A Letter to Street Preachers

I just wanted to share some things here that might be of use for all you street preachers.

Prayer and time spent with God is first base, if you don’t do that forget it. Be an intercessor, that means that you’ve spent time standing between fallen man and an Holy God pleading for His mercy for those you’re about to preach to. That is the place of tears, the secret prayer closet, alone before your heavenly Father, he who sees in secret He will reward openly. When you come together as a group of two or more at the location it would probably be good to start with prayer again and invite the Lord’s presence into your midst. Ask Him to lead you and teach you by His Holy Spirit.

Next is to know who your audience is. Jesus was always aware of His audience, who they were, and the things or environment surrounding them. God will use those things surrounding you inspirationally to help make relevant illustrations. Since most people, you speak to do not know religious terms and phrases learn to speak plainly, simply. It would do you no good at all to speak French to a group of Americans who did not understand French. This alone cancels out almost 75% of all public preaching.

Rember whose image it is you represent and bear. I liken the street preacher to the Old Testament prophet who comes with the Word of God, and that word can be gentle. The word gentle would be a good word study for most of you street preachers, it is not a long study so you can do it in less than an hour but it will reap huge rewards. I rember one night after we had been presenting the gospel message a certain young man who had heard us for well over a year, came out a bar and mounted his motorcycle. One of the team members approached him and asked him to accept Jesus because it would be his last chance to. He declined, rode down the road less than one mile to his eternal death. We all just wept. God takes no delight in the death of the wicked, neither should we.

I respect the likes of Ray Comfort and it is true that the Law of God is perfect converting the soul, however, it is always better to be lead of the Holy Spirit than to blindly apply the methods that God has shown another man. Every message and method will be different, in this do not limit God, and you will see His glory. Your own faith will become incredibly strong as you become a co-laborer with Christ Jesus. You will find that you actually start to bear a burden, a passion (could this be the love of God?) for those to whom you are sent to MINISTER the grace of God to. Much like the woman with oiled perfume did on the feet of Jesus. For all you hellfire preachers, explain what hell is. A good rule is to be able to reduce everything to the understanding of an eight year old, if you can’t , start reading dictionaries and learn to.

I have more but I will keep this short.

A special note to all my brothers and sisters here on SI. We should handle the Word of God the same way a surgeon handles a scalpel. We should go out on the streets no less prepared. We have all complained at times about the pulpits in our countries , let us lead by example. Let the Love of Christ be our motive in all things. I might write on law enforcement and dealing with them when I get back. I’ll be gone for a week in Minn. God Bless, Brother Daryl Miller.

Amen, brother Daryl! Your insights are very rich and profitable--not for just street preachers, but any believer sharing the gospel. The comments you made about bringing the message down to an 8-year-old is great. So many times I hear my fellow brothers and sisters, when speaking to the unsaved, use spiritual terminology which are indeed true--saved, born again, righteous, justified--without explaining what that really means, so it does sound like French to an unlearned hearer. Simplicity has its own beauty, especially in presenting truth with the intent of leading a wandering soul to our blessed Savior Jesus Christ. Take care that our words to not lead people away from Him.

I respect the likes of Ray Comfort and it is true that the Law of God is perfect converting the soul, however, it is always better to be lead of the Holy Spirit than to blindly apply the methods that God has shown another.

Again, I heartily agree here. This is such a temptation for us to "blindly apply" methods of other men and move subtly away from dependence upon the Holy Spirit. I have recently come to a great appreciation of Ray Comfort's use of the law, and I see it as a tool in my toolbox. My toolbox at home is not loaded only with hammers. Hammers work great when I need to pound nails, but it makes a lousy screwdriver or a level :-) We need to be sensitive to the Spirit, realizing that this tool may be very effective, and at other times something else is needed. Only the heart-searching God truly knows what words will most effectively hit the mark. I find it a very safe practice to always go back to the life of Jesus in the Gospels and say, "Can I see Jesus doing this?" If this isn't a way or method Jesus would do, then I have to ask myself, why would I want to use it?

Thanks again for sharing,

Ken

I was reading this yesterday and it's from a dear brother, John Hames who wrote this nearly 100 years ago. He is very practical. This chapter is entitled "Untempered Zeal."

Comment(I have found in my brief number of years walking with Jesus is that he never treats any two people the same way. Frankly, I'm amazed at how kind God is to me, as well as others as He begins to deal honestly with a man's sin. He never, ever winks at sin regardless of the circumstances.

The only ones that he seems to be harsh with are those who have hardened their hearts and most of those are in the church, not outside of it. I'm not disagreeing with what Jesse is doing necessarily but would say "Walk in the Spirit" versus relying on some method to preach the Gospel.)

[b]"Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Matt. 10:16)[/b]

One of the many things which furnished material for shame and regret in the early part of the writer's Christian experience was the rash and unwise way we approached and dealt with the souls we were trying to help. We sincerely thought it was our duty as a Christian to exhort about every person we met on the street to get religion. As a result, we became a public nuisance. We considered it almost a sin to be in conversation with a person more than ten minutes and not to speak to him on the subject of religion. It was not a great while, however, before we discovered the fact that we were driving souls away rather than winning them to Christ.

This is a point where newly converted souls need much instruction. They are so happy and full of joy that they try to talk religion into nearly every one they meet. If they should continue this unwise action they would talk themselves clear out of employment and out onto the sidewalk.

I hope the reader will not mistake my meaning. It is perfectly right to speak to people on the subject of religion; however, it is not using the best wisdom to buttonhole every person you meet, neither is it wise to speak to the same man on the subject every time you meet him.

We have found it more harmful than helpful to argue on the Scriptures with sinners and carnal-minded church members.

We were once accustomed to awkwardly approach people with the following question: "Do you live without sin?" This method, of course, called forth an argument wherever we went. Our intentions were good but our judgment was tremendously faulty.

We were also accustomed to putting the following question to strangers on the street: "Are you saved?" "Are you a Christian?" This method tended to stir up strife and the devil rather than produce conviction. The question was alright but we did not properly put it. We should have first prepared the way for our question by saying, "Good morning; how are you today?" etc., and after passing a few brief remarks on the general topics of the day then put our question.

Should we have adopted this method no doubt the people would have accepted our question in a better spirit and been profited thereby.

Hi dohzman...

That's a very interesting word! While not all of us work as full time as such, we are all called to be "street preachers." It is important that we know what our message is -- and to also know the way that God compells us to speak.

