Contents

Introduction

1    The Apostolic Movement: A Wheel Within A Wheel

2    The Believer: A Wheel Within A Wheel

3    The Apostolic Spirit: Driving Force of the Church

4    Wheels Within The Local Church

5    The Proton Believer

6    Setting New Standards

7    A Pioneering Anointing

8    An End-Time Strategy

Appendix

Introduction

Dear Fellow Servant:

There are times in our lives when tests and trials can seemingly overwhelm us. It is during these times our faith in God is truly tested. While the prayers of our fellow saints are much sought after, I have found that the strength of the Lord resident on the inside of every believer is of utmost importance. Moreover, knowing how to draw upon His strength in those "hours of need” is IMPERATIVE!

While editing my pastor's book, Proton Believers, I began to see and to understand the power of God on the inside of me like never before. Because of past setbacks, I was well aware firsthand of having the supernatural grace and ability to press through many things. It was not until reading this book that I was able to distinctly identify the characteristics of the Christ within me, which enabled me to fight, break through, and conquer obstacles and demonic attacks that would have otherwise annihilated me.

Prior to this book, I can remember feeling very tired in my body and down trodden one day. It seemed my responsibilities (i.e., "the cares of this world") were overwhelming. My pastor, Apostle Eckhardt, called the office to check on ministry business and asked, "How are you today?" I replied, "I'm tired." He shot back with a voice of authority, "You're not tired! You're a Proton Believer!"

Immediately, I felt a surge of energy in my spirit, and I thought to myself "What the heck is a Proton Believer?", while responding, "Yeah, right. I need a vacation."

But I never took a vacation for weeks after that because the Lord continued to strengthen me beyond my own capacity. And as He did, I continued to move with Him and say, "Yes Lord, Here am I. Send me."

As you begin to read through, you will know and understand to a greater degree that all of God's people are called to be Proton Believers! May the grace of the Lord be upon you, as His manifold revelation unfolds before your very eyes, to be ALL that He has called YOU to be!

Peace & Perseverance,

Debra Marshall

Executive Assistant to Apostle John Eckhardt

Chapter 1

The Apostolic Movement: A Wheel Within A Wheel

The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

Ezekiel 1:16

The prophet talks about the appearance and the work of the wheels. A wheel speaks of movement and motion. It represents mobility and destination, both of which are important to the Church and its mission. Without wheels, there is no progress. Almost all forms of modern day transport incorporates the use of wheels. The wheel has been a technological marvel from primitive times to the present.

The wheels Ezekiel saw were visible (appearance), so was their work (workmanship). They were brilliant in their color. They stood out in appearance. They were prominent in the vision. These wheels were by the living creatures. Wheels are only usable for living creatures. Living creatures need to move. They must be able to get from one place to another. A wheel is an indispensable part of being able to move.

Ezekiel saw a wheel in the middle of a wheel. Both were in motion. This speaks of movement within movement. Individuals move within groups that are moving. Groups move within corporations that are moving. Individual churches move within the Body of Christ which is moving. This is a spiritual dynamic that needs to be understood. Each part of the body must be moving. The entire Church must be moving. We need wheels in the middle of wheels.

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Ezekiel 1:20

Throughout the history of the Church there have been movements within the Church that have propelled the Church into new realms and territories both naturally and spiritually. Each movement is a wheel within the wheel of the Church. God releases His Spirit to drive these movements and move the Church into the position and place He desires. The Pentecostal Movement, The Latter Rain Movement, The Charismatic Movement, The Word Movement, were all wheels within the wheel of the Church.

A wheel does not move alone. It must be driven, pushed or pulled. There must be some type of force released that causes the wheel to move. What drove the wheels in Ezekiel's vision? The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheel. They were driven by SPIRIT POWER. Where is the Holy Spirit taking the Church? The Church's direction, movement, and destination are determined by the Holy Spirit.

The same is true concerning your individual direction. You will end up where your spirit takes you. Your dreams, visions, and goals will be realized by the motivation and drive of your spirit.

The same is true concerning a local church. The direction and movement of the church is determined by the spirit of the church. The condition of the spirit will determine the mobility of the wheel. The spirit is the fuel that releases the power that moves the wheel. If the enemy can kill the spirit of a believer or a church, he can stop the wheel.

By spirit I mean passion, drive, zeal, energy, excitement. The spirit is that which motivates, drives, compels, and moves to action. It is that which stirs up and gives fuel to the dream, vision, or goal. Tired, discouraged, frustrated, and lazy believers are lacking the necessary spirit that moves the wheel.

When the wheel is not turning, there is no movement. The result is stagnation. Believers and churches are meant to move. Believers are the wheel in the middle of the wheel (the Church). Both must move. If individual believers are not moving, the church is hindered from moving. If churches are not moving, individual believers are hindered from moving. Both wheels need to move. If one is not moving properly, you don't have a wheel within a wheel.

