Whenever we consider the ministries accomplished by the first century church we cannot escape one overwhelming conclusion: the first century church was endowed with great power and authority. This power and authority was such that they "turned the world upside down." They stood at the threshold of a movement of God that was designed to challenge the established spiritual powers of that time. They were anointed for this very purpose. In the natural their difficulties only intensified, but from a Kingdom of God perspective, they were immensely effective. If one were given eyes to see into the spiritual realm of that day, he would see the world thrown into great confusion and disarray. The adversaries of God were in retreat. That is what we see when we consider the first century church. Upon considering the subsequent history of the church, it is this writer's conclusion that something went dreadfully wrong.

One of the many theories that have been introduced in an attempt to rationalize this obvious loss of power and authority is Dispensationalism. This idea, which was introduced by Christian apologists, maintains that the power and authority manifested through the early church was temporary. It was dispensed at that time in order to establish the Church -- get it up-and-running, so to speak. This concept is in stark contrast to the revealed nature of God. What the Scriptures reveal of God in this regard is that He establishes a thing and it becomes a constant. That is to say it does not vary. It accomplishes its intended goal. Any serious consideration of Scripture would bring us to the unavoidable conclusion that the Church has lost the means (authority) to accomplish one of its prime objectives: spiritual warfare.

Paul, in this regard, outlined the Church's responsibility vividly for us in his letter to the Church at Ephesus. Paul wrote, "To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 3:8-10). Paul also wrote, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). This was true for the church at Ephesus and it is no less true for the Church today. And, as was stated before, this focus of ministry is one of the prime objectives of the Church.

This same authority is seen in Messiah's ministry as the outworking of the Word of God. Throughout Biblical revelation we encounter the personification of the Word of God. The Word of God was presented in the form of a person. The Word of God interacted with Abraham, working in concert with God in order to establish His will. Again in the books of the prophets we see indelibly the work of ministry of the Word of God. The Word came to Isaiah and related God's will for the Assyrians and then accomplished it. The Word came to Assyria through Jonah and accomplished God's purpose. Again, the Word of God came to Jeremiah announcing what God would ultimately do with the nations. The Word of God is currently working to accomplish what was spoken to Jeremiah.

The Word was later revealed in the person of Jesus. During His three years of ministry we see this aspect of God's ministry working powerfully through Him. Ultimately, the Word of God is portrayed in Revelation chapter 19 as coming to judge the nations. At that point the nations have formed a union, which is referred to as "the beast". In conjunction with this, a worldwide consolidation of religions is formed. This is referred to as "the false prophet". Both are in direct opposition to God. The Word of God puts an end to both groups and establishes the Kingdom of God.

One might say, "This is the work of Messiah and the Church should be passive in these matters". Every facet of Messiah's ministry has been entrusted to the Church, which is His body. Paul wrote. "And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23). The obvious deduction from this is the Church has the responsibility to carry out the ministry of the Word of God.

As we approach the close of this age the necessity for this ministry becomes more apparent. Never before has there been as great an opportunity for us to work towards the advancement of God's Kingdom. However, it is a sad testimony that much of Christendom remains oblivious to what is likely the most important work yet. It is my conviction that the Word of God should be coming from every anointed pulpit across the world. Instead, there is silence while Islam encroaches upon Israel under the guise of an oppressed Palestinian people. With every advancement of the Beast and the False Prophet there should be a denouncement by the Church while Israel should receive her strongest encouragement from the Church because the Word of God is in it. It is disheartening to the point of tears to know that instead there are anti-Israel sentiments going forth.

There is coming a great divide among followers of Jesus. There will be those who will be the Word of God who will find identity with Jerusalem. On the other hand, there will be those who will be the word of the nations who will find their identity with the false prophet. Let it be said of you by Judah, "A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Lord of hosts, their God" (Zechariah 12:5) .