© 9 December 2016 Revive Israel Ministries

Three Goals of Apostolic/Prophetic Restoration

By Asher Intrater

The issue of apostolic and prophetic ministry today raises much controversy, particularly when connected to the Messianic remnant in Jerusalem.  Why is this so important?  Three times the letter to the Ephesians makes reference to the work of "apostles and prophets."

The first reference deals with laying foundations for the Church "Ecclesia" as the dwelling place of God's Spirit. Ephesians 2:20 – "Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Messiah Yeshua Himself being the cornerstone."

This is not speaking of a local congregation but of the universal Ecclesia.  The pastor focuses on the local congregation, while the apostle tends toward the wider Ecclesia.

The second deals with God's pre-destined plan for reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles through faith in Yeshua.

Ephesians 3:5-6 – "The mystery… is now being revealed to His holy apostles and prophets, through the Spirit, that the Gentiles are  fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Messiah Yeshua, through the Gospel…"

The partnership between Israel and the International Ecclesia is central to the kingdom of God, and should be part of any foundation that is laid by apostles and prophets—both then and now.

The third deals with spiritual authority given to the "five-fold" equipping ministries after Yeshua's ascension into heaven.  Ephesians 4:11 – "He gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, in order to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edification of the body…"

Spiritual authority is connected to the ascension.  Yeshua rose above all powers and principalities.  He gave authority to the Ecclesia as His body (1:20-23).  He gave that spiritual authority through His name, His spirit and through the five types of "ascension" leadership positions mentioned here (4:7-11).

Since "apostles and prophets" are listed together with "evangelists, pastors and teachers," it is clear that they must continue to function, and have not ceased to exist.

Parallel with the references above, we may also note the following three, somewhat-startling principles or observations:

1. Ecclesia – All of the first century communities of faith saw themselves as having emerged from, and submitted to, apostolic and prophetic covering.
2. Israel – All of the first century communities of faith saw themselves connected to and aligned with Biblical Israel and Jerusalem.
3. Kingdom – Spiritual authority in the international Ecclesia before Yeshua returns will become government authority in the Millennial kingdom after He returns (Matthew 19:28, Luke 19:17).  

These three goals – Ecclesia, Israel & Kingdom – comprise the primary reasons for apostolic and prophetic restoration.  It is the very importance of these three that makes the issue so fraught with spiritual warfare.  Understanding these goals will help us be better aligned with God's purposes in our generation.

Eddie Santoro – Pastor at Ahavat Yeshua

We recently spent a week ministering and resting in the town of Dolo, Italy. We are deeply connected there to the Messianic Church “Beth Messiah” and we devoted the week to the congregation and its people. This was our first trip out of Israel in nearly two years as we have spent the past 16 months in a battle against the demonic attack on my body. Our ability to pack our suitcases and travel to Italy for a week of both ministry and rest was another page in the ongoing and wonderful testimony of our victory over the powers of darkness. 

This was our third trip there and we were received with great joy as I endeavored to encourage them with our testimony. In one message I shared on the authority that we all possess through faith in Yeshua and receiving His life within us.  After the message, I invited those who needed healing to come forward for prayer. We prayed for a large number of people and SEVEN OF THEM WERE HEALED FROM DIFFERENT PHYSICAL AILMENTS!

We returned home tremendously encouraged and are looking ahead to seeing more of God's wonderful power and blessings manifest through all of us in the coming days.

Asher Intrater shares on the biblical picture of the olive tree symbolizing the dual restoration of Israel and the church.

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