As an apostolic people, we are called not just to lend a hand but to extend a Kingdom. Jesus said,
“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7-8).
Extending the Kingdom is more than just a humanitarian effort. Healings, deliverances, and supernatural encounters are called “signs” because they point to the fact that a hand has pierced the veil of a superior kingdom and displayed the wonders of His world. Miracles are simply the natural laws of Heavens world being superimposed over an inferior, earthly ecosystem.
Contrary to modern thought, apostles are not church planters as much as they are cultural transformers. Therefore, it is the mission of an apostolic people to pull heaven to earth so that the kingdom of this world becomes the Kingdom of our God and His Christ.
One practical way we bring transformation to our cities is through supernatural faith in people. This faith is manifest in trusting folks before they deserve it. When Saul got saved (who would later become the great apostle Paul) Believers of his day refused to have anything to do with him because he was leading a massacre against the Church. But Barnabas, who’s name means “son of encouragement,” took a hold of Saul and mentored him for years. Barnabas refused to let a man’s past or his reputation intimidate him. This, of course, resulted in Paul writing thirteen books of the New Testament and becoming one of the greatest revivalists in human history. All because one man refused to treat another man according to their history, but instead called them into their prophetic destiny.
Allison, who is one of my former students, said, “I love to listen to other people’s prophecies.”
“Why,” I asked, with a question mark lurking on my face.
Allison answered, “Because then I treat that person not as they are but as God sees them and, in doing so, I invite them into their true calling!”
From that day on I have worked hard to not let someone’s past determine the way I envision their future. I also have decided to not let someone’s alias name, a name that God did not give them, like Mormon, Buddhist, Atheist, Occultist or any other alias name, keep me from valuing them and loving them as people who are designed in God’s image.
Jesus displayed this kind of faith in people all the time. He knew Judas was a thief but he made him the treasurer of his ministry. Why? Because he trusted people before they deserved it. This supernatural faith in people created eleven world changes but caused one man to hang himself. Demonstrating faith in people creates an environment where many will become world changers and a few will take advantage of your faith and sell your investment in them to the enemy. But if you don’t have Judas’ in your life, you will never have Peters (remember they both denied Christ). The culture of faith that grows world changers also waters traitors. But don’t stop believing in people. Who knows, you could be mentoring the next Apostle Paul.
Just faith it!
Kris
[...] stuff just plain excites me! It makes my day! Go read the whole article on his website (link). He also shares on the benefit of hearing prophesies spoken over other people because like that [...]
Pingback by On becoming an apostolic people | WildOx Blog — September 13, 2008 @ 3:58 am
That’s a good word right there!
Comment by Sarah Allis Yang — September 15, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
[...] and found his blog (wildoxgib.com) and a link to an article (On Becoming an Apostolic People) by Kris Vallotton, who is currently one of my favorite [...]
Pingback by iamhealed.net » Blog Archive » Tech Works! (link to post about Kris Vallotton) — September 18, 2008 @ 11:03 am
Hi Kris! Great article. Your book, “Supernatural Ways of Royalty”, is currently rocking my world (and worldview). Thank you!!
One comment on your site – the small white-on-black print is hard to read!! Can I suggest using dark print on a lighter background instead? Or if you really like the white on black, increase the font size a little?
Blessings!
Comment by Kathi Sharpe — September 19, 2008 @ 5:11 am
I am a Pastor from Las Vegas, I heard this message the other day. It was very encouraging after preaching a message that was along the same lines with doing “works” verses demonstrating the Kingdom. This is something that bothers me, and I don’t like all the thing’s we have replaced the pure ministry of Jesus with. Yes we need to clothe the naked, and so on, thats a measure of demonstrating God’s love, but there’s more to contend for. I was reminded in Acts when Peter and John didnt give the beggar money, they gave him “the Kingdom of God”, and said “rise up and be healed..” . I feel like we have become a bunch of Martha’s cooking for Jesus, when He is sitting at our table waiting to dine with us and reveal things to us. We have replaced the “better portion” with merely serving and doing “good deeds” instead of introducing people to the King by demonstrating His Kingdom. Great Word! It came at such a great time to stir my heart to keep “striking the rock”, and contending for greater works!! Blessings, Zack
Comment by Zack — September 20, 2008 @ 2:22 am
I like this article. I really like your comment about aliases; very cool point.
I thinkg that ignoring the supernatural could actually have its roots—or at least some of them—in having a fearful, pauper mentality, like you discuss in “…Royalty.” If the Church doesn’t believe it can rock with God, then it will put limitations on itself—limitations God never intended for us to have.
Avoiding, or maybe neglecting is more accurate… Neglecting the supernatural may also have its roots in a feeling of self-sufficiency. As if we can survive without God’s demonstrations of power, maybe it’s just “easier” to meet natural needs using natural methods. Funny, though… When God wanted to meet the natural needs of millions of former slaves in the wilderness, He chose SUPERnatural means to do it. Furthermore, He selected Moses—flesh and blood—to show Himself off and torment the devil. Now THAT’S what I’M talkin’ ’bout! God is so beautifully awesome.
Sharine @-x—-
Comment by Sharine — September 21, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
P.S. In light of supernatural trust, I just want to testify and thank the Lord for tearing down some walls I had built up in the past. Now, I’m actually having a BLAST loving people, hugging people, just being there for others. I’m learning what it is to rely on God for a supply of love so I can go out and give it away; like Jesus, I’m seeing that love is not about me, but about the other person. Thanks for your teachings along these lines; makes a huge difference. =)
Comment by Sharine — September 21, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
THIS IS ME SHOUTING “AMEN”. Ow, this is SO good. Thanks for you!
Pastor Randy Dean
Comment by Randy Dean — September 23, 2008 @ 8:09 am
Kris’s message inspired me to start a 30 day Love Walk Feast. Now this is quite simple, and I believe it will bring healing, wholeness and unity for the family. The ingredients are as follows: I will do somehing special out of the Love of God towards my family members every day for 30 days, and each act and outcome will be documented. This will be a love walk with a plan. Join me.
Comment by Barbara A. James — September 23, 2008 @ 9:42 am
Pastor Kris, your new book, “Purity” is absolutely beautiful. —J.
Comment by Janette — October 2, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
Kris,
Again, and always….Right On!!! Your words and life are such great motivation and encouragement to activly press God to release his promises. Kris, I so totally love what God is up to in and through you! My family and I lift you and Bill up regularly as apostles over us! I am so in love with getting people to “DO” the works of Christ and much less enthusiastic about only “Talking” about doing doing the WORK of Christ. You, and your life are truly a reflection of the “Action” required of ministers, though I know you are ministering a great deal in the body and within the walls of the church lately. Just the same you are a pastor of pastors, for that I Thank you! All the best to you and your family!
Pastor Darren M. Hosé
Comment by Darren M. Hosé — October 27, 2008 @ 10:32 am