Grand Chief General of the Grand Master
Ariki-nui Kawenata CROWN
The Grand Chief General of the Grand Master is elected for a term of one year. According to the Constitution, as the religious Superior and Sovereign, he must fully dedicate himself to the development of the works of the Order and to set an example of living by Christian principles, to all the members of the Order.
|
The government of the Sovereign Order of Aotearoha has a similar structure to state governments. However, it also includes specific features associated with its nature as a lay religious order, as well as particular terminology evolved from history. The head of the Order of Aotearoha is 'The Grand Master' IO Matua Te Runga Rawa. The Grand Chief General, Ariki-nui Kawenata CROWN [known as a Prince Of Peace] who governs both as sovereign and as religious superior, and is assisted by the Sovereign Council, which he chairs. The Grand Chief General is a Member of the Knights of Aotearoha and Head of the Defense Protectorate and a Defender of the Faith.
The Sovereign Council is elected for a term of five years and is made up of the Grand Commander (the religious superior of the Order’s religious members); Grand Chancellor (Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Interior); Grand Hospitaller (Minister for Humanitarian Affairs & International Cooperation); Receiver of the Common Treasure (Minister of Finance), together with twenty other members, all elected by the Chapter Grand Chief General.
Although these titles reflect centuries of tradition they are also roles consistent with 21st century needs. In its unique nature as sovereign and humanitarian institution the Order of Aotearoha, led by its government, continuously intervenes in new areas, responding to requests for humanitarian aid.
Through its diplomatic missions, the Sovereign Order’s government works towards the establishment of new cooperation agreements with other states in the healthcare and humanitarian field.
The Order of Aotearoha’s system of governance is divided into three powers: legislative power rests with the Grand Master and Sovereign Council for non-constitutional matters; with the Chapter Grand Chief General – a representative body of members – as far as constitutional rules are concerned, executive power, which resides with the Sovereign Council; and judicial power, which is in the hands of the Courts of the Order.
The Sovereign Council is elected for a term of five years and is made up of the Grand Commander (the religious superior of the Order’s religious members); Grand Chancellor (Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Interior); Grand Hospitaller (Minister for Humanitarian Affairs & International Cooperation); Receiver of the Common Treasure (Minister of Finance), together with twenty other members, all elected by the Chapter Grand Chief General.
Although these titles reflect centuries of tradition they are also roles consistent with 21st century needs. In its unique nature as sovereign and humanitarian institution the Order of Aotearoha, led by its government, continuously intervenes in new areas, responding to requests for humanitarian aid.
Through its diplomatic missions, the Sovereign Order’s government works towards the establishment of new cooperation agreements with other states in the healthcare and humanitarian field.
The Order of Aotearoha’s system of governance is divided into three powers: legislative power rests with the Grand Master and Sovereign Council for non-constitutional matters; with the Chapter Grand Chief General – a representative body of members – as far as constitutional rules are concerned, executive power, which resides with the Sovereign Council; and judicial power, which is in the hands of the Courts of the Order.
Body of Governance
The Council Complete of State meets to elect the Grand Master or the Grand Chief General of the Grand Master. The election of the Grand Master requires a majority plus one of those present entitled to vote, as provided for in Art. 23 of the Order of Aotearoha Constitution. Among the holders of voting rights are the Grand Chief General of the Grand Master or Interim Grand Chief General, the members of the Sovereign Council, the Prelate, the Priors, the professed Bailiffs, two professed Knights delegated by each Priory and fifteen representatives of the National Associations.
Chapter Grand Chief General
The Chapter Grand Chief General represents the Supreme Assembly of Knights and meets every five years to elect the members of the Sovereign Council, the Government Council and the Board of Auditors, to amend the Constitution and Code as appropriate and to discuss important issues such as spiritual status, the humanitarian activities program and international relations of the Order. It is composed, among others, of representatives of Order bodies in the world: Grand Priories, Sub-priories and National Associations.
In the 11th century the Knights of Malta, known then as ‘Knights Hospitaller’, established a hospital in Jerusalem to care for pilgrims of any religious faith or origin. The work of the hospitallers grew in fame and in 1113 Pope Paschal II officially recognised the monastic community as a lay religious order. The Pope identified the Hospitaller Gerard as the Order’s founder, together with an established group of monks – the ‘Professed’ – who are still at the heart of the Order of Malta today.
