ACTS 20:18-38
The issue of “authority” is not just delicate or sensitive, but it’s also viewed with suspicion, controversy and cynicism. But authority, whether in the secular or among Christians, it remains critical. Believers who are not committed to authority CAN NOT submit to authority. If a believer can not relate to authority in the church, he or she can not relate to God and His systems. God places high premium on authority because He created it.
“All authority originates from God”.
‘Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves”.
(Romans 13:1-2)
Church authority must be understood by every believer. It is the entire basis of our relationship with Christ. “Authority” means, the right to command and enforce obedience. Rebellion disrespects all authority. Rebellion is “the unwillingness to be ruled by any other than self”. Rebellion is an indiscriminate contempt towards authority. The believer’s attitude towards Christ as his or her Lord is directly associated with his or her attitude towards authority. Jesus Christ can not be fully “Lord” over a person who harbours rebellion towards authority. The Bible says, “Rebellion is as sin of witchcraft”. (1 Samuel 15:23)
How about corrupt authority?
The basic reason authority can be corrupted is because of the absence of Godly morals and values, especially in the church. If church leaders lack morals, there will be abuses and perversions in the church or government. When Peter and John were forbidden to preach the gospel by the corrupt Jews and Sanhedrin, they replied; “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than Him? We can not stop telling about everything we have seen and heard”( Acts 4:19-20)
No Christian can claim to be committed to Christ if he or she can not submit to church authority.
To be cont..
Stay blessed always and remember to love someone and mean it.
#sociallysignificant #Lukebarson #Libertybreakfast
Rev. Prophet Luke Luki Barson is the Senior Pastor at Liberty House Christian Centre at Tema Community 25.
He has studied at the University of Ghana, the Methodist University College and the Christian Service University College.
He is currently a PhD student at the University of South Africa.
Source: BestNewsGH.com
