Is A Difference in Expectations?

Over the years, I have watched and listened as men and women have preached about the church expression needed for the End Time. 


Many of those who have endeavored to go beyond traditional "Pentecostal" doctrine are teaching that we need to return to the New Testament mode. This would include the apostolic(their understanding) ministry with the accompaniment of the other four. Although that sounds good, and would definitely give better expression that is evident now. It is not God's heart.


Under the Book of Acts expression there was clear evidence of leaven and conflict in the Body. It is clear from Ephesians 4 that the true expression of the ministry will bring us to both maturity and unity. Since neither were evident in the book of Acts nor the rest of the scripture that record any history of the time. 


My conclusion concerning that is that God, in restoring His church has yet to reveal the aspect of Himself that will bring the Body of Christ into full maturity in relationship to the head. This begs the question: "What will be the expression of His Body in the End Time?" Is there a model that we have to go by, or, where do we look for help in understanding God's plan for the end time?

Eph 4:10-15  10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: KJV

As I studied the scripture and history I had to come to a conclusion concerning the above passage. Either Paul was not inspired, or, he was speaking prophetically. What he prophesied about has never been seen in the history of the church. 

This suggests that we have never seen fully matured apostolic ministry yet. Although there may have been one or two who came to full maturity, like Peter and Paul, as a corporate expression we have not seen the maturity essential to the fulfillment of Eph. 4:12-17. 

It is quite possibly the "new thing" that Isaiah speaks about. 

 Isa 43:18  Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.   19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  KJV

Although many have applied this to the literal and natural Israel, and it does apply, it also applies to spiritual Israel.


Questions arise:

1. If we draw the parallels, the full application has not yet happened to Israel. Has it happened to spiritual Israel?
2. Is it possible that, just as Joel was only partially fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, this means the passage also relates to the End Time expression of the Body of Christ?

 This blog is only to raise questions, not yet answer them.