THE BENEFITS OF A GOSPEL MEETING
Jimmy Ferguson

March 28, 2010

     It is time again for our Spring Gospel Meeting.  A meeting is not planned to simply fill a time slot on the calendar.  The Meeting can be a tremendous help to the local congregation.  Not only can the Meeting help the congregation collectively,  but it can be a great source of spiritual strength to each individual member.  Consider the following benefits of a Gospel Meeting.

•      The Gospel Meeting provides an opportunity for you and me to grow spiritually.  We have an opportunity to eagerly listen as the Word of God is proclaimed and to follow along in our Bibles as Scriptures are being cited.  Peter writes, “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18).  We will also grow spiritually as we teach and admonish one another through the singing of songs of praise.  Paul writes, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. . .” (Col. 3:16).  Furthermore, we will grow spiritually through the fellowship that we have with those of “like precious faith.”

•      The Gospel Meeting provides us with opportunities to lead others to Christ.  We will be door-knocking the two Saturdays before the Meeting.  We can also tell our friends, neighbors, relatives, and co-workers about the Meeting and invite them to come.  We all know that there are those who will attend a “special” service when they will not come to our “regular” services.  If they are not Christians, this will provide them with an opportunity to hear the truth taught in a kind and plain manner.

•  The Gospel Meeting provides us with an opportunity to let our lights (influence) shine brightly.  By our presence we can say to others through our example that the church is first in our lives.  Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. . .” (Matt. 6:33).  Our presence demonstrates to others that Christ and His church are top priority in our lives.
•  The Gospel Meeting provides us with an opportunity to show that we support the works of the                  congregation.  A Gospel Meeting is designed to teach the gospel to the lost; restore the wayward to faithfulness and to strengthen the local congregation.  By our presence, we are helping to ensure the success of the Meeting in each of these areas.