Lesson 1: The priceless gift of hope in your life

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Hope is one of the most precious gifts that come from God.

In his love for us, he knew how much humankind would need it and in his dealings with humanity, he has made it possible for us to use it in even the worst of circumstances. Just look at your Bible and find Paul’s second letter to the

Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 16 and 17.

From the very early pages of the Bible, we are able to follow the lives of people moved by hope. There is a strong link between hope and faith and we will be looking at faith in lesson 11.

In Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1 we read that faith is the substance (or reality) of things hoped for. When we hope we hold in our minds pictures of things we would like to happen, things we would like to do and, because we are human, things we would like to own. Hope is one of the three things Paul saw as the character of the real disciple of Christ. Faith Hope and Love. So let us go now and look at some people in the Bible who had hope, plus a few that did not.

We will start with Jesus and look at the words of Peter, one of his first disciples. They are in Acts chapter 2 verse 26. Peter was speaking about Jesus but using the words of King David from Psalm 16 verse 9. If you can put yourself in Jesus’ place when he allowed himself to be captured, tortured and put to death on the cross, you can appreciate just how important the prophecy made by David in this Psalm would have been to Jesus.

Next, we will look at some words of the prophet Jeremiah who suffered many things because he fearlessly spoke the messages from God to the people in

Jerusalem. He explained to them and their King that to survive they must surrender to the Babylonian army. Jeremiah was treated as a traitor and put into the deepest dungeon in the city. Go to Jeremiah chapter 38 verse 6 and read about this.

In Lamentations, Jeremiah speaks of his fear and his desperate plight. Look at

Lamentations chapter 3 verse 1 to 6. The wonderful lesson for us is that in pain and danger Jeremiah was able to see things in a better way. Verse 18, we might be tempted to feel like that at hard times in our lives but now read on verses 19 to 21. Jeremiah suddenly realised that he was still alive and the beautiful words for us to remember are in verses 24 to 26.

So hope is a patient thing, we need to wait quietly for salvation from God.

Much has been written about Jesus coming back to the earth as a King. We would like it to happen today, there are so many problems in this world that need solving. Men seem unable to do this no matter how hard we try. It is now that Jeremiah’s words are important for us to remember. We have to wait patiently for the time that God has decreed.

Now let us consider the example of Abram who moved house and gave up everything to follow a vision of the future. When God promised things that were in the far future, it was obvious to Abram that he would need a son to continue after him and possibly grandsons and great grandsons as well! Look and see how long Abram had to wait before Isaac was born. Abram was 75 when he left Haran and 100 when Isaac was born. 25 years: a long time to wait in faith.

How terrible it must be to live without hope. For a short time, Job was like this Job chapter 7 verse 3 to 7. When you read of all of the disasters that had come upon him and his family it is easier to understand why he felt like this. However after reacting against the human reasoning of his friends his outlook on life improved and in chapter 19 despite the terrible conditions of his life and the things he is suffering he suddenly changes his lament and speaks about things that we still believe today on the subject of death and resurrection. We should be astonished at his clear vision of the future and at the deep lasting hope that was the centre of this man’s personality. Look at verses 25 to 27. I know that my Redeemer liveth. These are very good words to turn to when we are in trouble and even life itself becomes uncertain,

Therefore, hope is a wonderful thing to have. Hope in the promises of God coming into existence here on this earth in such a way that all people’s lives will be dramatically improved. Yet, there is a more wonderful way that we can understand this word Hope.

The Apostles of Jesus called it THE HOPE; it was a way of describing all of their beliefs concerning Jesus and his future kingdom.

The words they used were ‘The hope of Eternal life’ Titus chapter 3 verse 7,

‘The hope of Salvation’ first letter to Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 8,

‘The hope of glory’ Colossians chapter 1 verse 27.

Paul even wrote in Romans chapter 4 verse 18 that we are saved by hope, and in his first letter to Corinthians chapter 15 verse 19 he challenges us all to stop and think. If in this life only we have hope we are of all men most miserable.

