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Moving in the Apostolic: How to Bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth
Foundational Teaching from Bestselling Author John EckhardtWe are currently experiencing the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit the world has ever known. God is raising up a new generation of people willing to move in kingdom authority--and you can be part of it!Join bestselling author John Eckhardt, world-renowned apostle and teacher, as he clarifies the gift and functions of apostolic ministry. Observing the roots of our biblical heritage, Eckhardt explores the function of an apostle--both the office and also the gifting every believer carries. With keen insight he reveals how the apostolic dimension affects all aspects of the local church and how apostolic leadership points the way toward fulfillment of the Great Commission.Now is the time to respond to the call. Receive your apostolic commissioning and watch for breakthrough in the hearts around you.
- GenresChristian
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2017
97 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
John Eckhardt
238 books277 followersJohn Eckhardt is overseer of Crusaders Ministries, located in Chicago, Illinois. Gifted with a strong apostolic call, he has ministered throughout the United States and overseas in more than eighty nations. He is a sought-after international conference speaker and has authored more than twenty books, including Identifying and Breaking Curses, Prayers That Rout Demons, Prayers That Break Curses, Prophet, Arise!, and God Still Speaks. He also produces a weekly television program, Perfecting the Saints. Eckhardt resides in the Chicago area with his wife, Wanda.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 13, 2017
Have you ever known a kid, usually a boy around the ages of ten to twelve, who openly expressed meglomaniacal desires for power and seemed entirely unaware of how immature and inappropriate his enthusiasm for the powers he wanted were? I have known such children, and perhaps I may have been such a child myself, and as ridiculous as one finds the power fantasy, one cannot exactly hate or be too angry at the child for expressing it because of the sincerity and honesty of the wish and the knowledge that such a thing would never happen. That is precisely the way I feel about this book and the similar pronouncements of the author here in this second edition of a work that has been quite popular within the Pentecostal community. I cannot say that this book is a good book and there is a lot that I would disagree with in particular about the author's view of apostolic authority in the contemporary church [1], but there is something winsome and innocent and even naive about the author and his open transparency about what he is about that is worthy of respect even with intense disagreement.
In terms of its contents, this book is made up of ten chapters that total a bit less than 200 pages. Each of the chapters discusses something about apostleship. In its structure, the author uses a fairly rigidly deductive approach in that he has some premises and then draws conclusions and inferences from those premises. His main premise here is that the Church has suffered because of a lack of attention to the continued importance of the apostolic office, a lack he is willing to remedy as a self-appointed apostle. This book is full of assuming facts not in evidence (including the ideal of apostolic authority existing beyond the first century) in the face of silence concerning any sort of replacement of dead apostles during the first century church. The author over and over again talks about power and the desire to cast out demons, the expectation of opposition to his message, and beliefs about hierarchical ranks within the church with apostles at the top. Little to be found is any kind of discussion about copying the beliefs and doctrines of the early church, aside from some vague statements about the need to be doctrinally sound (according to whom?) that lack any kind of biblical specificity. No, this author is all about having the power to heal diseases and engage in flamboyantly public spiritual warfare and affect the course of nations, with legions of subordinate leaders anointed by him to spread his glory and help him create a spiritual empire, with wealth and recognition flowing in despite the opposition and conflict resulting from his message and his leadership. And given the fact that this book has multiple editions, it is a message that has certainly resonated with some readers.
