Who are the Christadelphians? Introducing a Bible-based community
Our Purpose Our purpose as Christadelphian Aged Care is to enrich the lives of older Australians and others in our care. We do this by nurturing them with compassion, meeting their physical and emotional needs in comfortable living environments.
Who are the Christadelphians? The Christadelphians are a group of people who share the beliefs of the first century Christians as recorded in the Bible. We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, and use it as our only guide. 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 4:1-4
The name “Christadelphian” comes from two Greek words and means “brethren in Christ”. We have used this name for over 150 years. There are Christadelphians in at least 150 countries beside Australia, with significant numbers in Canada, the United States of America, south-east Asia and Africa. Like the early Christians, we meet in homes, rented rooms and our own halls. Colossians 1:2; Hebrews 2:11; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:46-47, 28:30-31
Each local congregation is called a 'meeting' or an ‘ecclesia. We have no paid clergy or church hierarchy. Members are addressed as ‘brother’ or ‘sister’, and organise or lead our ecclesial activities as volunteers. A strong common belief binds us together, and this is called our 'Statement of Faith'. Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27; Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 3:15
Christadelphian membership is extended to those with similar beliefs after they have been baptised through full immersion in water. Romans 6:4; Acts 8:36-39; Colossians 2:12
A Brief History Many independent believers since the apostles have held the same faith as the Christadelphians. They have used a number of different names for their communities in this time. Each has eagerly studied the Bible and accepted its simple teachings. The Christadelphians trace the history of their community to the mid-1800s. In 1832, a young English physician named John Thomas was sailing to America when his ship met a storm and nearly sank. Facing death, Dr Thomas was dismayed to find that he was not sure what lay beyond death. He vowed that, should he survive the storm, he would search for the truth about life and God. He did survive and kept his vow. This commenced his lifelong search for Bible truth. It soon became evident to him that many of the doctrines that were popularly taught and believed were inconsistent with the Bible. Dr Thomas devoted himself to a careful independent study of the Scriptures, and made no claim to any vision or personal revelation. The work of John Thomas attracted the support of others in America and Britain who became convinced of the truth of his conclusions. In 1864 Dr Thomas chose for registration purposes the name ‘Christadelphian’ for this group. The community throughout the world has used this name since that time.
Our Beliefs The Bible We believe that the Bible is God's only revealed message to mankind, given to bring individuals to belief and faith in God and his Son. The Bible is our only authority. It should be read prayerfully and with care at every opportunity. Romans 16:26; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
God There is only one eternal, immortal God. Jesus Christ is his only begotten son. The Holy Spirit is the power by which God works. Isaiah: 45:5-7; 1 Timothy 1:17; 2:5; Luke 1:35; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Acts 1:8
Man Man is mortal, as the result of sin. The punishment for sin is death, which is the end of all life. Genesis 3:17-19; Mark 7:20-23; James 1:13-15; Ecclesiastes 9:1-10
Jesus In his kindness, God sent his son, the man Jesus, into the world to save men from their sins. Those who believe in him will not perish, but will have everlasting life. Luke 1:35; 1 John 4:9-10; Matthew 1:20-21; John 3::14-17; Ephesians 1:19-23
Sacrifice of Christ Jesus was sinless. He died to redeem those who believe in him. God raised him from the dead, gave him immortality, granted him all authority in heaven and on earth, and set him as the mediator between God and man. Hebrews 4:14-16; Romans 3::21-26; Acts 3:13-21; Timothy 2:5-6
Return of Jesus We believe that Jesus will soon return to the earth. He will then raise many of the dead and judge them with those who are alive at that time. Jesus will give his faithful followers everlasting life in the kingdom of God. Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:12; Luke 21:20-32; John 5:28-29; Daniel 12: 1-2; 2 Timothy 4:1; Matthew 25:31-34; Acts 3:21-24
