Understanding Apostles, Prophets, and Prayer in NAR
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the roles and distinctions between apostles and prophets within the church, particularly focusing on the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. Apostles are seen as authoritative figures who provide spiritual covering and guidance, while prophets are believed to reveal new theological truths and divine guidance. This structure, however, raises significant theological and pastoral concerns.
We discussed a tragic case involving a child named Olive, whose parents, members of Bethel Church, believed fervently in her resurrection through declaration prayers. This incident highlighted the problematic nature of certain prayer doctrines within the NAR, which emphasize declaration over petitionary prayer. This approach can lead to unrealistic expectations and spiritual disillusionment when prayers are not answered as expected.
The sermon also delved into the concept of equivocation in language, particularly how the term "prayer" can be loaded with different meanings. In the NAR context, prayer often shifts from a biblical petition to a form of invoking divine power, which is foreign to Scripture. This shift can lead to a prayerless life, despite the appearance of fervent prayer.
We also examined the roles of apostles and prophets, noting that while they may overlap, their functions are distinct. Apostles often implement church programs and receive divine revelations, while prophets are primarily tasked with discerning and communicating new truths. This structure can lead to a form of spiritual legalism and emotional exhaustion among believers, who feel pressured to conform to these teachings to receive God's blessings.
Finally, we addressed the issue of translation and interpretation of Scripture, particularly how some leaders within the NAR manipulate biblical texts to fit their theological agendas. This practice can mislead believers and distort the true message of the Bible.
### Key Takeaways
1. Authority and Submission in the Church: Apostles in the NAR exercise significant authority, providing spiritual covering for those who submit to them. This dynamic can lead to a form of spiritual dependency where believers feel compelled to conform to receive blessings. This structure raises questions about the nature of true spiritual authority and the potential for abuse. [10:35]
2. The Problem with Declaration Prayers: The case of Olive's expected resurrection through declaration prayers highlights the dangers of this prayer doctrine. It fosters unrealistic expectations and can lead to spiritual disillusionment when prayers are not answered. True biblical prayer involves petition and submission to God's will, not an attempt to leverage divine power. [15:37]
3. Equivocation in Prayer Language: The NAR's use of the term "prayer" often shifts from a biblical petition to a form of invoking divine power. This equivocation can lead believers to think they are engaging in biblical prayer when they are not. Understanding the true biblical concept of prayer is crucial for a genuine spiritual life. [24:03]
4. Roles of Apostles and Prophets: While apostles and prophets in the NAR may have overlapping functions, their roles are distinct. Apostles implement church programs and receive divine revelations, while prophets discern and communicate new truths. This structure can create a form of spiritual legalism and emotional exhaustion among believers. [29:47]
5. Translation and Interpretation of Scripture: Some leaders within the NAR manipulate biblical texts to fit their theological agendas, which can mislead believers. Accurate translation and interpretation of Scripture are essential for maintaining the integrity of biblical teachings and ensuring that believers are not led astray. [49:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:35] - Authority and Submission in the Church
[15:37] - The Problem with Declaration Prayers
[17:07] - Tragic Case of Olive
[18:17] - Equivocation in Prayer Language
[24:03] - True Biblical Prayer
[25:23] - Roles of Apostles and Prophets
[29:47] - Spiritual Legalism and Exhaustion
[31:10] - Misinterpretation of Scripture
[33:28] - Faith and God's Will
[34:16] - Prayer of Faith
[35:12] - Understanding God's Will
[48:19] - Translation and Interpretation Issues
[49:13] - Manipulation of Biblical Texts
[50:53] - Theological Agendas in Translation
[52:06] - Fallibility of Modern Prophets
[54:05] - Practical Implications of Prophetic Errors
[56:35] - Induced Anxiety and Legalism
[57:50] - Misconceptions of a Spirit-Filled Church
[58:55] - Evaluating Church Life
[01:03:49] - Reluctance to Submit to God's Will
[01:05:14] - Importance of Evidence in Faith
[01:08:31] - Music as a Gateway to Theology
[01:09:45] - The Role of Music in Church
[01:11:01] - Catechism Through Music
[01:13:26] - Seeking Evidence for Apostolic Claims
[01:14:25] - Questions to Ask in Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord's Prayer)
2. James 4:3 (On asking with wrong motives)
3. 1 Corinthians 14:29-33 (Orderly worship and prophecy)
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key differences between apostles and prophets as described in the sermon? [10:35]
2. How did the parents of Olive at Bethel Church respond to her death, and what type of prayer did they use? [15:37]
3. What does the term "equivocation" mean in the context of prayer language, according to the sermon? [18:17]
4. How do some leaders within the NAR manipulate biblical texts, and what are the consequences of this practice? [49:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the authority structure within the NAR, particularly the roles of apostles and prophets, impact the spiritual lives of believers? [10:35]
2. What are the theological implications of using declaration prayers instead of petitionary prayers, as highlighted by the case of Olive? [15:37]