Personally, I believe that the "harshest" examples of preaching were reserved for certain hypocrites in the time of Christ and the early Church. Our Lord was incredibly blunt to the Pharisees and Sadducees, yet we know little of what his precise message was to the prostitutes and tax-collectors. Yet we know that the Pharisees were upset that Christ was not particularly "harsh" on them (and even mocked Him for eating and drinking with them).

There is a definite need for sinners to know that they are lost (like Ray Comfort relates in [i]Hell's Best Kept Secret[/i], etc...). Unfortunately today, many "sinners" don't realize that they are "sinners." So the question remains, how do we relate this to them without condemning them?

In Finney's day, America was a completely different place. Many Americans were quite aware of their spiritual conditions. But today, many people do not even believe in God (and more particularly, the God of the Word). The broadcast "gospel" (from radio and television) has seemed to cheapen the message of Christ. The "popular gospel" messages being preached from many pulpits seems to also cheapen the need for a real relationship with Christ.

Have you ever been to a meeting where the minister will [i]do [u]anything[/u][/i] to pressure people into publicly choosing Christ? Have you ever seen a minister "beg" or "bribe" people into the Kingdom of God? It seems that many Churches will resort to any number of gimmicks in order to simply get people into the doors of their Church buildings (and into the "fold").

I suppose that we really need to know what it is that God wants us to preach. And of course, we need to see everyone with the same love and compassion of Christ -- enough to die for them. We need to see this world as "sheep having no shepherd" and even befriend the friendless (regardless of how unpopular we could become). And of course, we should be completely selfless in our message. We shouldn't bring a "gospel shoebox" message (which we can open and close at will), but a message that accompanies us at all times.

Here is a [url=http://www.lastdaysministries.org/articles/howtobeawitness.html]message from Charles Finney[/url] (and edited by Keith and Melody Green) about reaching the lost. This is an old "wise tract" from Last Days Ministries. I've always gotten a laugh at the cover art from this particular tract -- where you can see people running to avoid the "preacher."

I am interested in knowing the thoughts of others on this issue!

:-)

The one thing I have noticed about the many street preachers I have come across these days is that street preaching seems to be reduced to a mere skill that anybody can learn with enough trial and error. Street evangelism is often treated like a portable mega-church, where the preacher setups shop wherever he wishes, and brings along enough props, gimmicks, and clever sayings in order to draw a crowd. Over time, pragmatism becomes lord of the work. Art form takes precedence over anointing. It's [b]amazing[/b] how little you hear about anointing mentioned by many modern day street preachers. There is almost an entire lack of inspiration in much "preaching."

Such is the case of individuals like perhaps the most famous "campus preacher" of all time, the [b]false evangelist[/b] (and I don't use those words lightly), Jed Smock- and the many who have fallen in his footsteps.

Many of these guys are quite the site to see. They generally dress up in the most out-of-date formal suits one has ever seen. I'll give some the benefit of the doubt, that perhaps simply such is all they could afford at local thrift stores.

Then they approach whatever campus or street corner they can find. Some come bearing props and games. Others simply come bearing a loud mouth. Sometimes the loud-mouth's will also come bearing props, but since some props are quite cumbersome to carry, a loud-mouth will do just fine.

Many campus preachers have a "draw-a-crowd-at-all-costs" mentality. Like modern church growth specialists, many street preachers think the only succesful meeting is one where a lot of people attend. Since normal type preaching often goes unnoticed by most passer-by's, and one's voice can only last so long before it needs a rest, many street preachers are reduced to being crude versions of Balaam's donkey. Preaching then becomes more about defaming people, all in the name of "telling-it-like-it-is."

When all these things are combined, one gets a Jerry Springer like atmosphere going. Instead of actually ministering to others, people are treated like objects for the purpose of drawing a crowd. One prays to God that hecklers pop up so that one's crowd size doubles in a matter of seconds. The heckler then unknowingly becomes a mere pawn in one's street preaching game. Brother's, this is not the attitude of Christ!

I really feel sorry for many hecklers. Not simply because they are often angry individuals lost in their sin. But because the street preachers that came out to save them and tell them about the kingdom of God are actually [b]preventing[/b] them from entering the kingdom of God, because they are used merely to draw a crowd.

If it were not bad enough, many of these street preachers are often fail to even getting around to actually preaching the gospel. I remember once hearing the local pit preacher here in North Carolina, Gary Birdsong. I had showed up to preach at UNC Charlotte one day, but found UNCC was already on his itinerary. For nearly 45 minutes I listened to him "preach." He did a lot of denouncing of sin, was full of clever expressions, colorful analogies, etc. He drew quite the crowd, and many people, even Christian people, were angry at him.

Yet for the 45 minutes I listened to him, he never once taught even the basic gospel message. And even if he had, it would have been drowned out by everything else he had to say. One would undoubtedly characterize his preaching as a hell-fire message. Sadly brethren, I fear many of us street preachers are merely such. When many unbelievers come away from out street meetings, they are no closer to the kingdom of God than they were before they heard us. And why? Because no message of the kingdom was actually preached. There was no word of God that was actually planted in their hearts that could ever spring forth and bear fruit.

Paul said that faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God. Much street preaching simply focuses on sin. And if one's not careful, one's message will entirely be on sin. Yet, if all you do is preach on sin and hell, you've yet to give your hearer anything that they can take hold of and be saved. [b]If all you do is preach on sin and hell, you are not preaching the word of God![/b]

When we preach, our hearers ought not be able to walk away and think we are simply a hell-fire preacher. When they walk away from our meetings, if they did not give their hearts to the Lord, they should feel some sort of guilt about their sin. However, the chief thing they should understand about our message is how God came down to the earth in the person of Jesus Christ, performed many mighty miracles, and taught the way of righteousness, then after being crucified was brought back to life after three days, and ascended to the right hand of God. If you study the messages preached in Acts closely, you will find out this was the center of the gospel content, and this was also centrally what was understood by those who heard the first street preachers. Oh yes, they preached against sin. But preaching against sin was not the center of their message.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: [b]hell-fire preaching never saved one soul.[/b]

Such is the case of individuals like perhaps the most famous "campus preacher" of all time, the false evangelist (and I don't use those words lightly), Jed Smock- and the many who have fallen in his footsteps.

I don't know a whole lot about this guy, but can you explain why you call him a false evangelist?

I have never seen him in person so I don't really know what he is like from begining to end. Can you fill me in?

