Apostolic Hub requires apostolic mentality. The message of the Kingdom of God is apostolic in nature for it is the released impartation of the word by our Chief Apostle, the Lord Jesus Christ. Every demonic force, whether principalities or powers, must acknowledge this.
Although we are not all called for the office of an apostle (as in Eph. 4:11) and therefore not all of us are apostles, we should all be apostolic. Believers called to the fivefold ministry
(Eph. 4:11) will have a greater dimension of the Holy Spirit’s anointing in the gift to which they are called. But all believers have the power of the Holy Ghost to go out as sent ones (Acts 1:8)! The Holy Spirit is an apostolic spirit, He was sent by the Father (John 14:26).
An apostolic mentality is the set of one’s mind, view and outlook on the aggressive advancing of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 28:19-20). We are all Christ’s ambassadors
(1 Cor. 5:20). An ambassador is a diplomatic official of the highest rank, sent by one state to another as a representative. Notice the definition for ambassador includes the “highest rank”; because of this rank, ambassadors have the authority to speak on behalf of the government that sent them. This is why an apostolic mentality is so important for this hour. We need to be bold as lions and dare to speak, knowing that heaven is backing us up!
5 signs of an apostolic mentality
- A sent one with an apostolic mentality will be aggressive in advancing the Kingdom of God first
Scholars agree that the central message of Jesus was the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is His reign and authority manifested on earth.And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent (Luke 4:43). An ambassador of Christ will push forward the kingdom of Light and push back the kingdom of darkness. - A sent one with an apostolic mentality will be bold enough to turn his community upside down and bring extreme change (often with the help of signs and wonders)
Extreme boldness and willingness to change the world will never go unnoticed. The Sender of an apostolic people is always recognized through the boldness of the apostolic people. The mission and origin of sent ones is never unclear. ‘Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. The works (including signs, wonders and miracles) following the sent one bears witness of the authority of God (of His Kingdom) given to him. Even those that don’t want to believe cannot close deny that there are miracles.‘Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.’
(Acts 4:13) Those with an apostolic mindset will turn the community upside down (there is no neutrality when confronted with the power of God).‘And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;’ (Acts 17:6).Notice how the apostles were called ‘these that have turned the world upside down’. Those with an apostolic mentality cannot be unnoticed; they will put their mind on drastical change.
One with an apostolic mentality will always covet (earnestly desire) spiritual gifts (see 1 Cor 14:1). Preaching, evangelizing with signs, wonders and miracles definitely shakes places, regions even churches (with too many complacent, religious believers). It fuels expansion of God’s kingdom.
‘For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power’ (1 Cor. 4:20)
One with an apostolic mentality always seeks for new, fresh and powerful ways to pierce, penetrate, and to pioneer the work of the ministry (within and beyond the four walls of a church). They hate tradition and the status quo. Those with an apostolic mentality are pioneers!
Ambassadors work on behalf of the sender and will have signs to proof their given authority. Ambassadors can always prove their origin. ‘Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me’ - A sent one with an apostolic mentality will always be aware of his mission and can never be stopped.
A sent one will put the will of the Sender first. (Jesus the Apostle, Heb. 3:1, was sent by the Father, and His words indicated His continued awareness of His (apostolic) mission
‘”For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.’ (John 3:34)‘”I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me’.
(John 5:30)‘”For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.’ (John 6:38)
The apostles Peter and John could not be stopped by threats.
‘But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard’
Apostle Paul could not be stopped and was ready to die for the name of our Lord Jesus. One with an apostolic mentality will never hold back.‘Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus’ (Acts 21:13)
- A sent one with an apostolic mentality will always try to encourage, equip and empower others to join the work of expanding of the Kingdom of God with him
A true apostle will always activate and impart spiritual power. ‘So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit”
(John 20:21,22).
An apostolic leader will never want to keep power for himself alone. An apostolic leader will never be envious of others and their gifts. On the contrary he will always want to encourage others to go deeper.
‘”Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD’S people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29)
Moses was an example of an Old Testament apostolic leader, he wanted all the Lord’s people to walk in his power and authority. Paul always encouraged others to follow him (Paul was a true apostle, a masterbuilder and man of power), like Timothy, his spiritual son (for example 2 Tim 1:6).
- A sent one with an apostolic mentality loves fasting, prayer and spiritual warfare
One with an apostolic mentality loves fasting, prayer and every aspect of spiritual warfare. A sent one is a warrior for the Kingdom. Prayer is power. Prophets and teachers were together in the church, and as they were ministering to the Lord with fasting and prayer Barnabas and Paul were sent out as apostle (Acts 13:1-2). Prayer birthed their apostolic mission. Prayer not only releases the apostolic spirit, it also sustains an apostolic movement. The apostles gave themselves continually to prayer (see Acts 6:4). Prayer is the strength of the apostolic ministry.
Apostolic people know the importance of aggressive and powerful prayer. They love it. Prayers that touch the heart of God that will make places shake and fill believers with the Holy Ghost (Acts 4:31). Prayer power that will make demons flee. Apostolic prayer releases the great power of God and His great grace.
‘And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all‘ (Acts 4:33)
Signs and wonders were released, and “believers were increasingly added to the Lord” (Acts 5:14). Some might ask why do we need an apostolic mentality? An apostolic mentality, one’s mind set on aggressive advancing of the Kingdom, fuels church growth in every area.