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The Apostle’s Journey: From Call to Commission

The Greek translation of the word Apostle is “Apostolos,”₁ which means “person sent.” Spirit Life Church bases its beliefs on the apostolic ministry and prophetic intercession, with Jesus Christ serving as the chief cornerstone. God the Father sent his Son, Jesus Christ as the High Priest to redeem mankind. He is the ultimate example for all apostolic ministry, as He was sent by the Father and spoke His words. Jesus’ mission was to establish a church, appoint leaders, and empower them. After completing His mission, Jesus returned to the Father.

The Apostolic ministry is a nurturing ministry, guiding individuals, groups, and local churches to spiritual maturity in Christ and to fulfill God’s predestined will. It is our responsibility to uphold this biblical foundation. He is the ultimate example for all apostolic ministry, as He was sent by the Father and spoke His words. Jesus’ mission was to establish a church, appoint leaders, and empower them. After completing His mission, Jesus returned to the Father. Apostolic ministry is a nurturing ministry, guiding individuals, groups, and local churches to spiritual maturity in Christ and to fulfill God’s predestined will. It is our responsibility to uphold this biblical foundation.

What We Can We Learn from Jesus Christ as the Original Apostle

An apostle is a person whom Christ chooses and sends, possessing spiritual authority, moral integrity, aptitude, and skills necessary to reach out to others and align them with the principles and values of the Kingdom, particularly through the establishment and management of local churches. They lay down a foundation and ensure its upkeep (for example, Paul). Jesus serves as the Chief Apostle; Hebrews 3:1-2, NASB, He is the chief cornerstone; Ephesians 2:20-22, NKJV.

The Holy Spirit anointed Jesus as the original apostle; The term “apostle” is derived from the Ancient Greek ἀπόστολος (apóstolos), meaning “one who is sent off”, originating from the verb ἀποστέλλειν (apostéllein), which translates to “to send off”.₂ This sending off typically aims to deliver a message, hence why “messenger” is another common interpretation Luke 3:21-22, NKJV.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Apostolic Ministry

The Holy Spirit officially and publicly authenticates and empowers the ministry of Jesus Christ. In order to be witnessed physically, the Holy Spirit manifests as a dove (Matthew 3:16, NET). This anointing from the Holy Spirit is needed perpetually, not temporarily. Our Heavenly Father has given us His Holy Spirit. Through sanctification, we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading and walk in His divine guidance. We believe in the Holy Trinity, where God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three distinct persons that form one spiritual entity.

The Apostolic foundation is built upon this anointing from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, NKJV). Disciples are to be made within all nations, and they are to be baptised in the fullness and totality of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit must be acknowledged above political, social, cultural, national, racial, or theological agendas. There is no exclusivity concerning a specific race, creed, or culture. The Holy Spirit searches the heart and mind of God the Father.

The Holy Spirit leads and guides victorious and fruitful sons and daughters of God in an intimate relationship. They actively listen to Him and allow Him to lead them every day. The prophetic lead and spiritual growth of a church relies on the involvement of the Holy Spirit. We as Spirit Life Church yearn for a revival of an ancient Christian heritage, inspired by St. Patrick’s 6th- century ministry in Ireland.

The History of St. Patrick’s Use of the Shamrock to Explain the Holy Trinity

Patrick originated from a Romanized family in Britain. He was taken into slavery at the age of sixteen and worked as a herdsman, dedicating himself to his Christian beliefs. After escaping from his incarceration, Patrick fled to Britain, where he nearly starved to death before reuniting with his family. Patrick then built the first Irish Christian church in Saul, establishing it as Ireland’s Cradle of Christianity. It is believed that in 432 AD, Patrick and his travelling companions arrived near the mouth of the Slaney River and encountered the leader, Dichu, who offered them a barn. Patrick eventually passed away in Saul on March 17, 461, after spreading the gospel.₃

St. Patrick used a shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity. While travelling, St. Patrick came upon several Irish chieftains in a meadow. St. Patrick was requested to explain the Trinity to the tribal elders, who were intrigued by it. He then knelt down, took a shamrock, and held it up to them, explaining to them how the three Persons—Father, Son, and Spirit—are all parts of one Supreme Being, just as the three leaves are all parts of one plant. Over his 29-year ministry, he established nearly 300 churches and baptized around 120,000 Irish individuals.₄

How does the Anointing of the Holy Spirit empower believers for ministry?