The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem, commonly the Teutonic Order, is a Catholic religious order founded as a military order c. 1192 in Acre, Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Teutonic Order was formed to aid Christians on their pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to establish hospitals.
Throughout the centuries the number of members coming from all over Europe continued to grow and contributed to the strengthening of the Order during its presence in Rhodes (1310-1522) and in Malta (1530-1798).
While members of the Order of Malta in former times traditionally belonged to the aristocracy, the emphasis today is on a nobility of spirit and conduct. The 13,500 Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta remain true to its inspiring principles, summarised in the motto “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum” – nurturing, witnessing and protecting the faith and serving the poor and the sick – which become reality through humanitarian projects and social assistance in 120 countries. Members must demonstrate dedication to these principles and are admitted country-by-country through Priories and national Associations.
The three Classes
According to the Constitution, the members of the Order of Malta are divided into three Classes. The members are to conduct their lives in an exemplary manner in conformity with the teachings and precepts of the Catholic Church and to devote themselves to the assistance activities of the Order.
Members of the First Class are Knights of Justice, or Professed Knights, and the Professed Conventual Chaplains, who have made vows of “poverty, chastity and obedience aspiring to perfection according to the Gospel”. They are religious according to Canon Law but are not obliged to live in community.
The members of the Second Class, by virtue of the Promise of Obedience, are committed to living according to Christian principles and the inspiring principles of the Order. They are subdivided into three categories:
– Knights and Dames of Honour and Devotion in Obedience
– Knights and Dames of Grace and Devotion in Obedience
– Knights and Dames of Magistral Grace in Obedience
The Third Class consists of lay members who do not profess religious vows or the Promise, but who live according to the principles of the Church and of the Order. They are divided into six categories:
– Knights and Dames of Honour and Devotion
– Conventual Chaplains ad honorem
– Knights and Dames of Grace and Devotion
– Magistral Chaplains
– Knights and Dames of Magistral Grace
– Donats (male and female) of Devotion
The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem, commonly the Teutonic Order, is a Catholic religious order founded as a military order c. 1192 in Acre, Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Teutonic Order was formed to aid Christians on their pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to establish hospitals.
Throughout the centuries the number of members coming from all over Europe continued to grow and contributed to the strengthening of the Order during its presence in Rhodes (1310-1522) and in Malta (1530-1798).
While members of the Order of Malta in former times traditionally belonged to the aristocracy, the emphasis today is on a nobility of spirit and conduct. The 13,500 Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta remain true to its inspiring principles, summarised in the motto “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum” – nurturing, witnessing and protecting the faith and serving the poor and the sick – which become reality through humanitarian projects and social assistance in 120 countries. Members must demonstrate dedication to these principles and are admitted country-by-country through Priories and national Associations.
The three Classes
According to the Constitution, the members of the Order of Malta are divided into three Classes. The members are to conduct their lives in an exemplary manner in conformity with the teachings and precepts of the Catholic Church and to devote themselves to the assistance activities of the Order.
Members of the First Class are Knights of Justice, or Professed Knights, and the Professed Conventual Chaplains, who have made vows of “poverty, chastity and obedience aspiring to perfection according to the Gospel”. They are religious according to Canon Law but are not obliged to live in community.
The members of the Second Class, by virtue of the Promise of Obedience, are committed to living according to Christian principles and the inspiring principles of the Order. They are subdivided into three categories:
– Knights and Dames of Honour and Devotion in Obedience
– Knights and Dames of Grace and Devotion in Obedience
– Knights and Dames of Magistral Grace in Obedience
The Third Class consists of lay members who do not profess religious vows or the Promise, but who live according to the principles of the Church and of the Order. They are divided into six categories:
– Knights and Dames of Honour and Devotion
– Conventual Chaplains ad honorem
– Knights and Dames of Grace and Devotion
– Magistral Chaplains
– Knights and Dames of Magistral Grace
– Donats (male and female) of Devotion
Sovereign Council
The Sovereign Council is the government of the Order. It is composed of the Grand Master, the holders of the four High Offices (Grand Commander, Grand Chancellor, Grand Hospitaller and Receiver of the Common Treasure) and twenty other members. Apart from the Grand Master, they are elected by the Chapter Grand Chief General, by a majority of the Knights present. The Sovereign Council is called by the Grand Master and meets at the seat of the Order at least six times a year and whenever special circumstances require it.
