“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)
A foundation is the solid base or structure upon which something is built. A foundation is a basis to lay, erect or consolidate. The stability of the foundation determines the strength of the building.
God desires that there is a habitation where He can dwell in the earth. The apostolic and prophetic ministry establishes an apostolic foundation for this habitation.
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)
Establishment of foundation is essential to the building of God’s house. The foundation of the apostolic and prophetic ministries is being restructured and restored. This activates the apostolic mandate to establish the Kingdom of God in the earth. Established apostolic structure and function will train, equip and release the Church to fulfill God’s purpose in the earth. It is important to note here that the apostolic and prophetic foundation is nothing of self-ministry, but it is simply the establishing of Christ as the Foundation in the local Church through and effective teaching and impartation of the revelation of Jesus for proper building of God’s Kingdom or the Father’s house.
Principles of Foundation:
Principle #1: Destiny is Determined by Foundation:
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:46-49)
The foundation must be strong and sure or the building will crack and crumble. Wrong foundation produces an unfinished building. God only inhabits that which is finished. God has drawn up the blue print for the building of His house (the Church) and for the establishment of its foundations (apostolic structure). The apostolic ministry is the masterbuilder along with the prophetic ministry.
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” (Ephesians 2:19-20).
It is impossible to build God’s house on a wrong foundation. God’s timing and the “proceeding word of God” are important. Understanding of the seasons of God provides knowledge, strategy and direction to the Church just like the sons of Issachar who were accurate in the word and seasons of God. Authority was established such that all their brethren were at their commandment.
“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” (1Chronicles 12:32).
The process of salvation does not end with the prayer for salvation. Scripture says all must be baptized in the name of Jesus. Baptism is an important element of our salvation and doctrine of faith according to Hebrews 6:1-2.
“….and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” (Acts 16:30-34)
“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)
“Baptism, which is like that water, now saves you. Baptism doesn’t save by removing dirt from the body. Rather, baptism is a request to God for a clear conscience. It saves you through Jesus Christ, who came back from death to life.” (1 Peter 3:21)
The full gospel of Jesus Christ which includes baptism in the name of Jesus must be proclaimed for the salvation of the nations. To baptize means to make whelmed by water or to cover wholly with a liquid. It comes from the Greek word “baptizo”. The believer is immersed with Jesus in baptism, and raised with Him through faith in God, who by His Spirit raised Christ from the dead.
Principle #2: People are Positioned on Purpose:
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)
Apostles and prophets are skilled spiritual masterbuilders, translated in the Greek as “architekton”, to describe one who receives of the Lord and brings revelation by what is built. God raises apostles and prophets to build a foundation and birth revelation of the nature of God on the earth.
Foundations are laid intentionally. The blue print of the building will determine the foundation that the masterbuilder lays.
Establishment of an apostolic foundation in the Church brings accuracy in the word and understanding of the purposes of God in the earth. Apostolic foundation conveys the nature of Christ in the Church through the apostles’ doctrine. Unity and peace are promoted by an intact doctrine.
The doctrine of unification and acceptance of all religion by the Church endorses the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes, which God hates (Revelation 2:14-15). Nicolaitanes are literally Balaam, which when translated from the Greek to Hebrew becomes Balaamites. The symbolic meaning is “conquering the laity”. This faction induced the Israelites to fall through lust and idolatry (Numbers 22:5 – Numbers 25:3).
The emphasis on apostles’ doctrine in the present reformation without clear definition has resulted in the assumption that it is a personal revelation of present apostles outside the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostles’ doctrine is the four gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and it comprises solely of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Apostolic doctrine is the proclamation of Jesus as the Christ (Acts 5:42).
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5:42).
The whole scripture must be taught in the Church as the infallible and perfect word of God and foundation of the faith. Any new revelation that falls outside the boundary of the doctrine of Jesus Christ is false.
Paul’s teachings were not part of the apostles’ doctrine taught in Acts 2. The epistles (letters) are the writings of Paul given by the Lord as revelation based on the doctrine of Jesus Christ. His writings are profound and insightful expositions of the four gospels, which are the apostles’ doctrine. It was not primarily the doctrine of Paul the Apostle, but it was the expository teachings of Jesus Christ.
The purpose of the apostolic doctrine is to bring the Church into understanding of all things in Jesus Christ; therefore clear and balanced teaching of apostles’ doctrine is essential.
“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;” (1 Timothy 6:3).
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:” (2 John 1:9-10).
The apostles’ doctrine (the teachings of Jesus Christ) is the mandate and purpose of God in establishing His Kingdom in the earth. Just like we clear defined in Series One of this book, that the dualistic doctrine of escapism to heaven is inaccurate. Establishment of apostolic foundation in the Church will restore focus on God’s Kingdom purpose. The apostolic goal is to advance the Kingdom of God and to release the five-fold ministry to function and mature the Body.
Principle #3: Stand Firm:
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:15-19)
God is shaking the earth and ungodly foundations are crumbling. Those who will not transition into the new day and reformation will face the wrath of God because they hinder His purpose in the earth. The house of God will be purged to prepare the foundation. The earthly vessels must be purified (2 Chronicles 34:1-33).
A certain and sure foundation is established through apostolic and prophetic ministry. Revelation of the word and unveiling of God’s purpose bring divine impartation. God seeks an apostolic and prophetic ministry to lay foundation and establish His Kingdom purpose in the earth.
Principle #4: Maturity, Completion and Perfection:
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.” (Hebrews 6:1-3)
The Greek word “perfection” comes from the word “teleiotes”, which means a completer, consummator or finisher. The elementary realm must be left to move higher into the “perfect” realm.
The Greek word “leave” comes from the word “aphiemi” which means to lay aside, yield up or to let go. The Church is to go on to higher levels of attainment in the mysteries and revelations of Christ.
The place of completion and perfection awaits the Body of Christ. To understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of God the Church must lay aside elementary doctrine. Maturity of the Church through the operation of the five-fold ministry gifts will enable the Body to complete the purposes of God in the earth.
The apostles’ doctrine is the foundational teaching of Jesus Christ. Foundational doctrines are uncovered from revelation of the apostles’ doctrine. To be established in foundational doctrine is to receive the fullness of the apostles’ doctrine that is to ground the Church in the principles of Jesus’ teaching. Outside this foundational doctrine of Jesus Christ, the Church cannot attain perfection.
As apostolic order is established, the Church can progress into maturity and perfection. God intended that the drive towards perfection is the goal of the Church.
If the foundation is right, the whole building will be accurate and fit together.
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:20-21)
God has ordained the five-fold ministry gifts to bring the Church into maturity and perfection by the word of God and His Spirit. Without the authority and ministry of the apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors and evangelists the Church would be unstable and immature. However, the Church is moving towards maturity as the five-fold ministry gifts function. These gifts will continue to operate in the Church until God’s purpose is accomplished.
The Church must embrace the apostolic reformation, evaluate present truths, and transition with the move of the Spirit to fulfill God’s purpose in the earth.
Copyright © 2017 by Israel Onoriobe
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