• Those in the church who have their constant companions, but travel outside of our own circles, as being Lone Rangers?
• Those who in survival wisdom, have departed from the corporate group, and also avoid the labels attached to that group, and in so doing, also avoid the attacks that are directed towards that groups vulnerability?
• Those who downplay their own personalities, and speak in a flawless manner of truth, justice, law and order?
• Those who act according to the dictates of the goodness, morality, personal integrity, ethics and standards of excellence of their own consciences?
• Those who seek justice for those who have been victimized by the lawlessness of their societal and spiritual contemporaries?
• Those whose lifestyle persistently expresses their personal bravery, their tolerance, their patriotism, their religious views and their lack of prejudices?
• Those who become a role model for men and women and boys and girls that produces the fruit of truth, righteousness and justice in their character as an exemplary lone figure in a world where lies, unrighteousness and injustice predominate among the multitudes?
• The Lone Ranger was a legendary figure. But you and I are living flesh and blood. Will your legacy to the men and women and boys and girls of this world be as good as that of the Lone Ranger?

ADDENDUM

January 14, 2000

On Paul the Apostle and the prophetic meaning of a recent prophetic enactment

Paul, the Apostle
          Paul, the apostle is probably our best example in the New Testament of the Lone Rangers that are called by God to be trained by Him.
          While it should be obvious, I need to bring out the fact that the outcome of successful Lone Ranger training by God always results in the person moving into public view, in public ministry, in a powerful way to effect needed changes in the body of Christ, the ekklesia of God.
          This should be a clear point, simply by reading the article, however, there are some who apparently don’t understand that it is implicitly incorporated into the totality of the information in the article.
Paul’s Call and Preparation
          Paul’s calling was a sovereign, sudden, dramatic event that produced an instant change in him (Acts 9:5; 22:8; 26:15).
          Paul attributes his subsequent revelation of the gospel as a revelation of Jesus Christ, and God the Father. “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)” ... “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.” ... “For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:1,11,12).
          “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days” (Galatians 1:17,18). In a footnote in verse 17, The Ryrie Study Bible reads in part: “... Paul’s point is not to pinpoint the location but to emphasize that it was a place, in contrast to Jerusalem, where there was no apostle to instruct him. In Arabia he was alone with God, thinking through the implications of his encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus road. ...”
          Apparently, Paul’s time of training by God occurred in the Arabian desert. The text does not say how long Paul spent in Arabia. Only that he returned from there and then spent three years in Damascus.
          It must be stated that the time of Lone Ranger training by God Himself must come to a time of maturation, of fruition, of cessation. God will, of course, continue to teach, train and mature us after this intense time of “hands on” training for the rest of our lives. However, this initial training at the hands of God Himself will terminate at some point.
          The Lone Ranger training is not an end in itself, it is simply a means to an end. That end must culminate with a public debut back into society.
          When God has prepared His chosen vessel and the Lone Ranger training is completed, that vessel, filled to overflowing with the very presence of God, by Godly tutoring, must be poured out for the body of Christ “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:12).
          Our biblical examples demonstrate those qualities. When a person chooses to remain a Lone Ranger and not enter into the community of the ekklesia of God, and pour out their gifts and callings for the building up of the saints, then they are in rebellion against the purposes of God.
Paul is Sent
          We see in Paul’s case that he interjected himself very forcibly into the affairs of men when his initial training time was completed. Paul’s Lone Ranger training behind him, he was sent by the Holy Spirit from his local church at Antioch, and stayed in touch with them, valuing their support and reporting back to them on each journey. He went into the richest and the most populated places of his day—Galatia, Asia, Macedonia and Achaia. He concentrated on the Gentiles, and on areas where the gospel hadn’t been preached. Within that area he chose large cities with focal points of population, influence or commerce.
          His love for his fellow Jews was evidenced by his first going into local synagogues. We see also his propensity to “shake their dust off his feet” when not received.
          When he established churches, his attitude was to make them self-governing, self-supporting and self-reproducing. As a team worker, he inspired that same attitude among the churches. He was versatile in his approach to presenting the gospel being “all things to all men.” He knew he was called, prepared and sent by God to present an unchanging, uncompromised message to the world. He communicated the gospel message with the totality of his being, body, soul and spirit.
          As Lone Rangers trained by God, we are to do the same.