In looking at this book as a whole, despite my disagreements with the author and his position, his anti-biblical and anti-intellectual approach, his uncharitable desire to cause division within other churches in order to bolster his own charismatic church planting efforts, and so on, I find that there is much to appreciate in the author's bluntness and directness. This is not a book being written to me as an outsider, and not necessarily a very friendly one, of Pentecostal Christianity [2]. Nevertheless, this book is an important one in showing the reasons for the proliferation of nondenominational charismatic churches around the United States (and possibly other countries as well) and the specific appeal of Pentecost to this grouping. Like Simon Magus, these would-be apostles see the power of the Holy Spirit and want that power for themselves. There is no heartfelt desire to repent, to change their ways and start obeying the commandments and laws and statutes of the Bible, but rather a desire to be powerful like the apostles are, and to be counted among their number. Few books are as open and honest as this one is in expressing that desire for power, even if what it seeks is not admirable or godly.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
In terms of its contents, this book is made up of ten chapters that total a bit less than 200 pages. Each of the chapters discusses something about apostleship. In its structure, the author uses a fairly rigidly deductive approach in that he has some premises and then draws conclusions and inferences from those premises. His main premise here is that the Church has suffered because of a lack of attention to the continued importance of the apostolic office, a lack he is willing to remedy as a self-appointed apostle. This book is full of assuming facts not in evidence (including the ideal of apostolic authority existing beyond the first century) in the face of silence concerning any sort of replacement of dead apostles during the first century church. The author over and over again talks about power and the desire to cast out demons, the expectation of opposition to his message, and beliefs about hierarchical ranks within the church with apostles at the top. Little to be found is any kind of discussion about copying the beliefs and doctrines of the early church, aside from some vague statements about the need to be doctrinally sound (according to whom?) that lack any kind of biblical specificity. No, this author is all about having the power to heal diseases and engage in flamboyantly public spiritual warfare and affect the course of nations, with legions of subordinate leaders anointed by him to spread his glory and help him create a spiritual empire, with wealth and recognition flowing in despite the opposition and conflict resulting from his message and his leadership. And given the fact that this book has multiple editions, it is a message that has certainly resonated with some readers.
In looking at this book as a whole, despite my disagreements with the author and his position, his anti-biblical and anti-intellectual approach, his uncharitable desire to cause division within other churches in order to bolster his own charismatic church planting efforts, and so on, I find that there is much to appreciate in the author's bluntness and directness. This is not a book being written to me as an outsider, and not necessarily a very friendly one, of Pentecostal Christianity [2]. Nevertheless, this book is an important one in showing the reasons for the proliferation of nondenominational charismatic churches around the United States (and possibly other countries as well) and the specific appeal of Pentecost to this grouping. Like Simon Magus, these would-be apostles see the power of the Holy Spirit and want that power for themselves. There is no heartfelt desire to repent, to change their ways and start obeying the commandments and laws and statutes of the Bible, but rather a desire to be powerful like the apostles are, and to be counted among their number. Few books are as open and honest as this one is in expressing that desire for power, even if what it seeks is not admirable or godly.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
February 7, 2019
Insightful book about the seldom discussed ministry of apostles
I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to find a book on the apostolic anointing. It is a controversial subject, since many people believe that the office of apostles died with the original twelve disciples of Jesus. However John Eckhart explains that this office has not died, but is alive and well and is growing in our times.
He talks about what an apostle is, discussing the original meaning and usage of the Greek word. He mines the Scripture—in both the Old and New Testaments—for hidden nuggets and examples to illustrate what apostles do and how they help to build the kingdom of God. Eckhart also talks about how the other leadership types should work together with apostles to equip the church and advance the gospel.
Whether you think you may be an apostle, or you know an apostle, this is a good book to help you understand that role in the church. I think that pastors, in particular, should read this book, so that they know how to cooperate with these forerunners of the gospel and facilitate church growth and expansion.
I listened to the audio version of this book first, but found that I needed a visual copy, so I could look up the Bible verses the author references. If you have both, then that makes it easier to review. This is a book you are going to want to reference often, and you may want to recommend to others. Therefore, you may want to get two copies.
I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to find a book on the apostolic anointing. It is a controversial subject, since many people believe that the office of apostles died with the original twelve disciples of Jesus. However John Eckhart explains that this office has not died, but is alive and well and is growing in our times.
