Gospel Meeting
  1. Introduction
    1. Give invitation for those that are not Christians
      1. If you believe on Jesus Christ
      2. Willing to repent of sin
      3. Ready to confess Christ before men
      4. Want to be baptized for the remission of sin
      5. We will sing a song of encouragement in a moment
    2. Next Lord’s day we will begin a series of services lasting through out the week
    3. Speaking each evening will be Russ Bowman
  2. In considering a subject for study I thought it would be good to consider the upcoming meeting. Let’s begin by considering the gospel meetings in general
    1. Their Purpose
      1. In the past Gospel meetings (bible studies) were held to spread the gospel.
        1. Great number of visitors or those who had not heard were taught the truth
        2. Extended sometimes longer than a week
      2. For various reasons the purpose of the meetings have changed over the years in some places. Lessons are being taught for the edification, strengthening and instruction of Christians at a local congregation.
    2. In any event, there is some degree of planning that takes place
      1. Planned because of the realization of the need for study of the word of God
      2. Planned because of the good that can come.
        1. Lost souls will be saved
        2. Weak made stronger
    3. We also see their Potential
      1. More than twice the bible lessons – Great for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
      2. More than double the singing and Praise to God – Excellent for those who look forward to a life in heaven
  4. Having said that, let’s take a look at a familiar bible event found in Acts 10
    1. Acts 10:1-3 introduced to Cornelius
    2. Acts 10:7-8 sending for Peter
    3. Acts 10:23-24 Departure for Caesarea from Joppa
    4. Acts 10:29 Question ask by Peter
    5. Acts 10:33-35 answer of Cornelius and begin sermon of Peter
    6. Acts 10:48 end of teaching of Peter
  5. The points to see in this passage
    1. Invite – Cornelius was to send for Peter v. 5 He was told where he would be found
    2. Importance – Cornelius sent household servants and devout soldier v.7 immediately v.33
    3. Interest – Cornelius invited his friends and relatives v.24
    4. Intent
      1. First seen in v. 6
      2. v. 22 "to hear words of thee"
      3. Peter asked "for what intent ye have sent for me?"
    5. Instruction – Peter was to tell them what they should do
      1. He instructed them with the word of God
      2. v. 34-48 – The teaching of Peter
  6. Application for us today with upcoming gospel meeting
    1. Recall the chart of meeting announcement
    2. Elders see these studies as a way to help us
      Heb 13:17 – shows the responsibility the elders have to "watch for our souls"
      1. Elders obtained information on how to contact Russ
      2. Contact was made and time has been set for his coming
      3. Invitation was made to bro. Bowman and he accepted
    3. We should realize the importance of the studies –
      "A Bible Study" not a social gathering
      1. Encourage all to
        1. Bring your bibles
        2. Take notes for more study at home
        3. Follow along in the study
      2. No greater subject can be found to study, No greater book can ever be read
        1. Neh. 8:1-3,8

          2. (Neh 8:1-3 KJV) "And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. {2} And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. {3} And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law."

          (Neh 8:8 KJV) "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."

        2. Illustrates the reverence given to the word of God
        3. Reading of the law, the commandments of God
      3. This is a study of the word of God – Psa 19:7-10 (described)

        4. (Psa 19:7-10 KJV) "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. {8} The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. {9} The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. {10} More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."

      4. Not the wisdom of men – Acts 10:25-26
    4. Because the Interest of Cornelius he invited others to hear the word of God.
      1. Reminded of how Peter heard of Jesus John 1:40-41

        2. (John 1:40-41 KJV) "One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. {41} He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ."

      2. Also point out that it is evident that those he invited took him seriously, He lived his life in such a way that others could feel confident about his words. Notice how he is described in verse 2

        3. (Acts 10:2 KJV) "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."

      3. Not saying people may not take us seriously, but think about the kind of interest you show in spiritual things Phil 4:8

        4. (Phil 4:8 KJV) "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

        1. Are we interested in sharing the gospel with others?
        2. Are we interested in the building up of those who are weak?
        3. Are we interested in building up ourselves?
    5. Intent and Instruction
      1. The purpose is to learn from the study, that puts the responsibility on us as listeners
      2. As we stated the purpose is the study the bible. We must be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11) who searched the scriptures.
        1. Why?
        2. To see if the things taught are so.
      3. And when we find them to be true, it is our responsibility to put the instructions in to action in our lives.
      4. The elders see this as a time to be strengthened and encouraged. Paul tells us how this is possible in Acts 20:32

    (Acts 20:32 KJV) "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."
  8. Conclusion
    1. Preparation has been made
      1. Preacher has been invited
      2. Place is designated
      3. The time is near
    2. Audience will gather
      1. Gather to listen to the word of God
      2. Gather to sing praises
        1. To God
        2. To edify Others
      3. Gather to strengthen and encourage each other
    3. Are you interested?
      1. Do you see the importance of the study?
      2. Do know the possibilities?
      3. Are you excited about the time to be spent in praise to God with singing and prayer?
      4. Are you ready for these bible studies?
    4. More important are you ready for the coming Judgement?
      1. The meeting is in the future, (if the Lord does not come)
      2. Time that is not guaranteed.
      3. But you have now to make you life right with the Lord.