Exploring Divine Order: Obedience and Submission Revealed (J.H.Smith)

We read from  Chapter 6 from the pamphlet called “Obedience and Submission—some Healing Principles” by  James Harrison Smith.  Because believers still can act in the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21), Christ makes the local assembly responsible as God’s house and grants it authority to “bind” and “loose” (Matthew 18:18), distinguishing delegated authority from infallibility or approval. Using Hagar and Sarah (Genesis 16) and Israel’s division under Rehoboam and Jeroboam (1 Kings 11–12; 2 Chronicles 11; 30), it presents submission to even unrighteous acts of constituted authority as preserving divine ground while God disciplines abuse without removing authority. It emphasizes Christ’s own submission before Pilate (John 19:10–11) and calls for patience, meekness, and hope of restoration, citing Revelation 3:7–13. “Obedience and Submission—some Healing Principles” (Bible Truth Publishers)Submit questions and comments to www.ThoughtsofChrist.com