Council Governance
This is the advisory board to the Sovereign Council in charge of studying political, religious, humanitarian assistance and international issues. It is convened and chaired by the Grand Master and is composed of six Councillors from various geographical regions elected by the Chapter Grand Chief General among Knights in the three Classes of the Order. It meets at least twice a year.
Board of Auditors
Is in charge of overseeing and auditing the income, the expenditures and all the assets of the Order. It consists of a President, four ordinary Councillors and two alternates, elected by the Chapter Grand Chief General, from amongst Knights with particular expertise in legal, economic and financial disciplines. It also serves as an advisory board of the Receiver of the Common Treasure.
Board of Communications
The Communication Board supervises the internal and external communication activities of the Order and assists the Grand Chancellor in the development and implementation of communication program. It is composed of a President and six Councillors chosen from members of the Order, competent in various sectors of communication, management, public relations and mass-media.
Judicial Council
This is an expert advisory collegial body that may advise the Grand Master, subject to consultation with the Sovereign Council, on relevant lawful and legal issues. It meets at the seat of the Order and is composed of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Secretary General and four members. These are appointed by the Grand Master with the advice of the Sovereign Council ideally from members of the Order, and are law experts, particularly in Order Ecclesiastical Law, Sovereign Law, public and international rule of law and Canon Law.
Magistrate Courts
Pursuant to the Code, the Magistrate Courts exercise the jurisdictional function of court of first resort and of appeal. The Presidents of the Court, the Justices and the Chancellor are appointed by the Grand Master, with the deciding vote of the Sovereign Council, among 12 Jury Order members with legal expertise. Trial procedures, except for directives set forth by the Code, are subject to the rules of civil procedure of the State of the Vatican City. Upon written request of States or international law entities, the Magistrate Courts may also act as an arbitration venue for international controversies.
The Office of Advocate General
The Office of Advocate General provides legal assistance pursuant to the Code and is made up of independent members of the legal profession of eminent repute who are experts in law and versed in the traditions and customs of the Order. It is composed of the Advocate General and two alternates who are appointed by the Grand Master with the Sovereign Council for a period of three years renewable.
The Sovereign Council assists the Grand Chief General of the Grand Master in the government of the Order of Aotearoha. It is composed of the Grand Chief General of the Grand Master, who presides over it, the holders of the four High Offices (Grand Commander, Grand Chancellor, Grand Hospitaller and Receiver of the Common Treasure) and twenty members.
Apart from the Grand Chief General of the Grand Master, they are elected for a five-year term by the Chapter Grand Chief General.
The Sovereign Council is called by the Grand Chief General of the Grand Master and meets at the seat of the Order of Aotearoha at least six times a year and whenever special circumstances require it.
Grand Master
H.E. Io nui-Io Supreme God Most High, IO Matua Te Runga Rawa
Grand Chief General of the Grand Master
H.E. Io Tama, Ariki-nui Kawenata CROWN aka; Gavin John Marsich
Aotearoha Knights of the Round Table - Each State has 24 Knights
4 SOVEREIGN COUNCIL (2019-2024)
Grand Commander
H.E. To be Advised
Grand Chancellor
H.E. To be Advised
Grand Hospitaller
H.E. To be Advised
Receiver of the Common Treasure
H.E. To be Advised
20 MEMBERS
H.E. Chief Executive Officer
H.E. Chief Secretary General of State
H.E. Chief Finance Officer & Accounts Management
H.E. Chief Head of Security & Protectorate of the Realm
H.E. Chief Spiritual Advisor
H.E. Chief Minister of Supreme Justice
H.E. Chief Lawful Counsel & Legal Administration
H.E. Chief Holistic Health, Wellness & Medical Safety Advisor
H.E. Chief Agri-culture, Aqua-culture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries and Sea Life Harvesting Advisor
H.E. Chief Cooperatives (COOP's), Commerce, Industry, Economic Development Advisor
H.E. Chief Transport, Land, Sea, Air, Space Logistics Advisor
H.E. Chief State High-rise Housing Development & Communal Living Advisor
H.E. Chief True Potential Cultural Learning Advisor
H.E. Chief Humanitarian Projects Advisor
H.E. Chief Communications & Entertainment Bureau Advisor
H.E. Chief Food, Beverage & Molecular Water Advisor
H.E. Chief environment recycle waste & laser furnace disposal Advisor
H.E. Chief Science & Technology Research Advisor
H.E. Chief Skilled Labor Work Force & Prisoner Time Exchange Schemes Advisor
H.E. Chief Marae & Church Advisor
Apart from the Grand Chief General of the Grand Master, they are elected for a five-year term by the Chapter Grand Chief General.