Hi Dohzman and everyone else.

Dohzman, you brought up something that I would like to share some thoughts and experiences on

it is always better to be lead of the Holy Spirit than to blindly apply the methods that God has shown another man.

When I first began sharing the Gospel I started out with a Bible in my hand and prayer(and I believe anointing also). I would walk the streets and always be praying, asking God to give me something from His word to share with someone and to lead me constantly. I never used tracts to approach people and would only rely upon God. Looking back I think there were times when I followed well and there were times when I blundered badly, for various reasons not the least of which was pride.

Some time after this I came across Ray Comfort's ministry and Hell's Best Kept Secret. I was amazed and found the teaching brought together alot things that I knew to be correct but nerver understood or grasped as a whole. For instance, there were times before when I went through the Ten Commandments with people, though I would start with Adam and the fall, before, or along the way, in explaining the Gospel; I never had however a firm understanding why I should do that and the times I did this were rare. Besides this I knew and even felt convicted that there were things missing from what I told people, specificially about sin(not in general terms). Something felt very wrong about giving the Gospel to people who had heard it(probably many times) and did not appear to esteem it one bit(which I found to be many many people).

Eventually I have found that the prinicples of the Way of the Master can be applied in a very mechanical fashion and have found myself at times increasingly relying upon that, rather than the anointing and the leading of God. So what I see is a need for balance of Biblical principles and leaning upon God. For instance, I do believe that the Lord never gave the Gospel to those whom God was resisting(not in personal conversation at least); I believe He did give them the Law instead. I perhaps see this also in Paul turning away from those who mocked at hearing of the resurrection. For this reason I have no regrets about not mentioning the Gospel to people who seem to be hardend to it and leaving them with the Law.

On the other hand I see the danger in [b]blindly[/b] repeating a method apart from God's leading, even if it is biblically sound.

I'd like to share an experience that I posted in another thread as I think it is helpfull in illustrating the value of following or seeking to follow after God's leading...

"The bus stop was empty when I got there and as I stood around I noticed that two of the planks from the bench which made part of the seat were broken? off and laying on the ground. Now I don't know exactly how long I was there but I remember getting the impression that I should take the planks and make them into the form of a cross! I can remember sort of debating this and thinking it was silly perhaps but nevertheless I felt I should do it.

So I did.

After some time a young man comes to the bus stop and sits down on the bench. Sometimes you can look a person over for things that might help you start a conversation(a slogan on a T-shirt for instance). In this case he had a book and the title of it was... get this.. 'The Fall'.

So, I struck up a conversation with him about the book and soon learned that the subject was something that must have had some parallel with the actuall Fall of man, although I think the book itself was fiction. I explained to him that the book he was reading actually had an interesting correspondence with reality and the issues of life and death and so on. After I told him about the actuall fall of man and sin he asked something along the lines of 'so what is the solution to it?'

Now you have to picture this becuase I don't think it could have been actually scripted any better if it were an actuall movie. While we were talking he had gotten up and without knowing it had actually positioned himself DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE MAKESHIFT CROSS.

So get this, when he asked in affect 'what is the solution to the issue of man's sin and death' my reply to him was to point right behind him! It was the CROSS!

You should have seen the startled look on his face. He turned around and looked back then said 'who put that there!'"

**end of cut and paste**

I would also highly recommend the message Absolute Surrender, given by Keith Daniel and available on this site. The stories are powerfull and inspiring. I highly recommend it.

Chris

what do you all think about when the street preacher and his group goes around with video cameras and cameras?

what do you all think about when the street preacher and his group goes around with video cameras and cameras?

I don't see anything wrong with this, especially if things are being recorded for the purpose of providing training others in how to share their faith e.g. Ray Comfort. I've personally thought about doing it for the sake of putting it up on a local cable access channel, as a means of edifying the saints and perhaps as a means of still reaching out to the lost.

There also might be good legal reasons to do it, in case you have some sort of confrontation with police.

However, if you are doing such to simply make some sort of glorified video about yourself e.g. Jed Smock, then you shouldn't.

I don't know a whole lot about this guy, but can you explain why you call him a false evangelist?

Greg posted a link to his web site. It's been a while since I viewed it, so I can't say a lot about what is on it anymore. I think such will speak for itself. If you wish to find out more, there are plenty of web sites done by other college students who have encountered him over the years that give the general picture of this guy, even if obviously unfair in some of their comments.

I was just wondering because I watched a DVD of him (the one that is two hours) and I can't remember any reason I would call him a false evangelist. The only statement he said that I remember disagreeing with is that he said that God didn't know the future, because if he did that meant it was determined. Now this DVD may have edited out alot of the things people disagree with, I don't know.

I was just wondering if you called him false because of his doctrinal beliefs or his presentation.

EDIT: The reason I said I don't know alot about him is because all I know is what I've seen on the DVD. I figured there was something I didn't know for someone to call him false.

So far as I know, Smock is orthodox in all the essential major christian beliefs. Though I have seen some web sites out there (secular ones at that!) that said he preaches a Pelagian view of sin and such. Aside from that though...

His preaching is simply extremely hatefull. It has not one ounce of love in it. He merely bashes people.

No such person is sent by God, therefore, they are false because they have gone out without being sent out.

All I can say is just dig a little deeper in his web site and google searches and the like. One can defend him if they wish, but I see no need to make further comment.

So far as I know, Smock is orthodox in all the essential major christian beliefs.

I thought it worth posting this quote from Jed Smock concerning Pelagianism....from his [url=http://www.brojed.org/comments.html]website in an email[/url] he had written to a young lay preacher.

I consider it an honor to be consided a modern day Pelagius...I am in agreement with the basic theology of this holy man and his emphasis on free-will. He is more of an ascetic than myself and I have a higher view of the state of marriage than Pelagius, but for the last few years I have been calling myself a Pelagian.

Jed Smock

MC

Well, then the man is a heretic. While Arminian's (such as myself) believe in free-will, Pelagius believed one didn't need the grace of God to be saved, denied such things as original sin and the like. Kinda strange though, because the impression I get from Smock is that he believes one needs the grace of God to be saved and believes in original sin.

However, I also know that Smock likes to try to say things simply to fire people up and create a Jerry Springer type atmosphere in his open-air meetings. Such would probably do such if there were any Christians in the circus that day who had some a basic thoeological or philosophical background, and knew of St. Augustine and the struggles he had with Pelagius.

