How do we know that ministers are appointed by God?
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Ministers are appointed by God and function as wise master-builders, guided by His Word to construct the church according to divine patterns.
The appointment of ministers is grounded in the sovereign grace of God, where He equips individuals to serve as builders of His church. This concept is significantly illustrated through scriptural metaphors; ministers act as wise master-builders, shaping the church by adhering strictly to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. As Paul states, 'According to the grace of God which is given me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation' (1 Corinthians 3:10). This foundational aspect implies a divine calling matched with responsibility to lay a solid theological groundwork, ensuring that all aspects of ministry align with Scripture, upheld as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. Additionally, the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as the chief Builder further reinforces that ministers work under divine authority.
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