
In looking on the web at ministries, I see a great number of people claiming apostolic or prophetic ministries. Most of these are in the United States and are itinerant ministries. While I will not address whether or not such ministries are valid today, I will pose this question. If the USA (Or any free country for that matter which has professing apostolic or prophetic ministries operating within.) was overtaken by radical Muslims or Marxists such as the type ruling North Korea, how many of these professing apostles and prophets would be boldly proclaiming whom they say they are? How many of these supposedly apostles and prophets are willing to go to countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Persian Gulf states and proclaim Jesus? Or for that matter, how many are going into hard core inner city areas here in this country, (The USA) and reach people there for the gospel? I would imagine the numbers would be pretty minimal at best.
A lot of these professing apostles and prophets are claiming and wanting to be leadership in the body of Christ. They say much of the body of Christ is suffering for failing to recognize them for who they say they are. Let me pose this question. How many of these roving apostles or prophets are willing to follow the Apostle Paul’s lead in saying as recorded in Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me, neither count my life dear unto myself,…to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Or how about this statement from Paul as found in Acts 20:13; “ for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
I would like to say that there are men of God who have ministries that some say are apostolic who make no claim to that title, who are sound teachers and preachers of the word of God, who provide oversight to local churches, and are great encouragers to pastors and churches alike. Such men do what they do for the glory of God. If there is any apostles or prophets today, it is these type. Nonetheless, it is not who we are in the body of Christ that is the most important thing, but that Jesus receive from us in word and deed all the glory, praise, and honor due His name. To God be the glory.