Part 3 of 3 In Parts 1 & 2 we discovered that Paul's call and commission, as the pioneer apostle to the Gentiles, was unique and normative for the church universally. We will now explore these implications for the apostolic mode and message. Mode As the pioneer – and thus proto-type – apostle to the Gentiles Paul modelled God's strategy for the expansion of the Gospel … [Read more...]
Apostles, Prophets and Future Church
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2:20–21 ESV Preamble During the last half of the twentieth century, across various evangelical and charismatic streams of the global church, there has been an increased awareness … [Read more...]
The New Reformation: Its Spirit and Structure (Part 2)
... until a time of reformation Hebrews 9:10 Having established the deeply personal heart-foundation of reformation let us move from the individual to the corporate—from the new wine of the processed heart to the wineskin of corporate life. Like the 16th Century Reformation, the new reformation will be triggered through the unveiling of a truth. However, the unfolding of … [Read more...]
The Architecture of the Spirit
... he was looking for the city ... whose architect and builder is God Hebrews 11:10 There is an architecture of the Spirit which will build the city of God. It is not what many of us have thought of as “The New Testament Pattern”, nor is it “The New Apostolic Reformation”. And it is definitely not “The Local Church”, or even “The Organic Church”! It is rather an artistry … [Read more...]
The Corporate Christ
... the church, which is his body the fullness of him … Ephesians 1:23 Unity is not what we think it is! And, for that matter, neither is the church. We think that if we have cooperation between the churches we have unity. Or, if we tolerate the differences of the other group we are making great strides. But the unity of the Spirit is so much more than mere cooperation or … [Read more...]