The spirit is what drives the wheels. If your spirit is not in what you are doing, you will not be moving. You must be excited about what you are doing. You must have energy and zeal. You must have a passion for what you desire to accomplish. The same is true concerning local churches and the entire Body of Christ. People must be motivated.

Even if you look at the earth's rotation, you will see a wheel within a wheel. The earth rotates as it circles the sun. This is how it is designed to move. It takes 24 hours to rotate and 365 days to circle the sun. It is constantly in motion. It never stops. All the seasons of the year depend upon this movement. Our natural lives depend upon the earth rotating around the sun.

Our spiritual lives also depend upon movement. That which stops and stagnates will die. Churches will die if the believers stop moving. The Church at large would die if it were not for church movements within the universal Church. Every move of God is a wheel within a wheel.

Chapter 2

The Believer: A Wheel Within A Wheel

AND he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof En-hakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day.

Judges 15:18,19

Tiredness, weariness, and discouragement are deadly enemies to the believer and the local church. Samson had no strength left after defeating the Philistines. Warfare takes a lot of energy. After calling to the Lord, water was released. After he drank, he was revived. The Bible says, ”his spirit came again.”

Samson was an individual army. He represents the strength of an individual anointed by God. Although we are part of a corporate body, we are individual believers. I call an individual believer, a wheel within a wheel. They are an individual wheel within the corporate wheel of the Church. Each believer needs to move individually. One cannot depend totally upon the movement of the corporate wheel.

Remember the spirit is in the wheel. The wheel is nothing without the spirit. The individual believer is a wheel. This individual wheel is designed to move. The condition of the wheel will depend on the condition of the spirit of the believer. If the believer is tired, weary, and discouraged, the wheel will not move properly. The enemy tries to stop the wheel by affecting the spirit of the believer.

Another purpose of a wheel is to grind the wicked. "A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them." (Proverbs 20:26) Samson definitely was a wheel that rolled over the enemy. He was anointed to destroy the Philistines. As long as he had strength, he was able to destroy them. After expending all of his strength against the enemy, he had no more spirit left.

How many believers do you know who have lost their spirit? They have lost their energy, strength, zeal, and enthusiasm. They have been in battles that have drained them. They no longer have the strength to fight. The wheel has stopped. It is no longer moving against the enemy. It is no longer grinding the wicked.

God clave a hollow place and out came water. I believe this is referring to local churches that are being hollowed out to release water that brings the spirit back to the believer. Believers can drink and see their spirit come again. Their dreams, visions, energy, and zeal is restored. The wheels are once again being set in motion. Believers must be refreshed and revived on a continual basis. The spirit of revival needs to be in the Church. Water needs to flow continually. Believers must drink and keep their spirits strong and fervent.

Chapter 3

The Apostolic Spirit: Driving Force of the Church

One of the important ingredients of motivated believers is an apostolic spirit. The Holy Spirit is an apostolic spirit because He is a "sent" Spirit. A "sent" people must have a "sent" spirit. People who are "sent" should have a sense of purpose and destiny. They should be driven by a commission. When people have an apostolic spirit, they are driven to execute and carry out the purposes of God.

Apostolic believers are motivated by a sense of calling and sending. I call the apostolic spirit "the driving force of the church." These believers are not just led, they are driven. They are driven to fulfill the Great Commission. They have the zeal of the Lord. They are concerned with finishing.

An apostolic company of believers are a wheel within the wheel of the church. They provide movement and impetus to the church. They help release spiritual momentum. They are a movement within a movement. They are driven and motivated by an apostolic spirit. This apostolic spirit is what moves the wheel.

The present day apostolic movement is a wheel within a wheel. The release of modern day apostles is fueling this movement. The revelation of the apostolic ministry is coming from heaven into all the earth. Last day apostles are on the rise. They are impacting their territories and nations with apostolic doctrine and power. This is causing a new driving force to hit the Church. The result of the restoration of apostolic ministry is a release of an apostolic company of believers. They in turn become a wheel within the wheel of the church universal.

I call these believers, Proton believers. Proton is the Greek word for "first" in 1 Corinthians 12:28 ("....first apostles...."). It represents a pioneering breakthrough anointing. Proton believers are breakthrough believers. They are first in time order or rank. They are the first to embrace new moves of God. They are the first to embrace and preach a truth that is being restored to the Church. They are the result of restoration.

This wheel of Proton believers will expand the borders of the Church. It will move the Church into new regions and territories, both naturally and spiritually. It will move the Church beyond past limitations and boundaries. This wheel helps us to go where we have not gone before. It mobilizes the Church. This wheel is driven by a pioneering, breakthrough spirit. The apostolic spirit is within the wheel.

