WHO ARE WE?
"To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae..." Colossians 1:2
Christadelphians [krista delfee n] noun:
Formed from the Greek “adelphos en Khristos”, which literally mean “brothers in Christ,” taken from the scripture above.
As the name implies, the brethren in Christ are a body of people bound together by a common belief in the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, and by immersion into Christ (baptism) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 8:12, 4:12, John 14:6). We hold that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, the entire Bible, are able to “give you the wisdom that leads to salvation” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Believing in the Divine Authorship of the Bible, we think it only reasonable to discount any interpretation thereof that fails to harmonize all the testimonies of the Holy Scriptures. We appeal in all life’s matters, personal and ecclesiastical, to the statements of Scripture, and test all creeds and beliefs thereby (Acts 17:11; Isaiah 8:20). We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ to the earth to set up God’s kingdom and power, and we seek to share this knowledge with others (Acts 1:11, Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 19:28-30, Numbers 14:21, Matthew 6:9-13, Revelation 5:10, 1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Biblical Fellowship
Jesus prays, “The glory which You have given me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as we are one.” (John 17:22)
The Christadelphians as a group have been in existence for over 160 years, starting in the U.S., and now have a worldwide fellowship in Christ in most countries; from the UK to Taiwan, from Germany to Brazil, from Moldova to the Congo, from Iran to Israel.
From the outset in the mid 19th century, there has been, and continues to be, a deliberate attempt to get back to the teaching, faith and character of the first century disciples who maintained a strong common belief in the entirety of God’s plan and purpose in Christ as revealed in the Bible (Jude 3, Ephesians 4:1-6).
We are an unpaid “lay” community. We believe that, outside of God’s word, there is no central authority. Yet through a common belief, understanding, and application of God’s word and principles, there is worldwide fellowship and practical care for one another. Every baptized disciple is known as a brother or sister in Christ (Colossians 1:2, Galatians 3:26-29, Romans chapter 12, Ephesians 5:18-21).
What we believe
• ONE GOD - ONE CREATOR
There is only one God, the creator of heaven and earth. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Jesus Christ – The Son Of God
Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, born of the virgin Mary by the personal power of God, His Holy Spirit.
• Jesus’ Perfection
Christ was all of God’s promises and intentions made flesh. Sharing our nature, he revealed God to us, not in form or feature, but in sublime holiness, absolute righteousness, and boundless love - qualities which run through his every word, every act of compassion, every part of his life.
• The Wages of Sin Is Death
Man is mortal and sinful, in need of salvation and unable to save himself. When man dies, his existence ends until the day of resurrection from the dead.
• God Has a Plan for Us
God’s desire to save mankind is evident in the gracious promises He made, particularly to Abraham and David. These promises concern God’s plan with mankind, His Kingdom on earth with Christ as King, and the way in which man can share these promises.
• Salvation Through Jesus Christ
Jesus’s perfect life, sacrificial death and resurrection to immortality, guarantees that man’s twin enemies (sinfulness - sometimes referred to as the devil, and subsequent mortality), have been altogether conquered. Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, but shared every aspect of our nature, and was sinless.
• Acknowledgement Of Belief
To be saved a man must acknowledge his belief in the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.
• Full Immersion Baptism
He must demonstrate his belief and need of forgiveness by asking for God’s pardon, and by being baptized by full immersion in water, confessing his sins. He now belongs to God and has become an heir of the promises made to Abraham. As such he waits in patience for God’s coming Kingdom.
• Following Jesus in Life
His new life in Jesus Christ is one of fellowship and service with other believers. Each day he should follow Jesus his Master, living an unselfish life based upon a love for God and for his neighbor. The life of the believer is one of prayerful confidence in God and of quiet, dedicated service.
• Remembering Jesus Through Bread and Wine
Week by week, by breaking bread and drinking wine with fellow disciples, we remember the life, death and saving work of God in Christ.
• The Return of Jesus
Jesus will return personally to the earth to bring peace and righteousness and to establish God’s Kingdom, with Jerusalem at its center. The regathered nation of Israel is God’s witness that this will come to pass.
• The Judgment Seat
Death is not final for the servant of God. He sleeps in peace knowing nothing, until he is raised to judgment by his returning Lord. All responsible men and women will stand before the Lord Jesus to receive their reward: eternal life and endless joy in the Kingdom of God for the faithful; or shameful dismissal and oblivion in death for those who have been unfaithful to the word of God or knowingly have rejected it.
• Allegiance to Jesus Christ
Christ’s disciples give their allegiance to him and him alone. They live as citizens of his Kingdom, waiting for his return. They obey all human laws, except when they conflict with God’s commands.
• Marriage
Christadelphians uphold the sanctity of marriage and resist all forms of immorality. They will not take up arms nor become involved in politics.
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Your Invitation
The Seattle Christadelphians warmly welcome and encourage you to attend any one of our weekly meetings and Bible studies.