The Bereans are mentioned in Acts as those who searched the scriptures daily. They did not just believe every wind of doctrine that floated their way – they tested it to the ultimate source – the scriptures.
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Acts 17:10-11
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
We are a group of people who also do as the Bereans did. We do it not just with the new teachings that come our way, but also the past teachings and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. In doing this, we have come to many conclusions that conflict with mainstream Christianity.
We are not a denomination, do not have any church doctrines other than obeying only what is found in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. We do our best to search the scriptures and be led by the Holy Spirit to understand the meaning and implications of some difficult passages.
Through prayer and study, we sometimes discover that we were wrong about certain things. When this happens, we humbly repent and change to what truth is being revealed. This is not to say that we jump from wave to wave at every “new” teaching or interpretation. It takes a lot of time, a lot of study, a lot of prayer, a lot of working together with others in the group – but if the Father is telling us that we are wrong about something, we humbly will submit to what He is saying and where He is leading us.
Echad – Oneness
We strive as a group of people to be united to one another in beliefs. This is found throughout the Old and New Testaments – that the Father wants His people, his bride to be united together. Here are some verses that show the Hebrew word Echad in context:
3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one (ECHAD) voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.
Exodus 24:3
9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of YHVH, to serve him with one (ECHAD) consent.
Zephaniah 3:9
12 Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one (ECHAD) heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of YHVH.
2 Chronicles 30:12
That is who we are – a group of people who are searching the scriptures together to be united in one accord in what we believe. While there are many different doctrines and beliefs out there, we know, that there is only one truth. We also know that we don’t know it all, that we have not arrived yet – we don’t know the full truth. This will only happen with the Father chooses to reveal it, and until then, we will patiently wait and seek Him in His word together.