The Sovereign Council is called by the Grand Chief General of the Grand Master and meets at the seat of the Order of Aotearoha at least six times a year and whenever special circumstances require it.
Grand Master
H.E. Io nui-Io Supreme God Most High, IO Matua Te Runga Rawa
Grand Chief General of the Grand Master
H.E. Io Tama, Ariki-nui Kawenata CROWN aka; Gavin John Marsich
Aotearoha Knights of the Round Table - Each State has 24 Knights
4 SOVEREIGN COUNCIL (2019-2024)
Grand Commander
H.E. To be Advised
Grand Chancellor
H.E. To be Advised
Grand Hospitaller
H.E. To be Advised
Receiver of the Common Treasure
H.E. To be Advised
20 MEMBERS
H.E. Chief Executive Officer
H.E. Chief Secretary General of State
H.E. Chief Finance Officer & Accounts Management
H.E. Chief Head of Security & Protectorate of the Realm
H.E. Chief Spiritual Advisor
H.E. Chief Minister of Supreme Justice
H.E. Chief Lawful Counsel & Legal Administration
H.E. Chief Holistic Health, Wellness & Medical Safety Advisor
H.E. Chief Agri-culture, Aqua-culture, Horticulture, Forestry, Fisheries and Sea Life Harvesting Advisor
H.E. Chief Cooperatives (COOP's), Commerce, Industry, Economic Development Advisor
H.E. Chief Transport, Land, Sea, Air, Space Logistics Advisor
H.E. Chief State High-rise Housing Development & Communal Living Advisor
H.E. Chief True Potential Cultural Learning Advisor
H.E. Chief Humanitarian Projects Advisor
H.E. Chief Communications & Entertainment Bureau Advisor
H.E. Chief Food, Beverage & Molecular Water Advisor
H.E. Chief environment recycle waste & laser furnace disposal Advisor
H.E. Chief Science & Technology Research Advisor
H.E. Chief Skilled Labor Work Force & Prisoner Time Exchange Schemes Advisor
H.E. Chief Marae & Church Advisor
|
|
THEOCRATIC, PATRIARCHAL SYSTEM
NEW JERUSALEM - SATELITE CITY
HEAVENLY REALM
GOD IHOWAA - YAHUAH (ABBA YAH) / SUPREME RULER
IO NUI IO / EL ELYON
(IMMA YAH) RUACH HA KODESH (WAIRUA TAPU)
YAHUSHUA HA MASHIACH (IHU KARAITI)
LORD of lords, KING of kings
:Gavin-John: :Maršićh:®©™ aka :Ariki-nui-Kawenata: :Crown:®©™
|
PROTECTORATE / GUARDIAN ANGELS
Seraphim
Cherubim
Thrones
Dominions or Lordships
Virtues or Strongholds
Powers or Authorities
Principalities or Rulers
Archangels
|
DIVINE GOVERNMENT
GUARDIANS OF DIVINITY / AD-MINISTERS
FOUR AND TWENTY ELDERS / UPPER HOUSE COUNSEL
KAITIAKI PUTEA TRUST (CREDIT ARM)
Section 212 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Revenue (Tithe)
Auditing, Record Keeping, Accounting
Economic Development
Risk Management Group
Crowd Funding
Accident Insurance
Fees & Charges
Banking
Insurance
Policy Advisor Group
Asset Management
|
FOUR AND TWENTY ARIKI / HIGH PRIESTS LOWER HOUSE COUNSEL
OVERSEERS OF THE VINEYARD
|
12 TRIBES / NATIONS HEADS
PROTECTORATE / KAITIAKI TRUST (MARAE SECURITY ARM)
Section 217 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Policy Enforcement
Policing
Marae Services
Civil Defence
Defence Forces
Institutions
Disarmament and Arms Control
Risk Management Group
Policy Advisory Group
Loremen
Peace Officers
Public Services
|
CHURCH LEADERS / BODY OF CHRIST
TOHUNGA - RANGATIRA - AHIKA - MATEKITE
KAITIAKI WHANAU TRUST (MARAE JUSTICE ARM) 144,000 - 12 x 12,000
Section 214 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Courts
Corrections
Security
Policing
Policy Enforcement
Court Bailiffs & Sheriffs
Detention Centres
Probation Services
Transport
Marae-based Programmes
Law Society, i.e, Law Making Body
Legislation
Legislation Process
Laws, Statutes, Bills (Proposed Bills)
Risk Management Group
Policy Advisory Group
Public Services
|
EARTHLY REALM
INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL LEADERS
KAITIAKI TOPU WHENUA TRUST (INTERNAL ARM)
Section 216 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Resource Management
Cooperatives
Education
Hapu Services (archives)
Sports, Fitness, Leisure
Health & Well-Being
Social Services
Accidents
Employment
Disability Issues
Infrastructure
Media & Entertainment
Energy
