as chemistry can be understood by the table of elements, God has
designed His gospel, and our participation with His New Covenant to be
understood through what can be called elements. There are 12 basic elements,
which begin to describe how God represents Himself through the power of the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are:
GRACE RIGHTEOUSNESS SANCTIFICATION
PEACE CHARITY REGENERATION
In Heb.5:12 and 6:1 the apostle writes about the first principles of the
DOCTRINE of Christ. These first principles which lay the foundation for the
doctrine of Christ are these key elements. The apostles lay the foundation of
this truth in the heart of the believer.
The apostles did not teach a progressive gospel, but taught how God represented His work of salvation through these elements, and how we use them to GROW
in Him.
You will notice that the elements in the list are listed in pairs. That is
because God designed the gospel to function with His Spirit as a WHOLE, not
in part. God designed each element to work with its counter part, or sister
element, and that is why we can say that the elements work on a binary basis.
Grace works with faith, and faith works with grace. They share a binary
relationship. Sanctification works with holiness, and holiness works with
sanctification. They share a binary relationship.
These elements are not only paired to show binary relationship, but must also
be understood in proclitic relationship. This means that in addition to the
binary relationship that the elements of grace and faith have, they also
share a proclitic relationship with sanctification and holiness.
The word proclitic is used to show that all of the elements are so
closely related in how they represent the work of the cross and the power of
the resurrection, that they have no independent expression, none of them
function alone but are dependent on each other to show forth the will and
might of God's plan.
This is why Paul talked about, "Grace, mercy, and peace..." In Titus 1:4.
And why he talks about grace, peace, faith and charity in the first 3 verses
of II Thessalonians chapter one. The apostles did not always present the
elements in pairs, but in threes or in fours to show the flow of God’s grace
with each expression.
The office of the apostle is given as a means to synthesize truth -- (web.)
The putting of two or more things together to form a whole; the combination
of separate elements of thought as a whole; the operation by which divided
parts are united.
Being able to define what these elements are and how they represent the work
of God in the salvation of the soul makes them effectual and stimulates
growth. The Spirit brings the fruit of this knowledge into existence as we
work with it.
For example: The inspiration of the Spirit (grace) is given to draw faith out
of the heart, yet the work of the Spirit is not complete without the tools
that He uses to sanctify us.
Righteousness is the declaration that God makes on our behalf that we have
met His standard, yet this declaration is made because grace and faith were
present to justify our activity with the Spirit.
What God uses to separate us from the world unto Himself (sanctification) are
the same tools we use to separate ourselves from the world unto God (holiness), yet it is the activity of faith that God uses to represent these things,
and it is not seen as complete without regeneration and the renewing of the
mind (the fruit of His work).
God grants peace so that we may enter into His rest, yet we cannot cease to
labour with iniquity unless we have the tools of the New Covenant for our new
activity. And charity, the God kind of love, can only be expressed within the
framework of truth that gives it form and direction.
Within the basic element of TRUTH we also have the anointing (the foundation
of truth that is laid in the heart) and so we also have discernment. Within
this element of truth we see represented the armor that we use to prevail
over the enemy; we use this armor to protect us and it assists us to advance.
Within the basic element of SANCTIFICATION we also have the seal of the
Spirit, the beginning point of our sanctification. The questions about baptisms are answered by this element because the baptism that Jesus gives provides
our sanctification. The tools of the Spirit that the apostles talked about
also come into play. These tools are: prayer, preaching, prophecy, the gifts and callings. We see the function of the assembly and the means by which God
brings edification.
Within the basic element of REGENERATION we see the fruits of the Spirit
that the apostles taught. We see the form that charity is taking in the inner
man because God has effected a divine change. We see the hope of our calling
that reaches into the third covenant.
When we learn what the basic principles of the doctrine of Christ are then
all of the things, which the apostles taught about the salvation of Christ,
come into play.
God gives promise and hope through the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ. We come to trust and have confidence in Him in full assurance because
of the experience He brings.
The apostles did not specialize in topics, one teaching on one element, and
another teaching on another element. The apostles always taught the gospel as
ONE faith, being in ONE mind, in ONE accord. In this manner they represented
the covenant of Jesus Christ as His ambassadors.