To hope that politicians, diplomats, soldiers, even the wonderful relief organisations like Médécin sans frontiers, Save the Children, Oxfam and the Red Cross can change the world into a permanently better place means that we will always be disappointed.

Paul says that it is quite different when you hope in Jesus because Jesus has risen from the grave, he is alive, and he is coming back to the earth. When Jesus comes to set up his Kingdom, all of his disciples of all of the ages of history will be raised from death and if they have kept their faith, will be given life that will continue for ever in a beautiful and peaceful world.

The Lord Jesus Christ will be King over all peoples and he will reign with the power of God, with justice with wisdom and with love.

Baptism into the name of Jesus opens the way to these wonderful things and the apostle Peter writes in his first letter chapter 1 verse 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Baptism is a rebirth to a new life as a disciple of Jesus. This, for us today is a living hope and one that we can have the most wonderful satisfaction of sharing with others.

 

Lesson 2: The need and effectiveness of prayer

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For all followers of Jesus, prayer is as necessary as breathing, you cannot do without it. However, in the letter to Hebrews there is a statement about God that we need to look at before we even begin to think about prayer.

Look at Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 and read it carefully. There are a number of important things we need to learn from this reference. If you remember the lesson on faith you will recollect just how important faith in God is for the disciple of Jesus. Here we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God. Next, those who want to be disciples must believe that God exists and that he will reward them if they search for him.

What do you think is the meaning of ‘searching for God’? How would you do that? May I suggest that the way any of us do that is shown by two examples in the Acts of the Apostles. Come first to Acts chapter 8 verses 27 to 30. The conversion and baptism of this Ethiopian started because he had bought a copy of Isaiah’s prophecy and was trying to understand it. Because he was really seeking to find God in his word, God provided him with the help he needed.

Now look at chapter 10 verses 1 to 5. In this example, Cornelius had been praying for help. His prayer was heard by God and Cornelius was told to send messengers to Joppa and ask for a man named Peter. Arrangements were made for Peter to travel to Caesarea to explain fully to Cornelius all the details of the gospel and as a result of this visit Cornelius and his family were baptised.

It is the same today for all who are seeking to follow Jesus and wanting to become his disciples. When you pray God will hear your prayers and will answer them in a way that will really benefit you or those you love. The answer to prayer may not be what you expect; it will always be what God considers best for you.

I want to show you several examples of prayers that had some amazing results. Come to the first book of Samuel chapter 1 verses 9 to 20. Because she was barren, the prayer of Hannah for a child must have been spoken many times. However, on this special occasion God heard her pleading and answered her prayer. Notice the words of Hannah I have poured out my soul before the Lord.

Now look at James chapter 5 verses 17 and 18. Here James tells about the two prayers of Elijah the prophet. The first that God would hold back the rain and the second three years later that the rain should come again. You can read the full account of this in the first book of Kings chapters 17 and 18. The reason why God responded to Elijah’s prayer so powerfully is that the people in the northern kingdom of Israel were worshipping idols and had ignored God’s warnings through his prophets. This serious and prolonged drought was the punishment sent upon them.

In the second book of Kings chapters 18 to 20 we meet a King called Hezekiah. He was one of the few who truly believed in God and followed his commandments,

2 Kings chapter 18 verse 6. When Jerusalem was besieged by the Assyrians Hezekiah prayed for help from God, chapter 19 verse 15 to 19. God’s reply is recorded in verses 32 to 35. This in itself is a lesson in the effectiveness of prayer and we can learn much from the way that Hezekiah approached God. Now look at chapter 20 verses 1 to 6. Here we read of Hezekiah being told by the prophet Isaiah that he would die of the sickness that had been afflicting him. Hezekiah’s response was to pray to God, verse 3. The response from God is, again, immediate. Isaiah had not left the palace before God instructed him to return and tell Hezekiah that he would be given another fifteen years of life. Perhaps you would like to read through chapters 18, 19 and 20 once again to understand more about Hezekiah’s life.

We have looked at some Old Testament and New Testament examples of powerful and effective prayers, we now need to look at the instructions and example of Jesus and his Apostles.

