These paragraph's from Peter C. Wagner's " Changing Church ", are simple biblical premise, or thoughts on the biblical narrative for Apostolic ministry or the full five full ministry.

Proof Texts for Apostolic Authority

Those who feel uncomfortable with apostolic authority would do well to reexamine four clear biblical proof texts.

The first is Ephesians 4:11: “And [Jesus] Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” It is curious that many Christian leaders who are comfortable with the offices of evangelist and pastor and teacher imagine that the two others mentioned in the same sentence, apostles and prophets, should be relegated to bygone days.

The second is Ephesians 2:20: “[The household of God is] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” Some would argue that these apostles and prophets completed their task of laying the foundation of the Church in the first century or two. Such is a form of cessationism.

The third is 1 Corinthians 12:28: “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.” Most of those who contend that apostles and prophets are not for today would not want to go on to say that other gifts such as teachers, miracles, healings, helps, administrations, and tongues are not for today either. It seems a bit inconsistent.

However, the clearest Scripture related to the duration of the offices of apostle and prophet comes right after the list of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in Ephesians 4:11. The Bible goes on to say that the purpose of these five offices is to equip “the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). How long will they be needed? “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). Unless someone believes that we have actually reached that point, it is difficult to suppose that we no longer need the ministry of apostles and prophets.
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                                                                                 Latter Rain.

It was just a few years ago that this latter rain began to fall. Perhaps you recollect the great Welch Revival, where, under the preaching of Evan Roberts, the fire fell. Many were saved, and baptized with the Holy Spirit, those who received the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, spoke with other tongues.

Over in Mukti, India, a missionary, Pandita Ramabai, was praying with a band of Hindoo girls. They had spent days and nights in prayer, when suddenly the Spirit was poured out in their midst, as He had been on the day of Pentecost. Visible fire is said to have been seen upon one girl’s bed, and when the other girls went for water to extinguish the fire it was discovered that this was the fire of the Holy Spirit, such as Moses saw in the burning bush that was not consumed. These dear Hindoo girls who received the Holy Spirit spake with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance, when they received the Holy Spirit. One girl spoke in the English language (which she had never learned), and this is the message which was spoken through her:

“Jesus is coming soon, get ready to meet Him.” And the great revival spread on and on. Almost simultaneously the Spirit was poured out in our own United States of America, in England, in Canada, in Africa, upon missionaries in China, and in the islands of the sea. Never was such a world-wide revival known to spread so quickly and simultaneously. The Spirit was poured out upon praying bands in numberless places, who had never heard before of the incoming of the Holy Spirit. In every instance, without exception, those who received the Holy Spirit spake in other tongues, exactly as those who had received in Bible days had done. The latter rain was falling on the earth.

In order to receive the Holy Spirit one had to be empty, and humble. Poor and rich, black and white, the mistress and the maid alike received the Holy Spirit when they humbled themselves, and sought with all their hearts. Those who received, praised the Lord and magnified His name, as no one but Spirit-filled saints can do. Waves of glory, floods of praise swept over assemblies who had received the Holy Spirit. There was no way of stopping this great revival, it seemed.

I love how he say's ".. he put his hand into the serpent's den, removed the venom and took away sin. "

If you are living in the Omaha, Nebraska area Focus Bible College will be starting local course offerings for those interested in ministerial training, or a bible college education. Dr. Patrick Vossen will be teaching the course, with other ministers as well assisting in some of the studies. The location will be finalized by the end of the December. We will announce time and dates, with pertinent information for registration. There will be credit and non-credit format tuition available. If you are interested just call the FBC Office, or email us at [email protected]. Tuition range will be $50 to $75. We are working with some local churches to facilitate this offering.

Holiday blessings to all Full Gospel Restoration and Focus Bible College ministers, students and friends of the ministry.
Looking forward to 2020, and God's next and blest for the Body of Christ.

Dr. Patrick Vossen
President, FBC