If you have been a faithful reader — thank you. I will be returning soon with what I believe will be greater accuracy in the Lord’s purpose for this site.

“The events of Jesus birth and early years of life were couched within political intrigue, murderous plots, acts of genocidal rage, state intelligence activities, issues of immigration and covert border crossings, a visiting delegation of foreign dignitaries and the census and tax decrees of an empire. We must be aware of the actual introduction of the King into the earth and the drama which unfolded in a political and social context.”

“Herod’s first action was to gather the leaders of the church and ask them for the location of the birth of Christ, and Matthew records that they provided this without reservation. This is a church which has a complete lack of discernment; they are so blind, unaware and spiritually dull that they willingly participated in a political process that resulted in a bloody assault against the Kingdom of God! We must wonder: where was the insight of the Church regarding this fresh new Divine initiative being birthed into the earth? Weren’t they aware that a new move of God was at hand and required their participation? Did they have no discernment regarding the true nature of Herod’s request for information?”

Syncretism Matthew 2:8
He (Herod) sent them to Bethlehem and said… Syncretism is a word that means a mixture of things that are opposed, and we see this when Herod tried to use the wise men for his political purposes. His arrogance is manifest when he joined his purposes (seeking to find and neutralize the child) to the divine mission of the men from the East. Politicians from all sides of the aisle commonly engage in this unholy mixture, and the church has so diluted the message of the Kingdom of God that many have come to believe that “God and country” are one. However, the Magi went to Bethlehem not out of obedience to Herod but because they had spiritual sight and were sent by God.

“The Church must have a heightened and more insightful view of the Word of God. Seeing the Bible as simply a plan for individual salvation is to strip it of all of its richness, and this limited view has produced a people in the earth who are narrow and whose lives are segmented into quadrants that produce internal conflict and separation. For instance, Christians today would look to the Word of God for answers about sin and salvation, but they would not have been taught to understand economic principles and political leadership from a Kingdom perspective.”

Click Here for the full article.

Needless to say Dr. Boyd was “struck with horrified grief” and asks the following question: “How could Jesus’ people applaud tragic violence, regardless of why it happened and regardless of how they might benefit from its outcome?” An equally griping question he later asks is “Didn’t Jesus die for Iraqis as much as for Americans? Don’t they possess the same unsurpassable worth that Americans possess?” Of course the answer on both accounts is a resounding — Yes!

In examining this incident Dr. Boyd makes this statement. “We have come to trust the power of the sword more than the power of the cross. We have become intoxicated with the Constantinian, nationalistic, violent mindset of imperialistic Christendom.” He goes on to assert,

The thinking is that America was founded as a Christian nation but has simply veered of track. If we can just get the power of Caesar again, however, we can take it back. If we can just get more Christians into office, pass more Christian laws, support more Christian policies, we can restore this nation to its “one nation under God” status.

He then provides an excellent critique of the problem considering two questions: 1) “Did Jesus ever suggest by word or example that we should aspire to acquire, let alone take over, the power of Caesar?” and 2) How do we take back for God a nation that has never truly been His?

To the first question Dr. Boyd responds,

Unlike America, Israel was, in fact, called to be a “nation under God” in a unique way. God was supposed to be her King and, moreover, most of Jesus’ Jewish contemporaries wanted to “take Israel back for God.” This is precisely why they continually tried to fit Jesus into the mold of a political Messiah.

Of course Jesus would have none of that. In John chapter 6 we read, “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” Had it been His motive to take over the world through political means this would have been an excellent opportunity. And again in John 18:36 Jesus says, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Clearly, the kingdom of God is separate from the kingdoms of the world and the former will not come through the exercise of the later.

To the second question, Dr. Boyd provides many examples that remind us just how un-Christian the founding and building of this nation truly was. From the covenant-breaking, massacre of this lands native inhabitants to the slavery and brutality unleashed on millions of Africans to the greed-driven, inhumane industrialization that catapulted America into financial dominance…

The way this nation was “discovered,” conquered, and governed was a rather typical, barbaric, violent, kingdom-of-the-world affair. The immoral barbarism displayed in the early (and subsequent) years of this country was, sadly, pretty typical by kingdom-of-the-world standards. The fact that it was largely done under the banner of Christ doesn’t make it more Christian, any more than any other bloody conquest done in Jesus name throughout history (such as the Crusades and the Inquisition) qualifies them to be Christlike.

