Apostolic Church: Radical Lifestyle

Key Characteristics

• Radical Lifestyle: Emphasis on living a life of diligence, perseverance, and complete dedication to discipleship.
• Focus on Following Jesus: The primary focus is on following Jesus and the task at hand, irrespective of life's difficulties.
• Biblical Foundations:
  • Revelation 14:4: Followers of Christ are described as pure and devoted, following the Lamb wherever He goes.
  • Acts 4:18: Apostles were commanded to be bold and to declare the message of the Kingdom.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:14-15: The love of Christ compels believers to live not for themselves, but for Jesus.

Elements of Apostolic Living

• Perseverance and Diligence: Essential qualities for living a life focused on Jesus.
• Compulsion and Urgency: An inner drive to live out the radical lifestyle of an apostle.
• Understanding One's Influence: Knowing one's "lane" or sphere of influence and staying committed to it.

Apostolic Figures and Examples

• St. Patrick: Apostle of Ireland; known for raising the dead and baptizing many.
• George McKay: Apostle of Taiwan; dedicated to spreading the Christian life.

Challenges and Barriers

• Sociological Barriers: The greatest challenge to apostolic living is sociological, not theological or related to anointing.
• Cultural Norms: The danger of conforming to worldly desires and lifestyles.

Call to Action

• Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Essential for living a life abandoned to self and devoted to Christ.
• Pursuit of Christ-like Living: Commitment to living as Jesus did, with radical dedication.
• Invitation to Join the Apostolic Generation: An invitation to become part of the apostolic movement by embracing endurance, long-suffering, and faith over feelings.

Conclusion

• Commitment to Apostolic Living: Encouragement to be witnesses for Christ in the world.
• Prayer for Endurance: A call to ask the Holy Spirit for strength to persevere and live as true disciples.