Apostolic churches are wheels within the wheel of the Church universal. The Antioch church is an example of a wheel within a wheel. The church at Antioch became a hub for apostolic missions throughout the world. From Antioch, apostolic teams were sent out to plant strategic churches in Asia and Europe. The churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus were all planted as a result of Antioch's sending.

The church at Antioch became a movement within a movement. They moved in apostolic power and grace to expand the Kingdom of God. They sacrificed and released key ministries to do this. They ministered to the Lord, prayed, and fasted to impact nations. There is no limit to the power that can be released through the local church. Apostolic churches can have an impetus and momentum that moves it to affect nations.

These churches are strong because they have an apostolic spirit. They have within their structure strong ministries. They have leadership with a strong spirit. The spirit of these churches is strong because they have believers and leaders with strong spirits.

Antioch churches are spiritual hubs. A "hub" is a center of activity. Wheels rotate around a hub. Apostolic churches become pivotal places of divine activity. They are places of movement and action.

Chapter 4

Wheels Within The Local Church

Not only can a local church be a wheel within the wheel of the Church universal, but there are also wheels within the local church. Each of these wheels need to move in order for the church to move and progress. The following groups are wheels within the church:

1.    Prayer—Intercession and fervent prayer is a wheel within the church. Each local church needs a prayer movement. When believers move in prayer, the church will advance and break through.

2.    Praise and Worship—Churches need strong praise and worship teams to move the church into strong praise and worship. The praise and worship of the local church should always be advancing and progressing.

3.    Evangelism — Evangelism and outreach is an important part of the expanding and growth of the church. Evangelists and evangelistic teams need to continually move in the power of the Holy Spirit.

4.    Prophetic Ministry—Prophets and prophetic teams need to minister the Word of the Lord. This releases the church into its destiny and purpose. It is an important wheel within the church.

5.    Deliverance—Helps the Church to move forward and progress because it drives out evil spirits and opens the way for people to possess the land.

6.    Teaching—The teaching of the Word of God is an important wheel which helps the Church move into the understanding of Scripture. Teachers and teaching teams need to move in knowledge, understanding, and revelation.

7.    Missions—This is a part of the apostolic mandate of the Church. This wheel needs to be moving in order to impact and touch nations. The sending of apostolic teams is an integral part of the apostolic church.

8.    Pastoral Ministry—The release of pastors and pastoral teams within the local church is an important part of watching over and maintaining the saints. This ministry needs to be continually moving and expanding.

The spirit of prayer, praise, worship, evangelism, prophecy, deliverance, teaching, and missions need to be strong in the local church. The apostolic and pastoral spirit must also be strong. This will keep these wheels moving and keep the Church moving.

Acts—A Book of Movement

The following synonyms were taken from J. R. Rodale for the word movement: motion, action, activity, stir, move, ACTS, actions, proceedings, doings, goings on, comings and goings. The book of Acts is a book of movement. Acts mean movement. The Acts of the Apostles record the movements of the apostles.

Movement also means progress, progression, advance, advancement, forward motion or movement.

The book of Acts record the progress of the Church. From its beginning in Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the earth, the Church is a movement. The present day Church is part of a worldwide movement that began 2000 years ago. The Church is a wheel. It is in motion. God's will is for the Church to continue to progress and advance.

Every movement within the Church helps it to progress and advance. Progress means furtherance, breakthrough and improvement. With each movement, there is a corresponding breakthrough. In order for the Church to continue breaking through, the wheels within the wheel of the Church must move.

The apostolic spirit is the driving force of the Church. The present day apostolic movement is driven by the apostolic spirit. The Holy Spirit is first and foremost an apostolic Spirit because He is a sent Spirit. This is what pushes and drives the Church towards the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Most movements within the Church are apostolic in nature because the apostolic spirit is a pioneering spirit. Apostles initiate new movements. They help push the Church into new places. Apostolic movements sweep across the earth, breathing new life into the Church, to release impetus and momentum. They cause an acceleration to come to the Church.

The present day restoration of apostles is a movement that will help the Church move fully into its purposes and destiny. This wheel is moving within the Church. It is a wheel (restoration of apostles) in the middle of the wheel (the Church). It is at the core of what God is doing today.

The middle represents the core or center of. There are movements that are in the middle of what God is doing in the earth. We need to locate the movements that are central to what is happening in the purpose of God. We should desire to be in the middle of what God is doing. We want to be in the center of God's will.

Chapter 5

The Proton Believer

And God hath set some in the church, FIRST [PROTON] APOSTLES, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers...

