Few things in life can be guaranteed. As the old saying goes, the only real guarantees are death and taxes. Even companies who offer their "money-back guarantees" have provisional "outs."
With the start of our gospel meeting today, I want to use this space to personally guarantee a great meeting. As far as I know, my family is the only one here who knows Jeff Belknap. No one else can vouch for him. Yet, that is not why I'm personally guaranteeing a great gospel meeting. My reasons have nothing to do with my personal knowledge and acquaintance with Jeff. They have to do with unalterable truths about the gospel and our obligations before the God whom we serve.
Guarantee #1: The Gospel
While not promising a certain number of conversions, I am guaranteeing that as long as the truth is taught, the seed will be planted and God will do His part. 1 Cor. 3:5-7 gives everyone involved their roles. Humans are servants in God's scheme. Some plant, some come later and water. Beyond that, we do nothing. I can't promise WHEN, but I can personally guarantee that God will cause fruit to grow from honest hearts that hear the gospel this week.
Guarantee #2: Our Edification
The elders plan this meeting every year for our edification. Money from the Lord's treasury is spent. A man takes time out of his schedule to travel to Knoxville and preach for a week. Yet, some are still heard to say things like, "The church just doesn't do enough to edify or strengthen me." I'll tell you this...I can personally guarantee you won't be edified if you don't attend these assemblies. We need to have the heart of Cornelius in Acts 10:33. Read that passage and think about your plans for this coming week.
Guarantee #3: The Lost
All of us know of others who are good people but who are not N.T. Christians. We would be overjoyed if they would come for just 1 assembly this week. I can personally guarantee they won't come if we don't ask them. Can the disposition found in Jer. 20:9 be found in us? Is the gospel message such a fire within us that we cannot hold it in? Do we feel compelled to tell others about Christ and His plans for them?
It will be a great meeting this week... I personally guarantee it!!
