Lecture Notes: Apostolic Belief Systems

Introduction

• Culture and Belief Systems: Every culture has inherent belief systems.
• Focus: Four major beliefs of an apostolic people within an apostolic culture.

Apostolic Prayer and Decrees

• Matthew 6:9-10: Apostolic prayer of the disciples emphasizes "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
• Ephesians 2:6: Being raised and seated with Christ in heavenly places to declare "Come thy kingdom, be done thy will."
• Living from two worlds requires aligning belief systems.

Four Major Belief Systems of Apostolic People

1. Covenant Community

• Covenant People: Apostolic people view themselves as a family.
  • Gather together not for agreement in doctrine but because of family bonds.
  • Reference to Hebrews about not forsaking assembly.
• Catholic Church: Universal church concept, emphasizing family and community.
  • Contrast with Protestant Church which historically split frequently due to disagreements.
  • Importance of learning family values from the Catholic tradition, despite differences.

2. Denominationalism vs. Apostolic Family

• Protestant Movement: Birthed from division (protestant = protesters).
  • Denominations are seen as tribal groups.
  • The danger of denominationalism is focusing too much on doctrinal agreement.
• Reconciliation: Ministry of reconciliation against denominationalism.
  • Preaching should inspire and impart rather than just convince.
  • Kingdom of God is about freedom versus control and fear.

3. Essence of Covenant

• Covenant Definition: A lifelong commitment, beyond geographical proximity.
  • Tested through disagreements and adversity.
  • True loyalty is tested through disagreements.

4. Family and Society

• Family's Role in Healing Society: Malachi 4:6 - Father-child relationships heal the land.
  • Society’s brokenness is linked to fatherlessness and broken families.
• Role of Sons of God: Reveal the Father's love and heart.
  • Dynamic of family - everyone contributes through the Holy Spirit.
  • Prodigal Son: Father's attributes are love and freedom, not control.

Covenant Community in Practice

• Accountability and Impartation: Emphasizes accountability based on identity in God, not faults.
  • Barnabas and Paul Principle: Transition and growth within relationships.
  • Impartation: Romans 1:11 - Desiring to impart spiritual gifts.

Apostolic Family vs. Student-Teacher Dynamics

• Family as Experience: More than a classroom - involves opening hearts and sharing experiences.
• Sons vs. Students: Sons carry the heart of their fathers; students mimic methods.
• Call to Follow: Jesus and Paul taught by example, emphasizing relational over instructional learning.

Conclusion

• First Belief System: Apostolic community sees itself as a covenant family.
  • Aligning to this belief is foundational for living in an apostolic culture.