God made promise to mankind of sonship and an eternal inheritance; and with
the promise God provides a covenant to represent the work of that promise.
This is what these elements REPRESENT. The law of grace and truth is seen
through the activity of these elements. What God issues through grace He
directs in truth and we express in charity.
False doctrine of any sort effects these elements at their functional level,
and therefore the ability of one element to function with another is
adversely effected. For example, the false faith message effects the element
of faith as well as the element of grace and sanctification, holiness, and
justification. When false doctrine effects the element of faith, then truth
and charity are also effected, as is righteousness.
Because of the new order of knowledge that false teachers give to the element
of faith it can no longer function according to God's design, and therefore
our soul is not brought into God's care through contact (we are not
sanctified), and our works are not justified, and God does not declare us
righteous.
If the elements of the covenant lose their value to Christ they are not
protected by His truth, and are then re-directed by the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life causing subversion of the soul.
The grace of God is made void, truth is turned to a lie, and the works of the
flesh replace the works of the Spirit. God will not justify what He does not
sanctify.
When false doctrine reigns in the Church, christians bear the fruits of
another system. The fruits of a religious spirit are allowed to represent
who we are. Jesus said, "I am the Door" (living grace). The thief comes up
some other way to take faith out of the heart by presenting God's truth in
another form.
The Church has many things to say about truth, and faith in God, and
proclaim loudly what they believe about holiness and justification, and
grace. But if these elements are allowed to remain independent of the form
and direction that truth gives, the Spirit is not present to empower them, to
cause effect. Reflecting upon the word "grace" or "faith" does not create
the reality of it in the heart. These elements alone do not represent the
work of Christ; it is the true order of these elements, and the activity of
God with the elements that makes it living.
God must represent His government, truth, and Spirit through each element.
Only what God authorizes has the power to make what He represents effectual,
and this is what He is conveying through the elements of the covenant. This
is the mystery, which the apostles unlock for the Church.
NOTE: As promised, the next 12 issues of the 'MASHACH' will be devoted to
teaching the elements. I will introduce them one at a time, giving a short
overview of the function of the element.
GOD BLESS
ERIC / s8w
Today He is suspended upon a tree Who suspended the earth over the
waters.
MARTIN SAYERS
Marty@spiritofprophecy.com
April 16, 2000: Darkness shall cover the earth and Babylon
shall see her demise. In that hour shall the Light of the
world be the brightest. Will a man light a lamp at noon
day to find his way? No, but at the darkest hour even
those who have a candle will lead the way. Do not fear
that you do not see your own light and you will not fear
that which is to come. For this purpose have I given thee
My light and as it is not yet dark your light does not yet
shine. But the time is near. Have faith in God. Draw neigh
unto Me and I will draw neigh unto you and I will lift you
up into my marvelous light. It is I the Lord that will
cause your light to shine but not at noon day. I have
reserved this light that I have given thee for the times
of darkness. Then shall men seek you out for the Light of
the Lord shall draw them unto you that you may lead them
unto Me. The time is at hand when I shall confirm My word
with mighty signs and wonders. The order has been given
and order is being established and the foundations stones
are being set. Now step out in faith, believe the Word of
your God and the truth shall set you free, for it shall
surely be done unto you according to your faith.
GLORIA SHEPHERD
The Winds of Change Are Blowing- South Wind
I have sent a south wind of my spirit over the lands, now
they will blow in the winds of change over the land, what
was old will become new, and what will not yield to my
spirit, will become more hardened against me, and I will
destroy it and bring it to naught in the end. It is a
hard wind which is blowing over the land now, and it will
bring in and usher the change which is of me. Do not
curse it but welcome it with welcome arms, for it is sent
from me. This south wind that is coming across the lands
will blow over all where I send it to change that which
has been against me in the spirit, come into this wind so
I may change you my child, for I am doing a new work in
this wind, it is a purifying wind, which will separate all
that I want separated, and that I say is holy will be set
together in one place, and that is not of me, that I have
separated will be gone away from that which is holy for
this is a holy work of mine, which I am doing now... Do
not fight this wind for it is sent for a purpose, I am
taking those out of the places where which they have dwelt
those who still have an ear to ear I am drawing you out of
those dead tombs of religious stone which have entombed
you up to now.. Come, follow my spirit, I want to free you
of the chains which have tried to bind you and hold you
for so long in the deadly words of religious spirits which
have consumed so many churches up to now.. Come forth, I
am calling you out of the tombs, as I called out Lazarus
who was dead, I call you out of the death tombs, come
alive and come into the winds of my Holy Spirit.. I am
breathing life into your bones for the first time, you
shall feel my presence begin to touch you with the life
giving spirit, which I have sent to you to touch you and
to awaken you out of your sleep.