3. In what ways can the shift in the meaning of "prayer" within the NAR lead to a prayerless life, despite appearances? [24:03]
4. How does the manipulation of biblical texts by some NAR leaders affect the integrity of biblical teachings and the faith of believers? [49:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the authority and submission dynamics in your church. How can you ensure that spiritual authority is exercised in a healthy and biblical manner? [10:35]
2. Have you ever experienced disillusionment due to unanswered prayers? How can you align your prayer life more closely with the biblical model of petition and submission to God's will? [15:37]
3. How can you discern whether your understanding and practice of prayer align with biblical teachings rather than being influenced by unbiblical traditions? [24:03]
4. In what ways can you guard against the manipulation of Scripture in your personal study and in the teachings you follow? [49:13]
5. How can you support others in your church who may feel emotionally or spiritually exhausted by the pressures of conforming to certain teachings or practices? [29:47]
6. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is built on solid evidence and biblical truth rather than on sensational claims or experiences? [01:05:14]
7. How can you cultivate a genuine, Spirit-filled church life that focuses on the fruit of the Spirit rather than on external appearances or miraculous claims? [57:50]
Devotional
Day 1: The Nature of True Spiritual Authority
Description: In the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), apostles are seen as authoritative figures who provide spiritual covering and guidance. This dynamic can lead to a form of spiritual dependency where believers feel compelled to conform to receive blessings. Such a structure raises significant questions about the nature of true spiritual authority and the potential for abuse. True spiritual authority should be rooted in servanthood and humility, reflecting the character of Christ. It is essential to discern whether the authority figures in our lives are leading us closer to God or fostering dependency on themselves. [10:35]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Reflection: Think of a spiritual leader in your life. How does their leadership style reflect Christ's servanthood and humility? What steps can you take to ensure your spiritual growth is rooted in God rather than in human authority?
Day 2: The Dangers of Declaration Prayers
Description: The case of Olive's expected resurrection through declaration prayers highlights the dangers of this prayer doctrine within the NAR. This approach fosters unrealistic expectations and can lead to spiritual disillusionment when prayers are not answered as expected. True biblical prayer involves petition and submission to God's will, not an attempt to leverage divine power. It is crucial to understand that prayer is about aligning our hearts with God's will rather than commanding outcomes. This understanding helps maintain a healthy and realistic approach to prayer, preventing spiritual burnout and disappointment. [15:37]
James 4:3 (ESV): "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent prayer request you made. Was your prayer more about seeking God's will or trying to command a specific outcome? How can you shift your prayer life to focus more on submission to God's will?
Day 3: Understanding True Biblical Prayer
Description: The NAR's use of the term "prayer" often shifts from a biblical petition to a form of invoking divine power. This equivocation can lead believers to think they are engaging in biblical prayer when they are not. True biblical prayer is about petitioning God and submitting to His will, not about invoking power to achieve our desires. Understanding this distinction is crucial for a genuine spiritual life. It helps believers maintain a humble and dependent relationship with God, recognizing that He is sovereign and His will is paramount. [24:03]
1 John 5:14-15 (ESV): "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
Reflection: Consider your current prayer habits. Are there ways in which you might be trying to invoke divine power rather than submitting to God's will? How can you realign your prayers to be more biblically grounded?
Day 4: Distinct Roles of Apostles and Prophets
Description: In the NAR, apostles and prophets have distinct yet sometimes overlapping roles. Apostles often implement church programs and receive divine revelations, while prophets are primarily tasked with discerning and communicating new truths. This structure can create a form of spiritual legalism and emotional exhaustion among believers, who feel pressured to conform to these teachings to receive God's blessings. It is important to recognize the distinct roles and ensure that they are functioning in a way that edifies the church without causing undue pressure or legalism. [29:47]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on the roles of spiritual leaders in your church. Are there ways in which their roles might be causing pressure or legalism among the congregation? How can you support a healthier understanding and practice of these roles?
Day 5: Integrity in Scripture Translation and Interpretation
Description: Some leaders within the NAR manipulate biblical texts to fit their theological agendas, which can mislead believers. Accurate translation and interpretation of Scripture are essential for maintaining the integrity of biblical teachings and ensuring that believers are not led astray. It is crucial to approach Scripture with a commitment to truth and a willingness to be corrected by it. This practice helps safeguard the church from false teachings and ensures that the message of the Bible remains pure and transformative. [49:13]
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV): "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."
