About

About Our Church

As a Christian church, we are a faith community grounded in the teachings of the Bible. We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and is our guide for living a fulfilling lifestyle.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a global network of over 14 million members located in 200 countries across the world. We also operate schools, hospitals and development and relief agencies as we believe in not only caring for the spirtual needs but also the social and physical needs of the community.

The Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

 

Questions

  1. Who wrote the Bible?
  2. Who is God?
  3. Who created the earth?
  4. What is the nature and purpose of people?
  5. What is the Great Controversy?
  6. What was the purpose of Christ’s life on earth, His death and resurrection?
  7. How do we overcome evil spirits?
  8. Who makes up the true church and what is its purpose?
  9. What does it mean to get baptised?
  10. What is the purpose of the Lord’s Supper?
  11. What is a spiritual gift? Who can be spiritually gifted?
  12. What is the law of God?
  13. Why do we go to church on Saturday?
  14. What are the characteristics of a Christian?
  15. What is the meaning of marriage?
  16. What happens when you die?
  17. How is Christ working on our behalf at this moment?
  18. What happens at the second coming of Christ? Who will go to heaven?
  19. What happens after the second coming? How will sin be destroyed?
  20. What will it be like to spend eternity with God?

 

Answers

  1. Who wrote the Bible?
    The Holy Spirit inspired followers of God to speak and write the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Scriptures.
  2. Who is God?
    There is one God, made up of three eternal Persons who co-exist in unity –
    The Father is sovereign over all creation.
    The Son became human, lived on earth as Jesus Christ, died for our sins and returned to heaven where He is working on our behalf and awaiting His return to grant people who believe in Him eternal life.
    The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God sent to earth to comfort us, convict our hearts of sin and to give us the power to overcome sin.
  3. Who created the earth?
    God is the Creator of all things. The Bible gives an authentic account of God’s creative activity.
  4. What is the nature and purpose of people?
    God made people in His image with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. God is our source of life, breath and everything else. God created each one of us to play a unique role in His creation.
  5. What is the Great Controversy?
    The Great Controversy is the conflict between Jesus Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict started in heaven and reached the earth when Adam and Eve-the first two created people-sinned.
  6. What was the purpose of Christ’s life on earth, His death and resurrection?
    Because Jesus Christ came to earth, was crucified for our sins and was resurrected, we have the chance to overcome sin and be forgiven. God provided the ultimate sacrifice so we may have the gift of eternal life, if we choose to accept it.Christ’s death gives humans a way to have eternal life if we only repent of our sins and believe in His Word.
  7. How do we overcome evil spirits?
    While Jesus was on earth, He too was subjected to demonic spirits. But by his death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom.So when we commit our life to Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we too can overcome evil. The Holy Spirit comes into our life and cleanses us. Through our continual communion with Jesus we are given the power to overcome evil.
  8. Who makes up the true church and what is its purpose?
    The church is made up of many people who accept and declare Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and believe in the teachings of the Bible. They are united in Jesus Christ. The purpose of God’s church is to tell everyone about God’s plan of salvation, His love for us and His second coming.
  9. What does it mean to get baptised?
    The Bible teaches us to be baptised by immersion. Baptism is a public declaration that you believe Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again so you may have eternal life. By acknowledging this, you choose to leave behind your life of sin and walk in newness of life with God.
  10. What is the purpose of the Lord’s Supper?
    The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Jesus’ crucifixion. When we participate in this special occasion, we express our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.
  11. What is a spiritual gift? Who can be spiritually gifted?
    We believe a spiritual gift is a special gift God gives to members of His church for the common good of the church and of humanity. The Holy Spirit gives to each member different gifts-each plays a special role the church requires to fulfil its mission. Every believer can be spiritually gifted.
  12. What is the law of God?
    The Ten Commandments embody the principles of God’s law and express His love and purpose for humankind. Jesus Christ obeyed the Ten Commandments during His life on earth. The Ten Commandments are eternal-they are binding for all people in every age. The principles of God’s law are the basis of His promise with His people and the standard of His judgment.
  13. Why do we go to church on Saturday?
    We go to church on Saturday because it is the biblical day of worship. God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. God’s law, as expressed in the Ten Commandments, requires us to observe the seventh-day Sabbath, or Saturday, as a day of worship, rest and ministry. The Sabbath starts from sunset on Friday and finishes at sunset on Saturday.
  14. What are the characteristics of a Christian?
    There are many characteristics of a Christian. Christians are God’s stewards. God has entrusted us with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, the earth and its resources, so we can use them properly and faithfully.God wants His people to be godly-to think, feel and act in harmony with His principles.
  15. What is the meaning of marriage?
    Marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. The marriage relationship is based on love, honour, respect and responsibility. It should reflect the love, sanctity, closeness and permanence of the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church.
  16. What happens when you die?
    According to the Bible, death is an unconscious, sleep-like state. When Jesus Christ comes again, He will resurrect the dead who believe in Him and will take them to heaven. The dead who are unbelievers will be resurrected 1000 years later.
  17. How is Christ working on our behalf at this moment?
    Jesus Christ is now in the heavenly sanctuary where He is the mediator between the people who believe in Him and God because His death paid the penalty for sin. Christ is also performing what theologians call the “investigative judgment.” This judgment declares those who have remained loyal to Christ and who shall go to heaven.
  18. What happens at the second coming of Christ? Who will go to heaven?
    When Jesus Christ returns to earth for the second time, He will take to heaven the people who died believing in Him, as well as the people who will be alive at this time and believe in Him. People who do not believe in Christ will die. The Bible says Christ’s coming will be literal, personal, visible and worldwide, but it does not reveal the exact time of this event. That is why we need to be spiritually ready at all times.
  19. What happens after the second coming? How will sin be destroyed?
    For a period of a thousand years the earth will be utterly desolate and only Satan and his angels will be on earth. At the end of the thousand years the the Holy City in heaven will descend to earth. The unrighteous dead will be resurrected and with Satan and his angels, they will surround the Holy City to attack God and His people. God will destroy Satan and his followers, hence removing sin forever.
  20. What will it be like to spend eternity with God?
    There will be no more suffering or death because sin will be no more. The earth will be transformed into a perfect environment and there will be everlasting life, love and joy because God will dwell with us.