1 Corinthians 12:28 [author's emphasis]

Are you a PROTON believer? Are you a part of a PROTON company of believers? Are you a part of a PROTON church?

PROTON is the Greek word for FIRST mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:28. It means firstly in time, place, order or importance. It also means before, at the beginning, chiefly, first of all. God desires a PROTON PEOPLE. Apostolic people are proton people.

It was never the will of God just to have apostles. God's intention is to have an apostolic company of believers. Apostolic churches and apostolic believers will be at the forefront of what God is doing. When believers have an apostolic spirit, they will be Proton Believers.

When the apostolic spirit is present within the Church, we will see a company of believers who walk in apostolic power. They will manifest certain characteristics that set them apart as a sent people. The word "apostle" is the Greek word apostolos meaning SENT ONE.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father has SENT me, even so send I you.

John 20:21

Proton believers are sent ones. They have an awareness of being sent. They live by the Sender (John 6:57). They draw their life and strength by and from the Sender. Jesus is the Sender. They desire to do the will of the Sender (John 6:38). They do the works of sent ones (John 5:36). Their works bear witness that they have been sent. They judge as sent ones (John 5:30). Their motivation is to do the things that please the Sender (John 8:29). They are not men pleasers but God pleasers.

What does it mean to be FIRST? What are the characteristics of those who are FIRST? First refers to responsibility. It refers to inheritance and blessing. It refers to authority. It is a privilege to be first. There are advantages to being first. It is a favored position.

"Those who are first are pioneers. Proton believers are pioneers. They are trailblazers. Proton believers are a remnant people who set the tone and direction for the church."

—Jim Hodges

These believers are pathfinders. Synonyms for pioneer include: pathfinder, trailblazer, explorer, forerunner, predecessor, and innovator. To "pioneer" means to set in motion, start the ball rolling, take the first step, take the initiative, break the ice, lead the way, blaze the trail, institute, inaugurate, found, establish, set up, lay the first stone, lay the foundation, introduce, launch, or usher in. These are things that Proton believers do.

There are different areas and ways in which one can be first:

·         FIRST in power represents a potentate.

·         FIRST in authority represents a ruler or a leader.

·         FIRST in rank represents a captain or a general.

·         FIRST in knowledge represents a valedictorian or a doctor.

·         FIRST in time represents a pioneer.

·         FIRST in lineage represents a patriarch.

·         FIRST in revelation represents a prophetic people.

·         FIRST in suffering represents a martyr.

·         FIRST in believing represents the first fruits of them that believe.

·         FIRST in receiving represents the first fruits of them that receive.

·         FIRST in blessing represents the firstborn.

·         FIRST in possessing represents a Joshua generation.

·         FIRST in breakthrough represents a people of new levels.

Proton believers are breakthrough people! A "breakthrough" is a significant or sudden advance or development. It is also an act or instance of removing or surpassing an obstruction or restriction.

Proton believers breakthrough into new regions and territories, both naturally and spiritually. They are cutting edge believers. They are on the forefront of what God is doing in the earth. If a trail is not there, they will make one. They follow the paths that others have already opened and make new paths when necessary. They are people of faith who believe and act on what they believe.

As pioneers, they are both dependent and independent. They are independent from the control of men. They are very dependent upon the Holy Spirit and His direction. They refuse to be controlled by the opinions of men. They are not controlled by family or friends. They are not controlled by religious organizations that refuse to move with change. They hate witchcraft, slavery and control. They would rather obey God than man (Acts 5:29). They rely upon the blessing and power of God. They recognize that without God they can do nothing.

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

2 Corinthians 5:13

Proton believers are often considered crazy. But there is a reason behind their "madness". Pioneers are often accused of being "crazy". They don't make sense to natural men. They operate beyond what is considered "reasonable". They go beyond the limitations of natural reason. They often try what is unreasonable, but succeed.

They are not afraid of failure. They operate with the spirit of faith. They are not controlled by fear. They are not afraid to try new things. They are not afraid to preach new truths. If they fail, it is no reflection on them because they are not afraid of losing their reputation. Their reputation does not come before obeying God.

The proton believers of the previous move may not be the proton believers of the present move. It takes a great deal of strength to be a proton believer. Much energy is expended in the advancing of the purposes of God. Some believers, after expending much strength in previous moves, would rather rest and enjoy the benefits of what they have already achieved. They have a hard time pressing into new battles in order to conquer new territory.

Chapter 6

Setting New Standards

We derive our word prototype from the Greek word proton. A prototype is a model. It is a standard. Proton believers set new standards. They raise up models for future generations to follow. A prototype is a paradigm. It is a pattern. Proton believers are pattern believers. Proton churches are pattern churches.

A pattern is something that can be duplicated. Proton believers live a lifestyle that can be duplicated in other places. They are looked to by others as models of Kingdom living. They release the blueprints that men can see to build their lives and ministries according to the heavenly pattern.

