Ordained by God or Man?
The idea of ordination seems to be an issue today, as we see ministries of all kinds going through a seminary course or working under the umbrella of some apostolic or prophetic ministry.
And yet for many in the body of Christ this seems to be the only way that some would be called upon to pastor a church, or to be recognized as a five-fold minister.
When we look back to the early church and actually beginning with the original apostles, we see them being called by Jesus and asked to “follow him.”
I don’t know of any of them that were given a certificate of completion or ordination papers. As we know they came from various backgrounds, but most had not come out of a university where they had studied Greek and Hebrew, except perhaps the apostle Paul.
And yet these men and a few women, were anointed to preach the good news of the gospel. They delivered many from the bondage of demons, and wrought miracles and performed healings under the unction and power of God.
They were chosen not by man, but by God. They were filled with wisdom from above and this wisdom wasn’t to be found in the halls of higher learning at “Be Ordained” University or Northwest Seminary.
“For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe,” 1 Corinthians 1:19-21.
This brings up an important principle for us today as we see and hear of “great” ministries that are under the umbrella of Bishop So-and-So, or ordained under Apostle So-an-So.
At the same time there are some in this hour who could perhaps be labeled, “self-proclaimed,” and there is certainly a danger to be found there as well. But what God has truly chosen and called out will be recognized by the body of Christ.
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work where unto I have called them.” Acts 13:2.
They may not have a “certificate”, but their life and words will be marked as one who has been chosen by the Lord himself.
They may well not wear the robes of their denomination flowing as they approach the pulpit to speak. But they are “robed” in the garb of the Father. Their vestments are adorned with His righteousness and His holiness.
His stamp of approval will be seen upon them. They will have an authority that sets them apart. They may or may not be chosen to speak at different conferences and the like, but they will be as one crying in the wilderness to help prepare the way for the LORD.
Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson
Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?
Dear Anonymous- It normally would be possible, in which case I would give you her phone number, but for the time being the Lord has removed her from service for a time of rest. However, it was the Lord who led me directly to her for prayer in the first place, so I would suggest that you confess to the Lord your desire to be released from any such addictions, and then ask Him to lead you directly to someone of His choosing to pray over you, for there are other anointed ones hidden away, too. The entire deliverance and healing process is a beautiful learning experience that you will carry with you for all eternity. Jesus can hardly wait to help you, if you will ASK. rick
Thank you so much brother Stephen…very wise words straight from the throne room.
I am So blessed every time i read
Gods words spoken through you his chosen vessel.
May Father Richly Bless you!!
Dear Steve- I just wanted to testify, for what its worth, that I have had opportunity to personally know some of the most powerfully anointed apostles and/or prophets around, and you are so right that one in particular I know did not graduate from any university of ministry training, except the school of the road of hard knocks on your knees. She was refused attendance at the world conference of apostles, and told she was not a real ordained one, and is not publicly well known. She lives on a mountain top in a remote wilderness area, all by herself, and yet every time I’ve needed healing, she was there to pray over me. Her anointed prayer is so powerful that in all cases, I was almost immediately & completely healed within seconds of time, over the phone, from usually thousands of miles away. We NEED more anointed ones like her! rick
Sir, is it possible to have her prayer for me concerning my addiction and smoking deliverance. God bless
I’ve called upon the name of Jesus and He’s cast out demons from myself. And then I felt His supernatural peace, that passes all understanding. And then I felt the supernatural power of God come down into me. Does this mean I am ordained? What does this mean?