The summation then of this chapter is that we, who profess the name of Jesus and who live in America, need to take a serious look at our internal position concerning nationalism and patriotism. For in continuing to believe the government of God will be achieved through political ends is as foolish as it is un-biblical. Consider Jesus’ words from Luke 17:20–21,

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here {it is!}’ or, ‘There {it is!}’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (NASB)

Indeed, Jesus is the kingdom. And as this passage goes on to say, there will be no question as to when His kingdom is manifest in the earth. Until that day, we His people, are called to manifest the true kingdom by our individual and corporate expression of His dominion over sin, sickness, pride, anger, malice and whatever else is contrary to His character and nature. We are called to further His kingdom by love, not violence or political posturing. We are called to bear one another’s burdens — and there are many burdens being suffered throughout the world by our brethren. But until the patriotic scales fall from our eyes and the nationalistic veil is lifted we will continue to identify more with the culture and spirit of America than the culture and Spirit of the kingdom of God.

Table of contents for The Apostolic Grace

1. The Apostolic Grace, part two

In part one I discussed the need for every community of believers to maintain connection to an apostolic grace, specifically relating to the authority and function of tearing down imaginations and strongholds of thought that can become entrenched in our thinking. In this post I want to look at the detrimental effect on the Body when the apostolic grace is not allowed to function: mainly, lack of forward movement toward the finish and inaccurate internal structure.

Let’s begin by considering the following passages and a few key words in each.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 1 Cor. 3:10 NASB (emphasis mine)

Grace
I believe Paul’s use of the word “grace” is a direct reference to his apostolic grace, according to which he “laid a foundation” having the wisdom of a “master builder.” It is by an outworking of his respective grace that he accomplishes the task set before him. Therefore we should look deeper into the words “master builder” and “laid a foundation.”

Master Builder
The word here is architekton, from which we get the modern word architect and it’s many derivatives. Dr. Renate Fruchter, professor of Civil and Environmental engineering at Stanford University says this regarding the role of a master builder.

“The Greek root of the word architect is architekton, meaning master builder. Historically, master builders understood the architecture or aesthetics, the structural engineering or mathematics, and the construction materials and technology necessary to design and build edifices. They had ateliers in which apprentices worked as a team and contributed to the execution of work bearing the master’s signature.”

This is instructive as it points to what was in Paul’s mind when he chose to use this word to describe the outworking of his grace. He could faithfully lay an accurate foundation because he was an architekton. He had divine understanding into the spiritual structure God was building in the earth and how to properly lay an accurate foundation upon which that structure could be built.

Laid a Foundation
The foundation can be described as the framework upon which a building is constructed and in this case the only legitimate foundation is Christ. The Body of Christ as the habitation of God cannot be built upon a man or a vision, it must be built exclusively upon Christ. So then we see that a key signiture of the apostolic grace is the wisdom to found and build. In the case of the Corinthians, Paul remarks that others are building upon the foundation he laid and that they should build “carefully,” a word that denotes discernment, insight and understanding (see the Greek word ‘blepo’).

The Apostolic Grace
So then we see that the apostolic grace is uniquely wired to lay an accurate foundation, carries the blueprint for accurate building, and will not attempt to build upon charisma, gifting, vision or anything other than Christ. Therefore, the suppression of this grace causes innaccurate building upon improper foundation — a tragedy we see throughout the Body of Christ. So often we see “churches” built upon personality or doctrinal cohesion or vision, because there is a lack of true apostolic grace. Simply put, the evangelistic, teaching or shepherding (or pastoral) grace is not wired to see the blueprint or build the structure, which is why so many communities of believers lack proper foundation and structure.

Let me emphasize. This is not about control this is about grace. We must learn to allow the various grace giftings to function complimentarily or the structure will be flawed. And in the case of the apostolic grace, the flaw is foundational — therefore the structure, no matter how accurate, is destined to fall. Indeed, there is much to say about individuals who carry a legitimate apostolic grace but fail to submit to their counterparts, but that will have to wait for another post. Suffice it to say, apsotles are not the end-all, be-all. However, the continued suppression of that grace causes churches to be stuck in religious ruts due to poor foundations and lack of spiritual impulse.

