If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm
11:3)
"After this I will return, and I will build again
the tabernacle of David which is fallen down..." (Acts
15:16)
You have tested those who say they are apostles
and are not and have found them liars! Rev. 2:2
Within the first 300 years of Christianity, Satan worked to erode the very foundations of the church. With the foundations that were laid down so concretely in Peter's sermon at Pentecost, God drew the battle lines; clearly deliniating between Christianity and paganism. That day, 3000 stepped forward, and in no uncertain terms, said: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
They did this by "submitting themselves" to the apostles doctrine. Now I ask you: Have you submitted yourself to the apostles doctrine? Do you know what the "apostles doctrine is," even in the foundational areas? Do you want to know God, as Lord and Saviour? God gave His word, He gave this sound doctrine--that you can trust. You can base your life on it! This doctrine concerns the person of Messiah--In John 1:1, we read: In the beginning was the Word, and the word became flesh and dwelled among us. God gave His Son Jesus out of love for you, and the whole world, without regard of race or creed might come to know His amazing saving grace.
THE HEART WHO TRULY LONGS TO KNOW GOD ARIGHT WILL SUBMIT TO THE APOSTLES DOCTRINE: (Acts 2:42)
"And have given them the words of eternal life. (John 6:38)
Eternal life is found in the word of God. A careful study of Acts 2:42,discloses the way in which those first Christians took this stand, and those 3000 converts on the Day of Pentecost, "continued stedfastly" in the "apostles doctrine." (Acts 2:42)
From God's command through Peter's initial sermon, to: "Repent, be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the apostles, and their converts; "filled Jerusalem with their doctrine, even as the Lord had commanded, saying "first in Jerusalem, then in Judea, and Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. Observe how carefully they obeyed this command of the Lord Jesus Christ.
GOD'S ARMS AROUND THE WORLD:
At Jerusalem Peter expounded on Joel's prophecy in Joel 2:28. (Acts 2:18-42) The context here was that "the northern army had come against God's people like swarming locusts, devouring the harvest. In a similar manner to the the anti-christ spirit today, which has sent forth a stinking savour, the God who sees said: But I will remove him far from you. Fear not O land, for the Lord will do great things. The great things began at Jerusalem but did not end there. They continued on, just like Jesus said would happen, so long as they would work together as co-workers together with the Lord. They continued on again at Judea (Acts 2:9,14; Acts 26:20,) And at Samaria. Peter and John were called down to Samaria in Acts 8:16, when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had heard the word of God. When they arrived, they prayed that they for the Samaritan believers to receive the Holy Ghost, for they had not yet been baptized in God's Holy Spirit. But those gospel workers who contacted the apostles at Jerusalem had been faithful to baptize them in Jesus name, according to Acts 8:16. The church needs gospel workers of this caliber today, who will base their church planting methods upon "the apostles doctrine" as these obviously did.
THE PERSECUTION FOR THE GOSPEL'S SAKE:
In spite of the wide-scale persecution the church underwent, Acts 9:31 states that there were "churches" throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.Even unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
A more in depth study of this, will observe that when the original New Testament apostles were no longer with the church, false apostles came in as ravening wolves. This was part of the Satanic assault against the true church. These false "apostles did not adhere closely to the foundational doctrines of the apostles of the early church. In my study of the scriptures, I observed 3 things about the foundational doctrine taught by the apostles in the New Testament, and it is so crucial to your own salvation, and the foundational stability of those you minister to, that you don't omit a single one of these three "key points." Jesus Christ selected and personally trained the New Testament apostles himself. There is a marked contrast between what the bible calls "the apostles doctrine," and false doctrine.
We are warned to "test apostles" to see if they are of God. Are you an "apostle tester?" Or do you blindly believe and receive everything that you see and hear?
I wonder how many apostles have you tested, and found them to be just as they claim---"apostles!" And how many "apostles have you tested and found them liars? Or do you test them at all? Jesus commends those of the church of Ephesus for "testing those who claimed to be apostles, and for having the discernment to line up their lives and doctrine with God's Word. (Rev. 2:2)
Jesus Christ said: I am the truth, the life and the way. No man comes to the Father, but through Me. In testing what is the Spirit of truth and what is the spirit of error; know this: The Spirit of truth will not lie to you.
THE FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINES OF THE APOSTLES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT:
The first example we have in scripture where we see apostolic authority and apostolic doctrine used to plant a church is found in Acts 2:18-42. With careful emphasis upon Acts 2:38, as the directive, or foundational doctrine concerning salvation, lets look into God's word, because it alone is carries the authority as to how to plant a church properly.
