We agree with the Early Anabaptists that "The sword is ordained of God outside the perfection of Christ. It punishes and puts to death the wicked, and guards and protects the good. In the Law the sword was ordained for the punishment of the wicked and for their death, and the same [sword] is [now] ordained to be used by the worldly magistrates. In the perfection of Christ, however, only the ban is used for a warning and for the excommunication of the one who has sinned, without putting the flesh to death, -- simply the warning and the command to sin no more.
The Bible admonishes us to live peaceably and be inoffensive under all circumstances, (Heb. 12:14), endeavoring to be conformed to principles taught by the Prince of Peace. We hold that it is inconsistent with the teachings of the New Testament, (Matt. 5:38-39, 26-51, John 18:36, Rom. 12:17-21, 2 Cor. 10:4), to participate in military training or service (combatant or non-combatant) and therefore such service becomes a test of membership.
Members are asked to refrain from voluntary support of any war measures, organizations or movements which foster the military spirit. We uphold the Bible teaching of doing good to all men, and therefore ask our members to refrain from taking part in rallies and causes for civil liberties. We should treat everyone as they are equals in the eyes of God and show love and compassion regardless of their situation.
We request the young men who are of military draft age to seek to give their time of service for the welfare of mankind in a type of service acknowledged by the government and approved by the church. They must always endeavor to give a positive witness to the way of Christ as a way of peace.
An excellent resource is Bro Ray Wenger's Teaching on Non-resistance
We also recommend the following debate;
The Bible admonishes us to live peaceably and be inoffensive under all circumstances, (Heb. 12:14), endeavoring to be conformed to principles taught by the Prince of Peace. We hold that it is inconsistent with the teachings of the New Testament, (Matt. 5:38-39, 26-51, John 18:36, Rom. 12:17-21, 2 Cor. 10:4), to participate in military training or service (combatant or non-combatant) and therefore such service becomes a test of membership.
Members are asked to refrain from voluntary support of any war measures, organizations or movements which foster the military spirit. We uphold the Bible teaching of doing good to all men, and therefore ask our members to refrain from taking part in rallies and causes for civil liberties. We should treat everyone as they are equals in the eyes of God and show love and compassion regardless of their situation.
We request the young men who are of military draft age to seek to give their time of service for the welfare of mankind in a type of service acknowledged by the government and approved by the church. They must always endeavor to give a positive witness to the way of Christ as a way of peace.
An excellent resource is Bro Ray Wenger's Teaching on Non-resistance
We also recommend the following debate;
Nonresistance
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matt 5:43-48
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Believers Fellowship
Following Jesus as Lord in the one true faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
Committing ourselves to the apostles' teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Acts 2:42
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Committing ourselves to the apostles' teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.