He talks about what an apostle is, discussing the original meaning and usage of the Greek word. He mines the Scripture—in both the Old and New Testaments—for hidden nuggets and examples to illustrate what apostles do and how they help to build the kingdom of God. Eckhart also talks about how the other leadership types should work together with apostles to equip the church and advance the gospel.
Whether you think you may be an apostle, or you know an apostle, this is a good book to help you understand that role in the church. I think that pastors, in particular, should read this book, so that they know how to cooperate with these forerunners of the gospel and facilitate church growth and expansion.
I listened to the audio version of this book first, but found that I needed a visual copy, so I could look up the Bible verses the author references. If you have both, then that makes it easier to review. This is a book you are going to want to reference often, and you may want to recommend to others. Therefore, you may want to get two copies.
July 8, 2022
This book really helped me to “see” and understand what is going on with my church. Why my ideas about how ministry should happen. I’m helped me understand why I was so interested in government and order. This book made a lot of things clear to me as far as what it means to be apostolic. I would recommend this to anyone in ministry or anyone who is tilting their head at some things going on in their church.
July 27, 2018
Quite thorough
I loved this take on the apostolic. John broke down scripture in an easy to read manner, discussed why the office of apostle is still necessary, and then explained what it could look like based on examples from scripture. It was an easy read and an enjoyable one. There were a few parts that seemed repetitive but it wasn't enough to dock the rating.
I loved this take on the apostolic. John broke down scripture in an easy to read manner, discussed why the office of apostle is still necessary, and then explained what it could look like based on examples from scripture. It was an easy read and an enjoyable one. There were a few parts that seemed repetitive but it wasn't enough to dock the rating.
August 21, 2021
Love this book, it brings clarity.
This book brings so much clarity and requirements for the apostolic church. Love everything about it. Thank you Apostle John for all the teachings you bring forth to Gods people.
This book brings so much clarity and requirements for the apostolic church. Love everything about it. Thank you Apostle John for all the teachings you bring forth to Gods people.
August 8, 2017
Extremely enlightening read for those feeling this call!
February 24, 2020
Very Informative
This is a very informative book. I learned a lot. I gave it 4 stars because I found it to be quite repetitive in several places; however it's well worth reading.
This is a very informative book. I learned a lot. I gave it 4 stars because I found it to be quite repetitive in several places; however it's well worth reading.
October 21, 2021
Very informative! Someone recommended this book to me, and it did not disappoint. I had a better understanding of the Apostolic after reading this book.
May 12, 2022
Informative
With so little teaching on the apostolic in churches today, this is a great resource to supplement your own study.
With so little teaching on the apostolic in churches today, this is a great resource to supplement your own study.
February 10, 2017
John Eckhardt comes out swinging in this book (originally written in 1999 but revised in 2017) in explaining that apostleship did not cease with the death of the apostles. Unfortunately, his exegesis usually proves to be forced, his conclusions seeming to have been drawn before giving the Bible texts room to "breathe." I say this as a Pentecostal, having grown up hearing the theory that the office of apostleship indeed never ceased but that the Church throughout her history "quenched" the Spirit. Eckhardt shares such Pentecostal leanings and while I wholeheartedly would agree that the Church has done her fair share of injustices through time, I don't hold that the lack of the ecstatic is a sure sign of spiritual illness. Here are a few reasons why I would not recommend this book:
A Disregard of Church History
Eckhardt says that the Spirit wasn't really present until the ecstatic started happening on a large scale (we trace this back to the early 1900s), making it sound like God did this huge cosmic thing in his Incarnation and Teachings and death/Resurrection/ascension and initiation of his church and then just took off for for 1500 years or so, only to restore the church back to glory in the 1900s. To me this reeks of triumphalism as well as the placing of one denomination on a throne above all others. Of course, every denomination has at one time or another been guilty of this.