As the Spirit of God brought conviction of sin to the crowd to whom the Apostle Peter preached at Pentecost, those words stuck like goads. They penetrated the deepest recesses of the hearts that day, and those who heard, knew that they had to find release from the sense of pervading sinfulness that they felt. They said: What shall we do? Then Peter proclaimed:
1) Repentanceis the first of the major foundational doctrines that we see taught by the Jesus Christ's apostles, concerning one's initial salvation. We, Tom and Alana Campbell, as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have applied the following test to those who say they are apostles.
If they do not preach "repentance and forgiveness of sin" through the Lord Jesus Christ, we find them liars, and declare that they are imposters and they are not genuine apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of His body the redeemed, blood bought church of the Lamb. For after our glorified Lord Jesus Christ raised, he appeared to His disciples and word of the Lord declares:
Thus it is written and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47)
When the Apostle Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he adhered to the word of the Lord like glue and commanded the listeners to "Repent!"
Not preaching the doctrine of repentance is not the way to "raise up the ruins of the fallen tabernacle of David. Rather you test those who say they are apostles with the scriptural "doctrine of repentance!" Put out that plumb-line of God's word, that as co-workers together with God, you can see this thing raised straight.
We have tried those who say they are apostles with this command to preach repentance to the nations, and when we have found that there are those that do not, we say: That person is no apostle. He is a liar!
THE FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINE OF WATER BAPTISM
The second crucial foundational doctrine seen in the bible, on the day that the New Testament church was formed is the apostles teaching on "water baptism." As the Apostle Peter preached to the crowd, and they were pierced in their hearts and convicted of their sins, he did not waste words. Peter answered the question that they asked. He told these people exactly what they needed to hear, from what they'd been taught from their years of being with Jesus. This may not be the traditional way they you have been taught. But as you look into the bible, and as you test those who planted the church you go to, by the "apostles doctrine" concerning "water baptism,"a great peace should come to your heart, in knowing how plainly this is taught.
This did not come forth as a divine suggestion, but a clear-cut command with apostolic authority behind it. TESTING THE SPIRIT OF A PLACE BY HOW THEY WATER BAPTIZE: The Apostle Peter told the anxious crowd that had come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost: 1) Repent. 2) Be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. We test those who claim to be apostles with this apostolic doctrine of "water baptism only through the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. If they deviate from this, we say: These men are not involved properly in raising the fallen tabernacle of David. God does not call people to be apostles, who refuse to hear His voice. At best, these are men that are ignorant of the very basic scriptures. They may be men who are compromised and fearful of the truth, because they do not want to lose a certain denominational position. They may hold truth in some areas, but if they fall down in the basics, what good is it? You can't construct a building beginning on the 42nd floor. A proper foundation must be laid first. But they are not apostles, and ministers of the gospel of the caliber that emulates what we see at Pentecost.
Re: DOCTRINES OF DEVILS VS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH:
I cannot underestimate to you how devious demonic spirits can be, in making light of the scriptures. Men may mock you. They may try to dissuade you, saying this is not important. So be fore-warned. Remember this promise: "For the mystery of iniquity does already work:only he who now restrains will restrain until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming. "(2 Thess. 4:7-8) The word "coming" here, speaks of Jesus Christ's presence. Jesus Christ as the Eternal Word of John 1:1 that became flesh, and dwelled among us; will always use His written word to destroy the spirit of anti-christ.
In 1 John we read: "Even now there are many anti-christs. Meaning those that are not one with Jesus Christ, but defy the authority of Christ Jesus. We will see 2 Thess. 4:7-8 fulfilled in the greatest measure at the Lord's return. But between then and now is a great battle-field. Say to yourself: God's written word is what the "Spirit of His mouth is all about! It's the sharp sword in His mouth when Jesus returns on His beautiful white horse. Let the Spirit of His mouth, be the spirit of your mouth, and align yourself only with the truth of scripture.
WHEN PEOPLE TREAT NEW TESTAMENT APOSTLES LIKE DEVIENT HERETICS:
When you've been a Christian for a while, you will observe that some leaders think the Lord's apostles were ignorant of the Great Commission in Matt. 28:19. Believing themselves to be far wiser than those ignorant fishermen, they have taken it upon themselves to correct what they perceive to the the apostles goof-ups. Matt. 28:19, Jesus commanded: "Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Leaders know that Jesus said this. They know the apostles did not follow the formula of baptism into what they term the "triune godhead" so the assumption is that the apostles of the Lamb were defiant and heretical.
