OUR GOSPEL MEETING INCLUDES YOU

GARLAND ELKINS

A gospel meeting is an effective means of reaching the lost with the message of salvation.  It is a tremendous means of helping Christians.  Here are a few things that a good meeting can do for you as a Christian:

1. It will build you up spiritually.  Through participation in singing, praying, working, and listening to the word of God, you will be built up spiritually.  You can be a blessing to others, and the meeting will be a blessing to you.  “So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.” (Rom. 14:19.)

2. Your conviction will be strengthened.  There is nothing better than plain, positive gospel sermons to strengthen your confidence in the Lord’s church and New Testament Christianity.  Paul’s last charge gives great emphasis to this truth.  “I charge thee in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:  preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season;  reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;  and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.”  (II Tim. 4:1-4.)

3. It will help you resist temptations.  When you have grown tired of the constant struggle against the temptations of the world, nothing will give you strength like feasting upon the word of God.  “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”  (Psa. 119:11.)  “And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  (Gal. 6:9.)  “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory both now and forever.  Amen.”  (II Pet. 3:18.)

4. It will restore your enthusiasm.  If your love and zeal for Christ and His work have grown cold, the saving power (the gospel of Christ [Rom. 1:16]) that moves the alien sinner to obedience should also stir your soul and generate an urgent desire on our part to go to heaven and save the lost.  “Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching.  Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.” (I Tim. 4:16.)  “I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me.”  (Phil. 4:13.) 

Gospel meetings are conducted in the interest of souls, and one of the major purposes is to convert alien sinners, those who are lost, and will be in hell forever if they do not obey the gospel.  “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.”  (II Thess. 1:7-9.)  Some of these people may be near and dear to you by the ties of nature.  Others may at present be total strangers to you. 

Effective meetings do not just happen.  They are wisely and patiently planned.  You cannot pay someone else to do your part in a meeting.  A faithful and able proclaimer of the gospel, an awareness of the lost and their need of the gospel, and a congregation of God’s people who has a mind to work, and the power of the gospel to save equals a successful gospel meeting. 

—  The Getwell Reminder

ASSEMBLING WITH THE SAINTS

BEN F. VICK, JR.

 The Holy Spirit employing the penman wrote, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us 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.” (Heb. 10:23-25.)

The word “forsaking” in the above text translates a Greek word (ἐγκαταλείπω) which means "to abandon, desert.”  (Thayer.)  Rienecker and Rogers' A Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament tells us the word carries the idea of to "leave in the lurch."  The word does not connote merely to miss the church's services but to turn one's back on the assemblies of the saints. 

What else is one turning his back on when he forsakes the assembly?  The context shows that one is turning his back on the sacrifice of Christ.  The writer said, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” (Heb. 10:10-12.)

One who turns his back on the assembly of the saints also rejects the new covenant.  We are told, “Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them." (Heb. 10:15-16.) What a blessing to be in a covenant relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

It is a wonderful privilege to meet with the saints on the Lord's day; but when one forsakes the assembly, he also turns his back on the spiritual blessings in Christ, one of which is the forgiveness of sins.  The writer quotes Jeremiah, who prophesied of the blessings within the new covenant. The Lord said, “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” (Heb. 10:17-18.)

To forsake the assembly is to turn one’s back on another blessing, the new and living way.  Again the writer said, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” (Heb. 10:19-20.)

As a part of this new covenant, one has the spiritual blessing of a new high priest,  Jesus Christ.  To desert the assembly is to turn one’s back on “the Apostle and High Priest of our profession Christ Jesus.” (Heb. 3:1.)  Note that the writer of Hebrews says, “And having an high priest over the house of God.” Jesus Christ is the high priest over the house of God, the church (1 Tim. 3:15).  If we are in the house of God, the church, we should be thankful that he is our mediator (1 Tim. 2:5). 

Since Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:5), and Jesus Christ is the high priest, one can draw near to God.  This is made possible because of the sacrifice Jesus made.  One can draw near because of his obedience to the gospel. He has had his heart sprinkled from an evil conscience and his body washed with pure water, which refers to conversion; specifically, one’s immersion in water. If one leaves in the lurch the saints' assembly, he cannot draw near to God as he once did. James wrote, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8.)

To forsake the assembly of the saints is to turn one's back on his brothers and sisters in Christ.  It is a failure not to consider one another. We are encouraged, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” (Heb. 10:24.) Christianity includes our considering our brethren.   How is one considering his brother if he forsakes the assembly? How can he encourage his brother or sister in Christ unto love and good works if he does not assemble?  Please explain this to me.  Better yet, explain it to God. Let us set aside the excuses. If one can go to a restaurant, to the grocery store, work, and other places, one can attend the church's services where social distancing is still practiced.

The author addressed some in the first century whose custom it was to forsake the saints' assembly.  The seriousness of this problem is intensified when we learn that it is a willful sin to forsake the assemblies of the saints.  Read the following verses: 

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb. 10:26-31.)

