Paul, in the book Ephesians, tells us that God “gave gifts to men.” What were those gifts? They were people – leaders who demonstrated the fivefold ministry gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The church needs these ministries to function effectively.

Derek points out that the first essential thing in the process of restoration is for the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to be in operation in the Church as it was in the Book of Acts. We must be absolutely dependent on the Holy Spirit to do this.

Does the Church today measure up to the New Testament account? If it does not, it is in need of restoration. But in what areas exactly? Derek tackles this topic using scriptural references – and comparing the Western church with the New Testament pattern.

Today Derek helps you see that God’s final purpose is not just to bless His people but to make His people a blessing. God sees the agony and confusion of our modern world. He’s not indifferent. He’s concerned. But what is He doing? He’s working in a very systematic and methodical way.

Today Derek speaks about the vine as presented in the book of Joel – and that is the Church. The restoration of the church is on a parallel with the fig tree: Israel. It’s part of God’s intervention on behalf of His people at the close of the age.

At the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Derek looked at all the scraps of paper inserted in its cracks and crevices and thought that sometimes there seems to be no answer to our needs. The Lord responded that one day He would answer all those prayer requests. So look up.

Today Derek dives into the prophecy found in the book of Joel and draws out with great clarity God’s end-time plan to restore the people with whom He has established a covenant—both Israel and the Church. Today’s message about the restoration of Israel was very clear and easy to understand.

In the midst of all the turmoil around us, we can have confidence that God is working out His master plan and His plan centers in His people. As people committed to Him we can have confidence that God’s ultimate purpose restoration. And, our participating in God’s program for the close of the age hinges on one word—the word “repentance.”

Today’s topic covers the last remaining form of spiritual fruit—the fruit of self-control. In some versions of the Bible, the word used is temperance, but that word is over 350 years old. In contemporary English today, “temperance” is often associated with abstinence from alcohol. However, the Greek word includes abstinence in every area of our lives. It not merely prohibits excessive indulgence in alcohol but just as much excessive indulgence in food, that is, gluttony or overeating.

Today Derek will speak about the fruit of faith or faithfulness. There are three types of faith: faith to live by, the gift of faith, and the fruit of faith, which is an aspect of character, something that must be carefully cultivated. In some versions of the Bible this is translated “faith,” in others it’s translated “faithfulness.” These are like the two sides of one coin. On one side is depending—that’s faith. On the other side being dependable—that’s faithfulness.