This is Part 1 in a two-part series.

There has been much said in recent years regarding the office of apostle and how an apostle should function. Even mainline evangelical leaders are using the term “apostolic” to describe certain types of leaders. Consequently, I feel the need to put together a brief summary of what I want to call “apostolic truth,” which is a fancy way of saying what apostolic understanding should include, in my opinion.

To me, apostolic truth is not mere doctrine or concept but is mainly built upon practical experience and action. Apostolic truth that does not involve high risk, accomplishment and action is not truly apostolic.

The following are what I believe are some of the essential principles of apostolic truth.

1. Apostolic truth involves personal and ministerial transparency with high-stress capacity and endurance.

In 2 Corinthians 11 and 12, Paul the apostle makes a defense of his apostleship based on his ability to endure hardship. Hey says apostles are given a death sentence (1 Cor. 4:9); because of the enormous responsibility they have to represent Christ, they are continually targets of persecution and criticism.

We also read in 2 Corinthians 12:5-11 that Paul was transparent and actually bragged about his weaknesses so the power of Christ could rest upon him. (This is unlike the preachers today who only brag about their faith and their accomplishments.)

Yet of myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. For if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But now I resist, lest anyone should think of me above that which he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me, lest I be exalted above measure. I asked the Lord three times that this thing might depart from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the leading apostles, though I am nothing (2 Cor. 12:5-11).

Apostolic theology includes the ability to function intelligently and spiritually in the midst of a high-stress environment.

Second Corinthians 11:23-33 says:

Are they servants of Christ? I speak as a fool. I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers; in weariness and painfulness, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness. Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures me daily. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I am not distressed?

If I must boast, I will boast of the things which concern my weakness. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forevermore, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me. But I was let down by the wall through a window in a basket and escaped his hands (2 Cor. 11:23-33).

Also in Acts 27, we see that Paul the apostle remained calm and gave spiritual guidance to his captors while on the ship that crash-landed in Malta, resulting in a revival in Malta.

Apostolic ability is not based on comfort or circumstances but thrives in any environment, as we see Paul’s worship in the Philippian jail, which causes an earthquake and releases the prisoners (Acts 16).

2. Apostolic truth involves a deep understanding of the Scriptures and biblical truth.

In the early church, we find that the people sat under the apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42). The apostolic mandate includes having a deep understanding of the Scriptures and essential biblical truth as well as church history, resulting in an ability to discern and correct biblical error before it leads to apostasy. (For example, the book of Galatians and book of Hebrews were written by an apostle to correct heresy.)

Apostolic doctrine is a balance between grace, holiness and truth, exalts the Lord Jesus above all and is local church-centric. Unfortunately, there are numerous reports of so-called apostolic leaders and/or movements that have embraced various extreme doctrines, which is due to leaders not being properly grounded biblically and historically. (Presently there is an extreme hyper-grace movement, an unbalanced prosperity gospel, extreme kingdom theology and also liberation theology movements, to name only a few.)

3. Apostolic truth cannot be separated from a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus.

The original 12 apostles all walked personally with Jesus, and the apostle Paul encountered Jesus personally while on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Paul also seemed to indicate that seeing Jesus was one of the things necessary to prove his apostleship: “Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, yet indeed I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord” (1 Cor. 9:1-2).

Due to the enormous weight of responsibility for the churches and regions assigned to him, an apostle needs to be a person of prayer and continually aware of the presence and person of Christ to sustain him and enable him to walk in love and wisdom through numerous challenges they will face. If not, apostles will quickly make bad decisions and act in the flesh due to the enormous pressure constantly upon their lives.

Furthermore, their identity needs to be firmly rooted in Christ and not in their vast accomplishments, or else they will minister out of a need to impress others and not for the glory of Christ. They walk with Christ and worship Him even in the midst of great persecution and pressure. Apostolic ability is not based on comfort or circumstances but thrives in any environment.

4. Apostolic truth involves being strategic in planning and purpose.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Paul says:

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

The word for “war” in verse three is the word “strategy.” Thus, Paul is saying that he is a divine strategist who, as a general in the body of Christ, leads the armies of God to conquer enemy territory and present it back to the Lord Jesus.

