Our purpose is: Acts 2:42, To ‘...continue STEADFASTLY in four important things:
· The apostles doctrine (what the Bible teaches from Genesis to Revelation and is explained and brought into focus by the teachings of the Lord Jesus, Paul, Peter and John & Luke in the New Testament)
· Fellowship (meeting together as often as possible all-together and whenever opportunity offers to encourage each other to remain true and faithful to the Lord Jesus and ‘and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath’. 1 Thess 1:10 N.I.V.)
· Breaking of Bread (I.e. regularly, often, whenever you have refreshments or meals together, remember Him by breaking the bread and taking the cup according to His command, ‘...do this, whenever you take it, in memory of me'. 1Cor 11:25 BBE -Bible in Basic English)
· Prayer –always pray together. Never miss the opportunity to talk to the Lord in company with other believers. Pray for one another –personal needs, physical health, family members, financial needs, pray for Israel, pray for our brothers and sisters in persecuted lands (Iraq particularly), pray for those in authority over us (it’s election time in New Zealand), the Lord’s return (‘come quickly, Lord Jesus’ Rev 22:20), and more...
That’s why we must not stop (forget, neglect, give up, forsake) meeting together, ‘...let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching’. Heb 10:25 N.I.V. (PS read this in as many different translations as you can –it’s very challenging.)
Let us endeavour to make our gatherings follow this model as closely and as nearly as possible.