WHY DO WE HAVE GOSPEL MEETINGS?
Actually, there are several good reasons for having a Gospel meeting! Here are just a few:
WE ARE REMINDED THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE
Most of us know it’s true, but when we see and hear the practice of false doctrines of men by so many around us, it’s easy to begin to think that we are alone in “standing for God’s truth.” We will hear preachers from other parts of Kentucky and Tennessee. Many of them were raised in other parts of the United States. We trust that the word they will proclaim is the same truth we have studied, proclaimed, found comfort in, and defended for many years. We need to know that God’s truth is known, believed, and preached all over the world. It’s encouraging to know that men—far and near—are preaching the same Gospel that was preached in the first century. (See John 12:48, 2 Timothy 2:1-2) We are not alone!
WE WILL BE REMINDED ABOUT WHO WE ARE
We need to be reminded that we are the church God purposed, “from the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). His church was in His “eternal purpose” (Ephesians 3:11). We are the church Jesus died for, purchased with His own blood, and currently presided over as High Priest (1 Peter 1:18-19, 2:9; Hebrews 4:14-16).
We are not perfect – individually or collectively – but neither are we merely “one church among many churches.” Our aim is to be the church of which Jesus is “the head” (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22). He did not die for the religious division that is so widely accepted today. Gospel meetings often give us the Bible view of genuine unity with God and those in fellowship with Him.
The sermons presented in the Gospel meeting will help us know the truth and to live in harmony with He who is Truth.
WE CAN ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
The Bible sermons we hear in our Gospel meeting will encourage us, lift us up, and strengthen us for the days ahead. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to, “…consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
When we see one another working in the kingdom, looking for ways to take the Gospel to others, helping those in need, worshiping “in spirit and in truth,” and exhibiting love and concern for others, we are strengthened and encouraged to do the same.
WE WANT TO REVEAL GOD’S TRUTH TO OTHERS
Jesus Himself said that GOD’S word is truth (John 8:31-
32; 17:17). Truth is in us only when we are knowledgeable of that word and practice it. I need it. You need it. Our neighbor needs it. The “power” is in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:14-18). The preachers in our Gospel meeting are going to make God’s truth plain and available to all who will hear and act upon it.
WE WANT OUR NEIGHBOR TO KNOW JESUS
Our focus is on Jesus, His word, His church, and His authority. He has been given “All authority…” (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Jesus is the way to God and eternal joy and bliss in Heaven! He is not “one of the ways.” He is not “a way.” Jesus is the way! That’s not being narrowminded or judgmental, that’s simply stating the uncompromising truth of God’s word. Anything less would be untrue.
Look again at John 14:6. Who said those words? It was Jesus! If a person does not believe the doctrine of Christ, what they believe isn’t going to secure their salvation (2 John 1:9).
We want our neighbors and friends to know Jesus. The only way to know Him is to know and practice His commandments (1 John 2:3-5).
Why are we having a Gospel meeting [this] week? Perhaps we should be asking, why aren’t we having a Gospel meeting every week?
Simon Peter preached the first Gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost. The record says 3,000 people obeyed the Gospel that day. They repented of their sins and were baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins, and the Lord was adding to the church daily, those who were being saved (Acts 2:38-47). Let us pray that we will see the power of the Gospel falling on good and honest hearts and the fruit of the Spirit made evident!