Gospel meetings are an important part of the work of the church. We must attend our meeting, and recognize the benefit of supporting the gospel meetings of other congregations. There is evidence found in the Bible that shows a Christian has the responsibility of supporting said gospel meetings. To understand why this is, we must understand what a gospel meeting is.

The word “gospel” simply means a good message. Of course “meeting” is the act of coming together. What good message (gospel) are we coming together (meeting) for?

The word “gospel” is found 103 times in the Bible, all of which occur in the New Testament. The word “gospel” is split up into several categories. There is the “gospel of the kingdom” (Matthew 4:23; 9:35; 24:14; Mark 1:14-15), the “gospel of Christ” (Mark 1:1; Romans 1:16; 15:19, 29; 1 Corinthians 9:12, 18; 2 Corinthians 9:13; 10:14; Galatians 1:7; Philippians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:2), the “gospel of God” (Romans 1:1; 15:16; 2 Corinthians 11:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:2,8,9; 1 Peter 4:17), the “gospel of peace” (Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15), and the “everlasting gospel” (Revelation 14:6). In Paul’s writing, he speaks of “our gospel” (2 Corinthians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:14), and “my (his) gospel” (Romans 2:16; 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8). These are all the same gospels. In speaking of the kingdom you must speak of God; in speaking of God you must speak of Christ; in speaking of Christ, you speak of peace. This is the same gospel that is described as “everlasting” in Revelation. The gospel which Paul writes about is also the same. “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Of course Paul’s writing is recognized as scripture. He writes that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). In effect, Paul’s gospel is the gospel of God. All of the New Testament writings are pertaining to Christ for they are the substance of the new covenant that He established (Hebrews 8:7-13).

In preaching the gospel, we are preaching of Christ’s life, death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 2:14-36). Preaching the gospel of Christ includes preaching baptism (Acts 2:38; 8:35,36). One of the efforts of a gospel meeting is to bring lost souls to Christ! This is included in preaching a gospel meeting. We must all support the gospel effort of spreading the borders of God’s kingdom!

Also, in preaching the gospel, we are preaching the doctrine of Christ. Of course Christ’s teachings are found in the four books we collectively call “the four gospels” (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). However, the four gospels are not the only places we see Christ’s teaching. When Christ finished His time on earth, and ascended to Heaven, He gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to His apostles, which inspired them (Acts 1:1-3; 2:1-4; Ephesians 4:8). All of their writings are therefore the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16)! Everything contained in the Bible, not only of the four gospels, but also of the remaining books from Acts to Revelation, should be included in the preaching at a gospel meeting. We are all to support this effort of teaching, admonishing, and edifying by the gospel!

Paul was concerned in writing to the church at Corinth that another might come and preach “another Jesus whom we have not preached,” or that they might “receive a different spirit which you have not received,” or even receive “a different gospel which you have not accepted” (2 Corinthians 11:4a). He was concerned that they might “well put up with it” (2 Corinthians 11:4b). Paul was “contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) by warning them of this “different gospel.” He also wrote to the church in Galatia convicting them of “turning away…to a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6). Of course this gospel was “not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7). There is only one true gospel, and that is the gospel of Christ! However, there are going to be others who try to pervert the gospel by “twisting to their own destruction…the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16). Because of this we must contend for the faith (Jude 3)!

Brothers and sisters, in attending a gospel meeting, we support the defending of the faith. We support the teaching of Christ. When we neglect to attend said meetings, we are in effect not being supportive of this defensive effort! We all have a responsibility to attend and support the gospel effort!