by Wade E Taylor
There will be a full restoration of the Apostolic with the power and authority that the early Church experienced.
“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” II Corinthians 12:12
This power and authority was totally lost during the Dark Ages. Toward the end of this time of religious darkness, Martin Luther rose up against the selling of indulgences and proclaimed that salvation cannot be purchased or earned, but is given by the Lord as a free gift. As a result, a true “pastoral” ministry was restored to the Body of Christ.
The understanding of salvation gradually began to unfold. Then came the belief that because we are saved by grace and become a “new creation,” there should be visible evidence of this. John Wesley began to teach the process of sanctification, and the Methodist (method) movement was born. As a result, a “teaching” ministry was restored to the Body of Christ.
Many began to be stirred, being convinced that this salvation, which had changed their lives, should be shared with others. Whitfield and others began to proclaim the Gospel of grace and as a result, the “evangelist” was restored to the Church.
Following this, the need to be “empowered” for the outworking of these ministries became apparent, and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit became a reality, beginning in 1901 on New Years Eve, in Wichita, Kansas. This experience then spread to the Azusa Street Mission in California, and then around the world.
“But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8
During the “Latter Rain Visitation” in the mid 1940’s, the Lord moved in manifest power. As a result of this, the “prophetic” was restored to the Body of Christ.
Through the operation of this prophetic ministry, it became evident that there is to be a “five-fold ministry” operating within the Church.
“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets; and some as evangelists; and some as pastors and teachers; for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12 NAS
According to this passage of Scripture, five distinct operations of ministry are to be in operation within the Church. In the above progression that began with Martin Luther, each of these ministries has been restored to the Body of Christ, with the exception of the Apostolic.
This restoration of the “Apostolic” should have taken place during the time of the Charismatic visitation, which began during the mid 1980’s. Instead, this visitation centered in the prosperity message and in the gift ministries, especially healing.
Therefore, the restoration of the Apostolic did not take place, so the time of this restoration is still future.
A true Apostolic ministry will be both creative and authoritative. Primarily, it has to do with the setting of each member of the Body of Christ into their particular place, that through this “placement,” they might properly function under the authority of the Head.
In a functioning apostolic ministry, there will be both “consequence and effect.”
“And God said, let there be light: and there was light.” Genesis 1:3
“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” II Corinthians 12:12
In the present religious environment, the Word of the Lord can be accepted or rejected with little noticeable consequence. This is about to change as the Apostolic realm is about to be restored. The Word will again be ministered by those to whom this Apostolic power and authority has been given.
For any authority to be effective, enforcement is required. This happened with Ananias and Sapphira, as there was an immediate consequence to their lie (Acts 5:1-10). The time for this full restoration and functioning of the Apostolic order is close at hand.
The full restoration of this Apostolic ministry requires the laying on of the Lord’s hands.
When Judas was to be replaced, the Apostles knew that the replacement had to be one who had seen Jesus.
“Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord?” I Corinthians 9:1
This is yet true today. As we approach the Millennial Kingdom Age, the Lord is about to begin appearing to those who have been chosen by Him, and He will place His hand upon them. The result will be a full restoration of the Apostolic with power and authority, with signs following.
Also, to be qualified for the Apostolic office requires a prior time of extensive “preparation and dealings,” as authority and power are not given to novices to be misused.
The Lord is very careful as to whom He gives creative authority. Therefore, He is severely “testing” many to see how they respond, in preparation for the coming Apostolic restoration.
“For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6
These “sons” are those who have rightly responded to this time of “discipline” and as a result, have come to a level of maturity in which they can be trusted with responsibility.
In His first coming, Jesus chose a title to identify Himself as to who He was. He did not use the term “Messiah.” Rather, He identified Himself as “Jesus of Nazareth.” The religious people of that day were repulsed by this.
Nazareth was a city between the Jewish and the Gentile world. It was a dwelling place for a Jew who had married a Gentile, and therefore was rejected by the Jews. It was also a dwelling place for a Gentile who had married a Jew, and therefore was rejected by the Gentiles. Thus, neither side would accept them.
Had He chosen to be known as “Jesus of Bethlehem,” or as “Apostle Jesus,” He would have been accepted by all. In choosing to be known as “Jesus of Nazareth,” only those with “discernment” would know who He was. There were those who “perceived” that He had something special, such as Nicodemus, who called Him “Good Master.” Jesus did not need a title as there was something about Him that drew others.
In this coming restoration of the fullness of the Apostolic ministry, those who are being called to this ministry will have been so dealt with that they will be able to function with a “meek spirit,” always acknowledging Jesus as being their Head.
As a result, there will be an authoritative Apostolic ministry with “consequence” that will bring the Body into divine order.
Today, Christianity is taken lightly and is the brunt of many jokes. Soon, all that will change, and again the “fear of God” will be restored, as this restored Apostolic ministry with consequence begins to function.
We are told to covet the best gifts:
“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I to you a more excellent way.” I Corinthians 12:31
The “best gift” would be this restored Apostolic ministry.
May we earnestly seek the best that is available to us.