Epilogue
          On December 28th, 1999 actor Clayton Moore, 85, famous for his portrayal of “The Lone Ranger” on television and in the movies passed away.
          Earlier that year, he was given an honorary lifetime appointment to the Advisory Board of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. This was in recognition of “his positive contributions to the image of the Texas Rangers and his lifelong efforts to promote positive values and morality to generations of children.”
          Although other actors have played the role of the Lone Ranger, Clayton Moore is best known and remembered as the Lone Ranger.
          After a lengthy break in the role, in 1954, Clayton Moore was signed to play the part of the Lone Ranger again. Moore continued with personal appearances at the end of the series. When a new Lone Ranger movie was announced in 1978 he was not signed for the role, and in fact, Wrather Corporation went to court to prevent him from making personal appearances as the Lone Ranger. They said the actor, now in his mid-sixties, no longer represented the young hero and would bring confusion to the public scene appearing as the Lone Ranger.
          In a $30 million suit Moore filed that Wrather Corporation had exploited him and “wrongfully deprived” him of income for his “likeness, voice and actual photographs and movie clips.” Moore, however, was issued an injunction by the Los Angeles Superior Court prohibiting him from wearing the Lone Ranger mask, or any similar mask, in public appearances.
          Moore refused to give up his thirty year role and wore sunglasses and continued to make personal appearances as the Lone Ranger. He was well accepted, even with this modification of his appearance.
          The movie flopped and the court case was dropped in 1984 and Moore continued with his personal appearances as the Lone Ranger until his health failed and, ultimately, his death.
A Prophetic Enactment
          The Lone Ranger is only a legend, and legends themselves don’t die. I see this as a prophetic enactment that those who are attempting to continue to be a Lone Ranger, out of God’s timing and will, will die, speaking of their ministry.
          The true Lone Rangers are still being taught, trained and matured by God, not man, in their caves, deserts and places of exile. You know who you are. You know how long it’s been. And how uncomfortable it was at the beginning, and how much more comfortable it has grown. Just you and God. But Jesus Himself had to grow in favor (grace) with God—and man.
          But ... there is a time when that training must end, and it’s over and the ministry of that person must go public ... to benefit the body of Christ. Failure to do so may result in the death of the ministry of that person.
          We are to follow the biblical examples and interject ourselves very forcibly into the affairs of men when our initial Lone Ranger training time is completed. We then must be poured out for the body of Christ “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:12).
The Prophetic Significance
          The date of Clayton Moore’s death, 12-28-99, I believe, is prophetically significant.
          This could signify 1 Corinthians 12:28:
          “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28).
           His age of 85 may signify new beginnings (8) and emphasize the five-fold ministry (5). Five is also the number of division, either into separate components, or an internal division of a single unit. (Five fingers/toes each hand/foot, five wise/foolish virgins, five senses, five thousand fed with five loaves, and etc.). In either case the meaning would be the same: emphasis upon the five-fold ministry and clarification of component functions with the aspect of new beginnings.
          This prophetic enactment occurred in the last days of 1999, leading us into 2000.
          I mentioned in my word for 2000 that this was a year for preparation. This scriptural reference of 1 Corinthians 12:28 would bring a focus upon the preparation of the apostle, prophet and teacher, with the resultant flow of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit with these functions firmly in place in the body of Christ as stated in the verse.
          This is a year of preparation with a strong theme of “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Prepare the evening sacrifice. Prepare your hearts.” This reflects strong intercession, repentance and sacrifices on the part of every saint, and Godly plans, organization and procedures.
          In other words the bottom line is that it’s time for the firstfruits of the apostles, prophets and teachers to recognize the end of the Lone Ranger training at the hands of God and utilize their ministry gifts and skills for the building up of the body of Christ.
          As uncomfortable as it may seem, it’s time to leave the caves, deserts and places of exile. And to face the real world.
          For those of you who don’t know what to do or where to go, quietly, gently and humbly go to a local assembly of the saints. There, be the salt and the light that God has prepared you to be. As you continue to be that which God has trained you to be, you will begin to draw all men to you by the Spirit of Jesus Christ that is in you. Then, in all meekness, and in the manner of Christ Himself, teach these also, as God has taught you.
          If you think God has called you to start a house church, then do so.
          Or stay secluded, beyond God’s timing and will for your life, and watch your ministry die.
