In Christian churches - by what authority do we speak?  By the written word?  By our degrees?  Or by something else?

God knows us all - but some authority comes outside of our selves - it's not our authority - it's GOD'S authority working through us and even than without Real lines of Priesthood keys and Authority - we have NO authority past this life!  President Oaks say is well in the following article - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/08/authority-ordinances-and-preparation?lang=eng