Articles & Books

For many years it has been traditional among Christadelphians that the memorable temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 will function in the Holy Land during the millennial reign of Christ. That a temple will exist during that time of blessedness would appear to be clear enough. But what kind of temple will it be?

Every person matters to God, not as part of a crowd, but as an individual known and called by name. This piece reflects on how Scripture consistently shows God’s care for the overlooked, the forgotten, and the unnamed, reminding us that identity and value come from being known by Him rather than recognized by the world. It presses the reader to see others the same way, with dignity, attention, and compassion.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is unfolded as a careful, logical explanation of the gospel, tracing the problem of sin, the role of the law, and the necessity of grace. It shows how righteousness comes not through human effort but through faith, and how that faith reshapes the believer’s life in practical, daily obedience. The argument builds steadily, revealing both the depth of human need and the breadth of God’s provision.

The following seven articles attempt to answer certain important questions about the atonement, questions which, to some degree, have troubled many Christadelphians. I do not presume to think that I have fully answered any of the questions, but I only hope that something of what I have written may be useful.

The prophet Isaiah served in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Uzziah was the presumptuous king who entered the holy place and dared to assume the office of priest by the offering of incense (2Ch 26:16). For this arrogance he was smitten with leprosy upon his face, and was thus forced to withdraw from the throne and all public life, and dwell in a separate house for the remainder of his days....

This writer, with the uninhibited zeal of youth, felt for a number of years that he knew all that was worth knowing about “fellowship”. But changing circumstances provoked a serious and prolonged re-examination of the foundations of his “pure fellowship” position, and he was led at last to conclude that there is a “better way” consistent with the commandments of Christ. He now holds a different understanding of “fellowship”, with not quite the certainty of earlier times, but rather what he believes is a more realistic awareness of the imperfection of all things human (including this book!).

These are further small items of an uplifting and exhortational nature, along the lines of By The Way.

Sometimes we all find that, due to limitations of time or energy, we cannot “take in” lengthy and detailed Bible exposition. It is for such times that By the Way has been compiled. Almost every item in this collection is especially suited to those brief moments, which often come toward the end of the day, when the mind is (or should be) prepared to give at least brief attention to some Scriptural matter.

In these notes we will, in a brief way, come to grips with some of the vital teachings of the Bible. The notes have been designed only to provide you with an outline of some of the important aspects of these teachings and are in no way a comprehensive covering of all the Bible tells us of these.

True freedom is not found in asserting human rights or reshaping the world to our own ideals, but in recognizing our limits and submitting to God’s authority. This work challenges the assumption that mankind can fix itself, pointing instead to Christ as the only source of lasting freedom and future hope. It calls for a complete reorientation of life now, in view of the coming kingdom where true glory will finally be established under his rule.

The time is late, and the signs are unmistakable. This work draws attention to how close the world stands to the fulfillment of God’s purpose, urging careful watchfulness rather than complacency. It calls for a clear separation from human systems and a renewed commitment to faith, reminding the reader that the nearness of Christ’s return should shape both urgency and character in daily life.

This book explains the Christadelphian concept of “God manifestation,” teaching that God reveals His character and purpose through people rather than appearing physically. It emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the highest example of this, perfectly reflecting God’s qualities while remaining distinct from Him. Believers are likewise called to develop and display God’s character, with the ultimate goal of fully manifesting His glory in the future.

This study has two purposes: (1) to present an exposition of Paul’s first letter to Timothy; and (2) to exhort the brethren — by Scriptural command and example — in the proper conduct of God’s ecclesia in these last and dangerous days. Many points mentioned herein will be useful in note-taking and Bible marking. But we should go much farther than this in our consideration of 1 Timothy and the topics which arise out of it. We should reflect prayerfully and carefully upon the exhortations and admonitions to be found in these writings.

An outline of the message of the book of Joel, focusing on the “Day of the Lord” as both a warning of judgment and a promise of restoration. Present disasters, like the locust plague, point forward to a greater future intervention by God, calling people to sincere repentance. Ultimately, God’s mercy, offering hope through restoration, the outpouring of His Spirit, and the coming establishment of His purpose on the earth.

Examining the story of Jonah as more than just a narrative of a reluctant prophet, highlighting how his resistance reveals deeper issues of pride, judgment, and misunderstanding of God’s purpose. God’s actions are not only about dealing with nations like Nineveh, but about shaping and correcting His own people, calling them to repentance and alignment with His will.

Jude’s short letter is treated as a sharp warning against quiet corruption within the community of believers. It calls for vigilance, urging readers to contend for the faith while recognizing how easily truth can be distorted. At the same time, it balances warning with encouragement, pointing to God’s ability to keep and preserve those who remain faithful.