I am here to tell you that those 12 apostles and those they trained knew exactly what Jesus said to them, and they followed it to the letter! What is missing today is "the revelation"of who Jesus Christ is, in churches throughout the world. A revelation held by the apostles of the Lamb, and called "a mystery," that has now been revealed.
WHEN MONEY & POSITION REPLACE TRUE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:
Jesus Christ is not a mere figure-head. A puppet king, with no power. He is the very image of the invisible God. There is no knowledge of God, but through the Son. Jesus said: No man comes to the Father but through me. (John 14:6) It is the Lord himself who said: If you have seen Me you have seen the Father. Jesus wants apostles to be those who represent Him with an accurate knowledge.
Be sure that those apostles that you look up to are "learned menthat are mighty in God's word and in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." See to it that they are men of integrity, who care more for truth than denominational position. Or those so-called apostles may merely become partners to infiltrate the Lord's church through the devices of Satan, lying to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of one thing I am sure, and that is that "he that humbles himself shall be exalted, by the Lord. When ministry becomes the "chief idol" a man may sell his soul, or his entire church down the river.
We have this warning for those that desire to send forth apostlic church planters. a) Make sure that your own doctrine matches that of the New Testament apostles, lest you be found "fighting against God" in laying faulty foundations. b) Test those apostolic church planting mission candidates of yours by the more sure word of God, that is like the Day Star arising in a heart--pushing back the powers of darkness by the pure, and sure word of the Lord. When prophecies are spoken over candidates, make sure these line up with scripture, and not doctrinal error.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.(2 Peter 1:19) When prophecies do not line up with the word of God, their source can only be that they come by the will of man, or demonic spirits.If you have judged a prophecy because it does not line up with your doctrine, make sure that your doctrine is based solidly in the Word of God.
There are crucial times, as the spirit of the Lord is moving; when the harvest is being brought in so quickly, that there are not enough workers, to even bear the load. This is why you must be faithful to ground converts first of all, in the "foundational teaching" of the New Testament apostles, being careful to build upon this only. For if the foundation be faulty, no matter how well you build, it will not stand in the manner that God intends it to. But if you will build after the manner demonstrated by the Lord's apostles in the New Testament, on the Day of Pentecost, which was the actual beginnings of the church; you will not lack for excellent gospel workers, that can ground converts in the faith. It is coming! That harvest of such profusion! God has held it off, to give time to put things in divine order! Get ready! Re-baptize those who have not been baptized with the "baptism in Jesus name. Do not be afraid to admit publically that you have come into this light. God will exalt the humble.
THE FOUNDATIONAL DOCTRINE OF THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT:
Thirdly, the Apostle Peter exhorted the waiting crowd at Pentecost, where the New Testament church's foundations were laid to: 1) Repent. 2) Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. 3) You will recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit. Many denominations today claim to have received the Holy Spirit, when they were had hands laid on them. But the apostles of the New Testament had a way of testing this, to see if the experience was genuine. In Acts 10:46-48, we read:
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. FOR they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
We test those who say they are apostles and if they do not lay foundations according to God's holy book the bible; we say: These are not apostles. They may be unlearned men, who have never properly submitted themselves to the "apostles doctrine. Or they may be "wanna-be" apostles who see real apostles and think they can be "copy-cats;" having no idea what the job entails. If these men will truly have a heart after God, and apply themselves to study of the word and Christian service, the day may come when God might actually call these Lion's Whelp's to a work of this sort! There are also those Jesus refers to in His message to Ephesus in the 7 churches of Asia (Rev. 2:2)
Ephesus tried those who claimed the apostolic office and found them to be "liars!" Until such time as people submit themselves to even the very basic foundational teaching of the New Testament, they really have no business training others, let alone planting churches.
Then, as Paul, Barnubus, Simeon and the others who met at the Jerusalem council, and discussed the "Tabernacle of David" relationship to the church, these will be in a position to raise up that which has decayed, that which has fallen. Better that they should sit at the feet of those in leadership, and grow up into Christ in all things. Then they will be approved by the leaders as those who have themseves been tested and found qualified to have hands laid on them; and to be sent forth as apostles of the church.
Did we submit ourselves to church leadership in this manner? Yes. In 1984, we were brought before a prophetic presbytery of many of our peers and various ministers and church leaders from our own church home and area churches, and God confirmed through many prophecies His calling on our lives.