I want to further ellucidate this point through a careful consideration of Paul’s charge to both Timothy and Titus but that will have to wait. Indeed, this topic is so important and expansive there will certainly be several posts to follow.

Your thoughts & comments are welcome and encouraged.

First, I believe it is essential to recognize that most of us out-of-the-camp types were at one point deeply immersed in the Christian religion. By grace we were lead out as we sought the Lord for a greater revelation of Christ — but from Babylon we came nonetheless. I believe the tendancy towards religion is intrinsically bound up in the human heart and has been since Adam and Eve attempted to hid their nakedness. It is only by the washing of the water of the Word that our minds are renewed to see that we are accepted in Christ because of His sacrifice and no longer need to make coverings for our nakedness. Indeed, we have been clothed with Christ and are no longer naked before God.

I also think it important to recognize that any position, regardless of how “present-truth” it may be, is subject to becoming Babylon-ized. For even though we have seen more of Christ and His purpose in the earth — our sight still falls far short of His glory. So then we must remain a people of pursuit, like Abraham, living in tents, continually pursuing that city whose builder and maker is God.

I agree with Mark, that a time is coming and now is when a strong prophetic declaration of Exodus is sweeping the earth. Those who have ears to hear have but one response…“Come out of her My people.” Most believers have seen and experienced the futility of “church.” But bantering over the inadequacies of the Christian religion is equally as futile. The rehearsal of past hurts and offences is not the way forward. We must be faithful to build according to the pattern we have seen and walk in love towards those who would speak against us. In the end, the Lord is our defense. I do see a day approaching wherein a bold prophetic and apostolic voice speaks back into Babylon, but I think that time is still to come.

So then what of those still in Babylon? What is our position towards them? I am struck by the parable of the wineskins and the wine. Notice what Luke brings out.

And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old {wine} wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good {enough.}’ Luke 5:37–39

This passage is quite instructive. Here are a few points in brief for your consideration.

1. Jesus is using common sense to make His point. For these people it was quite obvious that no one would put new wine in an old wineskin. That should be obvious to us as well.
2. Jesus is concerned primarily for the wine, but secondarily for the skin. So then, for whatever reason, he does not want the old skin to be ruined. Maybe it is useful for those who are content to drink the old. Indeed, once that wine is fully drunk the skin becomes useless.
3. New wine = Fresh wineskins — Enough said!
4. See how strong a pull the taste of the hold has in that no one wishes for the new. (It should be noted that some manuscripts contain a word that suggests no one “immediately” desires the new.)

I believe Babylon is a position of the heart that we can find ourselves in regardless of the form we inhabit. And though the outworking of Babylon is manifest in old forms and traditions that have rendered the Word ineffective, we must continually guard against an internal Babylonian position so as not to rebuild that which the Lord has destroyed.

There is much to say regardig the Christian religion, but this will have to suffice for now. Perhaps part three will be forthcoming.

For my purpose here I merely want to focus on the rest of the verse — the part that seldom gets quoted. It reads, “…The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” We see then that the nation who is blessed is that nation made up of His inheritance. This, beloved, is a spiritual nation. This is the Body of Christ. Not some geo-political entity, but the inheritance of God! According to Peter, we are His inheritance — not the USA or any other nation. Indeed, Peter calls us a “holy nation”: a Nation set apart from the nations and kingdoms of this world. A nation composed of those who are found in Christ, the new Adam — a new humanity, created after the order of resurrection. This nation — the nation of the redeemed of the Lord — is blessed!

It is my conviction that if the true nation of God would quite trying to change the nations of the earth but rather focus on being His inheritance, the glory of Christ would be seen in the earth. Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world, and He did not come to the earth to demolish human governments. He came to reveal His rule and authority over the kingdom of darkness and to destroy the works of the evil one. Now, we are the vessels of His glory — the ambassadors of His kingdom. Let us not get caught up in trying to fix that which God has already determined to destroy and recreate. Rather, let the people of God arise as His blessed nation — a nation of light, peace, love, freedom from sin, deliverance from bondage and authority over Satan.

Indeed, blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord — the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance!

…to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col. 1:25–27

When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. Col. 2:13–15 NASB

What a great mystery we are partakers of in this age — that Christ is in us, and we are partakers of His glory! For He has chosen to make us His public display. First by forgiving us our transgressions, second by cancelling our debt, and then by revealing the power of His glory through us as we are transformed into the image of Christ.

His public display occured when He rose from the dead — and when He rose we were also raised to newness of life! Hallelujah — now we are His public display as the power of His resurrected life consumes the will and works of our old man and that life of sin. We have been made alive together with Him and stand complete in Him. And as we renew our minds by His word we begin to express His glory as we walk in His triumph over sin and self. The natural man cannot accomplish this, only the spiritual man who is pursuing the fulness of his inheritance in the resurrection. Notcie Paul’s heart in Phil. 3:10–14…

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Beloved, there is a goal in this life — namely, to walk in the reality of our resurrection in Christ so that the world will see His glorious power at work in the earth. Indeed, the whole earth longs for the children of God to manifest His kingdom in the earth as a living testimony in advance of His appearing. One day soon Jesus will return to reclaim what is rightfully His and He will recreate it according to His desire. But until then, we are called to be His public display — a glimpse into the reality of that glorious day.

It is time to move beyond the elementary principles of the faith and press on towards maturity. Long enough have we hashed over basic doctrine, church structure and stylistic preference. Long enough have we held to the mentality where one says “I am of Paul” and another “I am of Apollos.” Oh that we would be a faithful generation that takes God at His word and walks in the reality of the coming age in this age! Such is the inheritance of the saints — to be His public display of having overcome sin, the flesh and the world. For we have been raised with Him and seated in heavenly places with Him. All that remains is living that reality as a witness to His great glory & power.

The Jordan begs to be crossed!

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down to the hem of his garment! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. Ps. 133

One of the key characteristics expressed through the Godhead from Genesis to Revelation is oneness. Indeed the Trinity reveals the beauty of oneness as each Person of the Godhead prefers and honors the other and all speak with one voice. The Father exalts the Son, placing all things under His feet and giving Him the name that is above every name, the Son exalts the Father, considering equality as ungraspable, and ultimately returning all that He has been given back to the Father, and the Holy Spirit always points to Christ. Perfect unity, perfect humility.

It only makes sense then, that we who call upon the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior and collectively constitute His body, should seek to express God’s characteristic oneness in our corporate expression – as Paul exhorts the faithful in Ephesus and Philippi:

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (There is) one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” Eph. 4:1–6

“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel”. Phil. 1:27

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Phil. 2:1–2

Without question, the example and expectation of the Lord is that His people walk in the unity of His Spirit, manifesting a living witness of His oneness to the world. For when we seek the unity of the Spirit and reject schisms we show forth the glory of the One whose singular greatness exceeds our need for individual expression.

As His body we have been called out of the world to be His chosen race, royal priesthood and holy nation – a people for His own possession (1 Pet. 2:9–10). We have been called out of the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son. And we have been called into the fellowship of the Godhead (1 John 1:3). We are one body, one people, one nation, with one vision and one hope, serving one Lord. It is time to set aside that which divides us and begin a diligent pursuit of oneness.

For years I have heard brothers pray for unity. I have been involved with and founded prayer meetings with the focus of achieving unity. Why then, after so many years and so many prayers, do we still fail to see a true expression and pursuit of oneness? Surely most of you reading would assent to the principle of there being only one body of Christ.  But it is not enough to agree with the principle of oneness; we must execute the practice. Indeed, both our practice and expression reveal that the one body is clearly fragmented, with various camps of believers distanced from each other on all but the most fundamental aspects of our common faith. Yes, I understand the need for multiple gatherings, and understand that those various communities will express some unique corporate aspect of Christ. But we must cease the practice of isolation and seeing “our church” as somehow separate from other communities of believers.

In Wichita, Kansas — my home city — there are over 700 “churches.” Each of which, for the most part, has their own agenda and vision and programs. Over the past 15 years I have seen lots of money be spent and lots of energy expended. I have watched and even participated in so-called “unifying” events that promised radical change and revival. Churches with sweeping vision and prophetic unction have come and gone — but the city has yet to truly be impacted.

