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. This past week of gospel meetings 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 someone what to do to become a Christian as well as to expose the errors of Calvinism. We examined in some detail a doctrine of men that permeates at least 90 percent of religious denominationalism. The “fundamentals” (Hebrews 6:1-2) of the gospel were the focus of all the lessons giving us the opportunity to learn better how to teach our friends and neighbors as well as enriching our own understanding of spiritual things. Let each of us “examine himself” (II Corinthians 13:5) to see if indeed we did all we could to take advantage of this opportunity.

A Spiritual Feast. The gospel of Jesus Christ is God’s power to save the soul from sin (Romans 1:16-17), and the design of our gospel meeting was to that very purpose … to preach the gospel. Several men, who desire simply to preach Christ and Him crucified, planned their schedules for months to be with us to participate in this effort. They worked zealously in the preparation and presentations of their lessons. They did not preach the traditions or doctrines of men nor did they hold back those things that are needful for us out of fear of man. Their lessons were indeed from the Scriptures, therefore forever relevant and timely. Their lessons were edifying for those who are saints as well as being effective to convict the sinner. They did their work well and planned their lessons as the elders asked them to. 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. I am encouraged by the numbers attending this meeting, both in the morning class as well as the evening worship periods. Many of you invited with success “kinsmen and … near friends” as Cornelius did to hear “all things that have been commanded … of the Lord” (cf. Acts 10:24,33). Your interest in this meeting is also manifested by the discussions and questions following each meeting that often lasted for some time after we were dismissed. Indeed, it was a great week for all who attended.

A Bitter-Sweet Week. Of all there is to rejoice about, there is the sad fact that some chose not to be present, did not plan to be present and felt no obligation to take advantage of such a week of blessings. Some do not understand the responsibility or the joy involved in considering “one another and provoke unto love and good works” (cf. Hebrews 10:24-25). Some refuse to understand the joys of heaven hinted at by such grand occasions of assembling with the saints to worship God. David expressed it this way, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go unto the house of Jehovah” (Psalms 122:1). What possible “joy” could heaven hold that would appeal to someone who does not earnestly desire to worship with the God’s people? Some who are Christians who are weak needed to be a part of this week of worship, prayer and study. Some who are not Christians (perhaps our family members or friends) failed to hear of the God who loves them, failed to hear of 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 certainly are not and must be considered sinful. Repentance on your part is needful. 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. God is not mocked. May we “offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).