Vision 153

Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. – John 21:11.

A personal invitation to join our vision, providing first century solutions for a twentyfirst century world.

In sharing here, I have no desire to tell other churches what to do, or how to run their ministries. No. I am not here building on another man’s foundation (Rom 15:20). I do not claim to be the one with all the answers, far from it. Nor is my mandate to try and change how others do things- not my concern. I do not deny the good that is being done by so many other ministries and ministers out there. I’m grateful for wherever the Body of Christ is doing a work. This is the vision that I have for ministry, as God has shown me down through the years. I only seek its manifestation in the world.

Some Questions…

Weary of church as usual?

Do we find the single-pastor system in the Bible?

Are there apostles and prophets today?

With so many today called ‘apostles’, how do we know what a true biblical apostle is?

Did Christ originally design evangelism and discipleship?

If so, did He design local churches to be carbon copies of an imposed culture from outside?

Or, is there a way that each church would reflect the culture in which it was planted?

Feel like you’re just a number in today’s mega-churches?

Do you know you’re a vital part of the Church, no matter what your function is?

Are you just being entertained at church when actually you’re an expression of Christ Himself?

Looking for more authentic ways of reaching the world?

Seeking a vibrant partnership under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit?

If these questions intrigue you, please read on!

The Vision

The vision of our ministry is global evangelism, as inspired by the first century model. The New Testament and the Ante Nicene Fathers are the guides for this.

This vision is that of modern day apostles, who as roaming itinerant preachers (functioning as missionaries with authority), fulfill a twofold platform:

1. Starting churches in locations within regional centers of operation. And-

2. Ordaining a plurality of elders (a.k.a. pastors, bishops) in each church.

In addition to apostolic teams, are teams of prophets, going about encouraging spiritual gifts in the churches.

As God gives us grace, we seek to reestablish the five-fold ministry in the world today:

And he gave some, apostles; …prophets; …evangelists; …pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ – Eph 4:11-12.

What sets us apart?

This is not like some ‘apostolic movements’ of today, where the apostle is an egomaniac, lording over other ministers. The legitimacy of these very important offices comes under disrepute by such.

Yet authentic apostolic and prophetic offices are in great need today. In this day and hour deception is on the rise concerning several crucial doctrines. Biblical orthodoxy is under attack more and more. There’s ongoing efforts to undermine the scriptures by so called deconstructionists. Today’s churches need strong foundations to withstand the flood of false doctrine.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord – Eph 2:20-21.

In practical application

Again, the Body of Christ hasn’t yet come to this place of maturity, thus the need for theses gift ministries. If anything we need these ministries more today than did the first century!

We envision travelling apostolic and prophetic teams. They will overlap and compliment each other’s works in the Spirit. They will establish self-sufficient local churches, ordaining a plurality of elders. These elders will co-pastor in an equal share of responsibility among the congregation. They will meet people’s needs through prayer by the Spirit.

Likewise, we’ll see travelling evangelists, as in the great days of the healing revivalists of the 40’s – 70’s. Oral Roberts? Kathryn Kuhlman? William Branham? We still need these kinds of healing evangelists today.

In each local church will be a plurality of elders and deacons serving the needs of the congregation. Additionally, there will be teachers who will have a mission to educate the saints.

Why the number 153?

The Church is historically familiar with the symbolic nature of this number. And its significance to Leon Bahrman Ministries is of paramount importance.

The disciples caught this very quantity of miracle-fish (Jn 21:1-14). What then is the significance of 153?

153 is the 17th triangular number, meaning the sum forms an equilateral triangle. For example, the 1st triangular number is 1, which is 1 + 0 = 1 (one dot); the second is 3, which is 1 + 2 = 3 (a pyramid of 3 dots); the third number is 6, which is 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 (a pyramid of 6 dots); and the 4th number is 10, 1+ 2 + 3 + 4 = 10 (pyramid of 10 dots). So the 17th triangular number = 153, which is 1+ 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + …..17 = 153!

This number links to the prophecy of a great river proceeding from the Millennial Temple (Ezek 47). This river symbolizes the Holy Spirit. About the width of this river we read:

And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. – Ezek 47:10.

The Hebrew word גדי – gedi (of Engedi) = 17 in gematria (where letters equal numbers)! And 153 is the sum of the 17th triangular number.

Likewise the Hebrew word עגלים – eglaim (of Eneglaim) = 153!

Our invitation  

His lesson to the disoriented disciples trying to figure out their career moves post-crucifixion? It’s the same as He ever taught them:

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. – Mt 4:19.

Thus 153 means the miraculous catch of souls for the Kingdom of God through the Holy Spirit.

We invite you to enter into this vision with us. What do you feel called to do? Are you burdened to be an elder, working with a congregation of believers in meeting their needs? Or is your calling as an apostle, evangelizing and planting churches? Do you feel called to the prophetic? Just contact me, and let’s get talking!

I look forward to working together as the Spirit wills.

Leon Bahrman

 

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