David was a proton believer. He released a pattern of worship. Abraham gave us a pattern concerning faith. Samuel released a pattern concerning the prophetic. Joshua gives a pattern of warfare. Elijah gives a pattern of prayer. Daniel gives us a pattern for dreams and visions. Jesus is our Pattern for being sons and daughters of God. He is the Perfect Pattern of heaven on earth. Paul is a pattern apostle.

Proton believers are people of conviction. They are people of passion and zeal. They are not double minded. They know what they believe and are convinced it is from God. This gives them the ability to overcome persecution that may arise for the Word's sake. Conviction is certainty, assurance, trust, position, persuasion, faith, creed, or doctrine. Proton believers know what they believe and are convinced of its validity based on the Word of God.

Some people have a problem with people who have conviction. To some, they are too strong and may even be considered dogmatic. Dogma is a firm belief or conviction. The world believes in tolerance. In other words, tolerate any opinion even-though it may be incorrect. Anyone with strong opinions is considered intolerant.

Preachers who preach strong are considered intolerant. John the Baptist would have been considered intolerant. Elijah would have been considered intolerant. Jesus made some strong statements, and He would be considered intolerant by many. We can be people of conviction, and still minister in love. Conviction does not necessarily equate with being prejudiced or bigoted.

People of conviction change things. Reformers have conviction. Great mean and women are people of conviction. Paul was a man of conviction. He was convinced of the truth of the Gospel he preached. Stephen died because of his conviction. The early apostles died for their convictions. These men turned the world upside down and influenced their generation.

Preaching without conviction does not move anyone. Preaching with conviction can change a city, region or a nation. John Knox was a man of conviction. His preaching shook Scotland. His messages struck fear in the heart of tyrants and kings.

Proton believers minister with passion. Passion is compelling emotion. It is strong enthusiasm. It is a strong desire for something. Proton believers preach with passion. They worship and minister with passion. Jesus was consumed with zeal (John 2:17). He was passionate about his Father's house. Proton believers are passionate about the House of the Lord.

Proton believers are extreme. Extreme means going well beyond the ordinary or average. It means exceedingly great in degree. It means to be radical. Proton believers do not compromise to avoid persecution. They do not preach "balance" at the expense of truth. They believe in going all the way. To them, compromise is not an option. Extreme means exceptional, extraordinary, maximum, and complete.

Proton believers are people of courage. These two characteristics are necessary to be a proton believer. It takes courage and boldness to be at the forefront of what God is doing. They keep their boldness in spite of opposition and persecution. To be bold means to be intrepid, fearless, and daring. Proton believers are bold to preach new truth. They are bold to try new things. The righteous are as bold as a lion.

The lion is a symbol of the apostolic ministry. It is a picture of courage and boldness. It represents fearlessness. The lion was the symbol of Judah. Judah means praise. Proton believers are bold in praise. They are also bold in dealing with demons.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Hebrews 11:8

Proton believers are people of faith. Abraham is a type of a proton believer. He left his home in obedience to the word of God, not knowing where he was going. He had to move out by faith. Sometimes Proton believers are moving out to a destination unknown. All they know is that they have heard from God. Apostolic believers carry a spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13).

Pioneers have to believe. They must launch out in faith, not knowing sometimes where they are going. To some they may appear to be reckless or foolish, but they have heard from heaven. They leave their places of comfort and security to receive a promised inheritance. Abraham became the father of faith to all who would believe. He left a pattern for future generations to follow.

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Ephesians 3:5

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 4:10

Proton believers are people of great grace. Apostolic ministry is a ministry of great grace (Acts 4:33). Proton believers are stewards of the manifold grace of God. They come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:7). We call this mega-grace. "Mega" is the Greek word for grace. It means large quantities or things that are extraordinary examples of their kind.

Proton believers are gifted. These gifts are the result of grace. These gifts are for blessing others. Proton believers are a blessing wherever they go. They bring salvation, healing and deliverance to multitudes. Grace enables them to do extraordinary things. This is apostolic grace: grace to preach, teach, prophesy, cast out devils, heal the sick, pray, worship, and give.

This is also manifold grace. "Manifold" means of many kinds, numerous and varied. It means having numerous different parts, features, or forms. Proton believers are not one-dimensional. They are multidimensional. They are multifaceted. They operate in different operations and manifestations of the Spirit.

Proton believers are people of revelation. Apostolic ministry is a ministry of revelation. Proton believers have insight into truth that was hidden in previous generations. They walk in truth that was not known in previous ages. Revelations are mysteries revealed. Proton believers are stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1). They dispense these mysteries throughout the earth through their preaching and teaching. They understand divine secrets. They have the privilege of understanding the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.

