Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: May 3, 2009
A LOOK BACK AT OUR GOSPEL MEETING
WHAT A GREAT GOSPEL MEETING WE HAD! Our Gospel Meeting is now history, but I believe this is one of
the best gospel meetings we have had. Appreciation is expressed to Brother Robin Haley for conducting our
meeting this year and for proclaiming the word of God in a simple but powerful manner. I know that many of
you expressed your appreciation for these lessons. I know I was encouraged and built up, and it is my hope
and prayer that each of you were also.
Brother Haley began this gospel meeting by preaching a lesson on how the church can be strong. A number of
crucial points were given. The Sullivan congregation must strive and endeavor to make sure it remains
strong. The church being strong will not happen by accident but by deliberate design in following the teachings
of God’s word in all things.
“Heaven is Not For All” was the subject for the worship hour Sunday morning. As was noted, heaven is not for
those who are simply sincere or religious. It is not even for all members of the church, because the scriptures
clearly teach that some members of the church will not make it to heaven (cf. Matt. 13:41). Heaven is for
those who do the will of God in all things (Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9). All men must obey the one and only gospel of
Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 1:7-9) and remain faithful to God all the days of their lives (2 Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 2:10).
During the Sunday evening worship hour, Brother Haley set forth “The Ephesian Advantage.” This was indeed
a very interesting lesson that shows that even sound congregations can fall. The Ephesian church had so
many advantages that perhaps other churches at that time did not have. They had some of the greatest
leaders and proclaimers and workers in their midst, which included Paul, Timothy, Onesiphorus, Aquila and
Priscilla and possibly John. They had one epistle written to them (the book of Ephesians) and also had access
to other epistles. This congregation indeed had many advantages. However, this congregation reminds and
warns us that remaining faithful and strong will not come about by luck or happenstance. Effort and energy
must be put forth. How many congregations do you know that were once faithful and strong but have now
digressed into liberalism and even denominationalism? I personally have known many.
Monday night’s lesson was devoted to answering the question, “Is the Christian Church the New Testament
Church?” This was a tremendous lesson. What the Christian Church is and does shows that it is not
identical to the church the Lord established; it is not identical to the church you can read about in the NT. I
encourage everyone to get a copy of this lesson and distribute it.
On Tuesday evening, Brother Haley set forth the “Two Builders” that Jesus spoke about in Matt. 7:24-27. This
was a powerful lesson that tells us that we must build upon the right foundation, that is the right standard of
authority. If we don’t, then we will fall.
Wednesday night was the final night of the gospel meeting. Brother Haley presented a lesson entitled, “If God
is Going to Save All . . .” How many have the conception that everyone will be saved? As was pointed out, if
this is the case, then when it comes right down to it, then it doesn’t matter what one believes, how one
worships, how one behaves, etc. Nothing really matters, because if God is going to save all, then a person can
do whatever and be whatever they so desire. The Bible, then, is useless and worthless. Of course, the Bible
teaches that many will be lost and few will be saved (Matt. 7:13-14).
I encourage each one to get copies of the lessons. All lessons will be made available on audio tape and cd. All
lessons, with the exception of the lesson of Monday night, will be on DVD. A sign up sheet is on the board to
sign up for these lessons. If you would like more than one copy, please indicate that on the sheet.
Gospel meetings are wonderful; it is encouraging to the congregation, and it is my conviction based upon years
of experience that congregations should strive to have gospel meetings and the like. I know my spiritual
batteries were recharged. Can you imagine being in one of the first century congregations, such as Ephesus or
Jerusalem or Antioch and being exposed to all of the teaching and preaching that came through?
I also want to say to those who willfully missed these services, shame on you. This was a work that the men
of this congregation decided for all the church to be involved in. The congregation was called together to
support this gospel effort. Those who willfully forsook these assemblies (Heb. 10:25) need to publicly repent
and do better. I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine having missed this great gospel meeting. And,
better yet, I can’t ever imagine missing the services of the church period. It is a great and tremendous
blessing, and it is sad that professing Christians have to debate with themselves whether or not they will
attend all the services. Brethren, we need to examine ourselves and see if you are truly in the faith (2 Cor. 13:
5). There is no greater joy than to be with brothers and sisters in Christ and to grow in the grace of knowledge
of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).
NUMBERS
Before Israel set forth toward the promised land,
The people were numbered; it was all well planned.
The Levites sanctified the camp ere they slept,
Before the trumpet was blown the Passover was kept.
The people set forth, complaining as they went.
With God’s provision they were not content.
God’s appointed leaders they attempted to fetter –
Declaring that they could do the job better.
They murmured about manna and for water did yearn,
And wanted to get a leader, and to Egypt return.
From Kadesh Barnea twelve spies were sent out,
But ten came back and made the people doubt.
But Joshua and Caleb true to God did remain,
They were not afraid of the giants or of the terrain.
The grapes of Eschol they brought in their hand
And declared that milk and honey flowed in that land.
Balak hired Balaam, God’s people to curse,
But God’s plan he could not alter nor reverse.
When Balaam tried God, His covenant to revoke,
By the mouth of a dumb ass unto him God spoke.
Moses told Israel when they came into the land
To destroy the heathen, to let no idol stand.
If you fail to obey what I said you should do,
What I thought to do to them, I will do unto you.
Six cities of refuge were clearly specified,
Where the accidental man-slayer could run and hide.
There the avenger of blood cold not enter in –
For a city of refuge was to protect those within.