Why don't you just you ask Brother Jed to clarify his views? Here is his email address: [email]BroJed@aol.com[/email].

I met him back in 1980, when I was a religionist and not really a follower of Christ. My understanding from viewing his website and talking with him via email is that he is Wesleyan.

I would be very hesitant to call another man or woman a heretic based on limited information on a website. This man has been preaching the gospel for nearly 30 years. Frankly, I don't agree with many of his methods but my concern is that he follow the direction of the Holy Spirit, not what I think he should do.

He is and always has been as far as I can tell a very approachable man.

Hello Everyone,

Spirit-filled preaching, overflowing with the unconditional sacrificial love of Christ is of the utmost importance. Early in my walk I had such a passion for reaching the lost I didn't want to set foot out my door without being first saturated in the love of my Lord... to be able to love others the way He loves them.

Unfortunately, I soon got involved with a congregation in inner city Baltimore which equated preaching the truth with love. While I never fully bought into their belief, I found myself slowly beginning to adopt that attitude and it became easy for me to reprove sin and speak the truth, without compassion and love.

Now if speaking the truth to someone equals loving them, why did the Spirit say to speak the truth IN LOVE (Eph 4:15)? And why did the Lord have such a problem with those in Ephesus (who labored for the sake of Christ without growing weary, hated evil, had patience, and were able to expose false apostles), that He was about to cut them off from His Body (Rev 2:1-5)? Because they lacked Love! Those who lack true love, lack God, for God is love.

While I firmly believe that the majority of the modern American/Laodicean Church-goers in America who think they deserve the best in life because they're "not that bad," need to be jarred awake with some of the more terrifying verses of Scripture, such as Rev 3:14-19, I also recognize that with that jarring must come the message of the power of grace to overcome their damnable, lukewarm condition. Notice, even to Laodicea, Jesus did not condemn, but after His rebuke He offered life... He offered a most gentle (considering who He was speaking to) solution to their problem... Revelation, Ch.3 vs. 18 & 19.

There is no cookie cutter recipe to preaching, but the main ingredient to every evangelism recipe must be the love of the Father through the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. As the wind blows and we don't know from where it comes or where it is going, so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Now in regards to this wind, I saw a most amazing true-life documentary about a police office who pulled over a man who had warrants for his arrest and as the officer was waitng for backup (he was a motorcycle cop) and filling out the ticket/paperwork, the Lord "spoke to Him" and said something like, "you are not going to ticket this man... you are going to tell him about Me!" The next things that transpired are nothing short of tear jerking inspiring... and most amazing, the cop preached to him what us holiness, hell-fire preachers would consider to be a watered down, namby pamby Gospel! It is amazing what God can do through just ONE man who is humble enough and loves His Heavenly Father enough to lay aside all preconceived ideas and religious training and job security, etc., etc., and simply obey the leading of the Holy Spirit!

It was after watching this video however that I had a whole new understanding of Jude 1:21-23 which reads, "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. On SOME HAVE COMPASSION, making a distinction, and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. (WEB)"

I always thought it was only the likes of poor little old widows and such that we were to gently preach an easy gospel to, but now I see ever more clearly, God's ways are not my ways and His thoughts are way above my thoughts. Truly, murderes, adulterers, and thieves will enter in before those that think they are good enough!

The name of the movie is 70 x 7 - Extreme Forgiveness... I got permission from the publisher to make 25 DVD copies to freely give away. I recommend this movie to everyone, especially us called to evangelism! For more info visit [url=http://www.esundayschool.com/videos/videos.htm#70x7]www.esundayschool.com[/url] where you can also watch a 7 minute clip of the documentary.

Much love in Christ,

Adam

Thanks Greg,

I think I understand what you're saying.

It seems to me that there is a preaching out of hatred and not that much of the character of the Holy Spirit displayed.

That being said, Jesus always confronted sin but was much harsher to the religionists of the day because their hearts were much harder than the publicans and the harlots. This is simply because the outwardly religiously have calloused hearts that are very difficult to penetrate.

I oftentimes talk and pray with homeless men and find their hearts are much more receptive to the gospel than those who are in the church but aren't really following Jesus. It's the Holy Spirit that brings conviction of sin, so it's important to walk in the Spirit.

Wesley's sermons were convicting but never mean spirited yet he was often physically threatened. May we never be a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal as Paul said in 1 Corinthians. How will the lost ever be drawn to Christ if we're not broken over them? I understand what you're saying and agree, although I'm unwilling to cast judgment on Brother Jed particularly having just read this from Oswald Chambers [url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=11137&forum=45]Unchanging Law of Judgment[/url].

Hi everyone.

Habakkuk,

I oftentimes talk and pray with homeless men and find their hearts are much more receptive to the gospel than those who are in the church but aren't really following Jesus.

I do not doubt the truth of your experience brother and have shared it, however one of the reasons I found so much encouragement when I found Ray Comfort's ministry and Hell's Best Kept Secret was alot of the opposite experience. In the neighborhood that I first stepped out in sharing the Gospel, I found sooo many people who were heroin addicts, homeless, and prostitutes that either claimed to be born again or had a great deal of knowledge about the Bible and the Gospel that I was very discouraged(not only them, it seemed to be everyone really). It was very discouraging. These people had been saturated with the 'things of the Bible and Bible knowledge(these included people who claimed to have been filled with the Spirit and spake with tounges)' but look at the fruit I thought!! So when I came across Hell's Best Kept Secret and true and False Conversion it made alot of sense for me and explained much of what I had seen first hand.

On a positive side, since using the principle of law before grace in sharing the Gospel, I have now lost track of the times people have told me or expressed in similar terms how 'they never understood it that way before.' I've also lost track of how many times people have thanked me for sharing the Gospel with them in that way.

I was thinking about this thread here and there since yesturday and the theme of 'the teaching priest' has come to mind...

Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.

and here also...

And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord....

Brother Adam, welcome to SI! The area I was talking about was in Brooklyn, Baltimore, patapsco ave, are you familiar with it? Good to see someone from Baltimore on the forum.

I covet your prayers brothers.

Almost forgot, but after I read this yesturday I listened to the first two chapters of Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds, available here at SI, and I was amazed at how much it spoke to our current discussion! I would definitely recommend those first two chapters.

Love in Christ to you all.

Chris, it's incredible... I was reading your post about everyone you run into (homeless or otherwise) claiming to know God and be born again and thought, it sounds like my experience, and wouldn't you know, the last place I lived (about 2 yrs ago) was Brooklyn/Curtis Bay, MD!