Revelation is insight. It is spiritual perception. It means an unveiling. Things that were veiled or hidden are unveiled. People who live by revelation are not limited by their natural understanding. They understand the invisible realm. They see what others cannot see. They operate on a higher level.

Proton believers are people of purpose and destiny.

Proton believers have insight into the plans and purposes of God. They are driven by purpose. They have definite goals. They know where they are going and have a strategy to get there.

Purpose is intention, aim, objective, expectation, vision, dream, hope or desire. Purpose means determination, resolution, resolve, firmness, singlemindedness, persistence or perseverance.

People of purpose are devoted to finishing a commission. They are people of zeal. Nothing can turn them away from their purpose. They are driven to finish. Opposition or setback does not deter them. Nothing moves them from finishing their course (Acts 20:24).

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

2 Corinthians 12:12

Proton believers are people of perseverance. Patience (perseverance) is a mark of true apostolic ministry. They persevere in spite of hardship and danger. They are patient in tribulation. They rejoice in tribulation. They glory in their infirmities. When they are weak, they are strong.

They are focused on fulfilling their commission, and do not allow trials to deter them. They understand that tests and trials come with the territory. They do not think it strange concerning fiery trials. They trust in the grace of God to sustain them.

To persevere means to persist in pursuing something in spite of obstacles or opposition. Proton believers are persistent. They do not give up. They have spiritual tenacity. They have a spiritual resolve and determination to continue in spite of the attacks of darkness.

Proton believers are people of sacrifice. They are willing to make sacrifices in order to advance the purposes of God. They make financial sacrifices and sacrifices with their time. They lay down their lives. They are willing to lose in order to gain.

To sacrifice means to make an offering. Proton believers offer themselves as a sacrifice. They offer their time, money, and life to the purposes of God. No price is too high to pay. Jesus is their example. He offered Himself to God as a sweet smelling sacrifice acceptable to God.

Apostolic ministry is a ministry of sacrifice. Those who are first are expected to make sacrifices. Parents make sacrifices for their children. Pioneers make tremendous sacrifices for advancement and progress. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son and became an example of righteousness by faith. Jesus gave His life as the firstborn Son of God. The sacrifices of proton believers bring blessings unto many. We are all blessed by the sacrifices of those who have gone first.

Proton believers are laborers. The Apostolic anointing is a laboring anointing. Jesus said "the harvest is great, but the laborers are few." We are commanded to pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:38). To "send forth" is an apostolic term.

After sending the twelve, Jesus identifies them as workmen (Matthew 10:10). The word workmen is the same Greek word for laborer. Apostles and apostolic people have the ability to labor under pressure. They are tireless in executing the will of God. They labor in spite of persecution and hindrances from the enemy. They are hard workers.

Proton believers do not "burn out”. They have a grace to labor. Their strength is in the Lord. When they are weak they are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). They work by supernatural power that is given by grace. Their bodies are quickened by the Holy Spirit. They live with supernatural energy that gives them strength to work hard.

Epaphras labored in prayer (Colossians 4:12). Paul stated that he himself labored more abundantly than all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:10). He was able to labor because of grace. He planted churches, trained new believers, traveled extensively, and wrote much of the New Testament. He did all of this in spite of shipwreck, stonings, beatings, imprisonment, and being buffeted by a messenger of Satan. Proton believers have a grace to labor in spite of what they have to encounter.

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds;)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:4,5

"Warfare" is the Greek word strateia which means apostolic career. "Imaginations" is the Greek word logismos which means logic or mindset. Proton believers are people of warfare. They are not afraid to fight for what they believe. They understand that they wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. They contend with the powers of darkness that are set against the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

Chapter 7

A Pioneering Anointing

Those who are first (pioneers) must fight. They always experience and come up against opposition. Innovators are usually opposed and misunderstood. They must fight the status quo and those who are resistant to change. Pioneers fight. Generals conduct warfare. Fathers should fight for their families. Those who are first must guard and protect. They advance into new territory and subdue giants. The first generation that went into Canaan had to fight. Saul, Israel's first king, had to fight the Philistines.

The enemy always opposes and fights those who are first. He recognizes their importance and influence. He tries to hinder and stop them. He knows that after them, more are coming. He persecuted the first church in Jerusalem. He killed all of the first apostles. He hates those who are first. This is why those who are first are people of warfare.

Proton believers challenge the mindsets that prevent the Church from obeying the truth. They war against the strongholds in the minds of men that keep them in ignorance and darkness. Ignorance is the enemy of proton believers. They are committed to the manifestation of the truth.

They contend with the carnal inclinations of the flesh.

