HISTORY OR THE FUTURE?

Our Gospel meeting is now completed. For those who had the privilege of attending each evening, you were able to feast upon a sumptuous meal of the living word. Each night brother Ogden provided a lesson that caused us to reflect upon our relationship with God, through His son Jesus Christ, and how we could better enjoy that relationship. Christ was preached, the Gospel was delivered, souls were edified and souls were admonished. Each one in attendance knew what they were hearing: God's word declared in it's fullness. Brother Ogden left "nothing behind" in declaring the truth. We appreciate his effort in helping us and we appreciate all who provided for him in their hospitality. We also are thankful for the attendance of each one who came, knowing that their purpose was to hear God's word.

How effective was our meeting? Are we to judge by souls saved? Are we to judge by attendance? If by souls saved, we might suggest that other meetings have had more. The

same can be said for our attendance. How are we to know if this meeting was "successful"? What standard can we apply to know?

The simple answer is this: was the Gospel preached? Was the seed sowed in such a way that honest hearts could hear and respond? The answer to this question is YES! Jesus, in discussing the parable of the sower in Luke 8, said this: "... The seed is the word of God." (verse 11) The sower was responsible for sowing the word and allowing the soil to take it in. (Luke 8:5-8) It is up to the "ground" (hearers of the word) to determine what they will do with the "seed".

Too often we get caught up in numbers. We understand this because it is a simple way to measure an outcome. Yes, we desire to see an immediate response and we should strive to teach people so that they will respond. However, we should never be discouraged if we do not see an immediate response, and trust in God's word and His power. He has promised us that His word, "... shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) If it is

preached in it's fullness, then it will do what God desires for it to do and we will be edified by it. Anytime the Gospel is preached, it is a success!

[JW]

********** THIS WEEKS MEMORY VERSE **********

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is

eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 6:23