Our lectureship begins in less than a week. This is one of the highlights of our church calendar every year, when some of the best preachers in the brotherhood are invited to come and speak on a variety of Biblical topics. It is like a free spiritual buffet for every Christian—without any restrictions or calorie counting—and everything on the menu is terrific! But who cares about going to a lectureship?
The elders care—attend for them. The elders are the ones who desire and provide this spiritual feast every year. It is their way of spoiling every PBL member and giving them an extra boost of faith and spiritual energy to live as a Christian. When we attend, we show our appreciation for our elders and esteem them for their love for us (1 Thess. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:17). Thank God for our elders!
The speakers care—attend for them. We are blessed every year with great preachers for our lectureship! These men have devoted their lives to a study of God’s Word and are very skilled in preaching it. They have spent hours preparing their lectures, so that we can be the beneficiaries of their efforts in only 45 minutes. When we attend, we show our appreciation for the speakers and their messages of “upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” (1 Cor. 14:3).
The brethren care—attend for them. How would you feel if you showed up for the lectureship and YOU were the ONLY member of PBL who showed up? You would certainly be showing your appreciation for the elders and the speakers, but you would feel lonely and awkward and discouraged. God intended for there to be times when His church feasts together. When we attend, we encourage and build each other up by being together (Heb. 10:24; 1 Thess. 5:11).
The visitors care—attend for them. We have folks from area congregations and even from distant places who come to the lectureship to enjoy the spiritual feast on God’s Word and the sweet fellowship with brethren in Christ. What does it say about you if you’re not home when a visitor is invited to come? When we attend, we set a good example for our guests and for others upon whom we may not even be aware we have an influence (1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:7).
You should care—attend for yourself. God’s Word is being studied and presented. What a great (and easy) opportunity to “grow” and be “built up” from the living waters of heaven’s inspired text (1 Pet. 2:2; Acts 20:32)! Fellow believers and followers of Christ are gathering together to focus on things above. What a great (and easy) opportunity to encourage and be encouraged! When we attend, we are blessed!
So, who cares about going to the lectureship?