It is time that our God-Sent leaders are recognized as the gifts that God has placed within the church to help perfect, encourage and build the church. Until leaders are respected as Gods servants to the church and are recognized as being set in their position by God can the members expect to be fully blessed with Gods approval. There have been many examples in the bible that teach us that leaders are to be prayed for and received as Gods anointed. I am not saying that they are to be put on a pedestal and worshipped or in anyway. But I am saying they should be cared for and obeyed according to Gods Word.

Scriptures referring to respect for leaders are listed here:

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

See also Romans 12, 1 Timothy 5:17-19, Ephesians 4:11

There are many women who served in ministry with Paul. We find scriptures in Romans 16 concerning this. There are also teachings concerning husbands and wives in which women were exhorted to submit to their own husbands and show them public respect in church gatherings. Nowhere in the word are women forbidden to minister and share the witness of Gods word. John 4--the woman at the well. Jesus sent Mary and Martha ahead to tell the disciples He had risen. Philip had four daughters in Acts 21:9 that prophesied. In the Old Testament Deborah was a judge in Israel ruling by Gods wisdom and even went forth into battle. (Judges 4:4) Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Anna (Luke 2:36) Daughters prophesy (Joel 2:28) also Acts 2:17. It is not that women should try to rule over men, but they need to recognize their headship God has given them in the home and not to disrespect them in the church services or embarrass them. If a woman has a dominating spirit over her husband, she is out of order. May God give us all wisdom concerning Gods order.

But if a woman be chosen of God, she cannot help but to obey Him no matter what people say. Thank God there are women and men in Gods work. No one can love and care for people as a mother can, if she be godly.

Being a pastor or called for any ministry gift to the church is an awesome responsibility. It is an office to take seriously. Leaders will give account for what they have taught the people in word and deed. They should be supported and lifted up in prayer because the vision for the ministry begins with them. God reveals His purpose through His leaders, they in turn share that purpose with the congregation. Study the call of Moses for more insight. God spake to Moses and Moses spake to the people. I know God can speak to any child He has and He will if He chooses them for a specific work, but it will always be confirmed through and to the one set to lead the congregation. Timing and obedience is always necessary to know by the Spirit of God. Just as Samuel anointed David to be Israels king but it was years before David was set to be king. I call this a post-dated anointing. We can always feel that we have a call or purpose, then God will reveal, but then He anoints and prepares His vessels. Our everyday situations, our trials, our childhood, most of the time is used in preparing us for a similar word for God. For instance delivered drug addicts can minister to those in need of deliverance from drugs. It is just natural to want to help those with similar needs as ourselves.

This is such a wonderful study! One that will require alot of digging and organizing. There is so much to this. The reason we do not thoroughly enjoy the blessings of God many times in certain areas of our lives, even in the church services, is that we don't fully acknowledge His Headship and order. Some may call order strictness or fanaticism, but God is pleased when we reverence His word concerning order. Could you imagine the creation being out of order. The sun shining at night, the moon rising in the morning. Out of the question, now God looks at His church and wants to set it in order. Lets be obedient to Him. Now back to our study.

Gods order was always, He cannot be approached without the offering of a sacrifice. The blood sacrifice. Without it no peace between God and man could be made. This was Gods order. He sent Jesus to be the blood sacrifice for all. We have peace with God through Jesus. This is Gods order, no other way. (Romans 5:1)

2. Cleansing. Sanctification. Holiness. Separation Baptism. All of these words describe Gods command for order in our way of living. Not only does He want pure hearts, but clean bodies. Bodies that are not defiled with the acts of sinfulness. 2 Corinthians 7:1 John 15:1-11 Galatians 5:19-26 2 Peter 1:3-12 1 Peter 1:13-16

1 Peter 2:1-5 1 Thessalonians 4:4 Isaiah 1:16 James 4:6 Leviticus 10:10 difference between the clean and unclean. Acts 2:38 Mark 16:16 Must be baptized.

3.Obedience, Filled with the Spirit, bearing fruit (soul-winning, fruit of the Spirit). John 14:15,21 Deuteronomy 11:27 blessing to obey Acts 5:29,32

Romans 6:16 We obey God as we obey His Word. John 15:1-16 Ephesians 5:18, Acts 9:17.

The church can't really get in order until individual lives are set in order. Take this personally and we will continue on Gods house in order.

Things in order: Individual lives.

Families.

Churches

Government