What Is A Gospel Meeting and Why Should I Attend One? - Part 1
Russell H. McCullough
Gospel Preacher, NC Real Estate Broker, Contributor at LinkedIn Pulse
It was 1801 on the Kentucky frontier in what was still an untamed wilderness. Life itself was still in the balance. Would civilization survive in such an inhospitable place? There was no social order. There was constant conflict with Native Peoples. There was catastrophic infant mortality. Adults, especially women, often didn’t live past 45 years. There was little transportation other than horses, river barges, and foot for most people. There was absolutely nothing that could be obtained except that which was to be found in the dark forest and fast flowing rivers.
And yet…
The Great American Gospel Meeting still took place at place called Cane Ridge, Kentucky. Between August 6 and August 13, 1801 an estimated 15,000 people gathered to hear a message – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Such a crowd in such a wilderness likely represented nearly every living person within 2 – 3 days traveling distance! What drew them? The same thing that has driven men, women, and children who have “ears to hear” since the very first Gospel Meeting on the Day of Pentecost ca. 0029 in Jerusalem. Many Gospel Meetings have followed.
There was the protracted Gospel Meeting in Antioch where Barnabas and Saul taught large numbers of people. Then there was, what is most likely, the greatest Gospel Meeting of all time – The Gospel Meeting of Ephesus! We read about it in Acts 19.9 – 10. Paul taught in the Ephesian Synagogue for three months and then for another TWO YEARS in the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus. The Bible says that the “entire province of Asia” heard the Gospel, both Jews and Greeks!
But we must ask ourselves more specifically, just what is a Gospel Meeting, either then or now? And even more importantly, for what purpose is a Gospel Meeting held? In the book of Isaiah, chapter 55, in verses 6 – 13, God is discoursing with Israel through His inspired prophet, Isaiah. God makes a statement of profound truth; “My Words shall not return to Me void.” God’s Words, when proclaimed, will never have an empty effect. Therefore, this passage speaks to the purpose of the Gospel Meeting: The Gospel Meeting is “where the wicked forsakes his ways, forsakes his thoughts and returns to the Lord for abundant pardon!” THAT is why we hold Gospel Meetings, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ who alone can change someone’s ways and thoughts. That repentant person is then driven to Christ who offers “abundant pardon” in the watery grave of baptism “in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” The Gospel Meeting is where the alien sinner puts on Christ in baptism and where the prodigal son can return home to the Father. SALVATION is proclaimed at the Gospel Meeting!
MORE…next week!
Russell H McCullough, who often publishes here on LinkedIn Publishing, serves as the gospel preacher for the Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 where there will be a GOSPEL MEETING between October 21 - 24, 2018. GREG DISMUKE of Newport News, VA will be our guest speaker. "SEEKING THE LOST" is our theme. YOU are invited! You can also follow Russell H McCullough at https://gospelcall.blogspot.com. His sermons can be heard at: https://soundcloud.com/you/tracks
Minister at Valley church of Christ
6 年I think we often need some “self-help” but not advertised as a gospel meeting, I chuckled at your comment about the invitation, I have heard preachers offer similar invitations after a sermon, yet after a funeral offer an invitation that makes the most faithful Christians ready to walk the aisle.
Minister at Valley church of Christ
6 年Russell, great description of what a gospel meeting should be. Most of the gospel meetings we have today would be better named after what many denominations call revivals. The reason I say this is because the gospel meetings of old were often held in tents and the gospel was proclaimed in the open air. Now, they held in a church house with a preacher that has somewhat of a reputation and a following of sorts. We invite our sister congregations and hope that maybe somebody who is truly needs to hear the gospel might wander in. Then again, because of what the gospel meeting has become, the lesson being taught is not that of Peter, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” When the invitation is offered, the one who really needs baptized is confused about what they just heard and usually leaves the meeting just as lost and often more confused than before. I actually say that our gospel meetings have become “preacher showcases.” This is not to be negative, it is an observation.