Apostolic Church Arising: Tearing Down Sacred Cows?

Introduction

In a time of great change and revelation within the Christian community, a significant shift is taking place. The Apostolic Church is rising, as declared by God and echoed through the voices of Robert Heidler and Chuck Pierce. This movement is encapsulated in a forthcoming book that is going to expose many man-made traditions that have hindered the church from obeying Jesus’ mandate traditions which have made God’s word of no effect to many.

The Fear of God and Sacred Cows

The imminent release of this book brings with it a profound fear of God, as it promises to reveal truths and challenge long-held practices. Leaders are urged to examine what they have built around themselves. If these structures resemble sacred cows, sustained by anything other than a genuine relationship with God and truth-telling, there is still time to repent. Pastors are encouraged to publicly acknowledge their past errors and commit to seeking God earnestly, fasting, praying, and striving to inspire and convict their congregations to return to the Lord.

The Rebuke and the Sacred Cow

A rebuke is on the horizon for the Church, akin to historical moments of reckoning. This reminds me of the prophetic word that was shared with me in the WHBR Boardroom, where it was said that the Lord was angry with what is being taught to His people behind the pulpits [podiums, lecterns], and He is going to take these podiums in His hand, turn them upside down, and slam them into the ground. The prophet sharing this said the podium was shaped like a pyramid and that when it was turned upside down, the point of the pyramid podium was pointing down towards the ground. Then God slammed it into the ground, driving it into the ground.

At any moment, the foundation upon which church leaders, teachers, and pastors stand, if it’s not Jesus Christ, will crumble. This has historical precedence, as seen in the experiences of figures like Tommy Tenney who wrote about this in his book God Chasers.  He writes that ‘when God showed up, He split the podium in two and threw the pastor backwards.’  If everything relies on the leader’s presence and fails in their absence, that dependency is a sacred cow that must be addressed. True godly leadership introduces people to Jesus, who remains even when the leader is no longer present.

Related:

• PROPHECY! Hand of God Appears in the Sky as Pastors Gather in Repentance?
• Rethinking Church: We made it Up, George Barna 
• Re-Thinking Church – Institutionalized, Confined and Contented? 
• Rethinking Church- Not Us and Them, Just US
• Re-Thinking Church: God is a God of order but his name is not Robert
• Re-Thinking Church – Stats say it isn’t Working
• Church is an Organism, not an Organization
• Re-thinking Church
• God Chasers: When God Showed up! God Split the Podium in Two, Pastor Thrown Back

Rediscovering the First Love

Believers are called to return to their first love—Jesus Christ. This requires unlearning ingrained habits, moving from head knowledge to heart knowledge, and abiding in God’s presence. The excitement and fulfillment found in spending time with God are unmatched. Leaders are reminded that everything they need to say comes from God and His Word. This process of abiding, as simple as it may be, is foundational because, apart from abiding with Jesus, we can do nothing.

Practical Steps for Abiding

For those unsure of where to begin, a practical plan is available. By visiting iAbide.org, pastors and believers can access a simple guide to abiding in God’s presence. This resource eliminates the need for extensive theological studies or outside sermons, emphasizing a direct, personal relationship with God. Children can do it, highlighting its simplicity and accessibility.

The Burden of Sacred Cows

The burden of maintaining a religious structure that costs reportedly $1.3 million per baptized believer is unsustainable and not the method Jesus Himself used. This financial and emotional strain is another sacred cow. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and a relationship with God should be freeing, not burdensome. Understanding this before the book’s release is crucial for a smooth transition to a more authentic walk and advancement of the Kingdom of God.

The Apostolic Church: A New Paradigm

The book, “The Apostolic Church Is Rising,” by Chuck Pierce and Robert Heidler, aims to dismantle the pastoral sacred cows and rebuild God’s house for the future. This shift emphasizes that God gives apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers for a purpose—to build His Church. The title itself suggests a radical departure from traditional pastoral roles, encouraging leaders to let go of outdated practices and embrace God’s new direction.

Repentance and Kingdom Focus

Pastors are reminded of the importance of repentance. God’s Kingdom is paramount, not personal kingdoms built out of fear and control. The focus should be on God’s will and His Kingdom, recognizing that nervousness about losing control indicates a misplaced focus. Personal anecdotes highlight the transformative power of abiding in God, showing how even the most entrenched leaders can find renewed purpose and enthusiasm through a genuine relationship with Him.

Conclusion

The rise of the Apostolic Church signifies a profound transformation within the Christian community. It is a call to return to the essence of faith: a direct and abiding relationship with God. As the Church prepares for the changes ahead, leaders and believers alike are encouraged to repent, let go of sacred cows, and embrace the exciting future God has in store. This journey of renewal and abiding promises to bring joy, freedom, a deeper connection with the Lord and the advancement of the church as the Lord intended it.