Why bother? Why bother to meet on the first day of the week to “break bread” (Acts 20:7)? Why bother to have a “Gospel Meeting”? Some may ask such questions.
Why do we have a series of sermons by a preacher from some other congregation? It’s not to show off our new building. It’s not because we are tired of our own preacher, or want to give him a rest. It’s not merely a tradition. It’s not for any of those reasons, but we do have a reason – a good reason! In fact, several good reasons are behind this meeting!
We are reminded that we are not alone
Most of us know it’s true, but it is easy to begin to think that we are alone in “standing for God’s truth”. We will hear a preacher who is not from Dripping Springs, who did not grow up here, and who did not go to school here. The truth he will proclaim, however, is the same truth we have stood for, proclaimed, read, studied and defended here for many years.
We need to know that God’s truth is known and believed all over the world. We are supporting men in several areas of the world who preach the same gospel that was preached in the first century. (See John 12:48, 2 Timothy 2:1-2) No, we are not alone!
We are reminded about who we are
We need to be reminded that we are the church God purposed “from the foundation of the world,” Ephesians 1:4. We were in His “eternal purpose,” Ephesians 3:11, and we are the church Jesus died for, purchased with His own blood, and currently serves over as High Priest, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 2:9, and Hebrews 4:14-16.
We are not perfect, individually or collectively, but neither are we merely one more church among many churches. Our aim is to be the church of which Jesus is “the head”, Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22. He did not die for the religious division so widely accepted today, and this week’s preaching will give us the Bible view of genuine unity.
This Gospel Meeting, this week, this series of sermons – they will help us to know the truth and to live in harmony with that truth.
Why bother? Yes, there are many reasons for us to “bother” this week. Many good, biblical reasons.
We can encourage one another
My brothers and sisters, the Bible sermons we hear this week will encourage, lift us up and strengthen us for the days ahead. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to…
“..consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
When we see one another, when we see one another working in the kingdom, looking for ways to take the gospel to others, helping those in need, worshiping “in spirit and in truth,” and exhibiting the love and concern for others – I am made stronger – and encouraged.
Bother? How can that be a bother?
We want to reveal God’s truth to others
Jesus Himself said that the gospel, the truth, is GOD’S word. Truth is in us only in that we are knowledgeable of that word. I need it. You need it. Our neighbors need it. Our community needs it. And our preacher is going to make it plain and available to all who will
hear and act upon it.
Remember, the “power” is not in you or me; it’s not in the elders or the deacons; it’s not in Mike Bonner – the power is in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, Romans 1:14-18. Bother? Of course not!
We can help our neighbors to know Jesus
Our focus is on Jesus, His word, His church, and His authority. He was given “All authority…” as we read in Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,” John 14:6. What is the way to heaven, to God, to eternal joy and bliss? Jesus is the way – not just one of the ways, not just a way, but the way!
But preacher, isn’t that a narrow-minded viewpoint? Aren’t you being judgmental? Aren’t you saying that you are the only church that has any truth?
Look again at John 14:6 – who said those words? It was not one of “us” who said them, but Jesus Himself. If one does not believe what Jesus said, who will they believe. We want our neighbors and friends to know Jesus, and the only way to know Him is to know His word. If there are “many ways” to God, as some of our TV “celebs” claim, why did Jesus say HE is that way? It is clear that they don’t know “the way."
Simon Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, said in Acts 2:36:
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
The record says 3,000 people obeyed the gospel that day. They repented of their sins and were baptized into Christ, Acts 2:38-47. Jesus died for us, and it was not a “bother” to Him. This week will be anything but a “bother” to us.
