Topical Encyclopedia Protracted meetings, often referred to as revival meetings or extended gatherings for worship and preaching, have been a significant aspect of Christian practice, particularly within evangelical and revivalist traditions. These meetings are characterized by their extended duration, often lasting several days or weeks, with the aim of deepening spiritual commitment, encouraging repentance, and fostering a renewed sense of community among believers.Biblical Foundations and Precedents While the specific term "protracted meetings" is not found in Scripture, the concept of extended gatherings for spiritual purposes is evident throughout the Bible. The early church, as described in the Book of Acts, provides a foundational model for such gatherings. · Acts 2:42-47 : "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This passage highlights the early church's commitment to regular and extended gatherings, emphasizing teaching, fellowship, and communal worship. The daily meetings in the temple courts reflect a pattern of sustained spiritual engagement, akin to modern protracted meetings. · Acts 20:7-12 : "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people, and because he intended to leave the next day, he kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third account and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. 'Don’t be alarmed,' he said. 'He’s alive!' Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted." This account of Paul's extended preaching session illustrates the early church's practice of prolonged teaching and fellowship, which often continued late into the night. The miraculous event involving Eutychus underscores the spiritual intensity and significance of such gatherings. Old Testament Gatherings The Old Testament also provides examples of extended gatherings for worship and spiritual renewal. · Nehemiah 8:1-3 : "All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women, and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law." This passage describes a significant gathering of the Israelites for the public reading of the Law, lasting from daybreak until noon. The assembly's attentiveness and the extended duration of the reading highlight the importance of prolonged engagement with God's Word. · 2 Chronicles 30:21-23 : "The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day with loud instruments. Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites, who showed good understanding of the service of the LORD. For the seven days they ate their assigned portion and offered fellowship offerings and praised the LORD, the God of their ancestors. The whole assembly then agreed to celebrate the festival seven more days; so for another seven days they celebrated joyfully." The celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread under King Hezekiah's leadership exemplifies an extended period of worship and celebration, marked by joy and communal participation. The decision to extend the festival for an additional seven days reflects the desire for prolonged spiritual engagement and renewal. Purpose and Impact Protracted meetings serve several purposes within the Christian community. They provide an opportunity for intensive teaching, personal reflection, and communal worship. These gatherings often lead to spiritual renewal, increased commitment to Christian living, and a strengthened sense of community among believers. The biblical examples of extended gatherings underscore the value of dedicating significant time to spiritual matters, fostering an environment where believers can experience profound encounters with God and one another. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 8:65And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath to the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 7:8-10 2 Chronicles 30:23 Library From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Even as Your Father which is in Heaven is ... Measures to Promote Revivals. From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... The General Conference of 1840 Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs. After the War. Life of Bunyan From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive The Counter-Reformation Resources What is the importance or value of a church building? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the Lateran Councils? | GotQuestions.org What is the Pentecostal Church and what do Pentecostals believe? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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