BEN F. VICK, JR.
The Sweet Singer of Israel wrote, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psa. 122:1). Gladness is an emotion of joy or cheerfulness. David was not ashamed to express emotions of joy as he anticipated his service to God. His happiness was based upon his obedience to the will of the Lord. In another place Jesus said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17). The word “happy” in this verse means “supremely blest, fortunate, or well off.” It is the same word in the Greek as is translated “blessed” in Matthew 5. Our series of gospel meetings begins next Lord’s day with brother John Chowning doing the preaching. In view of this great week ahead of us, what are some things I like about a series of gospel meetings? Perhaps you can add some other points.
I like the interest shown in the greatest cause in the world, Christianity. In the early days of the Jerusalem church there was a growing interest. This is evident from Luke’s inspired account (Acts 2:42-47; 4:4,13,19-20; 5:14, 41-42). Zeal is a Christian virtue (II Pet. 1:5-9; Tit. 2:14). All of us should be concerned for the church, especially our local congregation (Phil. 1:27).
I like genuine, friendly smiles and warm handshakes. David said, “We took sweet council together, and walked unto the house of God in company” (Psa. 55:14). In every epistle, except I John, the inspired penmen saluted and greeted their brethren. Paul commanded his brethren to greet each other (Rom. 16). Life is so short; and therefore, we should greet each other as if it were the last time we shall see each other on earth, because it could be (Prov. 27:1). I do not mean that we should blubber, slobber, and fall all over each other; but our greetings should be sincere and friendly.
I like to meet the visitors who come to our series of gospel meetings. We always have a number that come from sister congregations to lend their support. We are glad to have every one. I am especially encouraged when you introduce your visitor or visitors to the members here. Let’s each take some fliers advertising our series of meetings and give them to our friends, family, and neighbors (Lk. 14:15-24; Matt. 28:18-20).
I like good singing. Singing either adds to or subtracts from (that is, “detracts” from) a gospel meeting. The New Testament authorizes us to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). The Lord demands our best in whatever we do (Eccl. 9:10; Col. 3:23). This is the case also when it comes to our worship. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all increase.” The songs selected ought, of course, to be scriptural; but they also need to be ones that the audience knows. It is not the time to try to teach the congregation a new song.
I like thoughtful prayers. The early church prayed fervently and regularly. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5). “Pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17). I like to hear faithful brethren lead heartfelt prayers. They go up as a sweet incense to the Lord (Rev. 5:8; 8:3,4).
I like good preaching. What is good preaching? I am not talking about style. Each man has his own style, and there are as many different opinions about style as there are faces. But good preaching is Bible preaching. Peter said, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (I Pet. 4:11). Paul commanded Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Tim. 4:2). Good preaching is book, chapter, and verse preaching. It includes fundamental lessons on conversion, worship, the church, the Bible, morals, Christian living, heaven and hell.
I like to see parents bringing their children to hear the gospel preached. Oh, I know that some will go to sleep during the services, and dad will have to “tote” them out afterwards. There may be times when parents will have to leave the auditorium because a child is crying or misbehaving, but that’s part of parenting. Children need to have good memories of going to gospel meetings. They may not recall what songs were sung or what the preacher said, but they will remember that their parents thought it was important enough for them to go. Solomon said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). Jesus wanted the little children to be brought to him to bless them. He did not want them brought because they were in need of salvation, for they were not lost. But Jesus said, “Suffer the little children, and forbit them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14).
I like to see additions to the church during a series of gospel meetings. This does not happen as frequently as it used to in days gone by, because most congregations have regular preaching and people throughout the year are obeying the gospel. They do not wait for a meeting. On the day of Pentecost, when the people heard the heart-piercing preaching, they “said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts. 2:27-38). They that gladly received the word were baptized and the Lord added them to the church daily (Acts 2:41, 47).
I like to see restorations in a gospel meeting. Jesus said,
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt. 24:12). Though these words were spoken in the context of the destruction of Jerusalem, the principle still applies today. Because wickedness is so great, many have allowed their love for the Lord and his church to grow cold. They need to be restored to their first love (Rev. 3:5; Gal. 6:1). During gospel meetings it is wonderful to see even one prodigal return home (Lk. 15).
These are some of the things that I enjoy about a series of gospel meetings. But since the Bible has been used to establish each one of these points, we can be assured that, most of all, God would be pleased with our efforts when we comply with his will (Col .3:17).