Many of the short prayers that Jesus made to God his Father are recorded for us in the gospels. In other instances we are just told that he prayed. I would like you to see one example of an important prayer. You will find it in Luke chapter 6 verse 12. We are told by Luke that Jesus prayed all night to God because the next day was to be very important. He must carefully select twelve disciples as his close companions for the remainder of his ministry. He did not try to do this alone, he asked for help. The lesson here is that when we are faced with difficult decisions we should also ask for God’s help in prayer.

On the way from the upper room to the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed continuously to his Father. We are able to read this prayer in John’s gospel chapter 17. I want you to look at two verses 9 and 20. In verse 9 Jesus showed that this part of his prayer is specially for his disciples and he described them as Them whom thou hast given me. When you come to verse 20 you will find that the prayer looked forward into the future and included all who would become disciples of Jesus up to the time of his return to the earth as King. Note that the phrase They also whom thou hast given me includes these future disciples. If you are seriously considering asking for baptism into Jesus’ name this will also include you. Called from the world and given by God to his son Jesus. This is a wonderful idea and you should be excited about it.

In Matthew chapter 6 from verses 9 to 13 there is the model prayer that Jesus gave to all disciples through the ages. It includes all of the essential things that we need to ask and starts by asking that the Kingdom might come and that God’s will might be done on the earth. If you look also at verses 14 and 15 you will see that Jesus emphasises the need to forgive others. He had already given very precise instructions which included prayer earlier in this same sermon, chapter 5 verse 44. This last instruction seems a very hard one to obey but it lies at the heart of Jesus’ message. It singles out people of a very special character who will be the saints in the future Kingdom on this earth. If we are able to pray for those who are evil to us and who persecute us then we have understood what the Gospel is telling us.

In a list of instructions given by Paul to the Thessalonians in his first letter chapter 5 verse 17, we find these words Pray without ceasing. Verse 18 continues with the instruction to give thanks for everything. By everything Paul is referring not only to food and clothing, shelter and the love of others, but also the opportunities that each day may bring to prove to God and to prove to Jesus that we truly are his followers.

When we look carefully at the prayer made by Jesus to his Father in the Garden of Gethsemane we begin to understand just how great his understanding of God’s purpose in redeeming mankind from death really was. We begin also to understand how great his obedience was to his Father’s will. Come with me to Matthew chapter 26 and let us look together at verses 36 to 46. These were the last desperate moments before his capture, trial and death. His first prayer was that he might be spared the terror and pain that was then so close. If that prayer had been answered then, there would be no hope for us in this world. The second prayer however, accepted that this sacrifice must be made and the words are Thy will be done. The third prayer repeated these same words and emphasised Jesus’ commitment to this terrible solution to the sin of mankind.

In this prayer of Jesus to his Father and in the other examples of prayer we have looked at, it has been possible to see how it is possible to talk to God. Today however, Jesus is our mediator and that means that he pleads for us to God. When we pray therefore we need to address our prayers through Jesus, John’s gospel chapter 14 verse 12 to 14. The contact that you have with God and with Jesus through your Bible may have come as an answer to your prayers. You may already know how to pray but if you do not, then it is our hope that this short lesson will help you.

 

 

Lesson 3: 'Faith' and putting Christianity to work

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Many Times in our lessons so far, we have used the word ‘Faith’. It is now time to look and see what the writers in the Bible meant us to understand by this word. It can be used in our normal language in several ways. A system of worship can be called ‘a’ faith; if we had to walk on a narrow plank to cross a chasm or small river we would need faith that it was strong enough to carry our weight.

Paul in his letter to Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1 gives us a description of ‘faith’. These words are taken from the New International Version of the Bible, Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see, this is what the ancients were commended for. You know from the many lessons you have completed that in the Old Testament God seemed very close to Abraham and his family right up to the time of the prophets. People living in those days were never many years from one of the great miracles. Perhaps it was easier for them to have faith in God and in his promises. God expected those people to have ‘faith’ and rewarded them when they did.

In the time of Jesus it was the miracles that convinced the people in the land of Israel that he was the Son of God, the Messiah. Look at John’s gospel chapter 11, verses 44 and 45 for an example of this.

