Jesus is “the Word” (John 1:1). He has explained (1:18) the Father, the invisible God, to us. When the Word became flesh and dwelt among men, He taught “as one having authority” (Matt. 7:29), for He authored the very message He spoke. That makes what Jesus said important.

The 31st Southside Lectures are being planned around that very theme: “And Jesus Said.” The world around us seems to have sugarcoated the Savior. Many picture Him as an all-tolerant teacher who never judged or condemned anyone, much less demanded any change in their lifestyle. But that is not at all what Jesus said.

He claimed to be meek and gentle for sure (Matt. 28:18-20). But in that same passage, He required that people come to Him and learn of Him. He did forgive sins, even the woman caught in the act of adultery. But He also exhorted her to “sin no more” (John 8:11). He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6), but He cautioned that this way is narrow and “few are those who find it” (Matt. 7:14).

It is important to learn what Jesus said. Every word. To help us do that, we have invited four outstanding preachers of the word.

Brent Lewis has been a friend of the Southside Lectures from the very beginning. He and Joy have made it a part of their summer plans for the past thirty years, coming all the way from Lakeland, Florida. We are excited to have him back this year as a participant. Brent is an effective expositor, one who stays true to the text. He will give careful thought and consideration to communicating what Jesus said.

Mark Roberts spoke on our 2005 program, Ancient Epistles for Modern Man. He preaches for the Westside congregation in Irving, Texas. Brother Roberts has an energy and enthusiasm about him that make his preaching very practical. He will cause us to be eager to hear and to obey the words of our Lord. We welcome Mark and Dena Roberts back.

Phil Robertson is a talented young preacher who for the last several years has worked with the Hueytown church near Birmingham, Alabama. Like Brother Bowman, he once labored in the television industry but decided to give his life to broadcasting the greatest message of all, the gospel of Christ. You will enjoy hearing Phil preach on the words that proceed from the mouth of God.

Ralph Walker was last here in a weekend meeting in October of 2004 that we called “Work Out Your Own Salvation.” He was well received then and we are pleased that he accepted our invitation to return. Brother Walker has a very appealing style, one that is thought-provoking and easy to understand. Most importantly, he believes what Jesus said and is convicted about taking that message wherever he goes.

And for the thirtieth time in thirty-one lectureships, R.J. Stevens will be here to lead us in congregational singing. It was Jesus who said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). These periods of singing are not for the purpose of entertainment but so that we may collectively lift our voices in praise and worship to Him who gave us His Son. We look forward to having brother Stevens again to assist us in this awesome privilege.

The Southside Lectures are five months away. What can each one of us do to prepare?

1. Pray. Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened...how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what it good to those who ask Him” (Matt. 7:7,11). Let us pray for the speakers who are preparing to be here. Let us pray for our neighbors around us that they will come and see. Let us pray for opportunities to do what we can to make the 31st lectureship as successful as the previous thirty.

2. Plan. Plan to be here, that is. Jesus said, “Seek first his kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). The dates are June 21-24. The Southside Lectures are first and foremost for the benefit of the Southside church. In a few weeks, we will send out 1500 postcards to invite people from all over the country to come. But what good will be accomplished if they are here while our own people are distracted and seeking after other things?

3. Plant. Five months gives plenty of time for seeds to come to fruition. Start planting them now. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). Think of people you know who would benefit from these lectures. Beseech the Lord for opportunities to invite them. Every day between now and the lectures, sow and water seeds with confidence that God will provide the increase. You just never know how far they will grow.

“And Jesus Said” is sure to be a powerful series. Let's be sure we have ears here to hear.

—Bubba Garner