          The expected results of this coalition of apostle, prophet and teacher are spelled out in my book “Growth in Gifts,” Chapter 6, part of which is quoted below:
Diversities Of Operations
     Examination of the listing and sequence in I Corinthians 12:28 reveal a purpose, priority and progression. We see here the “operations” energema, the effect produced by the active operative, inworking energy of God in individuals mentioned in I Corinthians 12:6.
     Reviewing the gifts of Romans 12:
     (1) “Prophecy” (speaking forth the mind and counsel of God)
     (2) “Ministry” (servanthood)
     (3) “Teaching” (instruction)
     (4) “Exhortation” (encouraging to action and comforting)
     (5) “Giving” (sharing)
     (6) “Ruling” (leading, directing, and attending to with zeal, promptness, watchful interest and earnestness)
     (7) “Mercy” (resourceful giving).
     Servanthood (“ministry”), encouraging to action and comforting (“exhortation”), sharing (“giving”), and resourceful giving (“mercy”) appear to be the “helps” of I Corinthians 12:28. “Prophecy” and “teaching” are in the verse.
      “Ruleth” in Romans 12:8 must be the gift of the shepherd (pastor). He leads, directs, and attends to with zeal, promptness, watchful interest and earnestness. The pastor would be an apostolically appointed proven elder. He has oversight of, and shepherds, a local church.
     Scripture states a plurality of elders were appointed by the apostles upon return to previously established churches (Acts 14:21-23). These elders (presbuteros, indicates the character of the person’s maturity and spiritual experience) were recognized by the apostles as gifted of God. Their leadership functions and ability were evidenced by their performance. They had been made “overseers” (episkopos, literally, an overseer) over the church by the Holy Spirit and were to shepherd God’s church. (The word “feed” is “shepherd” in the original text.) (Acts 20:17,28). They are mentioned again in Philippians 1:1 and there called “bishops” (episkopos), the same word. In I Timothy 5:17, the “elders that rule well” are mentioned. Paul instructed Titus to “ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (Titus 1:5; I Peter 5:1-5). James stresses the plurality by stating “... let him call for the elders of the church ...” (James 5:14).
     Paul then continues and in verse 7 refers to these same elders as “bishops,” (episkopos), i.e., overseers. We may conclude that the elders (presbuteros) have the oversight (episkopeo, literally, to look upon), as overseers, or bishops (episkopos). They shepherd (poimen), or pastor, the local churches. Theirs is a constant ministry to read, lead, feed, seed and weed.
     The sequential listings of I Corinthians 12:28 with their attendant purpose and Paul’s established priority in the church service, appear below:
               Apostles—Establishes foundation
               Prophets—Evaluates functions
               Teachers—Examines fundamentals
               Miracles—Exhibits force
               Gifts of Healings—Effects fulfilled
               Helps—Exchanges facts
               Governments—Eliminates faults
               Diversities of Tongues—Edifies family
     Progression is from individual to corporate manifestations.
     First, the apostle lays the foundation of proper ruling authority, dividing the whole into smaller parts. He establishes local ekklesias. (Ephesians 2:20-22; Romans 15:20; I Corinthians 3:10,11; 4:9).
     Second, the prophet evaluates the authority functions and sets the proper individuals into their places of authority (by the Spirit). He exhorts the body, corporately and individually, to obey the proper ruling authorities as they teach true biblical doctrine. Obviously, if they depart from the truth, they are not to be obeyed. The apostle and prophet lay the foundation upon which everything else is built.
        Ephesians 2:19-20:
        19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
        20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
        Paul then completes the building analogy: “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21,22).
        The apostles and prophets laid the foundation for the building of which Paul speaks in verses 21 and 22.
        The following is excerpted from the Jamieson, Fausett and Brown Commentary on Ephesians 2:20:
        “20. Translate as Greek, “Built up upon,” &c. (participle; having been built up upon; omit, therefore, “and are”). Compare 1Co 3:11, 12.”