Reflection: Think about a recent Bible study or sermon you heard. Were there any interpretations that seemed to fit a specific agenda? How can you develop a habit of studying Scripture more diligently to discern its true meaning?
Quotes
1. "And really, in addition to believing that she would be raised. There was the belief that by participating in the prayers of declaration and praying in this way with this expectation, that would enable its occurrence, that would actually foster and increase the chances that this would happen. This is one of the problems with the view is its doctrine of prayer and how our prayers by sort of growing and congealing around a common concern worldwide. Somehow get answered more effectively than otherwise." [15:37] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And I think it's especially tragic when something as painful as that happens. And then it's in the context of expecting something that God is just going to do. And then he doesn't come through. He doesn't do it. You have to explain this. And this is another thing that's striking about this case is everything just went silent. There are no explanations. We don't hear from Bill Johnson or Chris Vallotton at Bethel Church explaining how they could possibly be mistaken about this. And so I think it's a case of pastoral malpractice." [18:17] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We think that what NAR folk have done is they've invested the concept of prayer, which should be a biblical concept of petition, with different meaning that you can actually associate with other religious traditions where you're invoking God's power. And you're using it as a kind of lever to make things happen in the world as if you're harnessing divine power. And so the equivocation is in the change up in the use of the term in what you call prayer. You presume to be a shared context of understanding. But because the language is the same, that's no guarantee that the context of understanding really is the same." [25:23] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Let's just talk about prayer for a moment again. Think about that. If the Bible gives us models of prayer, examples of prayer, the model prayer that Jesus gave his disciples and so forth, and declaration prayer is not part of the biblical concept of prayer, but it is the dominant way that they pray in this movement, then people are effectively, Christian people, effectively living a prayerless life. They are missing out on the true experience of prayer as intended by God, designed by God, and illustrated throughout the Scriptures by adopting a concept of prayer and a form of prayer that's completely foreign to Scripture." [33:28] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think faith is when we can ask God for things knowing that he wants to give us our desires. But he wants them to be good for us at the same time. And that's all things considered. And we don't know what that is. So the reason why we pray and submit to his will is that we know he knows better than we do. We can't pray consistent with every perfect thing that God in his wisdom knows. And so that's why the prayer of faith should be one of submitting to the outcome of his will." [34:16] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "People need to be aware that there is now within the church. A sector of teachers saying that a New Testament prophet or someone with the gift of prophecy today or we're talking about people who purport to have the office of a prophet. They can make mistakes. They can get things wrong. That they can receive what they believe is revelation from God. Present it without qualification. This is what's going to happen and then be wrong. And it doesn't disqualify them as prophets if they are wrong. Now we think that's mistaken. We think that's false as itself in itself as a teaching." [52:06] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "It seems to me then you can never act confidently on the advice the counsel the direction that you're receiving. From a fallible profit. I think about the you know you go back to what are your concerns about this movement. We've listed quite a few that I think are pretty substantial concerns. But here's one basic concern is it induces anxiety. It it creates a kind of legalism even within your experience of Christianity. You don't think so because you think no we're experiencing a spirit and that's liberating. Right. We're experiencing Christian living at the most liberal level because it's the spirit of God that we're interacting with." [56:35] (94 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And they compare that with other churches. That in contrast they look dead. They look like there's no life. There's no spirit there. And we can't be the judge of that. And so what happens is you get a false impression or conception of what a church alive in the spirit really looks like. And I think the measure should be the realization, the production of the fruit of the spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience. And some of these little country churches where they just don't have, you know, the professionalism and the spark and all that. And you might go in there and say, boy, that spirit can't be working there." [57:50] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "They are, in effect, choreographing declaration prayers in churches across America. It's a gauge of the quality of faith that you have. Right. And this is, I think, a reason why in the praying, for example. There's such a reluctance to say, not my will, but thine be done. Who was I quoting there just now? I think it was Jesus. But anyway, there's a reluctance to pray that way because that looks like a lack of faith. And that lack of faith can mean then that your prayer is diffused of power. It just it doesn't have the power that it would have if you prayed with the declaration that it will have." [01:03:49] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I would say always go to the Scriptures and hold your preachers accountable to the Scriptures. Make them show you from Scripture what it is that's true. It supports what they're teaching you. And learn to read and study the Bible for yourself so that you can get that nutrition on your own. And don't depend on what others claim to know for everything you believe. That's another important point. I would say that when you're singing or when you're praying, either one, ask yourself these few questions. Number one, what does this mean? These words mean what exactly?" [01:14:25] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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