Sea, Air & Land Transport
Waste Management
Food
Industry
Housing
Clean Water
Immigration
Risk Management Group
Policy Advisory Group
|
LOCAL OFFICIALS
KAITIAKI AHU WHENUA TRUST (COMMERCIAL ARM)
Section 215 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Resource Management
Trade Alliances
Environment
Agriculture & Agribusiness
Fisheries
Ventures
Energy
Forestry
Rural Affairs
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Land Information
Foreign Affairs
Science & Technology
Agriculture
Small to Medium Businesses
Conservation
Trade Negotiations & Relations
Bio Security
Environ Risk Management Group
Policy Advisory Group
|
CITIZENS / CHURCH MEMBERS
COOPERATIVE BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Affiliate Referral Network Trading Partners
Church - Spiritual
Family Bonding
Community Work
Resource management
Project Housing Syndicate
Te Waka / Canoe / Country
|
Te Rōpū / Group of Tribes / National Districts
|
Te Iwi / Tribe / Local Community
|
Te Hapu / Sub Tribe / Relatives
|
Te Whanau / Family / Husband - Wife - Children
NEW JERUSALEM - SATELITE CITY
HEAVENLY REALM
GOD IHOWAA - YAHUAH (ABBA YAH) / SUPREME RULER
IO NUI IO / EL ELYON
(IMMA YAH) RUACH HA KODESH (WAIRUA TAPU)
YAHUSHUA HA MASHIACH (IHU KARAITI)
LORD of lords, KING of kings
:Gavin-John: :Maršićh:®©™ aka :Ariki-nui-Kawenata: :Crown:®©™
|
PROTECTORATE / GUARDIAN ANGELS
Seraphim
Cherubim
Thrones
Dominions or Lordships
Virtues or Strongholds
Powers or Authorities
Principalities or Rulers
Archangels
|
DIVINE GOVERNMENT
GUARDIANS OF DIVINITY / AD-MINISTERS
FOUR AND TWENTY ELDERS / UPPER HOUSE COUNSEL
KAITIAKI PUTEA TRUST (CREDIT ARM)
Section 212 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Revenue (Tithe)
Auditing, Record Keeping, Accounting
Economic Development
Risk Management Group
Crowd Funding
Accident Insurance
Fees & Charges
Banking
Insurance
Policy Advisor Group
Asset Management
|
FOUR AND TWENTY ARIKI / HIGH PRIESTS LOWER HOUSE COUNSEL
OVERSEERS OF THE VINEYARD
|
12 TRIBES / NATIONS HEADS
PROTECTORATE / KAITIAKI TRUST (MARAE SECURITY ARM)
Section 217 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Policy Enforcement
Policing
Marae Services
Civil Defence
Defence Forces
Institutions
Disarmament and Arms Control
Risk Management Group
Policy Advisory Group
Loremen
Peace Officers
Public Services
|
CHURCH LEADERS / BODY OF CHRIST
TOHUNGA - RANGATIRA - AHIKA - MATEKITE
KAITIAKI WHANAU TRUST (MARAE JUSTICE ARM) 144,000 - 12 x 12,000
Section 214 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Courts
Corrections
Security
Policing
Policy Enforcement
Court Bailiffs & Sheriffs
Detention Centres
Probation Services
Transport
Marae-based Programmes
Law Society, i.e, Law Making Body
Legislation
Legislation Process
Laws, Statutes, Bills (Proposed Bills)
Risk Management Group
Policy Advisory Group
Public Services
|
EARTHLY REALM
INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL LEADERS
KAITIAKI TOPU WHENUA TRUST (INTERNAL ARM)
Section 216 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Resource Management
Cooperatives
Education
Hapu Services (archives)
Sports, Fitness, Leisure
Health & Well-Being
Social Services
Accidents
Employment
Disability Issues
Infrastructure
Media & Entertainment
Energy
Sea, Air & Land Transport
Waste Management
Food
Industry
Housing
Clean Water
Immigration
Risk Management Group
Policy Advisory Group
|
LOCAL OFFICIALS
KAITIAKI AHU WHENUA TRUST (COMMERCIAL ARM)
Section 215 of Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maori Land Act 1993/1995
Resource Management
Trade Alliances
Environment
Agriculture & Agribusiness
Fisheries
Ventures
Energy
Forestry
Rural Affairs
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Land Information
Foreign Affairs
Science & Technology
Agriculture
Small to Medium Businesses
Conservation
Trade Negotiations & Relations
Bio Security
Environ Risk Management Group
Policy Advisory Group
|
CITIZENS / CHURCH MEMBERS
