Published on May 27, 2024, 12:33 am

In an event that strangely mirrors the derision of Prophet Elijah towards the prophets of Baal, the recent appointment of Greg Locke as an “apostle” at Global Vision Bible Church sparks a theological conundrum. Executed under the watchful eye of Southern Baptist pastor Malachi O’Brien, this imposing ceremony saw Locke and his spouse ceremoniously graced with the high-ranking titles of “Apostle,” amidst ecstatic expressions and doubtful religious claims.

O’Brien’s attempt to defend this apostolic induction is essentially a distortion of biblical teachings. He asserts that today’s church requires apostles and prophets on the same scale as the original church, conveniently neglecting the fundamental truth that the church’s foundation has already been set by first-hand apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:19-21). These key roles were special to their times, serving their purpose when New Testament canon was accomplished. Proposing anything contrary undermines both God’s perfect revelation through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-4) and its finality.

Emphasizing his theory with a bold declaration using peculiar metaphors for spiritual truths does nothing to make it more credible. Such pretenses only serve to embody charismatic sensationalism under divine revelation while mocking deep-rooted faith mysteries.

True apostolic authority lies with those who witnessed Christ’s resurrection firsthand and were personally commissioned by Him (Acts 1:21-22). Contrarily, asserting such authority in modern times translates into not only arrogance but also heresy. Asserting false ideologies like these distorts basic biblical principles—Greg Locke or any contemporary preacher is far from being an actual apostle. The path Locke treads upon relies heavily on subjective experiences rather than concrete evidence.

Modern attempts at reviving these roles constitute not only futile efforts but deceits – claims we should resist vehemently, just as Elijah did when faced with prophets of Baal devotees. Our faith is founded on Christ’s solid teachings, not newfound charismatic feats. Therefore, Locke’s ascent to an apostolic position parallels the false prophets of Baal that were scorned by Elijah – a theological mime, bereft of biblical substance. This theatric episode showcases the perilous infiltration within Southern Baptist pastors and leaders who are now actively participating in this charade.

It is important to note that accurate theology or “real news” from a Christian worldview rejects such distortions of biblical truth. By rooting ourselves in trusted news sources and sound Christian doctrine, we can discern between the teachings of men and the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

The very idea of continuous apostles and prophets veers dangerously from sound theology fostering a New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement constructed on shaky personal prophecies and additional unwritten revelations. This deviation directs people away from true gospel towards subjective, experiential self-worship religion.

Scriptural teachings clearly define the roles necessary for today’s church edification as being those of pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12). The foundational role played by apostles and prophets within the initial church persists to be completed by virtue of their work. Our focus should remain steadfastly upon God’s word rather than novel spiritual ostentations—dismissing them just as Prophet Elijah did with disdain towards Baal’s prophets-validation.