Who We Are

We are a worldwide group of lay Bible students, having no paid clergy or hierarchy of any kind following the example of the Apostle Paul “working with our hands,” that we be “chargeable to no man” ( 1 Cor. 4:11-13; 1 Thess. 2:7-9 ).

We do not claim that any of our members are divinely inspired or have received any special “calling” from God. Our beliefs are based exclusively on the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation (2Tim 3:16; 2Pet 1:19-21) without adding to or taking away from the Word of God ( Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18-19 ). ).

We do not seek a following or appeal for any financial contributions. Our only objective is to promote individual study and personal reliance upon the authority of the Word of God (2Tim 2:15; 3:15-17). We advocate that all beliefs must stand or fall by the Holy Bible alone (1Pet 4:11; Isa 8:20; 1The 5:21).

According to this rule, we maintain that modern Christianity has drifted astray from the doctrines plainly set forth in the Bible, and thereby fulfill the warning prophesied in the Holy Scriptures (2Tim 4:1-4; 2Pet 2:1-3; Act 20:29-30; 1Joh. 4:1-3: 2Thess. 2:1-3). Therefore, we feel obligated to stand apart and associate with those of like-mind and conviction (2Cor 6:14-18; Rev 18:4). We encourage all others to study the Bible and do the same, and we are “ready servants” to assist in that endeavor.

We establish our fellowship with one another based upon the Scriptures and are simply known as “Brethren in Christ,” as that phrase is applied for believers in Colossians 1:2. “Brethren in Christ” is derived from the Greek words “Christos” (Christ) & “Adelphos” (Brethren). No divine endorsement is implied by use of the term “brethren in Christ.” The expression “brethren in Christ” applies to men and women and is used extensively in the Bible and is why we apply this simple definition to ourselves (Mat 23:8; Acts 11:1, 29; 15:36; 16:40; 17:10-14; 20:32; 21:17; Rom 7:4; 8:29; 12:1; 15:30; 16:17; 1Cor 1:10, 26; 10:1; 11:33; 12:1; 2Cor 8:1; 9:3-5; Gal 1:2; 3:15; 4:31; 6:1; Eph 6:10; Phi 1:12-14; 3:17; 4:8, 21; Col 4:15; 1The 2:9-17; 4:1; 5:1-4; 5:25-27; 2The 2:1; Heb 2:11-12; Jam 2:1-5; 1Pet 1:22; 3:8; 1Joh 2:7). We are simply readers of the Word of God and believers of its instruction (Doctrine/Lifestyle) found therein.

We hold that the teachings of modern Christianity are subject to examination and scrutiny from the Word of God. This concept cannot be unacceptable to any student of the Bible. We fully acknowledge our own doctrinal conclusions are equally subject to Scriptural inspection and encourage the reader to test them (John 5:39; Act 17:11; 2Tim 3:15-17; 1John 4:1). We do not discourage such examination, but invite it; knowing religion has been used as a platform for the exaltation of men to gain fame, influence and wealth. Our standpoint is quite opposite than that of the hierarchy among many denominations, who seem content to have the general congregation in Bible ignorance while they esteem themselves as God’s appointed pastors and priests.

The purpose of these studies is to create less reliance upon church tradition and greater dependence upon personal enlightenment from the Word of God. Most quotes are taken from the King James or Authorized Version of the Bible, unless otherwise indicated. We recognize other translations, in certain cases, more accurately represent the original Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT). We find the KJV has more sources available than any other version for the benefit of personal study of the Word of God. We also use the KJV—among the oldest and most referenced version—so we are not accused of manipulating the text to advance any unique doctrine inconsistent with Scripture.