The record of Judges and Ruth is explored as a contrast between chaos and quiet faithfulness. Judges reveals a cycle of decline when people act without regard for God, while Ruth offers a glimpse of loyalty, humility, and redemption within that same dark period. Together, they show both the consequences of drifting from God and the quiet ways He continues to work through individuals.

The book offers a light, reflective look at faith by using everyday observations and humor to highlight simple spiritual lessons. It suggests that even ordinary or amusing moments can reveal meaningful insights about God, character, and belief. Overall, it encourages readers to see faith not only in serious study but also in the small, enjoyable aspects of life.

Don Styles explains how a Christadelphian ecclesia functions as a community “called out” from the world, united under Christ as its head and grounded in the Word of God. It highlights core practices such as meeting regularly, remembering Christ through the breaking of bread, mutual exhortation, and maintaining spiritual care and discipline within the community.

Revelation is opened as a structured and symbolic unveiling of God’s purpose, not a closed or confusing book. The imagery draws heavily from the rest of Scripture, revealing an ongoing conflict between human authority and divine rule. Read carefully, it builds toward a clear conclusion: the overthrow of worldly power and the final establishment of God’s kingdom under Christ.

Romans 8 marks a shift from struggle to assurance, setting human weakness against the certainty of God’s purpose. Life in the Spirit replaces condemnation, and confidence grows from knowing that God is actively working through every circumstance. The focus lifts beyond present suffering to the promise of future glory, anchored in the unbreakable nature of His love.

The gospel records are opened up as a unified and detailed witness to the life of Jesus, each account adding depth rather than contradiction. Attention is given to the small details, historical setting, and consistent themes that run through all four, showing a coherent and reliable narrative. The reader is encouraged to look more closely, seeing not just familiar stories, but a carefully woven testimony that reveals both the character of Jesus and the purpose behind his work.

This book explains the Christadelphian understanding of the atonement, focusing on how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God’s righteousness while providing a way for human salvation. It teaches that Christ acted as a representative human who overcame sin and, through his sacrifice, opened the path for forgiveness and eternal life to those with faith. The emphasis is on God’s grace working through Christ, with salvation depending on belief in and response to the principles shown in his sacrifice.

The late brother Rick O’Connor conducted First Principles’ Classes for 2 Sydney ecclesias on a weekly basis for over 9 years. This continuous effort has seen more than a dozen interested friends ‘put on the saving name of the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Acts 4:12). These classes were undoubtedly our brother’s forte.

“The Lord Jesus Christ” was the theme of a series of addresses at a week-end Gathering arranged by the Watford Christadelphian Ecclesia at Easter, 1967. Consideration of various aspects of the name and titles of our Lord led up to an address on “The Grounds of Faith” which by common consent was felt to be so apt for present needs in the Christadelphian Brotherhood – so relevant in its analysis of dangers and so powerful in its positive assurance-that there was a general desire that it should be made widely available.

This book provides a structured study of the biblical book of Lamentations, examining its message through overall themes, chapter summaries, and detailed verse-by-verse analysis. It presents the work as an eyewitness reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem, emphasizing God’s judgment on sin alongside enduring hope for restoration. The book also highlights spiritual lessons, including the role of suffering, repentance, and trust in God’s future purpose.

The memorial meeting is the central act of worship, where believers come together to remember Christ in a focused and deliberate way. It emphasizes not just the symbols of bread and wine, but the mindset required, self-examination, gratitude, and unity. The meeting becomes a weekly re-centering of life around Christ’s sacrifice and the hope it secures.

This work explains the Bible-based view that human beings are inherently mortal and inclined to sin, with no immortal soul that survives death. It argues that death is a complete, unconscious state affecting the whole person, and that the only hope of life beyond the grave is through resurrection and salvation in Christ.

As Christadelphians, we are rightly called "the people of the Book". All the Bible should be our province of study -- we should search all the Scriptures, knowing that in every part they testify of Christ. In him especially was the conflict joined, between the "serpent" of sin and the imperishable "seed" of righteousness. In him, finally and for all, was the battle for Truth won.

The Gospels give us the words and the deeds of Jesus. The Psalms give us his thoughts. The Psalms have been called the “Fifth Gospel”. In the inspired songs of David, we are blessed to know the mind of the greater son of David, the one whom even he called “Lord”.

Focusing on the believer’s hope in the return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing a life lived in expectation, patience, and readiness for his coming. It encourages disciples to remain grounded in Scripture and faithful in conduct, recognizing that Christ’s return will bring both judgment and fulfillment of God’s promises.

To define “first principles” Biblically, we must ask: “What makes some doctrines essential, while others are not?”