It is believed that each member of the local assembly has the responsibility to maintain the holiness due to God's house, in humility and dependence upon Him,( Psalm 93:5, 1 Corinthians 6:11-20). This also includes a concern and a care for one another, as well as giving warning, comfort and support as needed, (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

It also includes the putting away from fellowship of any who may walk disorderly, who may persist in teaching or encouraging the acceptance or practice of wrong doctrine, or the practice of immorality. It also includes the restoration to fellowship of such when they repent. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13, 2 John:9-11, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Titus 3:9-11, 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).

The scripture teaches that each local assembly is autonomous, and is answerable to the Lord Jesus alone, we learn this from the Lord's addresses to the Churches in Asia, where none are commanded to interfere in the affairs of another. However where any action or discipline is taken by any assembly in obedience to, and consistent with the holy scriptures, what that assembly does will be recognized and accepted by other assemblies.

They also believe that it is the clear teaching of the Holy Scriptures that sisters are to be silent in the assembly, and that they should cover their heads in symbolic recognition of the headship of man, of Christ and of God. Thus the leadership, Lordship, and glory of Christ are to be displayed in the assembly, ( 1 Corinthians 14;34-35, ch.11;3-13, 1 Timothy 2:8-12).

THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MEETINGS..

According to Acts 2;42, those who gather to the Lord's name are to continue in the teaching and fellowship of the Apostles, the breaking of bread and in prayers, consequently meetings are held regularly, weekly for these purposes.

Such believers seek to give attention to the reading of the scriptures, (publicly and privately), exhortation and to doctrine. Therefore they gather for the reading of the scriptures, and their study, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide into the truth through those whom He chooses, and the exposition of the word by those whom He has gifted for this purpose, ( 1 Timothy 4;13, Nehemiah 8:8). Such meetings as described are often held during the week.

The Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Lord's supper shortly before His death and solemnly charged His disciples to partake of the bread and the cup, (the wine), in remembrance of Himself. It was further revealed to Paul that "As often as ye shall eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye announce the death of the Lord until He come", (1 Corinthians 11;26, New Translation, J.N.Darby).

Therefore those Christians who have sought to obey the word of God have steadfastly continued to observe the Lord's supper in the way that He instituted it, in remembrance of Him, each Lord's day, (Acts 20:7A).

Therefore if you enter the modest meeting place of Christians gathered to the Lord's name on a Lord's day (Sunday), morning, you will see believers gathered around, or before a table upon which is a loaf of bread and a cup of wine. The bread is an emblem of the body of Christ which He gave for us on the cross, and the cup is an emblem of His precious blood which He shed for us, ( 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). This is the only prominent feature, as there is no presiding elder or clergyman or priest, nor any human being in charge.

If you ask who will dispense the bread and the cup, you will be told that any brother in good standing in the assembly may do so, after thanks is given for the emblem. When this is done, the bread will be broken, by a brother, & it is than passed from one to another, & all of those present who love the Lord Jesus, who are truly saved, & are walking in obedience to His word, are invited to take a part of that loaf In the same manner. the cup, which contains fermented wine, is then given thanks for, & it is passed from one to another, to be partaken of by all those who partook of the bread, or loaf.

In this meeting, the believers function as a"holy priesthood" to offer up the spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship to the Lord, both in speech and the singing of suitable hymns,. and to remember Him in His death as He requested, Luke 22:19-20, & 1 Peter 2;5). When believers come with hearts prepared, and the Holy Spirit is in liberty, this is a most precious occasion.

A brother may also read from the scriptures during the meeting and briefly expound passages that will warm and move the hearts of the saints to worship.

The remembrance part of the meeting is often followed by ministry from a brother who has the gift and exercise to offer such to the believers. It is customary for the Gospel to be preached publicly in a meeting for this purpose some time during the day, usually at night, to which all unsaved and also believers are invited and encouraged to attend.

RECEPTION TO THE LORD'S TABLE.

