Anabaptist truth

[JoeB]

The Anabaptists separated from the Church of their day. They separated from the powers of authority too.

I'm in the UK where we don't have Anabaptists as such, except for some Mennonites in London and some Bruderhof, so how can I be more Anabaptist-like?

There probably arent many in the UK who would wish to become Anabaptist so can anyone suggest how I can be more Anabaptist on my own?

What are the real distinctive truths of Anabaptists? What would qualify a congregation as being Anabaptist?

I eagerly await your responses.

Just an aside. Do Anabaptists advocate penal substitution? or do they have a different understanding of the atonement?

 

[ZiSunka]

Live out the teachings of Jesus, and you will be anabaptist.

 

[JoeB]

Live out the teachings of Jesus, and you will be anabaptist.

No that is too simple an answer. Come on get real. Sell my goods, give it all to the poor, what next?

 

[ZiSunka]

Anabaptists don't sell all their goods and give to the poor.

I think you are putting us on.

What are you really asking?

 

[JoeB]

You said "Live out the teachings of Jesus"

I'm fine with that but I wanted elaboration.

Jesus counselled the rich young ruler to "sell all you have and give to the poor"

Does that one not count?

 

[ZiSunka]

Are you familiar with the rest of the story Joe?

The rich young ruler went away very sad, because he didn't want to have his life changed.

Being an anabaptist or any other kind of Christian requires that we have saving faith in Christ that changes our lives.

Do you understand?

 

[JoeB]

Are you familiar with the rest of the story Joe?

The rich young ruler went away very sad, because he didn't want to have his life changed.

Being an anabaptist or any other kind of Christian requires that we have saving faith in Christ that changes our lives.

Do you understand?

Obviously not, because as I see it the Anabaptists of history lived different to the current image I am receiving from you.

So how are Anabaptists different?

 

[ZiSunka]

Read the story of the rich young ruler that you partially quoted, then we'll talk.

 

[vespasia]

JoeB you can still find 'open brethren' in the UK including England.

Living as Christ taught is the template all of us should follow.
It is possible to live a simple wholesome life in the UK but many in the churches 'shy' from it as they think it might be pagan. [Uk cultural mindset anomoly]

I have only been a Christian for five years and a member of an open brethren chapel for four but your welcome to ask questions in regards to the UK. If I do not know I can ask amongst the older brethren.

 

[brother daniel]

No that is too simple an answer. Come on get real. Sell my goods, give it all to the poor, what next?

You trust the word of God foll lowing the steps and instruction of Jesus.

I came to know Jesus first by reading the gospels in a jail cell. When I was released after almost a year I had repented plenty but the Holy Ghost said:

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

And I knew Jesus had submitted to baptism.

Mat 3:13¶Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.


Mat 3:15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Since I wanted to receive the Holy Ghost I knew I needed to be baptized even though I had been baptized as an infant. I asked every one I met if they knew any Christians with the Holy Ghost like in the book of Acts.

After three months of searching I was led to a Christian house full of disciples near Sacramento, California.
see http://www/woodstocknation.org/glen.htm

There my wife and I gave away the last of our possessions and money to live a new life by faith.

That was 35 years ago. My wife died of brain cancer 5 years later, I remarried and still with Abigail, My sister in the Lord and faithful spouse.

Our house ministry is sometimes large and sometimes small but disciples continue to go forth.

 

[WayneinMaine]

Obviously not, because as I see it the Anabaptists of history lived different to the current image I am receiving from you.

So how are Anabaptists different?

Actually the early Anabpatists were quite different. They tended to take the words of Jesus at face value and did not develoip systematic methods of making a religious system out of what Jesus taught. Indeed, rather than going away sadly, as the rich young ruler, they did as the disciples did (see Luke 12). Many of them had all things common as an expression of brotherly love made practical and complete.

I don't know what you can do alone. That is also one of the greatest distinctions of the Anabaptists, they saw their relationship to God in terms of their relationship to their brothers and sisters -the brotherood is indespensible to one's relationship to God.

A pracical word: Beware of the Bruderhofers, they are not what they claim to be; there is a lot they keep hidden.

Peace -Wayne

 

[ZiSunka]

Those things are still true of Anabaptists.

