04/08/23 GOD PROVIDES GODLY, SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

04/08/23  GOD PROVIDES GODLY, SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

Paul called the elders of the church at Ephesus together and charged them to take heed to themselves (to watch over themselves) and also the believers whom the Holy Spirit had put under their leadership and authority, and to feed the flock on the word of God, because grievous wolves would come in and destroy the flock after Paul's departure.

There are other places that the New Testament tells believers to come under spiritual leadership and authority. And remember, when Paul first came to Christ and was then taught personally by Christ, he then sought out and submitted himself to the message of the Apostles.

IF PAUL NEEDED TO RECOGNIZE THE AUTHORITY OF LEGITIMATE LEADERSHIP AND AUTHORITY, THEN EVERYONE SHOULD RECOGNIZE BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP AND AUTHORITY.

It is Biblical. No one has a right to profess faith in Christ or claim salvation if they are not accepting Biblical directives on how to live in submission to God's appointed leaders and authority.

Biblical leadership and authority is found in God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), God's word (the Holy Bible), Christian heads of households, local church leadership (pastors, elders, deacons), local church bodies of believers.

Legitimate leadership and authority does not disagree with God or His word, and will always strive for unity and peace within the local body. Mutual submission to legitimate leadership and authority is the standard for believers.

Abandoning Biblical leadership and authority is a major step in abandoning salvation.