While I have found Ray Comfort's teachings on evangelism to be a great complement to my "spiritual tacklebox," it by no means is the lure to use for every type of "fish..." it can be tempting to try and read Ray Comfort's type of evangelism into every evangelistic passage in the Bible, but truthfully, it simply is not there.

Not only is the general method (preaching of the law) absent MUCH of the time in New Testament examples, but even more so the specific method, "Would you consider yourself to be a good person?" The "are you good" question I don't know to be shown a single time in Scripture. In fact, as I am writing this I can think of a few dramatic examples from Scripture that greatly illustrate the incredible difference between Spirit led evangelism and formulas (note in these examples that all the individuals involved ended up having saving type of faith in Christ):

[i]- Luke 5:27-28 After these things he [Jesus] went out, and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and said to him, "Follow me!" He left everything, and rose up and followed him. (WEB) [/i]

[How many of us have ever been open to the Spirit leading us to say a one-liner such as "Follow Jesus!" to an unbeliever?]

[i]- John 1:47-49 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!" (WEB)[/i]

[How many of us would dare complement a person not born again in this way... and yet this was the way the Spirit led Jesus to speak and the man Nathanael became an INSTANT believer.]

[i]- John 4:7-10 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." (8) For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." (WEB)[/i]

[Jesus opened up a conversation with a very sinful woman by enouraging her to ask for a drink from Him, which conversation ended up resulting in a town-wide revival! While it is true that later in the conversation Jesus revealed a specific sin in the woman's life, at least two things should be noted: first, He revealed her sin by the power of prophecy through the Spirit and second He did not have a formula... in fact, if you read the passage, you will see how extremely accomodating Jesus was with the woman when He allowed her to immediately change the subject from her sin to talking about worship. Amazing! And I suppose there are countless other examples we can see in the N.T. if we have eyes to see.]

- Read Acts 10:34-44 for another incredible example of the Gospel message that was received by the first non-jewish convert after the day of Pentecost.

As someone previously said, only the Holy Spirit knows the heart of the person we are speaking to and EXACTLY what they need to hear. Preaching of the Gospel in the N.T. is not always just clever words and methods, but in power.

[i]- 1st Cor 2:4-5 My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (5) that your faith wouldn't stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (WEB)[/i]

Perhaps what the Church needs more than anything else these days is some hungry and thirsty folks who will allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into the wilderness or an "upper room" for forty days of prayer and fasting so that they can go forth in the Power that rose Christ Jesus from the dead!

I now live out in farm country in New Windsor, MD with a wonderful Christian family, but it's practically a sanitary glass bubble out here... I find all too many times I allow this environment out here to dull my senses to the reality of lost and dying souls and keep me off the streets. I believe the Lord has a call on my life for inner-city work among youth, but when and how that will take place I am still don't know.

I believe the N.T. pattern is to have at least one other brother to labor with... while the O.T. seemed to be filled with plenty of one man power houses of anointing, the N.T. seems to emphasize the members of the BODY OF CHRIST WORKING TOGETHER... even the super anointed preaching of the last minutes prior to the Lord's will be done by TWO witnesses. Never the less, sometimes I feel as though I am missing my call in life and I get sorely tempted to just pack my bags and go live on the streets with the druggies, prostitutes, and gang members, sharing the love of God in word and in deed. I could use the prayers of the saints regarding help to clearly hear the Shepherd's voice and obey.

Much love in Christ,
Adam

from jeds boards

I come across some things being said against Brother Jed on a different message board and just thought I'd make you aware of it. They are bringing up your theology and it may be best for them to hear from you on it.

"Such is the case of individuals like perhaps the most famous "campus preacher" of all time, the false evangelist (and I don't use those words lightly), Jed Smock- and the many who have fallen in his footsteps."

"His preaching is simply extremely hatefull. It has not one ounce of love in it. He merely bashes people.

No such person is sent by God, therefore, they are false because they have gone out without being sent out."

The thread can be found here: https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=11119&forum=35&start=10&viewmode=flat&order=1

The guy who keeps saying these things calls himself Kingjimmy. Bible says if someone has something against you then you should go to him. If you want to go to him Brother Jed his email address is: jimmy@christiansteps.com
quote]

Jimmy seems extremely hateful towards me; he doesn't seem to have an ounce of love. All he is doing is bashing me. I have no idea who the fellow is or where he heard me preach, or even if he has heard me preach.

We have an open board, so he can come over here and bash for a while if he likes.

Jed Smock

Jed Smock is just making a living like the rest of the slugs who inhabit the face of the Earth. He seems to have a somewhat misguided, although certainly honest, view that he would like to keep the university student crowd from doing things that will untimately harm themselves. He uses religion as the vehicle and employs methods to gether listeners. No one, absolutely no one, has to believe his message or purpose. The suicides will continue anyway, the remarkable spread of venerial disease goes on, mental health will remain poor. In 30 years Jed Smock hasn't really changed anything but he continues to believe that he can if these university students can somehow be reached; I certainly respect him for really believing what he does and hopes.

This just shows the shallow & sad state of Christian theology. First, it is shallow, because Jimmy demonsrates that he does not know the Biblical teaching conerning prophet. Second, it is sad, because for all his concern about Jed being a false prophet he ups and violates the Scriptural teaching regarding rebuking somebody.

The internet is a nice medium, but I am tired of rogue ministers being the judge, jury, and executioner of theological trials, especially when it violates the 9th commandment. I guess it is the basic failure of democratic Christianity in American. Christendom, like Israel, is failing because "everyone did what was right in their own eyes."

Imagine how unified the U.S. would be if everyone acted like Christian ministers often act. There would be a new "state", or county, started every few weeks with no end in site.