Today we do not have the obvious miracles such as the parting of the Red Sea that allowed the Israelites to escape from the Egyptian army, see Exodus chapter 14 and look specially at verse 13. We do not have the prophets of God walking through our lands and we are not able to stand and watch the miracles done by Jesus.

What you do have is your Bible, and all of these events, promises and warnings are written there by the power of God for us to read. To be a constant reminder of the purpose of God for this earth and the offer that he is making to you personally to be a part in that future.

Therefore, faith today is an inner conviction that you will have in your mind. It will be there because of what you read in your Bible and because of those things you have been taught by others who also have faith in the Word of God.

What I want to do now is to show you that God also expects us to put our faith into action. The apostle James in his letter explains this to us. Look at chapter 2 verses 14 to 18. Do you agree that the link between faith and action is clear? Another important consideration is found in a prayer that is also a prophecy, it is in the first book of Samuel, chapter 2 verse 3. Here we read that God watches us and considers all our actions. Therefore, what we do because we have faith is very important.

God knows that we need some help to do this and provided us with plenty of examples of how faith can become action. There are two examples in the chapter that we read in the letter of James. It was chapter 2 and we look now at verses 21 to 24. If you go to Genesis 22 and read verses 1 to 18, you can read the complete account there. To appreciate fully the extent of Abraham’s faith you need to remember that God had made a very special promise to him when he came out of the land of Ur. This can be found in Genesis chapter 12 verses 1 to 3. This promises required Abraham to have a son so that his family could grow into a great nation. He did eventually have a son, Isaac when he and his wife were very old. This helps us to understand just how much the faith of Abraham was tested when he was told to sacrifice Isaac. Paul tells us in Hebrews chapter 11 verses 17 to 19 what was in Abraham’s mind as he made his way towards the mountain. Isaac was essential to the promise that God had made, without him the promise could not be fulfilled so, if he had to die, God would bring him back to life. If you imagine yourself to be in Abraham’s place you will appreciate just how strong his faith was. The other important thing about this incident is that God did not just do this to test Abraham, God was already aware of his strong faith and you can see this from Genesis chapter 15 verse 3 to 6. The command to sacrifice Isaac was to teach Abraham how God intended to bring salvation to mankind. It taught Abraham that one day in the future God as a father would allow his only son Jesus to be sacrificed for the sins of the world. That he would make possible forgiveness, resurrection and immortality for men and women who have faith in God and his son Jesus Christ.

The other example given by James was of Rahab. At first sight a most unlikely choice, a Gentile not a Jew, a prostitute living in the Canaanite city of Jericho. She was the only person there who believed in the God of the Jews. Somehow, Rahab had learned that the great multitude of people camped on the other side of the river Jordan were going to reclaim their ancient land, the land given by God to Abraham. You can read for yourself what happened in the book of Joshua chapter 2. When the city wall miraculously fell down it was just Rahab and her family who were saved because she had risked her life to save the

Israelite spies. This event was obviously so extraordinary that both James and Paul used Rahab as an example of faith.

Hebrews chapter 11 is full if examples of faith in action and I want to look now at just one more. Noah lived in times when there was much wickedness among the people of that ancient civilisation. Look for yourself at Genesis chapters 6, 7 and 8. Look specially at chapter 6 verses 5 to 7, see how many years it took Noah to build this enormous ship, chapter 5 verse 32 and chapter 7 verse 6. One hundred years, a long time to us but not to Noah who lived 950 years. It is doubtful that anyone had ever built a boat like this before. In all those years Noah had to cut great trees, learn how to make saws, cut up and shape the timber so that it could fit exactly into the construction and be watertight. This ark had to be very big and it had to be a secure place for men and animals, birds and insects for over one year. In all of this effort over all of those years of building, Noah was driven by his faith in God. Paul sums up this wonderful example for us in Hebrews 11 verse 7.

What have we learned from this lesson so far:

That faith is belief in the existence of God and that he will always do what he has promised. That it is not enough to say that we believe, God will always know if this is true. That faith alone is not enough, we need to put it into action in our lives. That sometimes God expects us to continue that action over many years.