Becoming an anabaptist isn't like joining a club or a monastery. There aren't "steps" you take and bam, you are an anabaptist.

It would be good for you to read the thread, "What is an anabaptist" as a starting point for understanding who we are and what we believe.

 

[MrJim]

Hey JoeB

Tell us a little about your walk with God, maybe seeing a bit where you come from will help us understand better where you are headed.

Jim

 

[JoeB]

JoeB you can still find 'open brethren' in the UK including England.

Living as Christ taught is the template all of us should follow.
It is possible to live a simple wholesome life in the UK but many in the churches 'shy' from it as they think it might be pagan. [Uk cultural mindset anomoly]

I have only been a Christian for five years and a member of an open brethren chapel for four but your welcome to ask questions in regards to the UK. If I do not know I can ask amongst the older brethren.

The Brethren you are connected with aren't actually Anabaptist as such. They do not share the same historical heritage as Amish, Mennonite, and some other Anabaptist groups whose names I can't recall at present.

Hey JoeB

Tell us a little about your walk with God, maybe seeing a bit where you come from will help us understand better where you are headed.

Jim

Mongrel Christian, anti-establishment, with charismatic tendancies. I am also doing an independant Christian Ministry course.

 

[brother daniel]

The Brethren you are connected with aren't actually Anabaptist as such. They do not share the same historical heritage as Amish, Mennonite, and some other Anabaptist groups whose names I can't recall at present.

The life of the disciples of the New Testament is the common historical background for all Anabaptist groups.
But is it groups you are interested in or Jesus?

Mongrel Christian, anti-establishment, with charismatic tendancies. I am also doing an independant Christian Ministry course.

Without being re-baptized as a repentant adult, a person could hardly be called Anabaptist except in a denominational sense.

My suggestion to you is that you host church in your house with those you can call brethren. Then study and reform your lives together. Let the words and spirit of Jesus lead.

With love in Christ
brother daniel

 

[JoeB]

The life of the disciples of the New Testament is the common historical background for all Anabaptist groups.
But is it groups you are interested in or Jesus?




Without being re-baptized as a repentant adult, a person could hardly be called Anabaptist except in a denominational sense.

My suggestion to you is that you host church in your house with those you can call brethren. Then study and reform your lives together. Let the words and spirit of Jesus lead.

With love in Christ
brother daniel

Thanks Daniel. I am a baptised adult. I don't hold with paedobaptism. House church may be an option. or the quakers.

 

[RenewedbyFaith]

Mongrel Christian, anti-establishment, with charismatic tendancies. I am also doing an independant Christian Ministry course.

Most Anabaptist meetings are rigidly "establishment" and non-charismatic. I have several pamphlets published by Amish and Mennonite publishers with titles like, "Why Charistmatic Preaching Spreads Panic" and "Speaking in Tongues: Words From Hell!"

Have you ever been to an Anabaptist meeting for worship or study?

 

[JoeB]

Most Anabaptist meetings are rigidly "establishment" and non-charismatic. I have several pamphlets published by Amish and Mennonite publishers with titles like, "Why Charistmatic Preaching Spreads Panic" and "Speaking in Tongues: Words From Hell!"

Have you ever been to an Anabaptist meeting for worship or study?

No, no Anabaptists around here. UK doesnt generally do Anabaptism. Are those leaflets available online?

 

[RenewedbyFaith]

No, no Anabaptists around here. UK doesnt generally do Anabaptism.

I know there are Mennonites in the UK. I will try to find some information about them.

Are those leaflets available online?

I would doubt it. The Amish and conservative Mennonites are strongly anti-technology. They don't even have electricity or plumbing in their houses.

 

[brother daniel]

Thanks Daniel. I am a baptised adult. I don't hold with paedobaptism. House church may be an option. or the quakers.

You have to start somewhere with fellowship.
Ask your neighbors if they know any practising Christians, then follow the lead. Don't be put off by denomination. Somewhere along the line you will find someone who is hungry to live Gods word. They are few and far between. The Quakers are nice folks but do not as a rule see scripture as authority.
By the way where in the UK do you live?

With love in Christ
brother daniel