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Ten Weeks Away
Since 1977, the Southside church has trained young preachers in a two-year program. Fifteen men have been equipped to “Preach the Word” under the care and instruction of Dee Bowman and, for five years, Don Truex. The elders have invited all the preachers who participated in this worthy endeavor to return for the 2018 Southside Lectures. All but David Curry, who was unable to come, and Marty Pickup, who has gone to be with the Lord, will be with us June 18-21.
Many things about the 39th annual lectureship will be the same as the previous 38. Lectures will be held Monday through Thursday, two each morning (9:30, 10:30) and two each evening (7:30, 8:30). We will have thirty minutes of congregational singing each night at 7 pm. Brother Tim Stevens will be with us for the seventh consecutive year to lead us in song worship. His wife Vicki, who was battling cancer last summer, is now in remission and will accompany him once again. We look forward to having them in our midst.
But instead of four speakers preaching four sermons during the week, each preacher will present one lecture. Here is the distinguished list of speakers, with their years at Southside in parenthesis: Dee Bowman (1976-present), Randy King (1977), Fred Gore (1978-1980), Chuck Durham (1980-1982), Russ Bowman (1984-1985), Don Truex (1986-1990), Tony Mauck (1987-1988), Mike Thomley (1989-1990), Lawrence Kelley (1990-1992), Jason Moore (1992-2003), Bubba Garner (1998-present), Brent Moody (2004-2006), Marshall Reid (2007-2009), Michael Cawthon (2010-2013), and Jonathan Banning (2014-present). We look forward to having them all back home.
The theme for this special series is appropriately “Preach the Word.” That is what brought them to Southside; that is what they were sent out to do. While several of these men are still preaching throughout the state of Texas, others will come from parts of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. They are each doing an effective work, laboring in the Lord’s vineyard to the best of their abilities. And many are themselves training young men to preach the gospel. In so doing, they are carrying out the Biblical model set forth in 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
The purpose of this lectureship is not for the sake of the reunion. This is a spiritual work that involves high and noble things like worship, teaching, and edification. It is centered in the word of God. We are not interested in preaching the doctrines of men or promoting “feel good” theology. Since we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, we are not ashamed to proclaim it. “Preach the word.”
Nor have we invited motivational speakers. “Preach the word” requires preach-ers. Whenever God had a message to make known, He sent His herald to shout it from the rooftops. These men who are returning to speak have been equipped to “reprove, rebuke, and exhort with great patience and instruction” (2 Tim. 4:2). They will do so out of love for the souls of men, just like the Master Teacher.
The 39th lectures are just ten weeks away. What can you do between now and then?
Pray. Pray that God will be glorified through this good work. Pray for the speakers as they prepare to be with us. Pray for opportunities to tell other people about the lectures. Pray that the word will be sown in honest hearts and that souls will be saved.
Plan. Plan to be here as much as you possibly can. Mark the dates in your calendar now so that you can be ready when June 18-21 get here. This year’s arrangement is an opportunity that won’t come around again. And the Southside Lectures are first and foremost for the Southside congregation.
Participate. You can “Preach the Word” in anticipation of the lectures. The brochures are being printed now and will be mailed to over 1500 people across the country. But you can invite people across the street, down the hall, and in your own family. All these could become your family in Christ!
It is sure to be an exciting and edifying week. Spread the word.