These Christians desire to joyfully receive to the breaking of bread all believers who desire to walk in godliness and truth, according to God's word, ( Acts 2;41-42).All such who are visiting or passing through. are welcomed to partake, either on their own testimony, or being introduced by others who know them, or by the presentation of a letter from their own assembly, commending them to the fellowship of other gatherings. Believers thus gathered recognize that it is the Lord's supper, not their own, and that it is the right of every true believer who is godly in life and walking in obedience to partake of it.

Where believers visiting are attracted by what they find, and wish to continue to attend, and to be received into the fellowship of the assembly, it is expected of such that they should also be willing to live a life of obedience to the word of God, as is expected of those already in fellowship. It would be normal for such believers to make their desire known to those in leadership, (the elders), who will then visit them and explain the assembly's ground of gathering, and question the applicant as to their faith, Christian character and manner of life.

Once these matters are attended to and all are satisfied, the newcomers will then welcomed into the fellowship of the assembly and thereafter partake of all the privileges and responsibilities associated with gathering to the Lord's name.

Such are not received into the Assembly, to become members of the Church, because they are already members of the body of Christ. Neither are they enrolled as "members", as their names are already written in the "Lamb's book of life" and "written in heaven". They are simply received into the fellowship of the local assembly.

It is expected of all who partake of the Lord's supper, that before doing so, they first examine themselves, to see if there is anything in their lives that would render them unfit for partaking. If they become aware of such things, they should confess it to the Lord Jesus, seek and receive His forgiveness, then partake. If they are aware of ill feelings towards another brother or sister, or broken relationships, then these should be put right, and fellowship restored, otherwise to ignore such things and still partake of the Lord's supper, they may eat and drink unworthily, thereby exposing themselves to the Lord's disciplinary judgment, (1 Corinthians 11:28-32).

All who share in the privileges of the local assembly are also expected to take their share in its responsibilities, and as far as possible , to attend and participate in all the meetings of the assembly. Such are expected to "walk worthy of the calling with which we are called", (Ephesians 4:1).

ACCOMPLISHED REDEMPTION.

These Christians have no uncertain belief as to the doctrines unfolded in the Scriptures.

The fall and absolute ruin of man, his guilty lost and helpless condition: the utter worthlessness of the works of the flesh however "good", and of law keeping or reformation as a ground of salvation; the amazing love of God in providing a Savior in the person of His blessed Son; the spotless perfection of Christ, both in His Deity, and His true humanity; reconciliation by the blood shed by Christ on the cross, by which alone redemption has been accomplished: His resurrection as the proof of God's acceptance of that atonement.

There is therefore no other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved, except the Name of the risen Christ, for "to Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins" ( Acts 10;43).

This is the Man, who by His own blood entered in once into the holy place having obtained an eternal redemption, " And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him", ( Hebrews 5:9).

These Christians therefore see that every believer is warranted to have the fullest assurance of their present and eternal salvation, and that this assurance comes not through feelings or experiences, but by Christ's work done once and for all. The believer can never be lost, but is as secure as though he were in heaven already, because of Christ's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to Glory, where He appears for us now, as our Great fore-runner, ( 1 John 3:2, John 10: 27-30).

They see however that Scripture guards against the abuse of this precious doctrine, by insisting upon good works as the fruit of salvation, for which he is created anew in Christ Jesus, and which good works are before prepared for him to walk in , ( Titus 2:11, Ephesians 2:10).

CONCLUSION.

The presence in the assembly of the Lord Jesus who died and rose again from the dead, draws the children of God together by the power of the Holy Spirit. Those gathering together unto His worthy Name affirm that by doing so they recognize His rights and authority.

They proclaim allegiance to His word. They confess that He alone is the Head of His Church, that He deserves the pre-eminence in all things. They also proclaim love for all the children of God - a love measured by twin standards, those of obedience to God, and care for one another, ( 1 John 5:2).

A warm welcome is extended to anyone interested in hearing the Gospel of God's saving grace, and profitable ministry from the word of God to attend meetings of these Christians. As the answer given by the Lord Jesus to Andrew and his fellow disciple was "come and see", so we in His name invite you also to COME AND SEE.

Such meetings are held at the following address.

You are also invited to contact the following people who will gladly give you more information.

Adapted by. C.E.Wigg. R.S.D. 287B. Yolla, Tasmania, Australia. 7325. Copies are obtainable from him.