One of the main characteristics I have observed in true apostolic leadership is the acute ability to solve problems, to take complex issues and simplify them, and then to be able to map out a plan for strategic implementation. It is not enough to have a vision; you need to have the ability to strategically implement the vision or it will be merely a dream.

5. Apostolic truth includes reformation, not just revival.

The apostolic mandate is not about escaping the earth but engaging culture with a goal of equipping the saints to care for cities and nations. Thus, apostolic theology teaches that an overseer of a key church should shepherd their community, not just their flock.

The apostolic not only deals with redeeming individual sinners but also influences the systems and social structures of communities, cities and nations. While revival brings people into the church, reformation has to do with sending the people out of the church into the world to reflect God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Thus, apostolic truth exists to fulfill the cultural mandate of Genesis 1:28 and equip the saints to go into every sphere of society for kingdom influence and purpose.

In Ephesians 4:10-12, we also see the purpose of fivefold ministry is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, which is to fill up the earth realm with kingdom influence under the lordship of Christ.

6. Apostolic truth involves galvanizing unity in the church for a purpose.

Apostolic truth is not merely ecumenical; that is to say, it does not strive merely for pastoral unity for the sake of unity, but it is based on a cause and purpose. Apostolic leaders will not waste time having unity that does not result in fulfilling kingdom purpose and destiny. They are not interested in pastors holding hands and fellowshipping with every so-called Christian and denomination and/or interfaith gatherings that do not result in expanding the influence of the kingdom in society. They will unite with like-minded churches and leaders to fulfill a certain mission in their cities and nations.

The apostle Paul started churches in at least 30 of the most influential cities in the Roman Empire. Each of those churches started other churches until there was developed a complex apostolic network that was the impetus for world evangelization. {eoa}

Joseph Mattera is launching a new apostolic institute! Check out or text APOSTLE to 345345 for more information.

Bryan and Katie Torwalt of Jesus Culture just released an incredible new song, “Praise Before My Breakthrough.”

The prophetic song declares triumph even before the victory is achieved.

The lyrics go: “I know the tension of the now/ I don’t always understand I don’t always get to see/ Everything/ When I’m holding up my hands/ When I’m counting every breath Lord, all I need to know is/ You choose me/ You choose me/ I’ll praise before my breakthrough/ ‘Til my song becomes my triumph/ I will sing because I trust You/ I will bring my heart/ I will lift my song.”

Watch the video if you need a faith booster right now.

What a powerful name, indeed!

Contemporary Christian music artists including Kari Jobe, Danny Gokey, Tauren Wells, We Are Messengers, Citizen Way, Sanctus Real and more called upon the name of Jesus at the White House this week.

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What a privilege to declare the name of Jesus in worship and in prayer today at the White House. I was challenged, informed, convicted, and inspired at the #faithbriefing with many peers in the CCM industry. The church has a great opportunity to rise with grace and truth and to serve with love and passion and be the city on a hill we’ve been called to be.

A post shared by Tauren Wells (@taurenwells) on Nov 13, 2018 at 7:01pm PST

Watch the video to see more!

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Wow. What a day. Had the honor to go the White House for a #FaithBriefing with key administration officials and faith leaders. Specifically, to hear about faith initiatives that are happening. Great things are taking place whether the media tells us or not! Let’s just say that I’m leaving Washington, D.C. stirred, hopeful, convicted and informed with TRUTH. • God is surely moving in this nation and through His Church. Let’s be a people that are not letting a day go by without praying for our President and this incredible administration. Thank you @paulamichellewhite for all you do and for helping making this happen. It’s truly powerful to watch and I’m moved beyond words.

