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Supporting Our Gospel Meeting

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A Gospel Meeting is much more than a series of lessons on the calendar. It is a spiritual opportunity for renewal, growth, and outreach. Our upcoming Gospel Meeting with Josh Allen is an occasion for us to strengthen our own faith while also extending the message of salvation to others. Paul reminded Timothy to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). This meeting gives us the chance to hear the word preached plainly and powerfully, and it also gives us the responsibility to help make it fruitful by bringing others.

Supporting the meeting begins with prayer. James 5:16 assures us that “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Each member can pray for Brother Allen as he prepares his lessons, that he may speak with clarity, boldness, and love. We should also pray for the congregation, that we will attend with open hearts and a spirit eager to grow. And we must not forget to pray for those who we invite, our friends, co-workers, and family members, asking that the word of God will find good soil in their hearts (Luke 8:15).

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

When Andrew found the Messiah, the first thing he did was bring his brother Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42). Each of us has someone we can invite, perhaps a neighbor who is seeking, a family member who has drifted away from the church, or a friend who has questions about faith. A simple, heartfelt invitation can be the first step in leading someone closer to Christ. Let us take advantage of this meeting to sow the seed widely, trusting God to give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Of course, we also support the meeting by being present ourselves. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Our attendance shows love for God, appreciation for His word, and encouragement for the preacher. It also demonstrates to our visitors that the gospel is precious to us. Every time we fill a pew, sing with joy, listen attentively, and participate in worship, we help create an atmosphere where truth can be heard and souls can be moved.

Finally, we support the meeting by encouraging one another. A warm smile, a handshake, or a kind word can make visitors feel welcome and help our brothers and sisters feel strengthened. Paul instructed, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Our collective spirit of unity, love, and hospitality can open doors for the gospel in ways we may not even realize.

Brethren, this upcoming Gospel Meeting with Josh Allen is not simply “another event” on the calendar. It is a time for us to renew our commitment to Christ, to be strengthened in His word, and to work together for the salvation of souls. May we pray fervently, invite boldly, attend faithfully, and encourage lovingly. If each of us does our part, the Lord will be glorified, the church will be built up, and lost souls may be brought nearer to Him. Let us give our very best support, so that this effort may bear fruit to the glory of God (John 15:8).

 

God Bless

Todd Parsley
Minister
Flatwoods church of Christ

Are We Stuck in Tradition?

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Tradition can be a powerful influence, both for good and for harm. The Bible itself recognizes the value of traditions only when they are rooted in the truth of God’s Word. Paul wrote, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). In this sense, traditions that come directly from the apostles, whether written in Scripture or spoken under the Spirit’s guidance are divine teachings that we must hold firmly. These are not human customs but the very doctrines of Christ.

Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash

However, the danger comes when human traditions are elevated above God’s Word. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were guilty of this very thing. He said, “For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men… All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark 7:8–9). Their devotion to man-made practices caused them to set aside God’s commands, rendering their worship empty. Christ declared, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:6–7).

The question we must ask ourselves is whether we are guilty of the same. Do we cling to practices simply because “we’ve always done it that way,” or because they are truly authorized in the Scriptures? If our faith is more about tradition than truth, then we risk falling into the same trap as the Pharisees. Paul warned the Colossians not to be taken captive “through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Our standard must always be Christ and His Word, not the customs of men.

It is not wrong to have customs in our congregations, as long as they do not conflict with God’s will. For example, what time we meet on Sunday, or whether we sit on pews or chairs, are matters of expediency and not doctrine. But when we begin to bind our customs as though they were commands, or when we refuse to change something even when it hinders the work of the church, we may be stuck in tradition rather than following Christ. The danger is not in tradition itself but in making tradition our master instead of God. 

Therefore, we must constantly examine ourselves by the Word of God. James exhorts us to receive “with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). The Word, not tradition has the power to save. Let us be people who stand firmly on the inspired Scriptures and in a “tradition” just because it’s always been done that way. True disciples are not stuck in the traditions of men but are steadfast in the truth of God’s Word.

 

God Bless

Todd Parsley
Minister
Flatwoods church of Christ