The truths of the Christian faith derive as much from the inspired words of Jesus' apostles as from the words of Jesus Himself. This is because they would receive revelation in addition to what our Lord had time to convey to them while He was on earth (John 14:25-26; 16:12-15). Hence, the apostle Paul states his writings are the commandments of the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:37), being God's word (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

In our Lord's final hour of freedom, just before He led His disciples into the garden of Gethsemane (John 18:1; Matthew 26:36) where He would be arrested, His thoughts turned to them, specifically how they would be perceived by the world to whom they were to be sent with God's plan of salvation.

God's word tells us, "... The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance" (Psalm 112:6) and "The memory of the righteous is blessed..." (Proverbs 10:7). Besides appreciating the good that they do for others' benefit, the conduct of the righteous are worthy of our emulation, as are the examples of holy men when they imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Christians, too, need to be reminded that, "... God is not unjust to forget (our) work and labor of love which (we) have shown toward His name ... do not become sluggish, but imitate those who tbrough faith and patience inherit the promises"(Hebrews 6:10, 12).

A "worship service" of the churches of Christ refers to the Sunday (i.e."first day of the week") assembly (i.e. "coming together") of Christians (i.e. "disciples" or "learners" of Christ, Acts 11:26) to participate in five distinct acts of worshipping God as instructed by His word.

Of course, there are matters about God's universe which are secret, being known by Him alone. However, the things which He has revealed to man are meant to be understood, obeyed and transmitted to other men with a similar charge to preserve and spread the same complete message, unadulterated (Deuteronomy 29:29; Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 2:2).

Christianity is the religion of Bible authority. Christians are "disciples" (i.e. learners) of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26) and therefore imitators of Him in belief and practice (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:32 to 5:2). Christians call Him their "Lord" and so must obey His commandments (John 14:15; Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46).

"Abiding" in Jesus' word means staying faithful to all His commands i.e. believing in who He is (John 8:24), confessing Him as God's Son (Matthew 10:32), repenting of sins (Luke 13:3, 5), being baptised (Mark 16:16) and being faithful to the end (Revelation 2:10).