A Series of Gospel Meetings Equals Opportunities

Today begins our series of gospel meetings with brother Ken Burleson. This is the first time we have had brother Burleson with us, but he is no stranger to this area, having been on Garfield Heights lectureships and having held some meetings for them. A series of gospel meetings provides great opportunities for us. Let us consider a few that come to mind.

A series of gospel meetings gives us opportunities to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Peter exhorted his readers to do this very thing when he wrote, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”(II Peter 3:18.) Spiritual growth takes place when God’s word is taught. The opportunity for spiritual growth is greater if the spiritual food provided is plentiful. I have listened to a few preachers who offered some rather skimpy meals for sermons; that is, they had very little Bible in their lessons. That kind of preaching will not help the members to grow. Anyone who has heard brother Burleson preach knows that he is a Bible preacher.

A series of gospel meetings grants us the opportunity to hear the simple plan of salvation presented from God’s word. What one must do in order to be saved will be clearly pointed out in a series of gospel meetings. No one will walk away from the services and say, “I never did hear what one must do in order to be saved.” It may not be in season to show from the Scripture what one must do in order to be saved, but Paul said, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (II Tim. 4:2.)

I remember a few years ago having talked with a long-time elder friend who has done some preaching over the years. We were talking about using Scripture in our lessons. He said something to the effect that he was not smart enough to do anything but quote or read the Bible in his lessons. Actually, he has, over the years, demonstrated his wisdom by teaching and quoting God’s word. In the case of some preachers, they have become as Jerry Clower used to say, “educated beyond their intelligence.” The late beloved brother Ben Kemp, an elder of this congregation since its beginning, often said, “You can’t improve on the truth.” How right he was.

A series of gospel meetings gives us the opportunity to invite our friends, loved ones, and neighbors to hear the gospel preached. We are obligated to teach the gospel to others. Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt. 28:18-20.)

Maybe one’s friends or loved ones attend some denomination and would not come on Sunday to our services, but perhaps during the week they might come to one or several of our services. If we do not invite, they will not know about the meetings. If we do invite, the worst that they can say is, “No, thank you.” Do you suppose that we sometimes shut the door on our friends’ hearing the gospel because we say, “O, he or she would not come anyway.” Let your friends have a chance to decide, rather than your having decided for them. Invite them. They might come. Invite them, even if you have invited them in the past. It may be that in the past they were unable to come for one reason or another. Do you invite your friends or family members out for a meal or to your house? Then, why not invite them to hear the gospel preached? Who knows but that your invitation might make the difference in whether that person is in heaven one day.

A series of gospel meetings is an opportunity to sing songs of praises together. The New Testament teaches us to sing. Paul wrote, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:19.) The Philippian jailor may have heard Paul and Silas sing. We know the prisoners heard them. (Acts 16:25.) Who knows what good influence their singing must have had on others? Singing is one form of teaching (Col. 3:16). However, I have heard of a series of gospel meetings in which there was no singing, that is a rare thing. Good singing encourages good preaching. We have good song leaders and good singers; so, I think that our singing will be good.

During a series of gospel meetings, many prayers will be prayed both outside the assemblies and within them. The faithful will be praying for the success of this series. Let us pray:

Our Father in heaven, we pray for the success of our series of gospel meetings. Lead us to some soul today. Help each of us to do his part to make it successful. We pray that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified. We pray for brother Burleson that thou wilt bless him to speak thy word with all boldness. Help each of us to listen in view of the judgment and eternity. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, we pray. Amen.

Ten years ago, I preached a sermon on “Things I Like About A Series of Gospel Meetings.” Some of the points made were the following:

I like a series of gospel meetings because it shows interest in the greatest cause in the world (Phil. 1:27; Titus 2:14). During gospel meetings, I like friendly smiles and warm handshakes from brothers in Christ. (Psa. 133:1; Roms. 16:16). I like to see members bringing visitors (Luke 14:15-24). I like to meet the visitors. I like good, enthusiastic singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Psa. 100) and thoughtful prayers (Acts 2:42; Rev. 5:8; 8:3-4). I enjoy good Bible preaching (I Peter 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:2; Roms. 1:16). I like to see the children brought to the meetings. They represent the hope and future of the church (Prov. 22:6; 2 Tim. 3:14-15; Matt. 19:14; Eph. 6:4). What a joy to see individuals put their Lord on in baptism (Acts 2:37-47; Gal. 3:27) and to see others restored to their first love (Rev. 2:4-5; Gal. 6:1) during gospel meetings.

However, far more important than my thoughts on a series of gospel meetings, is that the Lord has a great interest in our series of meetings.

Be here. Be on time. Encourage others to come. Pray for the series.

The Informer

Vol. 56 No. 48

October 5, 2003