 

Read more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church at www.adventist.org.au

Weekly Devotional Videos

  • ‘Prison With No Walls: Re-entry Anxiety’

    How are you going readjusting after lockdown? Are you or anyone you know feeling anxious about venturing fully into the world? What practical strategies can help with what has been coined “Re-entry Anxiety?” What spiritual resources can be helpful for this anxiety as well as other anxiety & depression? We’ll find some answers to these questions in the video.

  • ‘Problems Technology Can’t Solve’

    Technology plays a major part in our lives. This week the Australian government committed to reducing the impact of climate change through technology that hasn’t been invented yet. However, there are at least three problems in this world technology can’t solve. What are they? How can they be solved? We’ll find answers to these questions in the video.

  • ‘What Could the Year Ahead Bring?’

    As we soon exit major restrictions, What 'new normal' would you like to live? Would you like to go back to the 'old normal' before COVID-19 if that were possible? Or has the pandemic opened up new possibilities for you? How might the Shmita Year of the Bible help you in the year ahead? To find answers to these questions, as well as what a Shmita Year is, have a look at this video.

  • ‘Rescued!’

    This week little Cleo was found after being abducted for almost three weeks. This has a parallel in The Bible that applies to each and every person on this earth, including you. How so? We’ll see in this video.

  • ‘Lockdowns & Earth’s Final Judgment’

    Here in Melbourne we are finally (more or less) out of lockdown 😊. What was the first lockdown in the Bible? How was this very first lockdown related to Earth’s final judgment? These questions will be answered in the video.

  • ‘Can Shattered Faith Be Restored?’

    We’ve all experienced tragedies or deep disappointments that tested our faith in God. If our faith in God is shattered, Can it be restored? In this video, we will hear from the wife of one of the most powerful men in the world. She describes how she lost faith in God due to the death of her son. Was her faith restored? Watch the video and find out. Maybe you will see yourself in her faith journey.

  • ‘Is God a Greenie?’

    If you were a preacher who had COVID-19 and survived, What spiritual message would you consider the most crucial to share with people after your recovery? We’ll look at a preacher who had an “industrial” version of COVID-19. I found it fascinating what he considered to be the most important message he could preach on afterwards. It was especially surprising considering how much he usually focuses on end-time events. I’m sure you’ll be surprised too.

  • ‘To Vax? or Not to Vax?’

    Spoiler alert! I won’t be saying whether you should or shouldn’t take the COVID-19 vaccine. However, I will be looking at these questions: Although the Bible doesn’t talk about vaccines, What Biblical principles can guide us to take a vaccine or not? Ellen White was alive when the very first vaccine in modern times was developed and given. Did she ever take a vaccine? What principles can we learn from her attitude concerning vaccines? We will look at some answers to these questions in the video.

  • ‘How to Avoid Being Deceived Part 3’

    Following on from last week, How can we discern truth from error in today’s toxic COVID-19 environment? Are there methods we follow in studying Bible doctrines that can help us discern truth in non-religious matters such as COVID-19? How can we discern who to listen to and who to ignore? What about when two opposing sides both seem to be right? We will look at some answers to these questions in the video.

  • ‘Could You Be Deceived? Part 2’

    Following on from last week, What are some common methods that can deceive us? Should we believe everything our favourite preacher says? What inbuilt biases do we have that can inadvertently lead us astray? These are some of the questions we will look at in the video.

  • ‘Could You Be Deceived?’

    When Jesus talked about the end times, he repeated one warning FOUR times. What was this warning? How does the book of Revelation reinforce this dire warning? How can you avoid what Jesus warned about? These are some of the questions we will look at in this video.

  • ‘Remember!... And Do Not Forget!’

    Here in Victoria, we are over the worst of COVID-19 lockdowns. In the future, How will you look back on the past nine months? What lessons have you learned about yourself? What lessons have you learned about God? We'll look at what a retired professional wrestler and a group of people in the Bible have to say on how to relate to past, and present hardships.

  • ‘How’s Your Plan?’

    Have you ever had to give up cherished plans? Did life events deal a blow to things you wanted to do or achieve? Where was God when you thought He was in control of your plans? We look at these questions through the eyes of a heavyweight champion boxer and a person in the Bible.

  • ‘What is Life's Greatest Surprise?’

    What is Life’s Greatest Surprise? What would you nominate as Life’s Greatest Surprise? Life is not fair? Life is unpredictable and can change quickly? Love is a beautiful thing? Or something completely different? In this video I explore what one famous Christian nominated as life’s greatest surprise to him. You might find his answer er…surprising!

  • ‘How is Your Zeal?’

    How has COVID-19 impacted your spiritual zeal? Has being physically cut off from people made you more centred on yourself? Have you lost your enthusiasm for God and His Church amidst the grind of the lockdown and the ease of meeting over zoom in your home? We will look at these questions and the solution in this video.

  • ‘Tireless in Encouraging’

    The longer restrictions go on, it seems like the less motivated we are to care for and encourage each other. What does the Bible tell us to help with this? At the end of the video, instead of a hymn or song, there is an inspiring story of a Jew who met two very different angels a few minutes apart in the Auschwitz extermination camp. The encounter with one of them changed the course of his live. This video will both inspire and motivate you to be an encourager.

  • ‘Facing Our Giants of Fear’

    For many people, fear and anxiety are actually increasing despite the easing of lockdown restrictions. Why? What does the Bible offer to dispel our fears? We look at these questions in this week’s video.

  • ‘Laughing Through Lockdown?’

    What does the Bible say about laughter? What if you are in a season of grief, depression or mourning? What does the Bible say about laughter in those circumstances? We’ll take a look at these questions in the video. At the end of the video is a hymn about laughter.

  • ‘Spiritual Spring Clean’

    If winter spirituality was about developing our spiritual roots through Bible Study & prayer, What is the spiritual significance of Spring? What are the two main elements of a spiritual spring clean? We’ll take a look at these questions in the video.

  • ‘When God Says “No”’

    Have you ever been disappointed with God because He answered “No” to a cherished prayer? Can you accept what you don’t understand? Can you still see God’s plan when it didn’t go the way you thought or wanted it to go? We’ll take a look at these and other questions.

  • ‘What Makes a Great Father?’

    With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday we take a look at Fathers. In particular, we look at the fathering lessons from someone who was both a father, and a step father - to the same person! Who could this be? Also, What if you didn’t have the benefit of a father when you were growing up? We’ll take a look at these questions. At the end of the video, there is a heart warming and inspirational video of fathers and children talking about how they feel about each other. It is a real tear jerker you don’t want to miss.

  • ‘Storms That Make Us Stronger’

    How do the storms of life affect our faith? Are we stronger spiritually with each storm-like trial? What is God’s purpose for the storms in our lives? We will look at these questions in the video.

  • ‘Where Is Your Bunker?’

    What hope do we have for shelter in the storms of life? What is going to be the only safe shelter in these days we find ourselves in and in the last days? We will look at these questions in this video.

  • ‘Caring For the Little Ones’

    Should we be concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the physical and mental health of children? What can we do to help them through this difficult time? How can we help our children and grandchildren spiritually in this time of COVID-19? We’ll look at a story in the Bible where children’s needs were considered by an adult. We will also look at various strategies for our little ones physical, mental and spiritual health.

  • ‘What's Your Focus?’

    In times of trial and difficulties, Where should our focus be? Is there any connection between our focus and our quality of sleep? What does the Bible teach about our focus and sleep? We’ll look at the unusual connection between these two things in this video.

  • ‘Complacency - Part 2’

    Continuing on from last time, How can we avoid complacency as we wait for Jesus return? What can we do spiritually? What does Jesus desire us to do while we are waiting so we can avoid complacency? We'll look at Jesus' answer to these questions.

  • ‘Complacency - Part 1’

    Complacency was at least partly blamed for the explosion of Coronavirus COVID-19 cases and the subsequent lockdown. What part of our spiritual lives do we face the greatest temptation to be complacent? What are the consequences of this complacency? On what subject did Jesus issue seven warnings in a row on avoiding complacency? We will examine these questions.

  • ‘Punished For Kindness???’

    Is the saying “No good deed goes unpunished” true? Are there any downside to kindness in the Bible? What are the benefits of kindness stated in the Bible? Join me as we explore these questions.

  • ‘R U OK?’

    Is it wrong or bad for Christians to have anxiety or depression? Is anxiety or depression a sin, a sign of weakness or a lack of faith in God? Did men and women in The Bible ever get anxious or depressed? We look at answers to these questions in this week’s video.

  • ‘Why a Time of Sheltering?’

    Is this time of sheltering a waste of time? Would God prefer we are always active for Him rather than sheltering? Has God used times of sheltering for His people before to prepare them for His purposes? What might God do though you and I during and after this time of sheltering?

  • ‘Lost on Mt Disappointment’

    Have you ever been lost and away from God on your own metaphorical Mt Disappointment? Have you ever questioned God’s care and concern for you? How does God relate to us in these circumstances? We will look at these questions in this video.

  • ‘Winter Spirituality’

    How do the seasons affect our spiritual life? How can we maximize the winter months to enhance our walk with God? What can we learn from trees to help us with our winter spirituality? I will examine these questions and more. At the end of the devotional, there is a beautiful video clip to the music of the first movement of the Winter Concerto of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

  • ‘Understanding the Times’

    What does how a pilot flies a plane have to do with understanding our time in Bible prophecy? How are we to understand the times we live in from a Bible prophetic point of view? Does Coronavirus COVID-19 fit into this picture? We'll be looking at these questions and more in this week's video.

  • ‘Two Treasuries’

    Do you own your possessions or do your possessions own you? Have you been thinking about your lifestyle before Coronavirus COVID-10? Are you enjoying a quieter life and are maybe looking to simplify your life? What guidance does Jesus give about our possession? Let's look for some answers in "Two Treasuries" this week.

  • ‘Hope’

    The Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said that "hope is the most evil of evils because it prolongs man's torment.” Is this true? Does the hope God offers merely prolong our torment? Let's have a look and see.

  • ‘Mothers & Trust’

    The Bible has many masculine images of God. We know Him as God the Father, Jesus was a man and God is sometimes depicted as a warrior and defender. But on this Mother's Day weekend, we ask the question, Are there any feminine of motherly images of God in the Bible? Let's look together and see.

  • ‘Thanksgiving & Gratitude’

    Can we be thankful in the time of COVID-19? Have you given thanks to God during these times? What does the Bible say about the effect on gratitude and thanksgiving upon us? In this video, we will explore these questions.

  • ‘Who Is God Good To?’

    Who is God good to? Is He only good to those who follow Him? Is He still good to those who don't acknowledge Him or are hostile to Him? Find out what the Bible has to say on this topic.

  • ‘Worry’

    What sort of things are Australians worried about? How can we worry less worry and trust more? In this video, I look at what Jesus had to say on this timely topic.

  • ‘Peace and Easter’

    In this Easter video message, I begin by asking “What’s the least claimed promise of Jesus?” Spend the next few minutes to discover what and why. Along the way, find out how to have peace in this world despite troubles.

  • ‘Habits’

    Good spiritual habits to practice during the COVID-19 lock down when you can't go to Church.