Kingdom of God The Kingdom of God will be established on earth after Jesus returns. Jesus will be king in Jerusalem. His dominion will be worldwide. His government will bring eternal righteousness and peace. Daniel 2:44; 7:27; 7:14;, 27; Jeremiah 3:17; Isaiah 2:2-4; 9:6-7; 11:1-9; Psalm 72
The Promises The Gospel is inseparable from the promises which God gave in Eden, and to Abraham and David in Old Testament times. These promises find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Genesis 3:15, 13:14-17, 22: 15-18; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Luke 1:31-33; Galatians 3:6-9, 16:26-29; Luke 1:31-33
Hope The only hope of life after death is the resurrection of the body and everlasting life in God’s kingdom on earth. Psalm 49:12-20; 1 Corinthians 15:12; Acts 24:15; John 11:25-26;; Revelation 5:10; 20:4
The Way of Salvation We believe we are saved by God’s grace though faith in Him and His son Jesus Christ. This involves belief in the Bible and obedience to its requirement that men and women confess their sins, repent, be baptised and follow Jesus faithfully. Ephesians 2:4-10; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-38; Matthew 16:24-27; 2 Timothy 3:15; 4:12; John 3:3-5
Our Way of Life The Bible gives effective direction to our lives. We try to rely fully upon God and develop a faith that is shown through prayer and service. We also recognise that salvation is by God’s grace alone. With God’s help, we seek to please and obey Him every day, striving to imitate Christ who faithfully obeyed his Father. We therefore endeavour to be enthusiastic in work, loyal in marriage, generous in giving, dedicated in preaching and happy in our God. A widespread custom among Christadelphians is to read the Bible every day. Many also attend Bible classes each week. Every Sunday we participate in a service that we call the “Memorial Meeting” or “Breaking of Bread”. All members share bread and wine to remind us of the life and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Attendance at this service is one focus of our religious life. We have no paid ministers or clergy. Many of our members take turns to serve our community in all of its functions – leading memorial and worship services, teaching children, overseeing youth groups, preaching (locally and overseas), and caring for people in need. The Christadelphians are a close-knit community that works together in God’s service in whatever ways we can.
For More Information: New South Wales We usually meet in the following places around Sydney:
Bolton Point Community Hall, Middle Point Road, Bolton Point Bonnells Bay Primary School, Morisset Park Road, Bonnells Bay 14 Fifth Street, Boolaroo Loseby Park Youth Centre, Park Road, Bowral Corner Shaftesbury and Paisley roads, Burwood 101 Lime Street, Cabramatta 406 Beamish Street, Campsie 245 Old Northern Road, Castle Hill 38 Ridley Street, Charlestown 120 Railway Street, Corrimal 15 Loghlan Crescent, Doonside Hassal Street, Elderslie Lake Macquarie Training Centre, Cross Street, Eraring Heritage College, 110 Cross Street, Kemps Creek 232 Lakemba Street, Lakemba Bible Education Centre, 1/76 Bathurst Street, Liverpool Milperra Public School, Pozieres Avenue, Milperra Newbridge Heights Public School, Lewin Crescent, Moorebank 20 Gimberts Road, Morriset Mount Colah Community Centre, Pierre Close, Mount Colah Littlefields Road, near Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa 152 Parry Street, Newcastle West 1 Myall Street, Oatley West 26 Pacific Highway, Ourimbah Padstow Public School, Faraday Road, Padstow Southhaven, 11 Queensbury Road, Padstow 100 Highclere Avenue, Punchbowl 265 Bonds Road, Riverwood 77 Acacia Road, Sutherland 4 Maxim Street, West Ryde Laurelbank, Corner Penshurst and Laurel streets, Willoughby 19 Worland Street, Yagoona
Christadelphians also meet in Bodalla, Canberra, Mittagong, Forbes, Orange, Cobar, Coonabarabran, Port Macquarie, Quirindi, Gunnedah, Dorrigo, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Casino, Ballina, Lismore and Dunoon. If you would like further information, please ring (02) 9782 6080; or email admin@chomes.com.au
Corporate Head Office 1 Arab Road Padstow NSW 2211 Telephone: (02) 9782 6080 Facsimile: (02) 9782 6081 Email: admin@chomes.com.au www.chomes.com.au NSW – April 2016