If you are trying to make up your mind whether you should be baptised or if you have already accepted Jesus in baptism, you will want to know what this means to you day by day. How do you put your faith into action? Here are some valuable suggestions from Paul in the letter to Romans chapter 12 verses 9 to 18. Read them carefully and think how they may apply to your life. Paul tells us that we have to respect the government of our country even if it is corrupt. That means we should respect the forces of law and order. Look at chapter 13 verses 1 to 5. This also includes paying our taxes honestly, verses 6 and 7.

The most powerful set of instructions comes from Jesus in Matthew chapter 25. Read verses 31 to 40. Here Jesus explains to us exactly how we should put his teaching to work in our lives. It is important that we remember these words.

Jesus is talking about the day of judgement for on that day he will not test us on how much we know, but on how much we have tried to put his teachings into action.

 

 

Lesson 4: Response to the Bible and the need for Baptism

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When a manufacturer of any household item puts an advert in a magazine it is for people to read and respond to it by buying the product. When God in his creation gave the flowers scents and bright colours, it was so that they might attract the insects that would convey pollen from flower to flower and so allow the plant to make seeds. In the same way when God provided his word that today we call the Bible he did so that men and women might read it and be moved by it to respond to the invitation that it makes.

In each case the reason for what is done is Life. The manufacturer wants his company to live and continue to make profits, the bushes and flowers must make seed so that the species continues to live; and God in his word the Bible has promised everlasting life to all who respond to his message.

People buying goods from the shops may do so because it seems a good idea at the time. Birds and insects seem uncaring of the service they provide to the plants and flowers as long as they can obtain nectar. It is however, a quite different matter when you read the Bible and are moved to make some response to it. What must you do?

Jesus told the parable of the sower sowing seed to explain this very question and if you now open your Bible at Luke chapter 8 verses 4 to 8 you can read it for yourself. If you find Jesus’ words hard to understand, do not worry for Jesus’ disciples did not understand either and in verse 9 we are told that they asked for an explanation. The seed is the word of God said Jesus. It is seen and heard by different kinds of people. There are those who just do not respond. They are like the seed falling by the wayside. Some show a little interest but soon push the Bible to one side for other, they think, more important matters. There are people who respond gladly and vow to become followers of Jesus but the cares and attractions of life seem to give them little time for study, no time for prayer and eventually they give up the idea completely. These are the people who represent the seed falling among thorns. The seed falling on good ground grows and bears fruit. These people will truly become disciples. For them the Bible is the most important book in their lives. When they are troubled their first thought is to pray for help and guidance and, no matter what pressure they are subjected to, they do not let Jesus out of their lives. This is what following Jesus really means. It does not come from just learning about the gospel, it is an inner conviction that is totally personal. A relationship forged between you the believer, Jesus, and God his Father.

Look now at the gospel of John chapter 14 verse 23. Jesus was talking to his closest friends the apostles. Judas Iscariot the man who betrayed him to the High Priest’s soldiers had gone from the room. This is a very special promise and it concerns believers of all the ages since that time. In John chapter 15 verses 1 to 9 we read of Jesus using another word picture, this time he spoke of himself being a true vine. The branches were and are his disciples and in verse 8 we are again introduced to the idea of bearing fruit. Further than this we are told clearly that when we respond fully to the call of Jesus and give our lives in his service, God is glorified.

There are many examples in the New Testament of people responding to the call of

Jesus’ gospel, from Zacchaeus climbing into the tree to see Jesus Luke chapter 19 verses 2 to 10, to the prostitute who brought the box of priceless ointment to anoint his feet, Luke chapter 7 verses 37 to 50. In each case there is an eagerness to accept his invitation and a willingness to make personal sacrifices of goods or money to show that willingness. Jesus did not ask for such things but it was that individual’s way of taking the first step to being a disciple.

