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After all these years, why still have Gospel meetings?
After all these years, why still have Gospel meetings?
From time to time we folks question the efficacy of the Gospel Meetings. There is no doubt the world around us has changed from the days when the churches would host week or two-week long Gospel efforts. We are no longer tied to an agricultural cycle, as we once were, and it does seem the demands on our time are greater. But most of the negative statements I hear about having even relatively brief Gospel Meetings are, to be plain about it, pretty hollow.
Having Gospel Meeting does a number of great things for us and the folks around us. First, a Gospel Meeting reminds us of our central purpose: preaching the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2-4). The church is not some sort of club or place of entertainment. Our purpose is dual: (1) to preach and teach the truth of God to those who are lost (Romans 1:16) and (2) to edify and build up each other (Ephesians 4:14-16). We call them “Gospel” Meetings because the primary activity is the preaching of the Gospel.
Second, a Gospel Meeting provides us an opportunity to invite family and friends to hear God’s Word. Sometimes all it takes for a person to become interested in the Bible is to be exposed to it and to people who believe it.
Last, Gospel Meetings help the faithful to grow stronger (2 Peter 3:18). Let this Fall Gospel Meeting be a blessing to you, your family and your friends.
Bill Irby
Additional Thoughts
Are you praying daily for our meeting? If not, add it to your prayer list.
Have you made plans to attend? If not, put it on the calendar. Personally, I will find it highly embarrassing, if more visitors from neighboring congregations attend than members of Mt. Carmel.
Have you made plans to do something else? Shame on you – time to get your priorities straight. I have a feeling it will be difficult to explain to the Lord, or to your neighbor – kids – spouse – etc. – why you are at the ballgame, movie, home, wherever, when your home congregation is hosting a Gospel Meeting.
Have you invited anyone?
- If not, does that mean everyone you know is saved? No, that is not what it means at all.
- Does it mean you do not care, if your friends and family are lost? No, that is no what it means at all.
- Then, what does it mean? Pick up the phone – send a text – send a Facebook invite – walk next door –DO SOMETHING
If there is really something more important going on next week than the preaching of the Gospel, let me know. I want to be in on it. If not, I will plan on seeing you Sunday – and Monday – AND Tuesday – AND WEDNESDAY.