"Unique" Exegesis
A heavy reliance on Acts as a blueprint for how to do church is evident, which is the standard (Classical) Pentecostal position. I have changed my position though I still lean towards Pentecostalism in that I (as Gordon Fee-also a Pentecostal) believe Acts is simply the history of the early church. This does not mean we cannot learn from Acts (God forbid!) but this does mean that there is more going on in Acts then just the ecstatic. There is also the fact that there are no poor in the churches but all (wealth) is shared. I would argue that if tongues is to be named as an evidence of the Spirit, then why isn't this common (and radical) love viewed as an imprint/evidence of the Spirit as well? (Perhaps that's for another post!) I realize Acts still is meant to show us how to do church up to a point; but it is written primarily as history and not as some sort of church guide.
At one point in Acts we are told that the church (in Acts) experiences a respect from the surrounding city-favor some translations will say. Does this mean that this is prescriptive for all churches? Eckhardt thinks so, writing that "God gives apostolic churches favor in their cities, regions and nations." This is bizarre to me, since the early church experienced more hardship than so-called "favor"; and since Paul seems to think that to be a Christian is to suffer. So does Jesus (more importantly) for that matter.
Concluding Thoughts
Though I hold that the office of apostleship has long ended, I do not pretend that this is an issue that can be easily resolved. Those on both sides of this debate may be grasping at straws since Scripture can be muddy or foggy in this respect. While the author (a continuist) is prone to offering weak "proof" texts to uphold his position, the same seems to be occurring from many in the cessasionist crowd. Those on both sides try to resolve this issue (and others) by mere Bible-proofing, leading to circular (never-ending) arguments. Humility from all Christians is a requirement. Can we admit as the Apostle did that not all things are really that clear?
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! (Paul in 1 Cor 13:12, The Message)
*I received my copy from Chosen in exchange for an honest assesment
A Disregard of Church History
Eckhardt says that the Spirit wasn't really present until the ecstatic started happening on a large scale (we trace this back to the early 1900s), making it sound like God did this huge cosmic thing in his Incarnation and Teachings and death/Resurrection/ascension and initiation of his church and then just took off for for 1500 years or so, only to restore the church back to glory in the 1900s. To me this reeks of triumphalism as well as the placing of one denomination on a throne above all others. Of course, every denomination has at one time or another been guilty of this.
"Unique" Exegesis
A heavy reliance on Acts as a blueprint for how to do church is evident, which is the standard (Classical) Pentecostal position. I have changed my position though I still lean towards Pentecostalism in that I (as Gordon Fee-also a Pentecostal) believe Acts is simply the history of the early church. This does not mean we cannot learn from Acts (God forbid!) but this does mean that there is more going on in Acts then just the ecstatic. There is also the fact that there are no poor in the churches but all (wealth) is shared. I would argue that if tongues is to be named as an evidence of the Spirit, then why isn't this common (and radical) love viewed as an imprint/evidence of the Spirit as well? (Perhaps that's for another post!) I realize Acts still is meant to show us how to do church up to a point; but it is written primarily as history and not as some sort of church guide.
At one point in Acts we are told that the church (in Acts) experiences a respect from the surrounding city-favor some translations will say. Does this mean that this is prescriptive for all churches? Eckhardt thinks so, writing that "God gives apostolic churches favor in their cities, regions and nations." This is bizarre to me, since the early church experienced more hardship than so-called "favor"; and since Paul seems to think that to be a Christian is to suffer. So does Jesus (more importantly) for that matter.
Concluding Thoughts
Though I hold that the office of apostleship has long ended, I do not pretend that this is an issue that can be easily resolved. Those on both sides of this debate may be grasping at straws since Scripture can be muddy or foggy in this respect. While the author (a continuist) is prone to offering weak "proof" texts to uphold his position, the same seems to be occurring from many in the cessasionist crowd. Those on both sides try to resolve this issue (and others) by mere Bible-proofing, leading to circular (never-ending) arguments. Humility from all Christians is a requirement. Can we admit as the Apostle did that not all things are really that clear?
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! (Paul in 1 Cor 13:12, The Message)
*I received my copy from Chosen in exchange for an honest assesment
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews