Moving in the Apostolic

The Restoration of Apostolic Ministry

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He preached against the hypocrisy of the Church and the evils of tobacco and alcohol in the city. The results were phenomenal! Thousands were saved, and many of his enemies were eventually exposed for their sins. Dowie's ministry shook the city of Chicago and caused trouble in civil and religious circles. He eventually left Chicago and set up his headquarters 40 miles north, naming it Zion. Dowie's sermons were directed against the denominationalism and sectarianism of the Church of his day. As mentioned earlier, apostles are concerned with the form of the Church. When the form is not according to the Word of God, the apostle will discern it, and preach and teach the Word to bring the Church back into God's proper form. A strong reforming spirit was present in Dowie's preaching, especially in the area of healing. The Church's lack of practice and faith in this area troubled him. He thought it was hypocritical for the Church not to show compassion toward the sick by praying and believing God for their healing. 1 The Last-Days Church Calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it (Isa. 46:11, emphasis added). To execute means to carry out instructions. The apostles were given instructions by the Lord before He left. They were told to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. They were instructed to go and teach all nations. They were also given the power and authority to carry out these instructions. To execute also means to bring to fruition, to complete, to fulfill. Apostolic ministry is a necessary part of fulfilling the Great Commission. The Church needs apostolic power and authority in order to fulfill and carry out the instructions left by our Lord. Therefore, a restoration of apostolic ministry is absolutely necessary in order for the Church to complete its mission on earth. And God has appointed these in the church: first