They confront and war against the carnality that prevents men from understanding spiritual matters. They desire the meat of the Word. They desire to walk in the deeper truths of the Word. They desire to go on to perfection.

Proton believers war with the supernatural weapons of love, faith, hope, prayer, fasting, praise and the Word.

They cannot become bitter because of false accusation or opposition. They bless their enemies. They must forgive and cannot take opposition personally. Their warfare is not against flesh and blood. They understand who the enemy is.

Proton believers are people of change. They are agents of change. They initiate and activate change by their preaching and prophetic declarations.

Proton believers are people of transition. They are people who have transitioned out of the old into the new. They are moving. They do not live on the victories of the past. They enjoy the victories of the past but recognize that there is new ground and territory to conquer.

Transition is movement. Proton believers are moving toward a goal. They are not stagnant. To "transition" means to shift. Proton believers shift into the prevailing position that God is releasing. They shift into the new move of the Holy Spirit. There is a shift taking place around the world today. The Church is shifting from the pastoral to the apostolic. Proton believers are in the forefront of this shift. Proton believers are able to shift from old paradigms into new paradigms.

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he SENT them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:1,2

Proton believers are people of power and authority.

They exercise power and authority over demons. They root out, pull down, destroy, throw down, build and plant (Jeremiah 1:10). They have been SENT and SET. They depend upon the authority of the Sender. Proton believers speak and act on the behalf of the Sender. They are ambassadors. They are delegates of the King. They decree and issue official declarations on behalf of the King.

This authority is recognized in the spirit realm. Principalities and powers cannot ignore this authority. Their authority is legal and is official. It is not illegitimate. Proton believers have the authority to act on behalf of the King. They are officials of the Kingdom.

To be official means to be duly authorized. It means to be rightful, lawful, legitimate, legal, certified, licensed, or valid. This authority is sanctioned by heaven. It is therefore recognized by both angels and demons. This authority also affects the human spirit. People are impacted when they come into contact with proton believers.

Proton believers prophesy, preach, teach, and minister with authority and power. Power is force. Power causes impact. Power is ability or capacity. It is energy, vigor, or capacity. It is might and strength. These are characteristics of proton believers. There is a ability to break through and change territories and nations. They have the authority and power to execute the will and purposes of God.

The will of God must be executed. To "execute" means to carry put, accomplish or perform. The duties of the apostolic ministry must be carried out by those who are graced to execute. This is a supernatural ability to get the job done.

Proton believers are people of the Word. They base what they do on the Word of God. They do not allow tradition to make the Word of God of none effect. They will preach what is in the Word, regardless of what tradition or religion says. They are motivated and driven by what they believe the Word of God teaches.

Proton believers are governed by the Word of God. The Word sets their perimeters. To be on the forefront does not mean "out of control". Proton believers must stay within the boundaries of the Word. The Word limits and sets free. To operate in authority one must be under authority. Proton believers are submitted to the authority of the Word.

Proton believers reject the traditions that make the Word of God of none effect. They reject the philosophies that prevent men from obeying the Word. They allow no one to spoil them through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men (Colossians 2:8). Proton believers are committed to rediscovering the truths of the Word that have been lost or rejected through tradition and unbelief. They are people of restoration. They believe in current truth. They are committed to restored truth that is rediscovered in the Word of God.

Proton believers are people of new strategies. Those who go first must have a strategy. You cannot go into unchartered territory without a strategy. Proton believers develop new strategies. They do not depend upon strategies of the past. Their strategies are based on revelation. Each generation must receive and work out its own strategies. Old rules and methods may no longer apply. Old limitations are no longer in place.

Proton believers are leaders. They are the leaders of their generation. Strategy involves generalship. Generals are commanders. They are first in rank. They have the ability to gather and mobilize. They have the ability to lead into battle and win. They have expertise in tactics and logistics. They give direction and guidance. They have power and influence. They motivate and mobilize people to accomplish a goal. Strategies are for leaders. Leaders set strategy and implement according to a plan. Great leaders are known for great strategy. First in rank implies leadership. Proton believers are the leaders of the new things that God is releasing.

Proton believers are strategic people. Proton churches are strategic churches. Strategic means important and crucial. It means key or vital. God always has strategic people and strategic places. God is a God of strategy. Everything God does is strategic. He moves through strategic people, churches, and places. Apostles and apostolic people are both strategic to the purposes of God. They are important and vital to the plans of heaven. That which is first is important.

Again, generals are first in rank. Pioneers are first in time. Patriarchs are first in lineage. Presidents are first in government. Valedictorians are first in their class. They are first in knowledge. Every field has those who are first. They are recognized as important in their respective fields.