Observe the little word "for” at the beginning of verse 26.  It means “because” or for this reason.  So, to forsake the assembly of the saints is a high-handed, rebellious sin. If one has received the truth and still rejects the worship assemblies, the Holy Spirit says there remains no more sacrifice for sin.  One who despised the law of Moses when it was in force died without mercy under two or three witnesses. But how much greater will be the punishment for one who has trodden underfoot the Son of God, counted the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and despised the Spirit of grace?   Brethren, forsaking the assembly is a serious offense. The writer ends this section by saying, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." 

"SOWING THE SEED OF THE KINGDOM"

BEN F. VICK, JR.

In making application of the parable of the sower, Jesus Christ said, "Now the parable is this:  The seed is the word of God." (Luke 8:11.)  The Son of God often compared the kingdom of heaven to the sowing of seed (Matt. 13:24-30; Mark 4:26-29; Luke 8: 4-15.)  The people of his day were familiar with the illustration of sowing and reaping.  Perhaps, as they listened, they could see a man sowing seed on a distant Galilean hillside.

As one studies the New Testament, he sees the early church sowing the kingdom's precious seed. Luke tells us, "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." (Acts 8:4.)  Paul asks and answers, in Romans 10:18, saying, "But I say, Have they not heard?  Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth, and the words unto the ends of the world."  In giving the great commission, Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15–16.)  Paul wrote about thirty years later, "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister." (Col.1:23.)  That does not necessarily mean every person heard the truth.  The American Standard of 1901 shows that the gospel went to the whole creation. "It renders the verse this way: "if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister." (Col.1:23.)

It is the seed of the kingdom that must be planted into the hearts of men and women, girls and boys, if a crop is to be harvested for the Lord one day.  Peter wrote, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:22–23.)  The theories, gimmicks, and commands of men will not purify the soul.  It is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation.  Paul wrote, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Rom. 1:16.)

The Preacher said, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. (Ecc. 3:1–2.)  The same is true with sowing the seed of the kingdom. There is a time to sow the word of God and a time to refrain from the same.

Maybe the time of sowing was the intent of the songwriter, Fred Fillmore, when he penned the lyrics of "Sowing the Seed of the Kingdom."  Briefly, let us consider his words.

The first line inquires, "Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother, in the morning bright and fair?"  If the song's day and night relate to the time in our lives, then think with me for a few minutes along this line.  The morning of one's life may well mean when one is young. Sometimes young people are hesitant to teach others the gospel or invite their friends to worship with them.  But the fact that one is young in no wise excuses him of his responsibility to sow the seed.  Ecclesiastes's writer also said, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…." (Ecc. 12:1.)  Sometimes one's friends are more likely to be influenced by one of their age than those who are older.  Besides, a young person has more influence over his friends than perhaps others.  If "morning" in the song refers to being young spiritually, the lesson is still applicable.  All have the responsibility to spread the good tidings.

The song continues by asking if we are sowing in "the heat of the noonday's glare" or in "the still and solemn night." If these expressions apply to middle age and old age, the lesson is still the same.  Many excuses might be trumped up for those of middle age by saying, "Well, I've got a family to rear," or, "my job does not allow time for spiritual matters."  But none of these excuses nor others will stand in the final day when we all appear before him who said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt. 6:33.)

Sometimes those who have the greater part of their lives behind them may think they can leave the sowing to others. It may be in their retirement they live for themselves, not the Lord.  However, whether one is in bloom of youth or of hoary head, the responsibility remains that one must sow the seed of the kingdom.  I remind us all that no one can do our sowing for us.  Each must do his part.  Someone says, "Well, that's why we pay the preacher."  Keep in mind that they who were scattered abroad went everywhere telling the good news (Acts 8:4).  It was not just the apostles or preachers who were teaching others.  We are saved to save others.  There can be no retired spiritual farmers in the Lord's vineyard. 

It stands to reason that if we sow enough seed, a good harvest will come.  Paul wrote, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." (2 Cor. 9:6.)  Brethren, let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." (Gal. 6:9.)  Sometimes there are difficulties in sowing, but we must persevere.  The Psalmist penned, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psa. 126:5–6.)

My dear brother or sister, are we working as hard in sowing the seed of the kingdom as we do in other endeavors?  Let us instill the word of God into the hearts of others.  May each of us make opportunities to sow the word of God this week. 

THE BEST BIBLE TEACHER

BEN F. VICK, JR.

Many of us can look back at the time when we were students sitting at the feet of various teachers and remember what characteristics we appreciated in them.  Perhaps the following marks (and maybe others) cause one teacher or more to stand out as the best Bible teacher in your memory.

The best Bible teacher is the faithful teacher.  Paul wrote, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”  (II Tim. 2:2.)  No matter how well one is able to present the subject matter to one’s students, if one is not faithful in attendance and service to God, one is a poor teacher.  (I Cor. 4:2.)