Athanasius

I remember many years ago talking to an aged Christian about the church. He siad to me, "In wartime, when a fellow soldier falls wounded on the battlefield, we gather around him to protect him and rush him to the aid station. We lay down our lives for the wounded. In the church we just finish them off." This is not to say that Jed is a wounded soldier, but that this jimmy has a really weird understanding of the relationships in the body. His efforts to finish Jed off just indicates the hatred that he has against the truth of the Bible.

wm

TO JIMMY CHRISTIAN STEPS GET A NEW NAME SON OF SATAN:

BRO JED IS A VESSEL OF GOD'S WRATH LIKE MANY OF US AGAINST EVIL WICKED SINNERS WHO HATE GOD SO YES GOD HATES THEM MORE AND THE STUDENTS SEE THIS WRATH IN US.....THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM IS THE FEAR OF GOD kids........not his love

YES JED IS A SELFISH MARRIED MAN HONORABLE......BUT AT LEAST HE GIVES UP MUCH OF HIS LIFE AND TIME TO SHOW YOU KIDS THE WAY OUT OF HELL IN CHRIST....THE BLESSED GOSPEL IS PREACHED AND BRO JED AND RUBEN ARE HIS MESSENGERS

HE SPEAKS OF GOD'S LOVE EXPRESSED IN CHRIST ON THE CROSS PLEASE READ ROMANS 5:8 YOU REBELS AGAINST GOD AT THIS TIME PLEASE

NO, YOU ARE WRONG I HAVE KNOWN JED SOME 30 YRS. AND IT IS I BOBBYBIBLE THAT IS HATEFUL OF MOST OF YOU......I ONLY SMASH AND BASH THE SINNER AS AN INTRUMENT OF PUNISHMENT TO SINNERS....CONVICTING THEM OF SIN THEN SPANKING THEM FOR IT AS A LOVING FATHER WOULD DO TO HIS ......SHOULD KNOW BETTER BUT DON'T CHILDREN.......HELL IS HIS TRASH CAN FOR YOU WHO DON'T GET IT..........
BRO JED IS ONE OF MOST KIND HEARTED LOVING MEN I HAVE EVER KNOW TO MUCH SO I THINK FOR THE ABUSE YOU SONS OF SATAN POUR OUT IN UGLY VULGAR FASHION USUALLY JUST LIKE YOU DO AGAINST GOD'S SUPER WISE SMART SERVANT GEORGE BUSH

AND YOU ARE SENT BY SATAN TO ACCUSE GOD'S MESSENGERS.....BRO JED IS A VESSEL OF GOD'S JUDGMENT ON SINNERS JOHN 16:7-16......YOU IGNORANT BEAST DO NOT EVEN KNOW THE BIBLE TO QUOTE VERSES APPROPRIATE HERE ..SUCH BRUTE BEAST ANIMALS ARE YOU ONLY WORTHY OF THE FIRES OF HELL TO DESTROY YOU FINALLY WHILE I CHEER ........MATT. 10:27,28

YES THANKS BRO FOR INFO ON JIMMY I WILL POST HIM A REBUKE NOW

Jed's ministry has little, if any, eschatology ( I wish it did) let alone prophesy. Since he is not a prophet, nor pretends to be a prophet, he cannot be a "false prophet."

While I have found Ray Comfort's teachings on evangelism to be a great complement to my "spiritual tacklebox," it by no means is the lure to use for every type of "fish..." it can be tempting to try and read Ray Comfort's type of evangelism into every evangelistic passage in the Bible, but truthfully, it simply is not there.

And this is the danger of taking "a" truth and making it "the" truth. Ray Comfort has been a tremendous blessing to me, and I will be forever endebted to him the rest of my life for the ministry God has given him. But, just because some things work for Ray doesn't mean I need to canonize his methods.

Jed's ministry has little, if any, eschatology ( I wish it did) let alone prophesy. Since he is not a prophet, nor pretends to be a prophet, he cannot be a "false prophet."

It should be noted I did not call Jed a false prophet, I called him a false evangelist. He's a false evangelist because he claims to be preaching the gospel when he does not, nor has God sent him to preach. The men God sends bear the image of God. This Jed does not do. Replies like the one I'm responding to by yru4God are more than ample proof of this. A man so concerned about defending his ministry in such a violent reactionary way shows that he bears the opposite attitude that was engrained in Paul.

Furthermore, the verse where the Lord instructed us to privately rebuke our brethren is for those who are our brethren. If I were to apply the name "Christian" to Jed Smock, then I would be blaspheming the Lord who bought me by giving him a private rebuke, and treating him as if though he were simply an erring brother.

Furthermore, I only used Jed Smock as an example of evangelism run-a-muck. His version of the street meeting, which is copied by many open-air preachers today, is simply a Christian version of the Jerry Springer show. The only reason people stop and listen to such stuff, is not because Jed Smock like preachers have any anointing from God, or are ushering people into the presence of Christ, but rather they stop like any individual driving along the interstate who sees a car accident, and pumps their breaks in order to get a better view.

The reason damnable hell-fire preachers like Jed Smock preach on sin so much is because out of the abundance of the heart a man speaks. [b]Preachers like this are so full of sin, they cannot help but speak on sin. For that's all that is in their hearts. But if they were full of Christ, they would speak of Him.[/b] If they were full of Christ they would exalt the majesty of God and speak of His glories. But since they know nothing of those things, they speak on sin. If they loved the Lord, they would speak of Him the most.

The sad thing about it all is that they enjoy preaching on sin. Far from being a broken tortured soul who hates that they have to even speak of any unclean thing, they glory in the detailed and clever names and chants they can invent in order to better preach on sin. In this they show their perversion. In this they show the darkness of their souls. In this they show the eternal doom that they are about to enter into.

According to 1 Peter 2, God has called us out of darkness to proclaim the excellencies of His marvelous light. This ought to be the thrust of our preaching. I am all for preaching against sin, and on the misereries to follow. Such is needed today. However, such preaching will never lead to the salvation of one soul.

Instead of simply trying to show people who they are by pointing out their sin, we need to show people who God is. Isaiah 6 is a strong reminder of what a simple encounter with God will do to a man. When Isaiah had his vision of the holy majesty of God, such was enough to bring about the converting of his soul, and repenting of sin. Only by ushering people into the presence of Christ will people become truly convicted of their sin, and see their need for the Lord Jesus Christ. For when one experiences God, only truly then do they see the wretched state they are in.

Hi everyone.

Adam, wow this is neat...

Chris, it's incredible... I was reading your post about everyone you run into (homeless or otherwise) claiming to know God and be born again and thought, it sounds like my experience, and wouldn't you know, the last place I lived (about 2 yrs ago) was Brooklyn/Curtis Bay, MD!

That means that about two years ago we were pretty close neighbors. I lived on Saint Margaret street, off Patapsco ave. That's pretty neat. :-D

While I have found Ray Comfort's teachings on evangelism to be a great complement to my "spiritual tacklebox," it by no means is the lure to use for every type of "fish..."