A post shared by DOM (@dominicshahbon) on Nov 13, 2018 at 7:31pm PST

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Incredible day at the White House meeting with friends and colleagues to see faith take the forefront all over the world. #faithbriefing

A post shared by david frey (@swpdave) on Nov 13, 2018 at 3:56pm PST

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I witnessed a truly special moment today as our Christian music community shared a time of worship and prayer in the White House. #faithbriefing

A post shared by Matt Hammitt (@matthammitt) on Nov 13, 2018 at 9:54pm PST

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#faithbriefing Lifting up the name of our savior Jesus at the @whitehouse with so many key figures in our @ccmmag family – our servant leaders in faith based initiatives expressed the need for us to support their causes around the nation (they are biblically based causes) and the need for us to be vocal about the fact that our only hope for our salvation, our world, our country is in our savior Jesus (they encouraged us to basically keep doing what we’re doing as well haha). Sing with us!Thank you pastor @paulamichellewhite and @jonathancainmusic for your service to our president @realdonaldtrump as he leads our nation. #jesussavesbro

A post shared by CITIZEN WAY (@citizenway) on Nov 15, 2018 at 7:45am PST

The widow of a murdered Mishawaka, Indiana missionary says she has forgiven her husband’s killer.

Charles Truman Wesco, 44, died October 30 after he was shot in the head during fighting between armed separatists and soldiers in the West African nation of Cameroon.

Wesco’s wife, Stephanie was sitting beside him in a car being driven by another missionary when he was shot. Although he received medical attention at a nearby hospital, doctors were unable to save his life.

Stephanie says she “has no bitterness in her soul against anyone.”

Charles Wesco is survived by Stephanie and their eight children.

Hundreds of people filled a South Bend church on Monday for a memorial service to honor and remember Wesco’s life.

The entire service, which was posted to YouTube, was filled with prayers, tributes and hymns, reflecting Wesco’s spiritual upbringing. Both his father, Pastor Virgil W. Wesco and his brother, Pastor Timothy Wesco, presented messages to the audience.

Pastor Randy King delivered the sermon at the service. He and his family have also served as missionaries to Cameroon, for 30 years.

“We’ve all lost a friend, haven’t we?” King asked as he started his talk. “Charles definitely loved the people of Cameroon. So do we, having lived there with those precious people for 30 years. We love the Cameroonians. All of them, including the person who killed Charles.”

“We love them because Christ first loved us and came to save us from our sins,” he continued.

“Sister Stephanie (Wesco’s wife) has accessed the grace of God,” King noted. “She has totally forgiven Charles’ killer. She has no bitterness in her soul against anyone.” {eoa}

Click here to read the rest of this story from our content partners at CBN News.

Pop singer Celine Dion is launching a new line of children’s clothing, and she announced the partnership with Nununu with a creepy, Orwellian advertisement.

In the commercial, which first aired Tuesday, Dion declares, “Our children—they are not really our children, as we are all just links in a never-ending chain that is life.”

“For us,” she continues, “they are everything. But in reality, we are only a fraction of their universe. We miss the past; they dream of tomorrow.” {eoa}

Click here to read the rest of this story from our content partners at Faithwire.

The news of the day doesn’t have to leave you feeling hopeless and angry. Sign up for the Faithwire Newsletter for encouraging stories delivered right to your inbox.

The kindergarten Sunday school teacher of Skyway Assembly of God narrowly survived the Paradise, California, wildfire by hiding behind a boulder.

Paul Ernest and his wife Suzie, who is the Sunday school teacher, hopped on a four-wheeler with their neighbor as flames devoured their home. The couple reportedly then took shelter behind a boulder while the fire raged around them.

“They were on fire,” their son Jessee Ernest says. “My mom’s shoes burned off. My dad’s leather shoes burned. Cooked. Their pants were burned off from knees down.”

According to an ABC affiliate, the couple was rescued when Wright was able to flag down first responders.

“Those guys are heroes,” Wright says. “They hopped on my quad. Went right into the flames.”

The first responders brought the Ernests to a helipad and airlifted them to the Burn Center at UC Davis.

Skyway AG was destroyed by the Camp Fire, as was First Assembly of God in Paradise.

“At this point, we still haven’t learned of any church members losing their lives in the fire,” Bret Allen, Northern California and Nevada district superintendent says, “for which we are deeply thankful.”

We are in a manifest season of angels, Perry Stone shares in a recent Charisma Podcast Network interview.

Among the angels is a “generational” angel.

