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What the Southside Lectures Mean to Me
"You need to get here before lectures." Those were the words I heard over the phone from Dee Bowman from the hospital in Tampa, Florida when Ellie was born. I had heard of the Southside Lectures, but never had the opportunity to attend. The lectures week has come to be a very special time to me for several reasons.
The week of lectures means there will be a spiritual feast. The Lord said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). With eighteen lessons preached in five days, it is the equivalent of eating Thanksgiving dinner for every meal for a week. But just like when you smell the pumpkin pie and don’t think twice about having a slice with whipped cream on top, each sermon adds some needed flavor to my spiritual nourishment. I admire (and can better appreciate now) the preparation time these men spend in each sermon for my benefit. They are not here for self-promotion. They pour over the word of God and present the truth within the faculty of their own personality. To those who don’t know the men who will be coming to speak, they are just names, but for those of us who have been privileged to set at their feet in the past, they represent beloved fellow servants who will teach us something that will help us.
If you’ve never participated in a song service at a smaller congregation, you cannot fully appreciate the experience the congregational singing at the lectures. It is difficult to describe the overwhelming joy, love, and praise belted out by over 400 people who love the Lord.
The week of lectures means there will be a reunion. "I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men" (1 Corinthians 16:17, 18). The first lectures I didn’t know that many people. Now, I look forward to renewing friendships from those who come from other parts of Texas as well as other states. My heart is warmed in seeing my friends from Blue Springs, Missouri. What a joy to see a familiar face from one of the other preachers who were with me in the Young Preacher Workshop in Irving. So many that have touched my life the past three years and helped me be a better Christian will be coming to lectures. I look forward to that.
The week of lectures means a time a service. "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13). I enjoy watching and being involved in the "behind the scenes" workings of any production. The elders plan for the lectures months in advance. The theme and topics are chosen in consideration of the needs of the people. There is almost always someone (other than the preachers) at the building, doing whatever is needed to make the week as seamless and comfortable for everyone involved. There will be many things done that will go unnoticed by most. But that doesn’t seem to bother anyone here. We know, "that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly" (Matthew 6:4). Successful events would not be successful without the countless hours of planning and preparation orchestrated with the selfless attitude of this congregation.
The week of lectures means there will be unique opportunities. Some of our friends and coworkers attend other congregations in the area, so usually they will not come to a Sunday or Wednesday gathering with the saints at Southside. The lectures provide a great opportunity for them to come on a weekday morning or evening. People today are busy. We all are. This event is a great motivator to bring someone to hear God’s word, meet good people, and be challenged spiritually to make a change in their life.
The week of lectures means God will be glorified. "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Colossians 3:17). This program is not about Southside. It’s not even about the speakers or the song leader. The focus of lectures is on following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and glorifying our Father in heaven. Sure we benefit. There is always a blessing in doing what God says. May the focus be on seeing Jesus.
All of the effort in moving to Deer Park with two kids and a newborn was worth it to make it time for the lectures. Now, at the end of our time here, we are putting forth our efforts to delay our departure long enough to experience it again before heading to Carthage.
