January 21, 2024
Good day! I am writing a series of short reviews of abbreviated COGR video clips. I am looking for input and comments. If it makes it easier, I will be glad to supply a Word document so comments can be put in the document and we can communicate directly. My email address is lattema@icloud.com. I hope you find these reviews helpful.
Transcript:
The apostles get to sit on thrones, and the rest of the people don’t. But they get a reward, they receive a hundredfold, and they inherit everlasting life. They just don’t get to sit on thrones. This is the problem. This is the problem. Everybody wants to sit where Peter sits. And, people don’t have a problem that there are apostles. (Stephen Hargrave)
Commentary:
In this series, the recurring theme revolves around power and control, as Stephen initiates the discussion by emphasizing that apostles occupy a privileged position on thrones, symbolizing their authority and rule. He asserts that this exclusive privilege is reserved solely for the apostles, with others receiving rewards but not partaking in this elevated position. According to Stephen, the apostles are destined to exercise dominion over both earthly and heavenly inhabitants for eternity.
Stephen argues that resistance to this idea does not result from doubting the legitimacy of the 12 end-time apostles but rather from individuals’ incapacity to become apostles themselves. He contends that this resistance originates from jealousy, leading to disobedience.
To substantiate his claim, Stephen references scriptures (Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30), suggesting that the first 12 apostles are already on their thrones. However, this argument falls short, as most commentators interpret Jesus’ promise of rule to occur upon his return, not immediately. Furthermore, Stephen’s assertion of end-time Gentile apostles lacks a biblical foundation and is speculative.
Significantly, Stephen’s approach to addressing the gap between apostles and congregants is negative. Instead of presenting it positively, he seems to assert his superiority, implying a hierarchical structure where spiritually powerful apostles dominate the less powerful.
Scrutinizing the historical context of the COGR, doubts emerge regarding claims that apostles wield greater authority than those in pastoral roles. If the purported apostolic positions were genuinely held, one would expect a more discernible impact. Despite their ability to exert substantial local control, there is scant evidence supporting the existence of significant “apostolic authority.” Their influence seems confined to a limited number of churches. The lack of compelling evidence, combined with the absence of Biblical support, raises questions about the legitimacy of their authority, portraying them as false apostles and shepherds.
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