        “foundation of the apostles, &c.—that is, upon their ministry and living example (compare Mt 16:18). Christ Himself, the only true Foundation, was the grand subject of their ministry, and spring of their life. As one with Him and His fellow workers, they, too, in a secondary sense, are called “foundations” (Re 21:14). The “prophets” are joined with them closely; for the expression is here not “foundations of the apostles and the prophets,” but “foundations of the apostles and prophets.” For the doctrine of both was essentially one (1Pe 1:10, 11; Re 19:10). The apostles take the precedency (Lu 10:24). Thus he appropriately shows regard to the claims of the Jews and Gentiles: “the prophets” representing the old Jewish dispensation, “the apostles” the new. The “prophets” of the new also are included. BENGEL and ALFORD refer the meaning solely to these (Eph 3:5; 4:11). These passages imply, I think, that the New Testament prophets are not excluded; but the apostle’s plain reference to Ps 118:22, “the head stone of the corner,” proves that the Old Testament prophets are a prominent thought. David is called a “prophet” in Ac 2:30. Compare also Isa 28:16; another prophet present to the mind of Paul, which prophecy leans on the earlier one of Jacob (Ge 49:24). The sense of the context, too, suits this: Ye were once aliens from the commonwealth of Israel (in the time of her Old Testament prophets), but now ye are members of the true Israel, built upon the foundation of her New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets. Paul continually identifies his teaching with that of Israel’s old prophets (Ac 26:22; 28:23). The costly foundation-stones of the temple (1Ki 5:17) typified the same truth (compare Jer 51:26). The same stone is at once the corner-stone and the foundation-stone on which the whole building rests. Paul supposes a stone or rock so large and so fashioned as to be both at once; supporting the whole as the foundation, and in part rising up at the extremities, so as to admit of the side walls meeting in it, and being united in it as the corner-stone [ZANCHIUS]. As the corner-stone, it is conspicuous, as was Christ (1Pe 2:6), and coming in men’s way may be stumbled over, as the Jews did at Christ (Mt 21:42; 1Pe 2:7).”
        Excerpted from Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
        “FOUNDATION (TO LAY), FOUNDED 1. themelios, or themelion is properly an adjective denoting “belonging to a foundation” (connected with tithemi, “to place”). It is used” ... “ metaphorically, (a) of “the ministry of the gospel and the doctrines of the faith,” (Rom. 15:20; 1 Cor. 3:10,11,12; Eph. 2:20), where the “of” is not subjective (i. e., consisting of the apostles and prophets), but objective, (i. e., laid by the apostles, etc.); so in (2 Tim. 2:19), where “the foundation of God” is “the foundation laid by God,”—not the Church (which is not a “foundation”), but Christ Himself, upon whom the saints are built; (Heb. 6:1); (b) “of good works, (1 Tim. 6:19).”
        Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians states that Jesus Christ is the only foundation to be laid:
        1 Corinthians 3:10-12:
        10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
        11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
        The New International Version states verse 11 more clearly: 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV): “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
        We find the same thought expressed by Paul in his letter to the Romans:
        Romans 15:20-21:
        20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
        21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
        Paul’s thought is consistent: where someone has laid the foundation of Christ, be it apostle or prophet or another servant of God, then that is all sufficient. No other foundation can be or should be laid.
        The sense of the meaning of Ephesians 2:20 then is: You were once aliens from the commonwealth of Israel (in the time of her Old Testament prophets), but now you are members of the household of faith of the true Israel having been built up upon the foundation, which is Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, laid by the New Testament apostles and Old Testament prophets.
        It should be easily understood by this short study on Ephesians 2:20 that the New Testament apostles and the Old Testament prophets were responsible for laying the foundation of Jesus Christ Himself as the chief corner stone in the household of faith of the true Israel. Jesus is the foundation, not the apostles and prophets, who were simply the instruments by which the foundation was laid. No servant of God can or should attempt to build another foundation. We are to build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ which has already been laid in place.
     Third, the teacher function examines the scriptural fundamentals of authority established by the apostle and prophet. This promotes fruit-bearing in, and of, individuals.
     The foundation, functions and fundamentals of the Gospel of Jesus Christ must be established. They are then evaluated and constantly examined for scriptural focus, faithfulness and fruit-bearing. Then “miracles” (dunamis, ability, might, strength) of God are made manifest. The force of God will not be made manifest where the functions of the apostle, prophet and teacher are ignored, neglected or replaced.
     In this scripturally structured powerful spiritual atmosphere gifts of healings (the results of the act of healing) will flow as a mighty river of living water. They will bring life into sick, diseased, infirm and pain-ridden bodies. Hurt and troubled minds and spirits will be restored.
