*THE PRIESTHOOD OFFICE*

(Numbers 3:10-11) And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest’s office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

(Hebrews 5:4) And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

The Priesthood office or Ministerial position of the five-fold ministry was and still is a God ordained ministry purposely for those who are Fore-ordained to take on this office. The bible hinted that

(James 3:1) My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”

That is, anyone can easily make himself a master over the flock and not necessarily being rightful positioned by God. The mystery of iniquity is this:

That men put their will above the Perfect Will of God. No matter how man works behind it in the beauty of the eyes, it will still receive this rebuff from the Lord that; `

(Matthew 7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

In the book of Ephesian, Apostle Paul said: Ephesians 4:7- 8

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

It is clear that these ministerial gifts are Grace given to the church of God. But today many false preachers have turned this grace to be a disgrace to the church because they are not ordained in the perfect Will of God to be in that position. This office is also known as *ASCENSION GIFTS* ministry which is given wholly by God and not man -appointed.

This century and the past decades, have seen proliferation of Women taking Fivefold ministerial positions. The bible clearly stated that *Gave gifts unto men* . From the old Testament to the new testament, priesthood office was ordained for sons and not daughters

(1 Tim 2: 11-12). Today, we see so many women, especially women who have been identified as pastors` wives taking on a fivefold ministerial position in the religious system. Being a wife of a pastor is not a guarantee to become a Pastor or holding a Priesthood office. Women can witness about the adulterated word of God to this sinful generation as seen in the example of Anna, Mary and Priscilla.

More so God’s approach to priesthood is not according to inheritance, children of a man of God who holds this God-given Fivefold ministry does not necessarily become a Pastor or any of the fivefold ministerial office based on inheritance…

The approach to overseership is solely by the holy ghost. (Jeremiah 3:15) And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding …

(Acts 20:28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own_ blood

It is the *holy ghost* who put people to these positions and not by inheritance. Apostle Paul hinted that, no man taketh this honor unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron, so we can read from the inference that it is *GOD -ORDAINED* position.

The real problem of the religious world is the pulpit and the moment the devil gets hold of it; it is disastrous.

(Jeremiah 12:10) Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.  

(Jeremiah 23:2) Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

What about you the church member, you owe it as a responsibility to identify those who labor among you and pray for them.

(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; 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

God be with us all.

BRO STEPHEN AWITTOR, CAPE COAST, GHANA.