The heart of apostolic life, the core truth of the apostolic message, is the spirit of sonship. John Alley

Though placed well down this summary of serious considerations for testing apostles, the spirit of sonship is in fact the first thing I look for in other ministers, especially those who position themselves as apostles or prophets. If someone claims to be a prophet or an apostle, but is independent, individualistic, without submission to someone over them in the Lord, with neither spiritual covering nor even a semblance of a spiritual father, I personally do not receive them as a prophet or an apostle. John Alley

Spiritual maturity is found in the heart. Always, invariably and without exception, it may be seen in (and measured by) relationships with other people. Because Christianity is relationships, relationships, relationships! John Alley

We see, then, how far an apostle must be from sectarian motive. Every apostle appointed by Christ belongs, in principle, to the whole Body of Christ. Every apostle thinks in terms of the whole, and must be pure of motive when ministering in all places. John Alley

Every apostle – no exceptions – is called to work for the unity of the Body. John Alley

Unless there is plainly an authority, a freedom of approach to the presence of the Lord, and an evident standing before God when an apostle prays, they cannot be in any sense someone established as an apostle of Christ in the church. John Alley

The great concern, the reason Christ’s words single out the testing of apostles as highly important, is this: if any are indeed apostles, they are then the personal representatives of Christ with direct authority to address the church. John Alley

For the church to become mature, a proper understanding of apostles and apostolic ministry must be embraced. John Alley

Regarding persons, we forgive; regarding spirits, we cut off the fleshly claims and words that empower them, bind the spirits, issue commands, and cut off their schemes. It doesn’t take long, and the power of such darkness can be destroyed. John Alley