The first South Florida Lectureship was fifteen years ago, and what outstanding November weekends we’ve had each and every year since its inception, seemingly getting better and better! With the 15th Annual SFL only one week away, this may be our finest ever. What do you have planned on November 5-7? Could you possibly find anything better to do with ten hours of your weekend than to enjoy time with God, His Word and your brethren at the South Florida Lectureship? If you need a little convincing, may we give you ten two-word reasons why you don’t want to miss this one.
Spiritual Feast. How can it get any better than focusing on “We Would See Jesus: The Son of Man”! Last year’s theme was “We Would See Jesus: The Son of God,” a look at the deity of Christ, which was truly faith-building. The design of this year’s theme, and the emphasis behind each of the lectures, is to create a deeper appreciation for Jesus, as the Son of Man, and a longing to be more like Him every day.
Practical Lessons. How can it get any more real-to-life than to study, in the context of Jesus’ life and teachings, topics like obedience, prayer, evangelism, service, compassion, temptations, holiness, helping those who are overlooked, dealing with our enemies! There will be topics that look at Jesus as our Friend, our King, our Shepherd and our Teacher. On Saturday afternoon, there is a Teen Class entitled, “Not Ashamed of Jesus.”
Talented Speakers. We’ve had some very strong lineups in years past and this year is no exception. How can it get any better than Gary Hampton (director of East Tennessee School of Preaching), Jerry Houston (preacher from NY), Jeff Jenkins (Dan’s nephew, who preaches in Texas), Jay Lockhart (preacher from KY), David Powell (from FHU), Mike Winkler (preacher from AL), and several top-notch men of God from this area — Vance Davis, Randall Hunter and Benny Santiago.
Rhonda Thompson. Ladies, those two words ought to be enough. How can it get any better than hearing Rhonda Thompson speak Saturday night on the topic, “Jesus & His Mother”! Rhonda, who is currently an instructor of Spanish at Freed-Hardeman University (and proud grandmother of three), holds a special place in the hearts of everyone at PBL. Ladies will not want to miss her lecture.
Gary Friedly. A great theme, great topics and great speakers can make a great lectureship. However, the congregational singing at a lectureship can make or break the overall impact of the event. How can it get any better than having Gary Friedly here to lead the singing! Gary is not only a talented singer and talented leader, but he is very effective in creating a true worshipful focus and helping each worshiper to tune his/her heart toward God.
Heavenly Fellowship. A foretaste of things to come! When Christians gather to worship God together, to investigate further the life of Jesus together, to hear messages from God’s inspired word together, to grow closer to the Lord together, to reflect on areas in life where they can better exemplify their Savior together, how can it get any better! “How sweet! How heavenly!”
Children’s Classes. The South Florida Lectureship helps to instill faith in the hearts of the old and the young (and everyone who thinks they’re in between). How can it get any better! We are blessed at Palm Beach Lakes to not only have talented individuals who are able to effectively teach a Bible class for children, but are also willing to teach during our lectureship (to feed young souls the milk of the Word, rather than be fed themselves). The children will be studying about their Friend, Jesus, who obeyed God, prayed to God, helped others and taught others.
Corn Roast. How can it get any better than Mmmm! So, do you think the Corn Roast during the lectureship is really one of the great highlights each year? Let’s sum it up with Andrea Spradlin’s recent Facebook post: “Generally, I don’t remember my dreams…just the nightmares. Last night, I was dreaming that I was feasting on plates full of slow roasted pork BBQ deliciousness and yummy corn on the cob at the Annual Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ Corn Roast (part of the South Florida Lectureship spiritual feast). Then I realized…that I was going to miss it this year! And that, my friends, is what this foodie calls A NIGHTMARE!!”
Football Friendly. You know, from experience, that if you are recording a game at home while you’re out (and you don’t want to know the score until you get home and watch the game), that you are bound to walk by a television somewhere that has the game on and inadvertently see the game-winning field goal. That can be so frustrating! We know that feeling and we can guarantee that you will not walk by any televisions with any games on, while you’re in our building. It’s a football safe-haven. How can it get any better than that!
Free Gift. Ok, if these first nine haven’t convinced you to make the lectureship a priority on your calendar, this is the clincher! We are excited this year to offer something that we’ve never been able to do, in all the years of our lectureship. (Assuming it goes well, we will probably do it again next year, in case you miss out this year.) For everyone who comes to the lectureship on Friday night and stays through the Saturday night session, we are going to give each attendee a free gift! Yes, you read that right! A FREE GIFT for everyone (children and adults, members and visitors, gents and ladies). Should we keep it a surprise? Nah! Here it is: One extra hour of sleep before coming back on Sunday morning! And, it’s yours, absolutely free, just for coming! How can it get any better than that! (No comments from the naysayers, please!)
Well, it obviously cannot get any better than the outstanding weekend planned for November 5-7. Don’t miss a single session! Next week’s bulletin will have the full schedule.