A Review Of Our Gospel Meeting

by Micky Galloway

Sometimes it is appropriate to review the work we have done and see if we have accomplished our objective or if there are areas where we can improve. Our gospel meeting two weeks ago was designed and planned to accomplish something. Did we succeed or did we fail? Did we do the best we could to assure a successful effort to preach the gospel? This meeting was designed to teach us our duties as Christians. It was also our intention to challenge ourselves to greater service in the performance of these duties. Let each of us examine himself (cf. II Corinthians 13:5) to see if indeed we did all we could to take advantage of this opportunity.

A Spiritual Feast. Steven Harper has endeared himself to my family for several years as a humble servant of God who’s desire is to simply preach Christ and Him crucified. Brother Harper did not preach the traditions or doctrines of men nor did he hold back those things that are needful for us out of fear of man. His lessons were indeed from the Scriptures, therefore forever relevant and timely. His lessons were edifying for those who are saints as well as being effective to convict the sinner. Our responsibility, as hearers of the Word, is to apply the truth taught to our lives. As Paul reminded the Ephesian elders of his work among them he commended them “to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

My Beloved Brethren. It likewise strengthens me to take part in a series of gospel meetings with my brothers and sisters in Christ, those who “have obtained a like precious faith … in righteousness of our God and the Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:1). We were privileged to engage in worship together throughout the week, giving honor and praise to God our Father and our Lord Jesus in singing, praying and studying. It is always encouraging to know that there are others who fear God and “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6), willing to sacrifice time, money and effort for the “treasures of heaven.” In perilous times Elijah was sorely discouraged. “For the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (I Kings 19:10). God encouraged him by reminding him that there were “seven thousand in Israel … which have not bowed unto Baal” (I Kings 19:18). We need to encourage one another. “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh” (Hebrews 10:24-25). It is encouraging to know that others are genuinely concerned for my soul, who will pray for me and my work in God’s kingdom and who will continue to wield a godly influence for good in a lost and dying world.

A Bitter-Sweet Week. There is much to rejoice about. We benefited from good preaching and results as one responded to the invitation of Christ, requesting prayers on their behalf. We benefited from the fellowship of other Christians. We also rejoice that our attendance to such gospel meetings was up during this meeting with 95 precious souls present on Friday night. The singing was outstanding. Let it never be said that gospel meetings are a thing of the past or that they just don’t do any good any more. However, there is the sad fact that some chose not to be present and take advantage of such a week of blessings. Some who are Christians who are weak needed to be a part of this week of worship, prayer and study. These need the very lessons on “Duties as Christians.” Some who are not Christians (perhaps our family members or friends) failed to hear of the God who loves them, the Christ who died for them and the wonderful blessings that are available in Christ for all who will obey His truth. If you were not here, honestly examine your reasons. Some perhaps are justified, but others are not. I often think of the excuses given by those who slighted the invitation to the great feast in Luke 14:18-20, and how easy it is for people to justify themselves right into hell. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

May we “offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29).