Authority in God's Church

Book excerpt: This is a discussion of the overall chain of command or authority in a Christian church. It discuses the relationship between God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Prophecy, human leaders, and the believer. It discuses the problems that arise when the proper chain is not maintained, and the consequences of such disruptions. Chapter Titles: Preface Introduction Christ’s Representative on Earth The Need for Organization Leadership’s Relation to Authority How Leaders Are to Do Their Work Unity In the Church Working Against the Church Church Discipline Conflict God on the Throne—He Guides God’s Direct Guidance Will Increase Independence From Authority Counsel Together Obedience to God’s Authority The Results of Obedience to God’s Authority Usurpation of God’s Authority The Results of Usurping God’s Authority God’s Reproof of His Church The Response to Reproof Examples of Relationship to Authority Appendix A Appendix B