Not all of the rulers of the Jews were against Jesus. At the time of his crucifixion two of them Nicodemus and Joseph went to Pilate and begged permission to take down the body and give it a decent burial. John’s gospel chapter 19 verses 38 to 42. In doing this they became marked men and were afterwards persecuted for becoming followers of Jesus. Many times since disciples have had to make the same difficult decision to give up a rich and comfortable life and accept hardship in order to become followers of Jesus. Jesus made a promise to all disciples when he spoke to Peter on this subject, look at Matthew chapter 19 verses 27 to 29.

From these examples it is clear that becoming a disciple of Jesus is a serious matter requiring much thought. It is not something to rush into and regret later. This will be a decision that will change your life up to the time you die or Jesus returns to the earth as King; whichever comes first. Once taken the decision will cause you to want to take the next step and that will be baptism.

In previous lessons we have shown the importance of baptism, how it was the command of Jesus that all who came to him should do so through the waters of baptism. The gospels tell us that John the Baptist came before Jesus offering a baptism of repentance from sin. Jesus himself showed by coming to John that this was to be the start of his ministry. As it would become the start of discipleship for all who would follow him from that day onwards. The process of baptism from the beginning was a complete immersion in water. As Jesus came up out of the water God showed his approval of his son’s act by sending his power in the form of a dove to rest upon him. Matthew wrote about this in chapter 3 verses 13 to 17. Note how God spoke his approval and acceptance of Jesus as his son at this baptism.

Mark recorded one of the final instructions given by Jesus to his disciples before ascending to heaven. Look at chapter 16 verses 15 and 16 Go into all the world and preach the gospel. He that believes and is baptised shall be saved.

The true significance of baptism became more understandable after Jesus’ death. Writers such as Paul and Peter, with the power of the Holy Spirit, began to show that baptism is a symbol of death and resurrection. Romans chapter 6 verses 3 to 6. There are a number of important things to learn from these words. The act of the believer being pressed down under the water for an instant represents Jesus death. The raising of the believer from the water represents the resurrection of Jesus. As Jesus was changed after his resurrection so also are we changed, not visibly, not, sadly, free of the temptation to sin but wonderfully now walking in newness of life, with our sins forgiven because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Paul used the picture of our old self being crucified and left behind as our new determination takes us forward to follow Jesus with increased courage and success. There is one very important instruction and that is in verse 6 That henceforth we should not serve sin. Paul continues in this chapter to explain what he means by this statement and if you have time look at verses 14 to 23. The change to our lives and how we become part of the purpose of God for this earth are shown in his letter to Galatians chapter 3 verse 26 to 29. This principle of inheritance of the glory that will come on the earth is our precious hope and one that you now have the opportunity of sharing.

 

 

Lesson 5: Fellowship on the way to the Kingdom

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The wonderful purpose of God for the men and women of all the ages is the Kingdom of God on this earth. A time of miracles and great activity as we will see in a lesson on this subject. What will make this time so special will be the nature of all who have faithfully followed God’s law that we today find in the teachings of Jesus. Our nature now is mortal which means that we age and die. God’s promise through Jesus is that in his Kingdom we will not die but will have a new immortal nature. Paul the apostle of Jesus explained this in his first letter to the Corinthians chapter 15. Read from verse 35 to the end of the chapter and you will find that Paul used the picture of a seed planted in the ground as a dead body is laid in the ground. At the right time the seed sends green shoots to the surface and the new life of the plant begins. Similarly, we have this offer of resurrection offered to us by God in return for our faith and obedience. You will find the picture that Paul gives us from verses 51 to 58 very exciting. If you have not already made up your mind to be baptised, this may be the thing that will help you to decide.

Many times in the Bible we find writers describing life as a journey and this is quite a good way of thinking about it. Look at Matthew’s gospel chapter 7 verses 13 and 14. In this parable, Jesus describes the way to the Kingdom of God as a narrow way whereas the rest of the world rushes along the wide easy road that leads to everlasting death. We as followers of Jesus carefully pick our way along the narrow path trying to avoid the obstacles and trying not to wander off the path and so be lost. If you now look at John’s gospel chapter 14 verse 6 you will find that Jesus describes himself as the way, so the advice he gives is good. If we stay close to him in our lives, follow his example and his laws, the narrow way will become easier and very important, we will pass along it with safety.

