Facts Regarding a Gospel Meeting

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Every first day of the week, the saints assemble together in this meeting place to worship our Father in heaven. On Wednesday evenings, we also assemble for a period of study and worship.

B.        Twice a year, this local congregation conducts two extended periods of worship and learning.

1.         We engage in a week of study and worship during our summer Bible Lectureship or Gospel Meeting.

2.         In the fall, we engage in a three-day period of study and worship during our fall Gospel Meeting.

C.        Next Sunday, June 19, 2005, our Summer Bible Lectureship with Jesse Jenkins of Bryan, Texas will begin.

D.        The question I have for you is this: Have you already made plans to take this wonderful opportunity to assemble with the saints of this local congregation?

E.        With this lesson, we will consider three simple facts regarding our upcoming lectureship.

I.         BENEFIT THE LOCAL SAINTS.

            A.        A time for edification.

                        1.         Paul told the brethren in Thessalonica to edify one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

                        2.         Paul told the brethren in Rome to pursue that which edifies the brethren. (Romans 14:19; 15:2)

                        3.         Regarding the assembly, Paul said that all things were to be done unto edification. (1 Corinthians 14:26)

            B.        A time for learning.

                        1.         Paul told Timothy to teach the brethren to avoid that which does not lead to godly edification. (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

                        2.         Paul told Timothy to instruct the brethren. (1 Timothy 4:6-11; 2 Timothy 2:2)

                        3.         The work of the evangelist is to preach the word of God. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

            C.        A time to praise the Lord.

                        1.         When saints assemble to worship God, they assemble to praise His name.

                        2.         Saints (Christians) are to proclaim the praises of God. (1 Peter 2:9)

                        3.         Paul told the Gentiles to praise the Lord. (Romans 15:9-11)

                        4.         Let the saints assemble together to sing praises to God. (Hebrews 2:10-12)

II.       OPPORTUNITY FOR THE LOST.

            A.        Bring visitors to the assemblies. (Ex. 1 Corinthians 14:22-25)

            B.        Use this meeting as an opportunity to “go”, taking the gospel to the lost. (Cf. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16)

III.      YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A MEMBER.

            A.        As a member of this congregation, you have responsibilities.

                        1.         Romans 12:4-5

                        2.         1 Corinthians 12:12-20

            B.        You have a responsibility to assemble with the saints to provoke them to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

            C.        Will you fulfill your responsibilities?

CONCLUSION.

A.        Much more could be said on this subject. However, this is enough to remind you and I of our responsibilities to our upcoming Bible Lectureship

1.         Consider this meeting as something beneficial to you.

2.         Consider this meeting as an opportunity to teach the lost.

3.         Consider your responsibilities in regards to this meeting.

B.        Most congregations have three types of members regarding assembling with the saints.

1.         One group of members will do their best to be present at every assembly. With these members, it is a rarity for them to miss the services.

2.         One group of members will only attend once a week or, at best, twice a week, no matter how many sermons they hear dealing with attendance.

3.         Then there is the middle group of members who desire to assemble with the saints, but are weak and allow other affairs to interfere with their assembling with the saints. I hope and pray that this lesson has served as a means of encouragement to you and will help you to be stronger in your attendance.

C.        I look forward to seeing each and every one of you the week of our Summer Bible Lectureship.

Facts Regarding a Gospel Meeting -- June 12, 2005 -- File # 1533 - Gospel meetings

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK