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• Adebola Ayoade

  

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  January 14, 2016 1:12 PM CET

  John Alexander Dowie (The Healing Apostle!)

  Because of hostility by denominational leaders, Dowie constantly found himself on the defensive.

  He decided to start his own ministry. In a letter to his wife on his decision on independent minstry, he said the political system of his denominational church has: “killed initiative and individual energy, made men denominational tools or worse, caused them to become worldly minded, and left them high and dry and useless for the most part – good ships, but badly steered and terribly overladen with worldliness and apathy”

  Dowie came to realise that revival was possible if the church could be awakened. He determined that his mission would reach the uncared for and perishing masses of the city with the revelation that Christ was the same yesterday, today and forever.

  In 1878, Dowie broke from his denomination and secured the Royal Theartre in Sydney to begin an independent ministry.

  Part of Dowie's call was to deal with moral evils. A strong stance on morals usually goes with a strong healing ministry. (Sin causes much of sickness and disease).

  With time, Dowie's leadership gained strong national influence. So seeing his potential and knowing his stand, the Temperance Society asked him to run for Parliament. At first, he hesistated but he later agreed thinking it will increase his opportunity to influence more in the political arena.

  Dowie was moved by such strong spiritual yearnings that he sought to fulfill them in the natural. Whatever his reason, he misread the timing and the plan of God for his ministry.

  Words from the Author: We need to understand that God has a central point from which every aspect of our lives operate, whether individually or corporately. That area is called “Timing.” From the operation of that one word, lives can move forward with God or be hindered. Nations can advance spiritually or regress. Life in the spirit realm has a timing to it just like life in the natural. Therefore, it is vitally important for us to follow the leading of our spirit. We must learn that it's not always right to move into action because it seems like the thing to do. This kind of obedience only comes from seasons of prayer and intercession.

  ...to be continued.

  Reference: Liardon, R. (1996). God's Generals: Why they succeeded and why some failed. California, USA: Whitaker House.