1. Colossians 4:2-3 (NKJV) 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,

2. Colossians 4:2-3

3.  We are less than a week out from our upcoming Gospel Meeting  I hope you are getting excited about this event  We want this to be as successful a meeting as it possibly can be

4.  For that to happen we all must do some things to help out  Some may ask what exactly our purpose is for this meeting  I believe with this meeting and others that we have, there is a two-fold purpose

5.  1. To evangelize ◦ We are told that we have a responsibility to teach the lost  2. To edify ◦ We are to exhort one another in order to stir up love and good works (Heb. 3:13; 10:24)

6.  So what can you and I do to help accomplish these 2 goals?  Remember that everyone falls under 1 of these 2 categories  We all either need to be evangelized or edified (some both)

7.  1. Preparation ◦ One of the most important things that you and I can do is to prepare for this meeting ◦ Question is, how do we do that? ◦ There are several things that we should do to prepare for our upcoming meeting

8.  1. Preparation ◦ One way that we can properly prepare is by praying ◦ Paul spoke of praying in an evangelistic effort in Col. 4:2-4 ◦ He asked that prayers be offered for open doors

9.  1. Preparation ◦ Another way we can prepare for this meeting is by inviting others to come and hear the gospel proclaimed ◦ Remember one of our purposes is to evangelize ◦ Inviting others is a key way to do that

10.  1. Preparation ◦ Remember what Andrew did in John 1:40-42? ◦ He went and found his brother Peter and invited him to hear the gospel ◦ We need to invite those who are lost and need to hear the good news

11.  2. Presence ◦ Another key to making a great Gospel Meeting is simply to be here ◦ You cannot be edified if you are not here ◦ We also edify others with our presence

12.  2. Presence ◦ At the same time, we can demoralize with our absence (II Cor. 2:12-13) ◦ I can tell you it’s more encouraging to preach to a crowded auditorium than an empty one ◦ In that way we can help the preacher

13.  2. Presence ◦ What does it say about our view of the importance of the meeting if we are not here? ◦ How do we tell someone who is lost that this is important if we don’t view it as important enough to be here ourselves

14.  3. Participation ◦ An additional way that you and I can help make this meeting a successful one is to participate ◦ We need to participate before and after the services ◦ Come early and greet visitors that may be here

15.  3. Participation ◦ Sit closer to the front and leave room for any visitors that may come in late ◦ Stick around after the service to invite our visitors back ◦ We should also participate during the service as well

16.  3. Participation ◦ We should sing in a spirited manner, with grace in our hearts ◦ Don’t be afraid to say amen ◦ Pay attention to the sermon and the lessons that are being brought (Acts 17:11)

17.  If we will support this meeting in the right way, it will be a success for this congregation  Remember that we need your: ◦ Preparation ◦ Presence ◦ Participation