Why Campmeeting Works
It has been less than 48 hours since we returned from Campmeeting and I have been reminded again of the compelling power of the gospel. We experience more altar service in that one week than any other week of the year and maybe more than all the other weeks combined. Perhaps there are many reasons for this but it’s obvious that having church 4 times a day is helpful, which isn’t sustainable for our whole year. So are we to just wait 51 weeks until we can recreate this scenario? No! Let’s learn from this. Campmeeting is effective because of the scriptural promise that when the Word is preached and Christ is lifted up then He draws people to Himself. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32) "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." (John 16:8)
Campmeeting is also effective because of the work of the Holy Ghost. We are grateful for the time away from our engagements in this world yet it isn’t the campground or the sense of community among the cabins and cafeteria that convicts of sin and brings people to a place of repentance. It isn’t because of the fellowship, nostalgia, or time off of work. Of course, when we attend services daily, dramatically reduce our screen time, spend time with God’s people, and consider theological concepts then we become aware of our own spiritual condition. Still, all of that combined is insufficient to bring about the healing work of repentance and transform a soul from darkness to light and the power of Satan to that of God. That is the work of the Holy Ghost, and it isn’t merely sufficient, it is a strong compelling force and a manifestation of God himself. This is why it is so essential that our lives are led everyday by the Holy Ghost and our choices do not grieve His presence.
While the Campmeeting experience isn’t a reality that we can sustain and live all of the time, we can live by the principles of it and resist distractions. We can be intentional about tuning out the world’s noise and lifting up the name of Christ every single day. We can carry a song of praise in our heart as we go about our daily tasks. We can begin our mornings with prayer and reading of the Word and end them in the same manner. Campmeeting is over but the work of the Holy Ghost can fill us with the same spiritual vitality and cause our local congregations to be effective in his service. So until we meet again, may the power of the gospel continue to convince of sin, sanctify the people, build up the body of Christ, and may all glory be to God.
"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:17-18)
Bro. Jeff Price
