Divine Appointment

The concept of divine appointment refers to the belief that God orchestrates events and encounters in the lives of individuals according to His sovereign will and purpose. This theological understanding is rooted in the belief that God is actively involved in the world and in the lives of His people, guiding them toward His intended purposes.

Scripture provides numerous examples of divine appointments. One notable instance is the meeting between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. The Holy Spirit directs Philip to go to a specific road where he encounters the eunuch reading the book of Isaiah. This meeting results in the eunuch's conversion and baptism, demonstrating God's orchestration of events for the spread of the Gospel.

Another example is the account of Esther, who becomes queen at a critical time for the Jewish people. Mordecai, her cousin, suggests that her rise to royalty was for a divine purpose: "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Esther's position allows her to intercede for her people, highlighting God's providential arrangement.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of divine appointments in his ministry. In Acts 16:6-10, Paul and his companions are prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in certain regions, only to receive a vision calling them to Macedonia. This redirection leads to the establishment of the church in Philippi, illustrating God's guidance in missionary work.

Order

The concept of order in the Bible is closely related to the nature of God as a God of order and not of chaos. This is evident from the creation narrative, where God brings order out of chaos, forming the heavens and the earth in a structured manner over six days (Genesis 1). The creation account reflects God's intentional design and purpose, establishing a pattern for the natural world.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes order within the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:33, he writes, "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints" . Paul instructs the Corinthian church to conduct their worship services in an orderly manner, ensuring that everything is done for edification and in accordance with God's character.

Order is also evident in the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a framework for righteous living, reflecting God's order for human relationships and society. The laws given to Israel establish a covenantal order, guiding the nation in holiness and justice.

Furthermore, the concept of divine order extends to the roles and relationships within the family and the church. Ephesians 5:22-33 outlines the order within marriage, with Christ as the head of the church and husbands as the head of their wives, emphasizing mutual love and respect. Similarly, church leadership is structured with elders and deacons to maintain order and shepherd the congregation (1 Timothy 3:1-13).

In summary, divine appointment and order are integral themes in the Bible, reflecting God's sovereignty and purposeful design in creation, history, and the lives of His people. These concepts underscore the belief that God is actively involved in guiding and structuring the world according to His divine will.