     The Spirit of God will stir up gifts of helps. Individuals will exchange the facts of their natural abilities, learned skills and God given supernatural gifts. They will offer their servanthood, and encourage others to action and comfort them. They will share with sincerity and generosity, and give of their resources with hilarity.
     The power, the healings, the aid, support and assistance of this correctly ordered body expresses God’s will for His obedient children. In a very real sense, they are from, to and for the body. The teacher function will continue to evaluate and examine for scriptural focus and faithfulness. The fruit-bearing of these activities will continue to become evident.
     The gift of governments will be corporately stirred. Input will be given that will keep the body on the correct course. As the shepherds lead the flock, which follows them, the flock will admonish one another as they see incorrect courses taken. The local shepherds will continue to be followed. Their effectiveness will be constantly compared with the Good, Great and Chief Shepherd, Who is Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, by the prophet and the teacher function.
     Diversities of tongues, i.e., kindred tongues, will manifest strongly, for the intended purpose. Messages in tongues (with interpretation, i.e., explanation) will be a constant reminder of God’s covenant symbol to the assembled body. The greatness of God, His magnificent works, and Divinely revealed spiritual truths of stewardship of the kingdom of God (mysteries) will edify the body. They shall be a sign to them that believe not. The private prayer life of individuals will enable them to speak unto God and to themselves for personal edification.
     Where are the evangelists? They are out emancipating the fearful from the control of the god of this world. They are filling them to overflowing with the Holy Spirit of God. They bring them into the place where there is a proper Godly authority structure.
     Where are the deacons? For all practical purposes, every one of these ministries that assists the leadership falls in the category of a “deacon” ministry (Philippians 1:1). Powerful anointing for service will surely bring leadership recognition as a deacon. Proper qualifications and faithful performance will be noted (I Timothy 3:8-13; see also Acts, chapter 6).
Power Of God
     Man, in his flesh, can not cause this supernaturally functional assemblage of Christ’s body. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we effectively display to the world the unity and power available through serving the living God. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We have been given that power (dunamis, ability, might, strength) of the Holy Spirit (God’s sovereignty).
     We shall be witnesses (martus, one who confidently declares the truth of something they have seen, heard or know; by analogy, a martyr) ... “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (human responsibility). We are to be powerful witnesses for our indwelling Lord and not pathetically wet-nursed for our individual lusts.
Self Exalted
     The established scriptural guidelines Paul has delineated in verse 28 have been, with a few exceptions, ignored by the church today. The purpose, priority and progression of Holy Spirit order has been replaced. Programs, prejudices and patterns are carnally desired and designed to bring about self-satisfaction.
     Leaders are self-satisfied with their fleshly efforts to “promote” a “social” gospel. They compromise with cults and cultures, instead of cultivating true disciples of Jesus Christ. Cult values teach all gods for all men and cultural values teach all things are godly for men. Cultivated values teach all of the true and living God for all men.
     Spiritual and physical adultery abound as fleshly activities thrive through the churches. Ever more “busywork” is started to bring ego satisfaction to its errant members. Failing to reach satisfaction, efforts are directed to meeting the needs of the community by more “fleshly” works. The true and living God of the Bible is “humanized” for universal acceptance on man’s terms, instead of on God’s terms.
Jesus, The Focus Of Christianity
     The church must return to the central focus of its existence, namely the worship of Jesus Christ. This eliminates emphasis on self. Worshiping Jesus, in spirit and in experiential truth, is a focal point of our Christian lives. This will help us develop true Godly character. The influences and effects of our manifested Godly character will evidence to the world the desirability of being a disciple of Jesus. The gifts of God will become operative. Godly signs, wonders and miracles will attract the unrepentant. This will place them in a position to hear the Word of God, which will save their souls.
     Instead, the collective gifts of God have been used, as far as possible, to create institutionalized positions of sovereignty. We publicize, preach and practice human attitudes, and follow a form of godliness. These are based on self-satisfaction and self-worship for self-glorification. As stated before, the gifts of God are for individual performance of Godly servanthood, not institutionalized positions of sovereignty. They are for action, not attitude, and for function, not form.
     All of our attitudes, activities and associations must bring glory to Jesus Christ, or “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7; Matthew 15:9; Isaiah 29:13). The call for repentance, and to turn again to righteousness, for restoration of the body, sounds loud and clear in the church of Jesus Christ today.