Contending that the chrsitian Chruch is today endangered by decay from within and attack from without, Dr. Nelson urges each christian to return to the apostolic witness fo the New Testament to discover for the local church a criterion "wich is consistent with the life and pattern of the earliest christian community and yet vitally effective today."
Using as his central theme the message from Acts 2:42, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers," the author discusses our need for a norm, the authority of the apostles teaching and its demands on us todat within the congregation, the place and importance of worship and the sacraments, and the deep significance of both individual and corporate prayer.

"And they devoted themselves..." A norm is needed.

"...to the apostles teaching..." Bearing in the aspotles message.

"...and fellowshio,..." Sharing the new life.

Where natural barriers must fall.

All baptized into one body.

"...to the breaking of bread..." Overcoming lethargy in liturgy.

Six theses concerning communion.

"...and the prayers..." Persisting in prayer.