From February 24-26, the congregation that meets at Northside in Ft lauderdale will be holding a gospel meeting with Ken Weliever from Temple Terrace, Florida. In preparation let's examine the purpose of meetings and how we can maximize this great opportunity.
1) PRAYER
A. In all our endeavors in serving the Lord, prayer should begin everything we do.
1. James 5:16; 1 Thess 5:17; Acts 2:42
2) PURPOSE
A. PREACHING! There will be a wonderful opportunity this week to spread the Word. Rom 1: 16-17
1. Sow the Seed - the power is in the Seed, the Word of God. There is power in that word - Isa 55:10-11
2. Heb 4: 12 - it is alive, powerful!
3. There are many PROSPECTS - John 4:35 (Acres of Diamonds)
4. Bro Weliever is a wonderful speaker, but more importantly he will preach the Truth!
a. Jeremiah 20:9
5. The Word has always been powerful, capable of achieving it's intended purpose - Isa 55:10-11
6. The sower fulfills his responsibility by sowing the seed - Eze 3: 17-19
7. Some said we are seed-throwers and water boys - 1Cor 3: 5-7
B. Encourage - we, as members of this congregation, and visitors from others need edification!
1. Why? We can become discouraged! Our fervor can "cool off" and need to be re-ignited. Rev 3:15-19
2. Heb 10:24-25
C. There are those who will make excuses - (read)
1. Luke 14:15-24
2. We realize there are those who can't make it due to health or work related issues. In fact, there are those in very poor health who can only come once a week and their presence lifts all of us up! Let me ask you something. For those who can't make it due to a "scratchy throat" or an upset "tummy", what if I told you that you could have free, front row seats to your favorite concert or free cruise tickets or anything that you love to do. Would there be an "improvement" in health. Also, if a husband or wife or child is not well does it require the whole family to stay at home? Generally speaking, people do what they want to do.
3) PREPARATION -
A. Our meeting is a short, weekend one. Have you planned accordingly? Luke 14: 15-24
4) PRESENCE -
A. It is so encouraging to have everyone here! When you aren't what does that say about your interest in others?
1. Benefits - Col 3:16,
2. Heb 4: 14-16
3. Acts 17:11
B. Numbers 32: 6-7 - a warning to those who didn't want to help their brethren
C. 2 Cor 2:12-13 - Paul genuinely missed Titus.
5) PARTICIPATION - increases interest. Hobbies, sports, etc. The more you participate, the more you want to
A. Acts 2:42 - interested daily
B. James 1:22- 25 - those who look intently
C. Mt 7:24-27 - requires action
D. When we're here let's participate with enthusiasm
Let's make this the best meeting we could ever have!