By Apostle Aje Pelser, Harvester Reformational Church, Cape Town

To view the presentation about Harvester and the new church building, click here.

Scriptures:

Act 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

Act 9:16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Act 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Act 9:18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

Act 9:19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Act 9:20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

Act 9:21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

Act 9:22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Saul Escapes from Damascus

Act 9:23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.

Act 9:24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.

Act 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

Act 9:26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.

Act 9:27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Act 9:28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

Act 9:29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.

Act 9:30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

Act 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

The roles disciples play in apostolic ministry:

Notice the importance of how one receives an apostle.

1. God needs a Barnabas character to bring in new converts with potential and to vouch for them.

2. Once the disciples and brothers received Saul, they continually helped him along and transported him and let him down through the wall in a basket!

3. Churches today should convey apostles in the same way so that the benefits of apostolic ministry can be felt completely in every region.

4. The brothers also sent Saul on a mission to Tarsus.

Once they received the apostle through the negotiating skills of Barnabas, things started to change for the persecuted early church.

Embracing the apostolic ministry requires a divine connection and a brotherly reception.

Consequences of Supporting Apostolic Missions

Here are some divine consequences of supporting apostolic missions:

1. The Church throughout the region will have peace – unbroken tranquillity. A further meaning of peace, is in the sense of rest and prosperity. During war we have seen how Christians and churches were broken up in Cote D’Ivoire. However, the teachings and Reformational mind sets helps the true church to survive and the leaders asked for apostolic input to rebuild the church after the war.

2. The Church will be built up and go forward.

Edification means to be built up and to embolden. Like a house being built or constr