BRETHREN BELIEFS AND PRACTICES INTRO
Today I begin a series of articles entitled "BRETHREN BELIEFS AND PRACTICES." These articles outlay the doctrinal stances of the Grace Brethren movement and particularly the Conservative Grace Brethren Fellowship of churches who arre autonomous on their stances, meet internationally to agree on these doctrines and their practice. I added my membership to this church movement back in 1980 at my salvation, entering a seminary programa year later and after approximately 4 years of training I recieved my diploma.
The main difference s of the Brethren beliefs narrow down MAINLY to a couple of doctrinal stances that I accept as being taught as Jesus taught those doctrines - that of triune immersion at baptism and a threefold communion service. That is where the road parts for most other churches. These two stances rest on the authority of Jesus Christ and what He taught. For in both instances He said first in Matt. 28:18 "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." and then in John 13:3 "Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God, and was going back to God."
The only difference between a Methodist, Baptist, Buddah, Moslem, Lutheran, Catholic belief is what is held true about Jesus Christ. I know the Brethren belief Him to be God, the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Finisher of His Creation and creatures. And how they finish is according to how they followed His teaching. It concerns eternity and a person's place of residence. He has all authority as well as all things placed into His hands. He is the Master Teacher and one would be wise to follow Him as Peter and the other disciples were told.
All of these doctrinal stances that He commanded that we take in the Brethren Church will be staed in the articles which shall follow. May the Holy Spirit speak through these articles to those He wishes to end perfect at His return for them.
"Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 1:8
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:23
"Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matt. 5:48 NASB
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