"Birth Pangs" a Pattern for Restoration

As far from the biblical ideal of what the Church presently ought to be, it’s perhaps difficult to conceive that 498 years ago it was dismally worse off.  It was in the clutches of an unbiblical “priesthood”—here we’re speaking of the New Testament Church for which there is absolutely no provision for a “priesthood”--except that exercised by the risen Lord.  From the birth of the Church “offices”(see Biblical New Testament Book, Ephesians 4:11-16) were put in place that would provide for its equipping to the end that it would mature, multiply and be a winsome thing in all the earth.

By the time of Martin Luther all these “offices” (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors & teachers) had disappeared from the Church.  But God had a plan to restore all these offices to the church so that their full implementation would hasten the coming of Jesus Christ.  But from the human perspective the restoration of these “offices” would be neither swift nor easy—their restoration would be something in the order of “birth pangs”, see Matthew 24:8.   First, the birth pangs would be far apart and less traumatic.  Then they start coming closer in frequency and intensity.  Unescapable is the fact that once the pangs begin, delivery is inevitable.

Consider what violence (birth pangs) the last 498 years have witnessed.  Along with the concept of “Priesthood of All Believers” and “Justification by Faith”, Martin Luther was used to reestablish the ministry “office” of “Pastor” in 1517 A.D.

About 250 years after Martin Luther came the “Evangelical Awakening” spear-headed by John and Charles Wesley and George Whitfield with its emphasis on “Know-so Salvation”, “Holiness of Life”, and the re-establishment of the ministry “office” of the Evangelist.

Near 1900, about 125 years after the “Evangelical Awakening”, came birth of the Pentecostal Movement with its emphasis upon “signs and wonders” and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with “speaking in tongues”.

On May 14, 1948, Israel was re-established as a nation, of itself eloquent testimony to the faithfulness of God, but in the Church a great “healing revival” was begun, the most notable proponent being Oral Roberts.  Billy Graham and Derek Prince also launched their ministries at this time.  All are “order changing” events.

By 1957 the “Charismatic Renewal” caught the church world, both Roman Catholic & Protestant, by surprise.  This movement liberated the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit from the confines of the Pentecostal movement into mainline denominations and the Roman Catholic Church.

In 1967 Israel re-captured the Old City of David, bringing to mind the prophetic words of Jesus:  “And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Biblical Book of Luke 21:24).  In the “natural” this was an event almost as dramatic as the founding of the nation itself in 1948.  In the “spirit” this possibly signaled the release of the ministry “offices” of the prophet & apostle.

By the 80’s we began to hear more often about the ministry office of “Prophet” and the need for the Church to “set its house in order”.

By the 90’s the ministry office of “Apostle” began to emerge.  It has been said that the ministry “offices" have been restored in the reverse order of their being lost.  Even now each ministry “office” is not necessarily received throughout the Church.  Could it be that this is what the Church awaits, the re-establishment of what are frequently called the "5-fold" ministry giftings? Would this not precipitate "kingdom of God" ministry that would usher in revival?                                                                     

Since the founding of the nation of Israel in 1948, room must be provided for “Messianic Jews” to make their contribution to the full re-establishment of God's purposes and return of Jesus Christ.  It’s necessary all Christians realize that the loss of Messianic Jewish believers was one of the first tragedies that struck the Church.  Their restoration to power and influence in the Church will be one of the most dramatic features signaling the return of Jesus Christ.  Messianic Jewish ministries are now spreading their wings and let established “believers” pray for the increase of their numbers and God’s anointing upon them.

The purposes of God in the Church yet await fulfillment.