I take your point and it is a good reminder. I think too there are alot of factors that we should consider in the examples of scripture; we certainly would do well to remember the cultural context, that Israel was a theocratic nation who's governmental institutions and basis for existence was the covenant of the Law. And in the case of Nathanael, no doubt he was a godly Jew and certainly well aquainted with the Law, as were I think the 3000 on the day of Pentecost. I think we should also remember that John had been there before the Lord and that..

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

and they were...

confessing their sins.

I think what is most important to remember for us is not so much the methods, which of course we might disagree about or not care for ect...but rather it is this principle which I am convinced is Biblicaly sound, that is [i]Law to the proud and grace to the humble[/i] , or...

God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

When I first started out sharing the Gospel, I sought to be led by God, without methods, without tracts. I found I also was without knowledge in violating this principle over and over again and I knew something was wrong. Something definitely felt wrong anyway.

Somewhere in all this I hope to find the proper balance, and the will of God, brothers. There have been some good reminders here for me about the importance of God's leading and prompting, I thank you all for that.

I think too that we often look at the lives of our Biblical models and forget all of the time, and knowledge, and experience that went into making the unique vessel that God used for His glory and purpose.

Perhaps what the Church needs more than anything else these days is some hungry and thirsty folks who will allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into the wilderness or an "upper room" for forty days of prayer and fasting so that they can go forth in the Power that rose Christ Jesus from the dead!

There's no substitute for that brother!

Glad to have you on the forums 'neighbor'. :-D

Peace be with you all in Jesus.

It is true that the police often are pretty keyed up when they arrive on the scene. But lets look at it a couple of different ways. Is thier arrival a hinderence or an opportunity? There are things every street worker needs to know. Most of these guys are just doing thier jobs. For them to answer a domestic violence or disturbing the peace call means that they put thier lives at risk by more than 75% of an increase of possible personal injury, in other words, they are 75% more likely to get injured or even killed in these situations, that's ingrained in them and part of thier training, so that's always in the back of thier minds.

These men and women are the same as you and me, naturally speaking. Most don't know the Bill of Rights or even the Constitution, but they do know some basic laws and ordinances. It would be good for the street worker to be like wise informed.

Now there are some ways to move an encounter with local law-enforcement to a Major Federal Question (that's a legal term used to prepare the ground work for a Federal rights violation lawsuite), NO City, Town or place wants that, let alone an officer of the law. But here I'm not going to show you how that's achieved. Too many people misuse such information for selfish reasons. We are called to a life of "peace as much as lieth with in us", and to live holy, peacable lives.

I have a deep respect for these men and women, they risk thier lives daily, and yes I know that some are corrupt, and also that some have ego s the size of semi s' but more are just regular folks trying to do thier jobs. If they don't feel contempt from you, but they see your conduct as being respectful, you will have opened up an opportunity to share your faith with them, and just maybe made a friend.

In all of witnessing I like to engage one on one. I like to ask alot of question about things that aren't even spiritual, what do you think about ... (you fill in the blanks)... Be patient and listen, The Holy Spirit is a wonderful God Who will always draw people out, because God is Love and thier eternal soul is at risk. Don't be afraid to ask them how they became, or why they became officers etc.... I think the answers will surprise you. I also like to do the same with those I meet on the streets, for example : "what's going on in your life?" > use your imagination here. Most people are pretty lonely and don't enjoy real friends who geniunely care about them, you'll be surprised how quickly they open up to you and allow you minister the gospel.

ABOVE ALL>>>>> You have to really love the people you minister to. God's Love in us is the strongest force in the world, period! All of God's creation knows what is and what is not real concern and love, and they will repond to it. I'll share some testamonies about street cornor preaching and some things the Lord showed me out of the Word, I'll do that , maybe latter on today or tonight.

Hi everyone.

Dohzman,

I have a deep respect for these men and women, they risk thier lives daily, and yes I know that some are corrupt, and also that some have ego s the size of semi s' but more are just regular folks trying to do thier jobs.

I imagine we fail to realise just how difficult thier jobs are and the sacrifice they make on our behalf. From my own experience, I can tell how easy it is to become almost cynical of people. Whenever I spend time downtown I'm sure someone(many times it will be two or three or more seperate occasions) will ask for money and often their request is accompanied by some story or explantion. I've even been approached in my own neighborhood by what I think was the same guy, with the exact same story asking for money. It was quite a story. I tell you I've seen this so many times.

The point is, this really isn't all that significant, yet it is easy to become suspicous of everyone that asks you for help because of the obvious lies that are told over and over again.

And lying and dishonesty are probably pretty low of the scale of evil that these men and women have to face day in and day out, on behalf and for the benefit of the saftey of a public that, as far as I know, appears indifferent at best, and openly hostile at worst, towards their efforts.

It kind of reminds me, that we Christians are the ones who are called to love those that hate and persecute us.

In this they show the eternal doom that they are about to enter into.

:-? I don't know whether to pray you are right or wrong.

Luk 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

If you are right he is going to Hell. If you are wrong, you will be condemned. That is if my interpretation of that verse is correct.

This is fearful to me when I think about it.

I'll be praying for both of you (Jimmy and Jed).

I'll stick to this verse in this situation.

1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

I think the only thing that Jed, himself, responded on his board is the one that had his name by it. The others were from other members of the board. I don't know if that is a reflection of Jed or not, any more than a poster on here is a reflection of the owner of this site. It may or may not be, I assume.

IS A VESSEL OF GOD'S WRATH LIKE MANY OF US AGAINST EVIL WICKED SINNERS WHO HATE GOD SO YES GOD HATES THEM MORE AND THE STUDENTS SEE THIS WRATH IN US.....

Sadly, this is not a perspective of the odd fanatical person here and there. We live in a world of angry people who seem to be against just about everyone. Even the disciples were tempted. They once asked Jesus to send fire down from heaven to destroy the wicked Samaritans. (They must have forgotten about the woman at the well.)

Let’s be honest – a vengeful spirit is a temptation for us all at one time or another – especially when we have been violated and angered. We set ourselves against our offenders, even while on the surface we say nice words to them. This kind of smouldering wrath is behind our “ cold shoulders”, our church splits, our divorces, our playground squabbles, and our wars. It is most horrifying when embraced as a religion – as is this example. It is called “just war” – war using words not bombs. These adherents assume that they have God’s wrath on their side; and with that bit of “ammunition” they march forward in full steam trampling over all in their path. And there is never a shortage of angry people who eagerly come on board and march to the same drumbeat. Anger craves for a vent.

