1. Let's start with talking from the chair concept, "Ex Cathedra". This is a Catholic concept, they do not believe the Apostolic Foundation is closed. Because of this, the Pope can and does receive direct revelation from God that when issued as encyclicals as He is speaking from "The Chair-Ex Cathedra)" and these are equated to be equal to the scripture. This is where extra-biblical doctrines became praxis(practice) to the Catholics. Celibacy of the Priests, Praying to Mary etc...etc.
Evangelical's believe the Apostolic Doctrine has been laid down and is now closed. What we call revelation is really illumination upon the Apostolic Foundation that has been once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3) We now can and should build upon it, but carefully...note scriptures below.
"For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. I Cor. 3:9-15
2. Apostles-In the 1990s there was the final pillar of the restoration the so-called five-fold ministry from Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." It was taught that every church was not correctly structured until it had a five-fold ministry installed. This created a lot of confusion, but primarily it created a hierarchical structure mentality with the leadership of the church(es) much like the military. Apostles were Generals, prophets, Colonels and so on. This wasn't taught per se, but it was implied and calculated in the demeanor of the church(es).
3. Arrogance-This brought forth such an avalanche of self-appointed Apostles through-out the so-called Charismatic church and its sub-variant type of churches until it moved into mainstream Evangelical Churches as well. Invariably pride and arrogance permeated those given to that hierarchical premise, also abusive practice as many insecure leaders had appointed themselves and needed to maintain their illusion when threatened.
At one point a large gathering of these apostles gathered and divided the USA into 8 geographical zones and appointed different apostles among themselves over these zones as National Apostles. I remember one time when pastoring in the Pioneer Valley in Western MA, myself and other pastors we knew were contacted by a man from out of the area. We all gathered in the conference room of a local business, and with bated breath waited to be informed why we had been summoned. He pushed back from his chair, stood up and began to pace at the head of the table informing us he had been sent by God to our area as an Apostle and we were all to submit our churches to him.
4. End Times Error and Chair Talk(Ex Cathedra) Many of these apostles who became recognized gave into the arrogance as well. Firstly to believe you are an apostle equal to those of the first century, who walked with Jesus, bore witness the resurrection, wrote Scripture and laid the Foundation of Christianity which was delivered to them by direct revelation is a frightening deception. What became even more frightening was the acceptance of their authority throughout wide swaths of the church. This led to a widespread acceptance of “End-Times” error being taught by them, it has affected not only the belief system of the church but her practice as well. This acceptance is synonymous to speaking Ex Cathedra, as it is the Apostles speaking. This will take some time to examine so Part II will be forthcoming.