Doug Morrell
A sister wrote: "I have a question for you from your devotional on local churches. My question comes from the following
statements"
There was no central headquarters which controlled the local churches.
In Eph. 4:9-11; 2:20; 3:5; Luke 11:49-52 and 1 Cor. 12 the fivefold ascension-gift ministries which Christ set
in the church are mentioned. Note, these were all given AFTER His ascension, exaltation and glorification.
Many generally accept to some measure evangelists, shepherds and teachers, but why is there lack of
acceptance of the two other ministries? Many would argue, "apostles and prophets are not for today, only for
the establishment of the early church in the period of transition." A study of the New Testament shows that
the apostles and prophets were as human as the evangelists, shepherds and teachers.
Her Question: "What would be the role of an apostle for today then. I used to attend a church where the leadership
called themselves apostles, and they functioned as headquarters which controlled the local churches. They have all these
churches that have "placed themselves under their authority as apostles. They also believe it is sin if the leadership of
that local church decides to no longer be under their umbrella. Thanks for having devotionals with "meat". -M.J.
Based on many references including "The Church In The New Testament" by Kevin J. Conner, I will attempt to answer as
concisely and briefly as possible.
There are many today in the ministry who refer to themselves by various titles (some are self-appointed and others
truly God-appointed). The problem here is twofold: we have for too long denied the truth of a plurality of leadership
and we have have chosen the one office "pastor" and call almost every ministry by this title. This is inconsistent
with Scripture. That is, we have accepted the role of the shepherd and to a degree the ministry of the evangelist
and teacher, but have not accepted the ministry of the apostle and prophet. This places a burden on the one man.
Perhaps this is why there is such a break-down in the ministry today; morally, mentally, emotionally, physically and
in other ways. God never intended one man to shoulder the responsibility of oversight of His church on one man.
Only Christ, who is the Chief Shepherd, can oversee and manage the universal church of God (1 Pet. 5:4). Maybe
we have so embraced the one office, i.e., "pastor" that we have placed a hindrance on the recognition and
acceptance of the other four ascension gift ministries.
The Ministry of the Apostle: Greek 652. apostolos, ap-os'-tol-os; from Grk 649; a delegate; spec. an
ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ["apostle"] (with miraculous powers):-apostle,
messenger, he that is sent.
"And He gave some, apostles..." (Eph. 4:11)
The ministry of the apostle is one that is much understood. It has been relegated to the period from the Old
Covenant to the New Covenant (especially to the period of the Book of Acts and early Church history). However,
the Ephesian Epistle clearly says that Christ, after His ascension, gave gifts to men, "He gave some, apostles..."
These gifts were given for a period of time, "until the Church comes to unity and maturity." I do not believe this has
come to pass yet, therefore, the gifts Christ gave are still in effect regardless of whether or not we accept them.
Although there are over 80 references to apostles, among these are about 15 other persons mentioned or designated
as apostles besides the original 12 Apostles of our Lord Jesus. These were named after Christ's ascension:
A study of the lives and ministries of these as apostles show that none of these compared with Paul had the kinds of
revelations, signs and wonders or the same apostolic ministry given. Still, they were called apostles, but apostles of
lesser order and grace appointment. One obvious conclusion could be that throughout Church history, none have
compared to the original 12, nor with the apostle Paul, but many could be compared and spoken of as lesser
apostles. Nonetheless, they are still apostles. It must always be remembered that it is Christ who gives this ministry
according to the measure of grace and the measure of the gift that HE desires to manifest in and through them
(Rom. 12:1-6; Eph. 4:7).
The calling of the apostle, as any other ministry, must have a distinct calling of the Lord. Paul's calling and election
was confirmed in time by the Lord and other ministries in the body of Christ. Timothy and Titus were apostles and
their calling was confirmed by the laying on of hands of apostolic ministries (Acts 16:1-3; 19:22; Rom. 16:1; 1 Cor.