Proton believers have goals, and they have the strategies to accomplish those goals. They are leaders. They are first in strategy. They develop pioneer strategies to do new things. They are cutting edge leaders with pioneer technologies. Pioneer strategies are needed to break through into new regions and territories. They are needed to pioneer new moves and new revelations.

Chapter 8

An End-Time Strategy

One of the strategies we are using today is the development and release of apostolic teams. We need the strategy of raising Antioch churches and releasing apostolic teams. Team ministry is an end-time strategy to affect nations. Teams consist of fivefold ministry gifts ministering together to impart, release, break through, and perfect the saints.

We are receiving new strategies for raising up strong governmental churches. This includes the raising up of strong presbyteries (apostles, prophets, teachers) as well as releasing pastors and evangelists. It includes planting churches through the release of apostolic teams. This strategy is apostolic. God is releasing apostolic strategies that will result in breakthroughs.

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Mark 3:14

Proton believers have a team mentality. Apostolic ministry is team ministry. Jesus gathered a team to be with Him. Barnabas and Paul (and later Silas and Paul) were apostolic teams released from Antioch. Jesus sent the disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1).

Proton believers understand the power and dynamics of the corporate anointing. They understand the strength of corporate worship and corporate prayer. The church in the book of Acts saw tremendous breakthroughs as a result of corporate prayer (Acts 4:31). The entire church was mobilized and moving in the same direction. Unity is the strength of proton believers.

The team concept is found throughout the Word of God. Moses and Aaron, Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy, Jesus and the disciples, are all examples of teams. Samuel raised up prophetic teams. He is a type of apostolic ministry. David mobilized teams of priests and Levites to minister before the ark of the Covenant.

Although Proton believers may have different ministries and anointings, they understand the importance of working together in teams. There are apostolic teams, prophetic teams, evangelistic teams, deliverance teams, prayer teams, praise and worship teams, teaching teams, and pastoral teams. Proton believers are mobilized people. They have been activated in their gifts; and they are ready to work and minister. With so many people being released, it is understandable why there is wisdom in developing and releasing teams.

NOW after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.

Judges 1:1,2

The tribe of Judah was a proton tribe. They were sent first. Judah means praise. Proton believers are people of praise. They know the power of praise. They are radical when it comes to praise. They release praise as a weapon against the powers of hell. They have their hand in the neck of the enemy (Genesis 49:8). Proton believers have a scepter of authority (Genesis 49:10).

Proton people love to sing new songs (Psalm 96:1). New moves always release new songs. There is a freshness in the praise and worship of proton believers. They are the first to move into new songs and new sounds. They play skillfully with a loud noise (Psalm 33:3). When God is doing a new thing, He releases new songs. Proton believers are people of new things. They serve Him in newness of spirit (Romans 7:6).

Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 42:9,10

These are the identifying marks of Proton believers: pioneering, breakthrough, authority, power, revelation, boldness, grace, conviction, warfare, prayer, praise, courage, purpose, destiny, perseverance, strategy, teamwork, the Word, change, transition, and newness.

GOD LOVES A PROTON PEOPLE!

Appendix

Scriptures for Proton Believers

"....but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."

Daniel 11:32

"Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him."

Isaiah 43:7

"This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise."

Isaiah 43:21

"But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever."

Daniel 7:18

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

John 14:12

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

"They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

Mark 16:17,18

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Mark 16:20

"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 Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Acts 1:8

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Acts 17:11

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

1 Peter 2:9

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

Revelation 12:11

maximize your ministry;

Whether as an individual or a local church body, prepare to reap a harvest from the fresh, revelatory message contained throughout the pages of Proton Believers!

Author, John Eckhardt, presents a powerful pattern of the type of believers we must be in order to maximize our fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Every believer is fully empowered/by God to be an overcomer. This book is a valuable tool to help identify and develop the characteristics to set you apart from average, to effectively impact the world for our Lord Jesus Christ!

About-The Author

John Eckhardt Is called to impart and activate the gifts of the Spirit in order to raise up strand ministries in the Body of Christ. A gifted man with a true apostolic and prophetic call on his life, his desire is to infiltrate the world with the Word of God. He is dedicated, to perfecting the saints and training ministers to fulfill the call of God on their lives. Along with his apostolic and pastoral responsibilities, John Eckhardt produces Perfecting the Saints, a daily radio broadcast and has authored more than 20 other books. He has ministered in over 30 nations abroad and throughout the United States. . . John Eckhardt resides in a suburb of Chicago with his lovely wife, Wanda, and their five beautiful children.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 The Apostolic Movement: A Wheel Within A Wheel

2 The Believer: A Wheel Within A Wheel

3 The Apostolic Spirit: Driving Force of the Church

4 Wheels Within The Local Church

5 The Proton Believer

6 Setting New Standards

7 A Pioneering Anointing

8 An End-Time Strategy

Appendix