A Report on the Oct 19, '99 International Gathering of Apostles and Prophets

This report by Jim Wies jimmy@cornerstonemin.org taken from: Taken from: The Apostolic Prophetic List email: ap@myhome.net Meri Burlingame: Moderator

THE "THIRD APOSTOLIC REFORMATION" -- A Report on the Oct 19, '99 International Gathering of Apostles and Prophets

I have had something exploding inside me for several days now, since hearing Dr. Bill Hamon share Tuesday night (Oct, 19th,'99) at a conference called the "International Gathering of Apostles and Prophets" in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, about what he saw on the horizon. Let me tell you what he said, and then what I see as some of the implications. First he shared how vitally important it is that we know where we are headed, and what is our destination. An understanding of our ultimate destination influences and affects our current decisions. He began by proposing that we are in the throws of not just "renewal"; not just "revival"; not just a "new awakening"; but a "third apostolic reformation".

FOUNDATIONAL CHANGES COMING

The first was when Jesus appeared on the earth. Major foundational changes occurred at that time; changes in the religious structure, changes in how we relate to God, changes in the rise and fall of nations, changes in the social, economic and political climate, changes in virtually every area of significance. (This radical transition actually occurred in a span of approximately 40 to 50 years, or one generation) The apostolic and prophetic ministries were there to lay a new foundation, with Christ Jesus, of course, as the Cornerstone.

Then, approximately 1,500 years later, once again there came a foundational reformation, referred to by historians as the Protestant reformation, restoring truths of Scripture that were lost during the great "falling away", and in one generation, with Martin Luther, began a period of approximately 500 years of doctrinal restoration.

THE CATCH-UP MOVEMENT--then THE THIRD APOSTOLIC MOVEMENT

This took us up to what most people now call the charismatic movement, which was sort of a "catch-up" movement, touching every denomination with present truth and calling out of every denomination, those who wanted more of God's fullness. Dr. Hamon also stated that, with the birthing of the prophetic movement in 1988, he believes we began the third apostolic reformation - MUCH MORE than just another "movement", a "fresh revival" or even a "major awakening". We are seeing prophets and apostles coming forth for a strategic reason.

HOW CAN THE FOUNDATION BE LAST?

The question was posed, however, that if apostles and prophets are foundation layers, why are they coming back last, as if they were to add the finishing touches to an already existing restored church? The picture is of an existing building, being jacked up while foundational repairs are being done. While that is happening to an extent, could there be much more to this emergence of these foundational ministries at this time of church history than we are seeing right now? The answer is YES! We are being positioned to lay new foundations for a new era all together, foundations for the dawning of a new kingdom age.

WE ARE IN THE THROW'S OF THE BIRTHING OF A WHOLE NEW ORDER - A WHOLE NEW DISPENSATION! We are in the midst of what Bill Hamon believes is an approximate 40 to 50 year transition (one final generation) that will take us into the fullness of the Kingdom of God on the earth. But there are foundational mindsets and activities WE must do in cooperation with the ushering in of His Kingdom. We are preparing to move into the age of Kingdom rule and dominion where Christ Himself, and we His saints, with Him, will rule and reign IN THE EARTH. The implications of this are staggering. It means a major paradigm shift.

CHANGES IN EVERYTHING

A change again in the religious structure, changes in how we relate to God, changes in the social and economic arenas, changes of nations and the political climate, changes in virtually every area of significance, just as radically as when He came the first time. A third apostolic reformation! So God is raising up apostles and prophets who are speaking some new and radical things; are setting the stage; are laying new foundations for a new era. Not just patching up what is already existing, but preparing the church for a new dispensation! WOWW!!

We are about to move from the dispensation of grace to the dispensation of dominion. We are about to see Jesus, not as the suffering lamb that was slain, but the roaring Lion who is King! The implications are awesome! I believe God is about to bring insight, for instance, into the difference between the "sin" of judgment and the "ministry" of judgment. (A very tiny window into this was seen when Peter dealt with Ananias and Sapphira , or Paul with Elymas the magician ) We are also about to enter into, not an age of yielding and passive surrender to our enemies, such as "turn the other cheek", and "go the second mile"; but rather, into a position of authority, dominion and power. Ruling in Zion! Jesus was the yielding "suffering servant" once, but he will not show up like that the next time!

These are radical statements, most of which could take full apologetics and teaching from the Word to clarify (and I am inclined to do just that in the near future) but I am trusting that those who are reading this can fill in the meat between the bones. What a day we are in. And surely God has brought us into the Kingdom for such a time as this!

Jim Wies jimmy@cornerstonemin.org home page http://www.cornerstonemin.org articles & book info http://www.skyfamily.com/cornerstonemin