4:17; Phil. 2:19-24; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:2). An apostle will know that he is "a man sent from God," for
an apostle is also a sent one.
The apostle, just as any of the other fivefold ministries, must be qualified: He must have the character qualifications
of an elder.
An apostle will have a servant heart: It seems that in becoming an apostle it is not a matter of rising to some
lofty height, but rather, of becoming low.
An apostle will have spiritual authority: This is not dictatorship or lordship over God's church. It is not
assumed authority. It is spiritual authority. Paul exercised a spiritual authority among the Churches and
workers but not an official authority, controlling them and their movements. He did "send" and "leave" and
"persuade" and "encourage" his workers to do certain things for the Gospel, but he did leave it their knowing
the will of the Lord.
An apostle is a spiritual father: but he will not be called "father" (Mth. 23:1-12; 1 John 2:12-14)
An apostle will be sound in doctrine: (Acts 2:42; Rom. 16:25, 26). He will also have apostolic revelation,
insight, understanding and wisdom of the Word, both Old and New Testaments (Gal. 1:12; Eph. 3:5; 1 Cor.
14:26; Mth. 16:13-18).
He will be able to make apostolic decisions on doctrinal isssues (Acts 15).
He will be clothed in humility: the greatest will be the humblest. He will not be given to self-glory or want
pre-eminence (1 Cor. 4:9; John 5:44; 3 John 9, 10).
He will be noted for patience: (2 Cor. 12:12)
He will be exemplary as a leader: (1 Cor. 11:1) the safeguard is that we may follow any ministry as long as
he follows close to Christ. If he no longer follows close to Christ, we do not follow the leader but Christ.
He will manifest the qualities of Divine love: (1 Cor. 13; 2 Cor. 12:15)
Regarding the Ministry of the apostle: (it is important to remember that all these attributes cannot be assigned to all,
for it is Christ who measures the grace-gift)
this ministry is given to the Body of Christ for the perfecting and maturing of the saints; the work of the
ministry, to bring saints into the work of their ministry; edification; bringing of the saints into the unity of the
faith; bringing them to the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man; to bringing them to the measure of
As with all ministries, Scripture warns against false apostles (2 Cor. 11:13; 12:11; Rev. 2:2). They are false, not
because they claimed apostleship, but because of the false doctrines they taught, leading people astray from the truth
of the Gospel.
May you all continue to grow in grace and truth...
doug
April 22, 2000
vol.5--4/21/00
(anointing)
FAITH JUSTIFICATION HOLINESS
REST TRUTH RENEWING OF THE MIND
TheSecond8thweek 
Today He is suspended upon a tree Who suspended the earth over the
waters.
Today He is suspended upon a tree Who suspended the earth over the
waters.
The King of the Angels is crowned with a crown of thorns.
He who covered the heavens with the clouds is covered with a purple robe
of mockery.
He who freed Adam in the Jordan received a scourging.
The Bridegroom of the Church is fastened with nails.
The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear.
We worship Your Passion O Christ.
We worship Your Passion O Christ.
We worship Your Passion O Christ.
Show us also Your glorious resurrection.
. . . from the Office of the Crucifixion in the Byzantine Church
nitehawkdw@earthlink.net
http://www.angelfire.com/ga/GardenofJesus/
April 18, 2000:
the stature of Christ's fullness; to bringing them out of childhood into adulthood.
involves founding/establishing New Testament local Churches on the sure foundation of Christ Jesus.
involves preaching/teaching the Word of the Lord.
involves signs and wonders AS THE SPIRIT wills.
involves ordination and appointment of ministries.
involves the baptism of the Holy Spirit
involves preparation/placing of other possible ministries.
involves Church judgments/disciplines.
involves vision for the whole Body of Christ.
involves apostolic ministry especially to the Churches he founds.
willing to sacrificially suffer for the Church.
willing to be tested and proven true.
characterized by wisdom.
may minister in other of the fivefold ministries as the Lord wills.
will set God's house in Divine order.
will be identified with a local church.
--
Live Christ Deliberately!
Christian Outfitters
shiyloh@christianoutfitters.com
http://www.christianoutfitters.com
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