COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

MOVING FROM PROPHETIC FIRE TO APOSTOLIC FRUIT

(Written in response to a phone call; offered for general use.)

Your desire to be instrumental in bringing (the kingdom of) heaven to the earth is so central to the purpose of God. To move from prophetic fire to apostolic fruit will be a challenge for you because of your strong prophetic anointing and motivation. However, God has promised you the desire of your heart. And, when your heart and His heart are one, it's going to happen. I want to contribute to that happening. Here are some thoughts (in apostolic order):

1. We have heaven's treasure in earthen vessels. (The kingdom of) heaven is already within and among us. Nothing needs to be added for you to realize the desire of your heart. But, some things need to be subtracted. God has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness in Him. So, (from my point of view) we don't need to wait for more from heaven; we need to work for less of earth. We must decrease so that (in practical and applicable ways) He increases.

2. We need to be about the business of eliminating the distractions that are present in the earthen vessels . . . anything that draws attention to us and away from Him. Jesus said, "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father." There was nothing of Jesus in Jesus to hinder the revealing of the Father in Him. "Things of this earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." However, it really works the other way. His glory and grace become more and more apparent as we become less and less distracting - in our speech, in our appearance, in our activity, in our environment. (You can spend some months detailing this!)

3. Apart from valued fellowship among the family of God, and the acts of corporate worship, the real reason for assembling is to exhort, encourage and edify the saints - building them in faith through testimonies, and equipping them for specific works of service. We can have good meetings and events that bless the outer man and (momentarily) satisfy the human emotions and religious spirits. But, bringing heaven to earth - moving from prophetic fire to apostolic fruit - will require hardcore discipling (which is the clear command and example of Christ).

4. Discipling is training individuals in character related issues. It's teaching them how to remove the carnal hindrances from their spiritual walk. It's addressing those things in their lives that distract from manifesting sonship. Practical things. Mouthwash. Deodorant. Hairstyles. Posture. Wardrobe. Speech. Habits. Cleanliness. Order. Finances. Work Ethic. These and more are areas that stumble others in their efforts to see Christ in us, the hope of glory.

5. Discipling is how to study Scripture. How to study people. How to study cultures. But, these come after the more personal issues of #4.

6. Discipling requires commitment. Jesus prayed all night for the Father to identify those whom He was giving to Him. Then, He called them to Himself TO BE WITH HIM! He invested His very life into them. Fortunately, He had no will of His own, no agenda of His own, and no creature comforts to protect. This kind of discipling that multiplies sons and workers for the harvest is sacrificial to the max. His disciples left everything TO BE WITH HIM! And they were so purified of "self" that they turned the world upside down.

7. Discipling requires clarity. Disciples need to know and understand exactly what is expected of them so that they may count the cost. I would prefer one truly committed disciple over 100 who are not serious and committed.

This is a very brief response to your phone call. You need to wear two hats for a season - one that keeps the congregation together, and the other (your new priority) to disciple a few good men.

Richard Halverson, then chaplain of the U. S. Senate, told me in 1971, "Spend time with men!" He went on to explain that the women and children will be truly blessed as I truly discipled the husbands and dads. This has proven true. There are dozens all over the world who are serving (maybe) thousands. It was Jesus' priority. It has been mine. I heartily recommend it!