Recently, a dear brother of some national repute spoke a clear rebuke regarding this matter stating that he could find no evidence in scripture to justify anything but a single expression of Christ in a city. And that those who call themselves “pastor” or “elder” need to begin looking beyond “their church” toward God’s corporate purpose. Over 12 years ago I self-published and distributed a book locally speaking this same word (and labeled a heratic I might add). So then it is not for a lack of truth being proclaimed.

It really comes down to willingness and intent. Until we are willing to lose whatever we have built for the Father’s greater purpose; until we are intent on pursuing the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, even if it means setting aside superfluous pet doctrines; until we are more captured by the vision of Christ being revealed than our individual visions brought to pass — we shall be merely another generation that dies in the wilderness in unbelief.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call–

one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

There are many depths to this passage, but for the purposes of this post we will only consider this point: To whom grace was given. What we see clearly is that grace was given to each one of us. Not to a select few, or a ministerial class composed of “the called,” but to every believer! Brethren this is tremendous, for it reveals that every believer is meant to walk in some measure of the apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, shepherding or teaching grace of Christ. As well, it is through the administration of that grace that the body is built as each one minsters their respective grace to one another.

Can you see then how devestating it is when a singular grace is allowed to dominate a fellowship of believers? Can you see how it is impossible to experience corporate maturity when manifestations of the grace of Christ have been morphed into positions or “offices” of ministry that are held by the select few? Indeed, the status quo has stifled most believers in the ability to express their respective grace and the consequent corporate expression is grossly malformed.

So then how did we get into the current, erroneous paradigm? Actually, this error finds its roots in the earliest days of the faith, primarily trumpeted through Ignatius of Antioch as seen here.

The more, therefore, you see the bishop silent, the more do you reverence him. For we ought to receive every one whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household, as we would do Him that sent him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even as we would look upon the Lord Himself, standing, as he does, before the Lord. Epistle to the Ephesians 6:1

See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid. Epistle to the Smyrnaeans 8:1–2

This viral mentality found a perfect breeding ground in the soil of Romanism when the church entered the Constantinian Captivity, and has become the prevailant paradigm for the body of Christ. But this is a new season brethren. One in which the Father is moving us to a new corporate level wherein we begin to learn how to function with Jesus as the solitary head, and the older saints as a college of leaders who each function in a mature expression of their grace giftings as overseers and examples. It is time to take a bold step in our corporate walk and establish a new paradigm that activates and brings to maturity the grace in each one allowing Christ Jesus — the true Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (1 Pet. 2:25)- to reign as king in our midst!

I think it is easy to lose sight of the fact that the Father has an eternal plan which He is unfolding through the body of Christ. By His soveriegn will He is moving toward the glorious finish of the Age of Sin with clear intent and strategic action. But He has chosen that humanity will be His instrument to effect His purpose. Therefore it is crucial that we become equally intent on discovering our specific place within His plan, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, and be faithful to run our race. Notice Paul’s words in the following passages.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Cor. 9:24

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Tim. 4:7

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us… Heb. 12:1

These verses all speak of our race or course, but each has its own unique view and uses a different Greek word.

In 1 Cor. the word is stadion which references a specific type of race in the original Olympic games. This race was aprox. 200 yds in length and essentially a sprint. To win this race one had to run full out within a defined lane. Paul encourages us to run our course with all that is in us so that we might obtain the prize.

In 2 Tim. the word is dromos, a word also used in Acts 13:35 referencing John the Baptist, and by Paul in Acts 20:24 when addressing the Ephesian elders. This word is used to references a longer, more narrow race and came to be used in architecture to describe a long, narrow entrance way. Rightly used here Paul alludes to having completed a lengthy race, staying on track to the end.

Lastly, in Heb. the word is agon from which we get the word agony. This word is a general reference to any struggle, contest or competition. We see here that each of us has a struggle set before us and we are encouraged to lay aside weights and sins so that we might be victorious in that struggle.

So here is the point. There are many races to be run in this life: some are obviously self-centered, but others are concealed beneath a cloak of good intention, being done “For the Lord.” If we are careless we can run a race of our own design and expend considerable effort to do so only to find that we have run in vain. Should we run with all of His strength working in us? Should we press on to complete that race? Should we endure the struggle against sin and our own will like those who proved their faith before us? Yes, Yes and Yes! Let us then be wise and discerning so that we recieve the prize.