In the biblical context, a "Divine Appointment" refers to a meeting or event orchestrated by God, often for the purpose of fulfilling His divine will or plan. These appointments are seen as moments where God's providence intersects with human lives, leading to significant spiritual or historical outcomes. The concept underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the world.

One of the most notable examples of a divine appointment is found in the account of 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 Ethiopian official reading the book of Isaiah. This meeting results in the eunuch's conversion and baptism, illustrating how God orchestrates events for the spread of the Gospel.

Another example is the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:1-42. Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria and His conversation with the woman lead to a significant spiritual awakening in her life and the lives of many in her town. This event highlights how divine appointments can break cultural barriers and bring about transformation.

The account of Esther also exemplifies divine appointment. Esther 4:14 states, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther's position as queen is seen as divinely appointed to save her people from destruction.

Divine appointments are not limited to biblical narratives but are believed to occur in the lives of believers today. They are often recognized in hindsight, as individuals reflect on how certain events or encounters have shaped their spiritual journey or fulfilled God's purposes.

Holiness

Holiness is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the nature of God and His call for His people to be set apart for His purposes. The concept of holiness encompasses purity, moral integrity, and separation from sin. It is both an attribute of God and a standard to which believers are called.

The holiness of God is foundational to understanding biblical holiness. In Isaiah 6:3 , the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes God's absolute purity and otherness. God's holiness is also evident in His moral perfection and His separation from sin.

Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call to holiness is reiterated in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Holiness involves both a positional and practical aspect. Positionally, believers are made holy through their union with Christ, as seen in Hebrews 10:10 : "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Practically, holiness is a process of sanctification, where believers grow in Christlikeness and moral purity through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The pursuit of holiness requires intentional effort and reliance on God's grace. Romans 12:1-2 urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Holiness is not merely an individual pursuit but has communal implications. The church is called to be a holy community, reflecting God's character to the world. Ephesians 5:25-27 describes Christ's work in sanctifying the church, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless."

In summary, holiness is a defining characteristic of God and a calling for His people, encompassing both a state of being and a way of living that aligns with God's will and character.