The best Bible teacher is the prepared teacher.  No student appreciates an unprepared teacher.  The Lord does not look pleasingly upon a teacher who enters the classroom and wanders aimlessly through a lesson.  Just as Ezra, the scribe, “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel the statutes and judgements” (Ezra 7:10), so should every teacher make adequate preparation.  Even those who desire to teach some time in the future should begin now making preparations.  Jesus prepared for 30 years in order to teach for about 3 1/2 years of ministry.  (Luke 3:23.)

The best Bible teacher is the enthusiastic teacher.  One who enjoys teaching the Bible will soon develop students who enjoy studying the Bible.  Enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm.  Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”  (Col. 3:23.)  If one does not have this characteristic, one should not be teaching.  The molding of lives should not be placed into the hands of apathetic potters. 

The best Bible teacher is a caring teacher.  A teacher should care for his students.  If they are absent from class, the teacher makes an immediate effort to find out why by dropping them a note in the mail, calling on the phone, or even going and visiting those who need encouragement.  (Psa. 142:4; Acts 2:44; 4:32.)

The best Bible teacher is a Bible teacher.  The Bible teacher is not an arts and crafts teacher.  He is not as concerned with cutting out, pasting, and coloring as much as teaching the word of God.  (Deut. 6:7.)  The best Bible teacher is one who places emphasis on Bible study, Bible memorization, Bible knowledge, and Bible application rather than other subjects.  Leave the pagan holidays for the world, but let us hold up God’s word. (I Tim. 3:15.) 

The best Bible teacher is one who continues to grow (II Pet. 3:18) and go (I Cor. 15:58).  God’s word is a rich volume, and in three lifetimes one could not learn it all.  (Rom. 11:33-36.)  Not only does he continue to grow spiritually, but go spiritually is, he is not a quitter.  He has “stick-to-itiveness” (Rev. 2:10.)

The best Bible teacher was Jesus Christ.  (Acts 1:1.)  Follow him.  (I Pet. 2:21.) 

"HE PREACHED HIM INTO HELL"

He was a member of the church.  He said so when questioned about his religion.  He was a member of the church, but he could not be counted on to attend the services.  He worked six days a week, and he had to visit sometimes, and when could he go except on Sunday.  He worked hard and needed some recreation, and Sunday was the only time he had for recreation. 

He was a member of the church, but he just could not get to Bible study on Sunday morning.  He needed the extra hour or two of sleep more than he needed to study the Bible.  He attended the worship most of the time and felt that was enough. 

He was a member of the church, but he did not come on Sunday night.  He had to rest to be ready to go to work Monday.  He had already attended one time, and that was enough except for preachers and a few over-zealous people.  He had eaten the Lord’s supper, and that was the only thing that was really important anyway.

He was a member of the church, but he never came to mid-week Bible study.  He could not find where the Bible said anything about mid-week Bible classes.  He said he was tired on Wednesday night and needed the rest and requested people not to bother him by calling him to invite him.

He was a member of the church, but he gave very little of his money to the cause of the Lord.  The church supported the preaching of the gospel, but not with much of his money.  His earnings increased but not his contribution.  He gave $1.00 all of his life.  The church conducted a radio program but not with his money.  After all, he owned a home, a new car, television and took a vacation every year; and it just took all his money to live on.

He was a member of the church, but he never visited anyone.  He said that he thought that was what the church paid the preacher to do.  If he was sick and no one visited him, it hurt his feelings.  He complained of the church not visiting people.

He was a member of the church, but he never tried to teach anyone else.  In fact, he did not know where to find the Great Commission.  If someone asked him a question, he had to call the preacher to find the answer.  The truth is, he just did not like to talk with other people about the Bible.

He was a member of the church, but he died.  I conducted his funeral.  I said, “He was a member of the church but was careless in his attendance.  He was a member of the church, but he did not think Bible study was important; and, so, he never came.  He was a member of the church, but he did not come to mid-week Bible classes.  He was a member of the church, but he never gave as he was prospered.  His funeral is being conducted in a building paid for by others.  He was a member of the church, but he never visited the sick.  He was a member of the church, but no one here today has he taught the truth.  He has now gone to the judgement to meet his God; and all he can say to God is, ‘I was a member of the church.’  All that I can say about him is that he was a member of the church.”

While these are not the words that I used, it is the substance of what was said.  The service was over, and as I stood at the door waiting for the men to take the casket and place it in the ambulance, I heard someone say, “He preached him straight into hell.”  But I deny that I did so.  All I did was to tell the truth about his life.  All that he claimed while he lived was that he was a member of the church.  Why should I insult his family and friends and his body by saying he was more?  I could not claim for a dead man what he refused to claim for himself while he lived. 

This is not fiction—it happened.

—Selected via Bible Voice, 2/13/1983