The Holy Spirit officially and publicly authenticates and empowers the ministry of Jesus Christ. In order to be witnessed physically, the Holy Spirit manifested as a dove (Matthew 3:16, NET). This anointing from the Holy Spirit is needed perpetually, not temporarily. Our Heavenly Father has given us His Holy Spirit. Through sanctification, we surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading and walk in His divine guidance. We believe in the Holy Trinity, where God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three distinct persons that form one spiritual entity.

The Holy Spirit searches the heart and mind of God the Father. The involvement of the Holy Spirit is essential for the prophetic lead and spiritual growth of a church. Jesus promised His disciples that once He left, He would send another Helper who would be with them forever. This Helper, who would be in them and with them, would teach them all things and remind them of His teachings, John 14:15-31, NASB.

How do the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus impact believers today?

On the Day of Pentecost, following Christ’s resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, baptizing them into the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit not only assisted them but also reminded them of everything. John 14:26, NASB. It is clear that the prophetic lead and spiritual growth of a church depend on the active involvement of the Holy Spirit, who teaches and reminds believers of the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and empowering the church to fulfil its mission in the world. Acts 2: 1-4, NKJV

The Role of a Prophet

Godly ordained Prophets provide revelation and application in the correct timing. They show God’s heart to His people. They also harbour a jealousy for the holiness and purity of Christ’s body. Serving in the role of a prophet is significantly different from having the gift of prophecy. It is a calling that is initially confirmed to that person by God, and subsequently confirmed by man. This affirmation will most likely come from another prophet, but it may also be affirmed by an apostle, teacher, pastor, or evangelist, among other offices.

How Joel’s Prophecy impacts the Prophetic Ministry of today

A prophetic figure in the New Testament is one who imparts edifying, consoling, and exhorting messages (1 Cor 14:3, NASB). Someone however, can possess the inspirational gift of prophecy found in Romans 12, NKJV and still not have the position of prophet. Joel, whose name means “Yawheh is God” in Hebrew, proclaimed a message sent by God to serve the southern kingdom of Judah, around 835 B.C. He was the second of the Old Testament’s twelve minor prophets.

In response to a severe drought and a locust plague that struck Judah, Joel delivered his prophecies which are the main focus of the book of Joel. These prophecies describe signs that would precede the Second Coming of the Saviour, including a vast outpouring of the Spirit upon all flesh (see Joel 2:28–29).

Joel discusses the coming of God’s Spirit and the promise of the Second Coming, declaring that dreams, visions, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be bestowed upon God’s people. Acts 2:14-21 (NKJV) emphasises the active role that Joel and his prophecies play in preparing for the Second Coming and the outpouring of the Spirit upon believers, Acts 2: 14-21, NKJV.

Conclusion

The apostolic foundation is built upon the anointing from the Holy Spirit, with Jesus as the Chief Apostle and the Holy Spirit guiding and empowering the church.
The involvement of the Holy Spirit is crucial for the prophetic lead and spiritual growth of a church, as seen in the teachings of Jesus and the Day of Pentecost.
Joel’s prophecies concerning the Second Coming and the outpouring of the Spirit emphasize the importance of the prophetic ministry in preparing believers for these events.
The writings of Joel emphasises the significance of the apostolic ministry and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering the church to fulfill its divine mission.
It highlights the importance of maintaining a biblical foundation rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the prophetic insights that where demonstrated by Our Christian forefathers like St Patrick.

Scott Sheridan

References

1. Author: Vine, W.E, Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 1997

2. Author(s): Douglas, J.D. Douglas, Tenney, C. Merrill C. Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary (Zondervan Classic Reference Series) Hardcover – 6 Sept. 1988

3. Author(s): Patrick. St. Confession of St Patrick (c. 390-c. 461 Publisher: Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library: 2015

4. Author: Rev Monsignor D’ Alton, P.P., LL.D., M.R.I.A., Member Governing Body University College, Galway, Ex-Senator National University of Ireland, History of the Archdiocese of Tuam,Volume 1. , 1928

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