Stone explains: “A lot of times people talk about curses, generational curses, but really Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us. A lot of times, though, people don’t realize that starting all the way back with the time of Abraham, back in time with Moses and the children of Israel, that there were generational angels that literally were a part of a family lineage.”

Upon this realization, Stone observed an uptick in angelic activity.

“I have noticed in the past two years, that there has been a very unusual increase, it does not happen everywhere. It may not happen, but maybe one service in three months or six months.

“But there was a presence and I know, having experienced several times the presence of an angel of the Lord, it’s not an inward presence, like the Holy Spirit. You feel it’s an outward presence. And most of the time when an angel is in the room, one of the manifestations that happens to you physically is, it just seems like all the hair on your head stands up.”

What happens next? Listen to the podcast to find out!

Her husband’s affairs. Cancer. Emergency surgery to remove a significant amount of her colon. She was the head of one of the largest women’s ministries in the country. Life was not supposed to be this way.

Lysa TerKeurst was devastated. In her words, she’d been ground to dust.

But God was moving. And in the midst of devastation, the head of Proverbs 31 Ministries found healing.

She opened up about the process, and her new book, to James and Betty Robison.

“I was just raised with a stark understanding of who God was and how hard He was so when I started getting a little bit older, the devil, he knows you got a future, and he’s after you even when you’re young, so I just started rebelling,” says Kim Jones-Pothier, aka Real Talk Kim.

Five years ago, Real Talk Kim was virtually unknown. Then she turned on her smartphone and started recording a video about her miserable reality. Something struck a chord with viewers. Nearly overnight, she became a viral sensation. Viewers found her honest, er, “real,” talk refreshing, and suddenly, people wanted to know more about Real Talk Kim’s testimony and how God made an impact.

It’s all detailed in her new book, When Your Bad Meets His Good.

Her story begins with strong Pentecostal roots.

“I was raised United Pentecostal and raised in this religion that said if you get divorced, you are going to hell on a Slip ‘N Slide,” she says.

That thought process didn’t really deter her. By 18, she’d run away and married a boy. Three months later, the couple divorced, and Jones-Pothier jumped on the Slip ‘N Slide.

“Like I’ve already messed up so much, what’s the point?” she says.

She turned away from ministry.

As a student of Rod Parsley, she thought she’d turned around. And then she met another boy.

Seventeen years and two kids later, she divorced again.

“We were both raised in ministry, and we were praise and worship leaders in churches and had just horrible marriages behind closed doors, and we couldn’t talk about it,” Jones-Pothier says.

Ten years into her marriage, her husband turned to alcohol.

“It was all happening due to my own storms that I was created because I couldn’t surrender because I was rebellious,” Jones-Pothier says.

In 2006, at age 36, she moved back in with her parents, her 7- and 9-year old boys in tow.

She was miserable. And that’s when God spoke to her.

“I was like, ‘If You’re not going to heal my marriage, then at least take the pain away.’ He said, ‘I’m not going to heal this marriage because you never asked me if that was your husband. You’ve been fighting this thing for 17 years. You’ve told him for 17 years, “I don’t need no man,” and then you got one, and you’re at a place now, Kimberly, where you’re either going to get powerful or you’re going to stay pitiful, and you’re going to keep repeating … the same cycle because nobody in your little unit family is fixing anything. You’re blaming the world,’ He said, ‘So I’m not taking the pain away. You get up and walk away from it.’

“Man. I’m so thankful that God went like raw,” Jones-Pothier says.

So she took five years and just focused rebuilding her life around God.

But that’s just the beginning of the story. Listen to the podcast to hear her full testimony.

Megachurch pastor John Lindell warned in a recent sermon of the Satanic attachment to yoga.

Lindell, pastor of James River Church, says there is major spiritual danger associated with the practice that many people ignore.

“That, to me, is an indication of how far our society has drifted into a post-Christian culture. Earlier, it would have been a given that yoga was inherently a form of eastern mysticism that Christians should absolutely avoid, but that is no longer the case,” he says.

Yoga poses “were designed, they were created with demonic intent, to open you up to demonic power because Hinduism is demonic,” Lindell says.

But that’s not all he addressed in his paranormal-themed sermon.

See for yourself.