For some people this walk along the way to the Kingdom must be done without human company. There are no other disciples living within travelling distance or you may live in a country afflicted by war where you have to move constantly from place to place to avoid trouble.

For those of us who live in more peaceful parts of the world, it is possible to be baptised and join with other Christadelphians in what we call an Ecclesia. This means that using Jesus’ parable we are able to travel to the Kingdom of God in the company of others who have the same beliefs as us. Where you read the word ‘church’ in the New Testament the original Greek word used by Jesus and the apostles was always Ecclesia and Christadelphians have chosen to use that Greek word Ecclesia as the name for their groups of brothers and sisters.

Where a baptised disciple of Jesus has no choice but to be alone it is important to stay close to God and to Jesus through daily prayer and reading the Bible. Where this happens the brother or sister should ask the questions, Why am I alone? Is it because I do not want to be with others? With a little effort or by moving to a different town might it be possible to join in the breaking of bread with other Christadelphians?

In certain cases this will still be impossible and fortunately, there is another way. It is always the duty of the disciple to share the precious knowledge that he or she may have gained and tell others about it. Tell other people about your faith and your great hope in Jesus. In this way, you will be able to gather around you a new group of believers in your town or village.

I want to show you now that Jesus intended his disciples to join together in groups so that they might be able to worship together. They might be able to remember Jesus together in Bread and Wine and help one another on this way to the Kingdom. It is not good to travel alone, it is always easier and safer with others. At the start of his ministry Jesus did not walk alone, he chose twelve disciples and day by day many men and women travelled with him. When Paul went through many lands preaching the gospel, he did not leave isolated brethren or sisters behind him, he formed new churches where disciples could help one another. Look at Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians chapter 1 verses 3 to 5. Especially in difficult times it is good to help carry others’ burdens.

You have to understand that if you are baptised you will become a brother or sister in Christ and a welcome part of your nearest ecclesia and a member of the great family of Christadelphians world-wide. If you have several ecclesias near to you then you may choose which to belong to. All ecclesias govern themselves and have a group of elders who are experienced brethren who are responsible for the day to day running of the ecclesia. At regular intervals, the whole ecclesia will meet to decide upon more serious matters that effect the group and once per year to elect the elders who will serve for the next year. Elections in larger groups can also be by ballot. Also elected are a secretary and a treasurer. The secretary is sometimes called the recording brother because it is his responsibility to keep the records of all meetings.

In this way, the ecclesia is totally democratic and all members are involved in decision-making. All are equal before God and there are no priests, pastors or ministers amongst us. Our knowledge of the Bible comes from each person’s study.

In the case of brethren, there is the need to prepare exhortations and special studies for Bible classes and study groups. Sisters need also to prepare lessons if they teach in the Sunday School or Sisters’ class. No one wears special clothing, there are no grand robes or vestments for brethren and no special titles other than those just described. All work together in a simple way before God.

The Christadelphian community, which is now world-wide with brothers and sisters in many lands, is united in its faith by a common statement of faith.

Some ecclesias have strong traditional views and these are balanced by others which have more modern views. The majority of ecclesias have views halfway between these extremes and all Bible study amongst us is always the subject of constant discussion. This helps the brotherhood world-wide to have a uniformity of faith and worship that all should understand as a great strength.

As a baptised Christadelphian, you may in the future be able to travel to other parts of the world where you can worship with your brothers and sisters in a way that will be totally familiar to you.

This information about the structure of Christadelphian ecclesias has been included in this lesson because it is important that you understand the great value of belonging to an ecclesia yourself, of being able to worship God in the company of others who have the same faith as you. You will be able to add your own efforts to the combined work of preaching and caring for others that is such an important part of Jesus’ instructions to us.

It is usually true that when a brother or sister is absent from the ecclesia for several weeks and does not therefore join in the communion (bread and wine) service in memory of Jesus, their own personal faith can begin to grow smaller.

It becomes difficult for them to stay on that narrow way to the Kingdom. Faith is a flame that needs constant feeding with spiritual food. That care and feeding is readily available in the ecclesia; it is far more difficult to find when you are on your own.