5. CODE OF LIVING A GOOD LIFE TODAY - CHRISTADELPHIAN
Christadelphians believe they should live as God has taught them. A consequence of this as that they believe that they should be 'the most law abiding citizens of the country in which they live'. This is because they believe that all authorities, including those of the state, are ultimately put there by God, and so that when a person disobeys the rulers of their country, they are really disobeying God.
Christadelphians do not have elaborate churches, robes or ceremonies meaning no priests or paid ministers and the leadership of small local ecclesias (churches) is shared by senior members.
The Christadelphians do not have a central leadership or hierarchy. They are a lay community, so do not have priests; the only priest they recognise is Jesus Christ. Their organisational structure seeks to follow the way they believe the early Christians organised themselves. The guiding principles are a commitment to equality among believers and regarding 'leaders' as servants. Those taking leadership or administrative roles are not paid.
Such church leaders should be chosen according to the teachings of Paul and be Blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice; moreover, he must have a good report of them that are without.
Christadelphians are not totally exclusive but they do regard themselves as set apart to serve God. Because of this they try to live to the highest moral standards and avoid activities that they regard as 'of the world'. They only marry within the faith. Christadelphians do not join the armed forces or the police, nor do they vote or take part in politics.
Membership of the Christadelphians is restricted to those who have been baptised by immersion after accepting and professing the doctrines and precepts of Christ as defined in the Statement of Faith.
There may be a Sunday school for children, a meeting on Sunday evening and other meetings during the week for Bible study and prayer. Some Christadelphians meet in their own halls, but worship can take place anywhere, and often takes place in the home of a group member.
Christadelphians don't worship with other Christian groups because they don't believe it appropriate to do so with people who don't share a common doctrine.
5. CODE OF LIVING A GOOD LIFE TODAY – CHRISTIANITY
Christian conduct outside of the church is to be sensitive in two directions, to government authorities and to all people.
Jesus Christ said, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be
