The Brethren Card

  1. This body of Christians originated early in the eighteenth century the church being a natural outgrowth of the Pietistic movement following the Reformation.
  2. Firmly accepts and teaches the fundamental evangelical doctrines of 
  • the  inspiration  of  the  Bible, 
  • the personality of the Holy Spirit, 
  • the virgin birth, 
  • the deity of Christ, 
  • the sin-pardoning value of his atonement, 
  • his resurrection from the tomb, ascension and personal and visible return and 
  • the resurrection, both of the just and unjust (John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). 
  1. Observes the  following New Testament rites:
  • Baptism of penitent believers by trine immersion  for the  remission of sins (Matt. 28: 19; Acts 2: 38); 
  • feet-washing (John 13:1-20;  1  Tim.  5:10); 
  • love feast  (Luke  22:20;  John 13: 4;  1 Cor. 11:17-34; Jude 12);
  • communion (Matt. 26: 26-30); 
  • the Christian salutation (Rom. 16:16; Acts 20:37); 
  • proper appearance in worship (1 Cor. 11:2-16); 
  • the anointing for healing in the name of the Lord (James 5:13-18; Mark 6:13); 
  • laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Tim. 4:14). 

These  rites  are representative of spiritual facts which obtain in the lives of true believers, and as such are essential factors in the development of the Christian life.

  1. Emphasizes:
  • daily devotion for the individual, and family worship for the home (Eph. 6: 18-20; Philpp. 4:8, 9); 
  • stewardship of time, talents and money (Matt. 25:14-30); 
  • taking care of the fatherless, widows, poor, sick and aged (Acts 6:1-7). 
  1. Opposes on Scriptural grounds: 
  • War and the taking of human life (Matt. 5:21-26, 43, 44; Rom. 12:19-21; Isa. 53:7-12); 
  • violence in personal and industrial  controversy (Matt 7: 12; Rom. 13: 8-10); 
  • intemperance in all things (Titus 2: 2; Gal, 5: 19-26; Eph. 5: .18); 
  • going to law, especially against our Christian brethren (1 Cor. 6:1-9);
  • divorce and remarriage, except  for the one Scriptural reason (Matt 19:9); 
  • every form of oath (Matt. 5: 33-37; James 5:12); 
  • membership in secret oath-bound societies (2 Cor. 6:14-18); 
  • games of chance and sinful amusements (1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Pet. 2:11; Rom. 12:17); 
  • extravagant and immodest dress (1 Tim. 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:1-6). 
  1. Labors earnestly,  in harmony with the Great Commission, 
  • for the evangelization of the world; 
  • for the conversion of men to Jesus Christ;  and 
  • for the realization of the life of Jesus Christ in every believer (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16; 2 Cor. 3:18). 
  1. Maintains the New Testament as its only creed, in harmony with which the above brief doctrinal statement is made.