No attempt should be made to set up standards of membership or to make, or attempt to enforce, rules or regulations for local church operations that are contrary to these decisions, adopted by the General Conference in Session and that are set forth in this Church Manual (pp. 17-18).
Read moreResisting Church Authority Abuse 2: Who are the Watchmen?
When a religious entity exceeds its just authorities, that religious entity itself is subject to correction. The very idea of “Protestant” in itself says that protest and resistance to the abuse of spiritual authority is proper.
Read moreWho Will Hold Our Leaders Accountable?
What does it mean to be a priesthood of believers? Should church leadership be allowed to speak for the individual conscience of its membership? Especially when the church believes itself to be the most advanced denomination of the Protestant reformation?
Read moreA Response to The January 26 Adventist Review Article on Covid-19 and Church Governance
The October 25, 2021 Reaffirmation Statement begins with soothing words about searching the Scriptures and being led by your conscience, but then affirms the GC’s support for mandates that cut across and deny the consciences of the members.
Read moreBiblical Authority: What is Caesar’s & What is God’s?
The Nazi general declared: “You are under Nazi authority now!” This Christian turned to the man and simply replied, “But you will leave the stars in the sky. And they will continue to proclaim that there is a God who created the world and all that is in it!”
Read moreWhat Was in the Ark of the Covenant? (Part 2). Understanding Hebrews 9:1-5
Remember, Paul emphasizes that he is not speaking about the details. In Hebrew 9 he is simply comparing the High Priestly service of Jesus in heaven to the service of the high priest on earth. That is his main goal and reason for argumentation.
Read moreWhat Was in the Ark of the Covenant?
The next morning the rod of Aaron bloomed. And then we read that the Lord commands to bring the rod again before the testimony to be kept as a perpetual remembrance.
Read moreWho Gives You The Right?
What is the highest authority in the local church? Is it the pastor, the Conference, or maybe an elder? No. The highest authority lies with the church members themselves. They are the constituency of the local church.
Read moreChurch Leadership and Lay Member Involvement (Part 2)
The Church officers group, has at times, become a “good old boys club” that rigorously protect themselves at election time.
Read moreA Biblical Basis for Church Governance and Authority
No power or authority within the church can claim independent or unilateral legitimacy in view of this model of interdependence established by the Chief Shepherd.
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