What are you missing in life? Many are aware that there is something more - something else - which always seems to be just out of reach.

And, many reach for what does not satisfy - more money - bigger cheques - larger bank balance - and an increased income which is away beyond what is necessary.

It is like drinking sea water! Such a person just becomes more thirsty and is never satisfied and never comes to know peace and rest. There is frequently an anxiety and restlessness.

When three thousand came to believe in Jesus Christ, the leadership was confronted with an enormous challenge. This is a challenge some of us would like to have.

If the Church of Jesus Christ was to be built on solid foundations, it was essential to establish correct priorities immediately.

We need to know not only how to come into the Church, but what to do once we are in. Leaders spell this out.

These new disciples in Jesus devoted themselves, and were committed to, the apostles' teaching.

Leaders edify and build up believers. Basic education in the fundamentals of the faith should prevent a man from wandering off into the spiritual wilderness.

Fellowship was another vital ingredient. They shared at various levels.

In a fellowship you cannot back off, or walk out, just whenever you wish. Rituals, rites, ceremonies, programmes, projects are all pointless unless they produce fellowship.

The breaking of bread was central. That focuses our attention on why we are there. We are rescued, cleansed, washed from our sin, by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Accompanying all this was prayer.

God knew that for a man to develop and mature he needed more than some wonderful spiritual experience. We cannot grow strong unless we are nourished by the Word of God. I meet people who regard themselves as strong mature characters but who are so aware that morally and spiritually they are on shaky ground.

Flowing from teaching and fellowship will emerge the desire to pray, and to pray alongside others.

It is interesting to see a man in Prayer Meeting and to observe how he contributes. Spiritual leaders know how to pray and how to encourage and motivate others to contribute in prayer too

Inside the early Church these four essentials were emphasised, from the beginning, and everything else followed.

These four attributes are like the four legs of a table which give it stability, and in these days we so need lives that are stable and secure - people who are able to support others.

The Church is quite similar to Noah's Ark. It is our place of refuge and security.

God gave the dimensions. Everything was right first time.

It never needed a trial run, nor recalled for modifications, but did what it was designed to do, and both were built by a carpenter.

Sandy Shaw