COOPERATIVE BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Affiliate Referral Network Trading Partners
Church - Spiritual
Family Bonding
Community Work
Resource management
Project Housing Syndicate
Te Waka / Canoe / Country
|
Te Rōpū / Group of Tribes / National Districts
|
Te Iwi / Tribe / Local Community
|
Te Hapu / Sub Tribe / Relatives
|
Te Whanau / Family / Husband - Wife - Children
What are God-ordained authority structures?
Structures of Authority - order in the home, church, workplace, and government.
Recognizing and obeying the one in charge brings security and order to a group.
Each person looks to the leader for direction and accountability, and he or she provides guidance for working through questions or problems that arise. The one in charge is ultimately responsible for the activities and productivity of the group.
In the Bible, God outlines authority structures that provide direction for the family, church, workplace, and government. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God”(Romans 13:1).
God Is the Source of All Authority.
By virtue of Who He is as creator of all things, God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He has all power and all authority, and He entrusts roles of leadership to individuals in the family, the church, the workplace, and the government.
The orderliness we find in structures of authority reflects the order of God’s own nature. God is a Trinity: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Father sent the Son into the world as Savior and Redeemer. (See I John 4:9.) Jesus was obedient to God the Father. (See John 5:19.) When Jesus returned to heaven, He and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to comfort Jesus’ disciples, lead them in all truth, remind them of the words of Jesus, and empower them to carry out Jesus’ commission to spread the Gospel. (See John 14:26, 15:26, and Acts 1:8.)
Each member of the Trinity works within the structure of authority and fulfills a specific role, perfectly complementing the others and demonstrating God’s glory. The members are not independent of one another, but God the Father is recognized as the authority Who directs and empowers the Son and Holy Spirit to carry out His will.
Four Biblical Authority Structures
God ordained human authority in four areas and established a specific chain of command in each area. This structure does not express superiority or inferiority. Just as each member of the Trinity is essential to express the fullness of God, so within social structures each role in the chain of authority is necessary for the success of the relationship.
Everyone Is Accountable to God
Each person is accountable to God for his actions, whether he is in authority over others or in a position under authority. God is not prejudiced by culture, education, position, or wealth, and He will judge each person according to His righteous standards.
Human authorities are accountable for how they exercise their authority. They are responsible to provide protection and direction for those under their care, to punish those who do wrong, and to praise those who do well.Those under authority are accountable to God for their responses to authority. Since God placed authorities over us, to obey them is to submit to God’s design and authority in our lives.
If an authority asks us to do something that is wrong, we need to appeal to him and explain why we cannot violate God’s laws. “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24).
“. . . Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:5–7).
Accountability is a foundational premise on which all relationships are built. As children of God, children of earthly parents, parents of our own children, employees, employers, and citizens of communities, each of us must wisely carry out his responsibilities both as an instrument of authority and as one who is submitted to authority. Thus, God’s design can be implemented in our relationship with Him, our families, our communities, and our nations.
