Text: Colossians 3:17
As a congregation prepares for a Gospel Meeting, it is important to understand why one is being held. In this lesson, we will consider some right and wrong reasons for having a Gospel Meeting. We will also consider whether or not we have the authority to conduct a Gospel Meeting.
First Question: Is It Authorized?
- This must be the first question we ask in all that we do (Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 1:13) – authority must come from either heaven or men (Matthew 21:23-37)
- Are we authorized to have preaching in the assembly? … Yes (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26)
- Are we authorized to meet on a day other than Sunday? … Yes (Acts 2:46; 19:9)
- Speaking of authority, remember – the local church is the only organization authorized to engage in this work of evangelism (1 Timothy 3:15; cf. Hebrews 7:12-14)
Wrong Reasons to Have a Gospel Meeting
- It is traditional to do it – some traditions are wrong in themselves (Matthew 15:6); others are inconsequential and would be wrong if bound upon others (Matthew 15:9); we need to be sure we have authority, not assume something is right just because it has become a tradition
- Other churches do it – our standard is God’s word (2 Timothy 1:13), not other churches; one church practicing an authorized custom does not mean every church must do so (1 Corinthians 11:4-5, 16)
- It is what sound churches are expected to do – there is no unwritten creed that is the measure of a sound church; each church is autonomous (1 Peter 5:2); we’re not trying to conform to anyone’s standard but Christ’s
Right Reasons to Have a Gospel Meeting
- It is helpful to the local congregation (1 Corinthians 10:23)
- It is an opportunity to worship (Psalm 122:1)
- It is an opportunity to learn more of God’s word (Psalm 119:97; 2 Peter 3:18)
- It is an opportunity to assemble with other brethren (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- It is an opportunity to reach those in the community (1 Corinthians 14:23-25)
