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The Christadelphians meet in groups called ‘ecclesias’, a
name taken from the Greek word which is translated ‘church’ in the New
Testament. The original Greek word is ‘ekklesis’, which does not refer to a
building but means ‘an invitation to come out’. As with the brethren and sisters
of Christ in the 1st Century, to be part of an ‘ecclesia’ is to be part of the
body of those ‘called out’. A study of the New Testament Scriptures will show
that the first century ‘ecclesias’ were meeting as groups of believers with no
emphasis placed on the buildings they worshipped in.
NO INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS
The Christadelphians have no connections with any other
denomination; neither do we have any involvement in politics. We do not vote in
local or national elections. In this respect we follow the advice of the
Psalmist: ‘Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.’
(Psalm 146:3 NIV) This does not mean that we have no respect for authority. On
the contrary, Christadelphians are law-abiding citizens of the countries they
live in. We follow the teaching of Christ, who said in answer to a question:
‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things
that are God’s.’ (Matthew 22:21) In other words, we abide by the law of the
land, except where it is in conflict with the commandments of Christ (for
example conscientious objection to military service).
SERVANTS OF CHRIST
Christadelphians do not have paid ministers, or a central
organisation or controlling body. We subscribe to a ‘Statement of Faith’ which
sets out our beliefs based entirely on the teaching of the Scriptures. All
ecclesias have agreed to uphold this and newly baptised members assent to it.
Each ecclesia organises its own affairs, choosing members to perform various
duties according to their individual abilities with the overriding consideration
that we are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).
MEETINGS
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The breaking of bread
meeting – Norwood ecclesia London |
The main focus of our worship is the weekly remembrance of
Christ’s death and resurrection as symbolised in breaking bread and drinking
wine. This is based on the practice of the first century
believers as we read for example in the Book of Acts: ‘Now on the first day of
the week, when the disciples came together to break bread’ (Acts 20:7). In this
way we are obeying Christ’s command: ‘do this in remembrance of me’ (Luke
22:19).
Other meetings are held on a regular basis including Bible study classes, public
talks and seminars. We also offer Bible correspondence courses for those who
cannot attend meetings for Bible Study. Sunday schools are held to give children
a basic understanding of what is contained in the Scriptures.
PUBLICATIONS
Christadelphians publish a number of books, magazines and
leaflets for the purpose of encouraging and assisting individuals to study the
Bible. We do not offer this literature for sale but it is freely available to
those who wish to read it. Our sole aim is to present the truth contained in the
Bible, which we believe has a vital message for the world today. No part of our
written material claims to replace or supplant the teaching of God’s Word the
Bible.
One useful aid to Bible study is the daily Bible reading tables called the
‘Bible Companion’. By following these tables daily it is possible to read the
Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in the course of a year. (For
further information about Christadelphian publications please contact
publications)
FINANCE
Our activities are financed entirely from within our own
community and we do not seek contributions from elsewhere, trusting that the
Lord will provide. We have no set rules for giving to the work of our ecclesias
and do not practice tithing. As was the custom among the 1st Century believers,
each ecclesia has regular collections to help defray its own expenses and
provide for those who are in need. Members contribute according to their
individual circumstances, following the teaching and example of Jesus and his
apostles. (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:7)
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