God's Kingdom, It's Structure Now and Then - Bible Facts Little Understood By Christians
Structures of Authority - order in the home, church, workplace, and government.
Recognizing and obeying the one in charge brings security and order to a group.
Each person looks to the leader for direction and accountability, and he or she provides guidance for working through questions or problems that arise. The one in charge is ultimately responsible for the activities and productivity of the group.
In the Bible, God outlines authority structures that provide direction for the family, church, workplace, and government. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God”(Romans 13:1).
God Is the Source of All Authority.
By virtue of Who He is as creator of all things, God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He has all power and all authority, and He entrusts roles of leadership to individuals in the family, the church, the workplace, and the government.
The orderliness we find in structures of authority reflects the order of God’s own nature. God is a Trinity: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Father sent the Son into the world as Savior and Redeemer. (See I John 4:9.) Jesus was obedient to God the Father. (See John 5:19.) When Jesus returned to heaven, He and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to comfort Jesus’ disciples, lead them in all truth, remind them of the words of Jesus, and empower them to carry out Jesus’ commission to spread the Gospel. (See John 14:26, 15:26, and Acts 1:8.)
Each member of the Trinity works within the structure of authority and fulfills a specific role, perfectly complementing the others and demonstrating God’s glory. The members are not independent of one another, but God the Father is recognized as the authority Who directs and empowers the Son and Holy Spirit to carry out His will.
Four Biblical Authority Structures
God ordained human authority in four areas and established a specific chain of command in each area. This structure does not express superiority or inferiority. Just as each member of the Trinity is essential to express the fullness of God, so within social structures each role in the chain of authority is necessary for the success of the relationship.
- Family: Husband—Wife—ChildrenGod entrusts husbands with the leadership of the family unit. A husband is to love his wife as he loves himself. A wife is to submit to the leadership of her husband, coming alongside him as a helpmate. Parents are responsible to train their children, and children are to honor and obey their parents. (See Ephesians 5:21–6:4 and Proverbs 6:20–21.)
- Government: National leaders—Local officials—CitizensIn Scripture we are instructed to respect and obey government authorities and ordinances and to live honorably within our communities. National leaders and local officials are to punish evildoers and honor those who do well. (See I Peter 2:13–17 and Romans 13:1–5.)
- Church: Church leaders—Church membersWithin the church, the leadership of pastors, elders, and teachers is essential for the health of the Body of Christ. Believers are to honor and respect leaders and to submit to one another and walk in humility. (See Ephesians 4:11–16, Hebrews 13:17, and I Peter 5:1–11.)
- Business: Employers—EmployeesEmployers are challenged to act with equity and care as they oversee employees, patterning their behavior after God Himself, Who is their authority. Employees are responsible to serve well, doing their work wholeheartedly as unto the Lord. (See Colossians 3:22–4:1 and I Peter 2:18.)
Everyone Is Accountable to God
Each person is accountable to God for his actions, whether he is in authority over others or in a position under authority. God is not prejudiced by culture, education, position, or wealth, and He will judge each person according to His righteous standards.
Human authorities are accountable for how they exercise their authority. They are responsible to provide protection and direction for those under their care, to punish those who do wrong, and to praise those who do well.Those under authority are accountable to God for their responses to authority. Since God placed authorities over us, to obey them is to submit to God’s design and authority in our lives.
If an authority asks us to do something that is wrong, we need to appeal to him and explain why we cannot violate God’s laws. “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24).
“. . . Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:5–7).
Accountability is a foundational premise on which all relationships are built. As children of God, children of earthly parents, parents of our own children, employees, employers, and citizens of communities, each of us must wisely carry out his responsibilities both as an instrument of authority and as one who is submitted to authority. Thus, God’s design can be implemented in our relationship with Him, our families, our communities, and our nations.
God's Kingdom, It's Structure Now and Then - Bible Facts Little Understood By Christians
:AOTEAROHA-KAWANATANGA:®©™℗ 2020
:WORLD-OF-LOVE-GOVERNANCE:®©™℗ 2020
:Universal-Lore-Registered-Copyright-Trademark-Name-Patent:®©™℗ 2020 - All-Rights-Reserved
:WORLD-OF-LOVE-GOVERNANCE:®©™℗ 2020
:Universal-Lore-Registered-Copyright-Trademark-Name-Patent:®©™℗ 2020 - All-Rights-Reserved