What are the Southside Lectures? A series of sermons on a special topic concentrated in a short time span so as to give special emphasis to some spiritual matter. These lectures require some special effort on your part. If you attend as you should, you’ll be dog-tired by the time the lectures end next Thursday. But it will be a special tired.

What is the purpose of the Southside Lectures? Several things, actually. They give instruction. They provide inspiration to greater service. They give admonitions calculated to enrich a person’s life and stimulate his hope. They encourage and edify. They are concentrated so that they become more and more meaningful as the week progresses. They encourage a greater devotion and a stronger faith.

Why are the Southside Lectures important? First of all, because they attach to eternity. The material presented in the lectures is from the Bible, the word of God. That information informs about who God is and how you can please Him. It would seem that something so important as one’s eternal destiny would certainly render these sermons important, don’t you think?

What will I get if I attend? Well, that depends on you, actually. It all depends on what kind of investment you make. If you invest ample time to not only hear, but digest the information presented in the lectures, you’re apt to reap considerable returns. Oh, the results won’t be immediate, and maybe they won’t even be noticeable right soon, but if you continue to consider them carefully, they will eventuate in spiritual growth, as well as a greater dedication to what really matters in life. Seems to me that everyone who is a member at Southside would certainly want to have what can come of being here. How about you? Do you plan to attend as much as you can?

What will it cost me? It will cost you all you have, all you are, but it will make you all you can become. You see, the information presented in these lectures is calculated to make it clear that Christianity costs something. The religion of Jesus Christ is not, and never has been, a “feel good” religion. You have to live what you hear. And that’s expensive. Not in money, mind you. You can’t buy what God gives free. Christianity is free, but it’s not cheap. But you don’t need any money to come. Just the determination to leave off something that might get in the way. It’s worth it, don’t you think?

What about the speakers? They are men of honor and skill. Each of them is uniquely qualified to address the subject assigned to him. Jason Moore is no stranger to us here, having been with us for 11 years as one of our local preachers. He is a wonderfully gifted speaker; he is a people-oriented person, one who has strong feelings for the spiritual interests of people everywhere. It’s good to have him home. Bob F. Owen is one of the most respected and admired preachers among our brethren. He is a former president of Florida College, a communicator of the first order, and will bring interesting presentations all week long. You’ll love his attitude and you’ll admire his love for truth. Terry Slack is the newest addition to the Lectures. He is a man of character, one possessed of a love for truth and a respect for the needs of the people. He has a practical bent to his preaching that will impress all who hear him. You’ll enjoy him; what’s more, you’ll learn from him. Don Truex labored at Southside as the local preacher for over four years in the late 80's. He is loved by the people here. He has been blessed with an immense talent, and he has dedicated it entirely to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a very popular preacher and the reason is simple: he brings love and sincerity to the message and will show you immediately that he cares. It’s good to have him back, too. And what can be said about R.J. Stevens that hasn’t already been said? He has been almost a fixture at the Southside Lectures, having been with us 28 out of 29 times now. He is greatly loved by brethren everywhere and especially here at Southside. Nothing need be said about his talent, dedication, or character. He’s just R.J., and that’s all. As you can no doubt see, these men are dedicated and faithful servants of Christ. We welcome them.

What if I don’t come? Well, if you’re a member here and you don’t choose to come, you ought to be ashamed. If you don’t come you’ve not only deprived yourself of a great opportunity to grow spiritually, but you have also discouraged those who are here and wonder why you aren’t. The choice is yours, though. You must decide. You don’t have to come. But one day you may ask, “What must I do?” and nobody will be there to help. And that would be sad indeed.

–Dee Bowman