But before we point fingers, we have to examine any possible logs of anger in our own eye. I know from personal experience how easily even a tiny bit of anger can become murderous. It is not easy to handle anger wisely.

Now, consider the message of the Gospel. The Bible is filled with expressions of God’s mercy from beginning to end – beginning in the Garden. Think of all the prophetic pictures of mercy and redemption – Boaz and Ruth, David and Mephibosheth, and many more.

Our calling as intercessors is to stand between the sinner and God and plead for mercy – like Abraham and like Moses. That is what Christ’s death was all about. We are called to partner with his plan of redemption. To stand back and just let God’s wrath rain down our (his) enemies is antichrist. I suppose indifference and prayerlessness is just as evil.

God has clearly said, "Vengeance is MINE.." So, let's leave vengeance with him! We cannot handle it! It will destroy us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” “I will sing of the mercy of the Lord forever….” May God's mercy always be the song of our hearts.
Diane

[b]TO OTHER OPEN AIR PREACHERS[/b]
[i]Check Your Heart[/i]

While we preach hard against sin and preach the holiness of God, proclaiming the horrors of hell and the terrors of the Lord, have we still a heart of love for the lost?

While we endure the criticisms, the mockings, the spittings and violence, have we still a heart like Christ, a broken heart of compassion and concern for the lost?

Let me ask you. Have you become hardened by all the criticism and rejection that you have lost the heart of Jesus?

Do you proclaim hard truths with soft a heart or do you proclaim hard truths with a hard heart?

Is there loving care and serious concern in your hearts for the lostness of men?

Do you deeply long for them to come into right standing with Christ?

Is your breath prayers for the lost and your heart beat for the reconciliation of the world?

Do you know prayers of deep agony and internal pain over the lost condition of sinful men?

If not, we are nothing more then modern day Jonahs at heart - calling people to get right with God and yet desiring their destruction.

Just be sure to check your heart before God.

[i]From Jesse Morell's ([url=https://www.sermonindex.net/userinfo.php?uid=5035]Lazarus1719[/url] ) newsletter recieved yesterday[/i]

Brother crsschk,

Hi, I'm ICCCMDave and if you would like you can read my intro.

2 years ago a street preacher who attends my church asked me and another guy to go out on Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ. Tempe, AZ is the home of Arizona State University.

I said sure. I had not been saved very long at that time and I was reaching for the walk to walk like Jesus. Go and preach the Gospel.

Brother Rene has been preaching on the streets for over 20 years. He played the flute for a while and then preached for a while.He handed me the mike and said go for it. I didn't know what to say. I grabbed my Bible and started with the 23rd. Psalm and I would read a couple and skip a couple Psalms and by the time I reached Psalm 75 Brother Rene comes over and says mind if I preach a little?

From that moment on a street preacher was ordained. One night while preaching on 5th. and Mill in front of the post office the Holy Spirit came upon me and the Lord showed me the feeling that he has for the people who were mocking us.

He was not angry at the mockers but was sad. As I looked at each person that walked by I felt the sorrow that the Lord felt for each person. The truly deep sadness that he felt for each of these lost sheep. It over whelmed me so much I just stopped preaching and tears came to my eyes and I had to give the mike to someone else. I will never forget that night.

I have learned much since then, that was just the beginning of knowing what the Lord feels. He has been teaching me daily and my whole outlook has changed.

Due to a death in the church I started to open the church for morning worship and the pastor has released me from going to Mill Ave. on Friday nights.

Some personal illness a heart problem which has been healed, through much pray has made a almost complete recovery. Then the very next week I came down with a lung infection and missed oponing the church for a few days. Warring with forces of darkness.

The first day (5:30 am) I walked back into the church the first thing out of my mouth was I love You Lord. At that very moment I could feel exactly how much I love the Lord. Before that exact moment I knew I loved the Lord but didn't know how much the Lord loves me. An over whelming feeling of love poured over me and I knew how much the Lord loves me. With not only his total being but also his son's.

That very night which was a Saturday night my room mate and I decided to go bike riding we ended up on Mill Ave. We were standing on the corner of University and Mill wondering what we were going to do when I saw trumpet player Jim come walking across the street with his trumpet and a small amp.

I remember when we first went on Mill the police would not let us use an amp. Mill Ave is an extremely loud street with the bands in the bars and motor cycles up and down the street. With out an amp you couldn't be heard across the sidewalk.
We fought the police department since there are not any laws concerning using amps in the business district. They didn't want us or any body else using them. The one Sargent said it you guys start using them then every hate group in town will want one. WE went a around with the city procuter office and finally just said its not illegal either leave us alone or I'm going to email every church group in the world.

I did a short sermon on Mill Ave. on that Saturday night and believe me I will not be with the group on Friday due to haveing to opon the church on Saturday morning but I will be there on Saturday night.

Love, peace, and God's blessings to all.

ICCCMDave

Hi ICCCMDave,

I can identify with your post. I started open-air preaching about 4 years ago. I remember when I first started, how the satanic attacks just flew at me. My finances, my marraige, my devotion and prayer life - all of them were just about blown to smithereens in the first month. I wrecked my car, my wife got really sick, my brother (a Buddhist) stopped talking to me for almost 2 years. My youth group (I was a youth pastor at the time), fell into demise: one girl slashed her wrists, another got pregnant, one guy started coming to church high and wearing demonic t-shirts. All this happened the month I started field preaching. It got so bad that I backed off and stopped preaching.

Well, before I preached outdoors, I would fast and ask God to break my heart over lost souls. I didn't know what I was asking for. He took me at my word; I foolishly told Him I'd endure whatever it took, that I wanted to share in the sufferings of Christ, that I wanted to weep over my Jerusalem.

Well, not long after praying this, I started waking up in the middle of the night, shaking, weeping, sick in my spirit. I'd get up to pray and sense a wicked presence in my house. Like something was watching me from a corner. I can't explain, it was very unnerving. But at the same time, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit beckoning me onto prayer. It was true spiritual warfare.

The awesome thing was, when I would go out on the streets and preach, like you described, an awesome sense of brokeness and travail would overcome me as I watched the people go by, lost, and on their way to hell. God allowed me to look past the faces and focus on the imprisoned souls. The guys who would go out with me would also start weeping and groaning, and we would all experience the grief of the Holy Spirit simultaneously. The price to be paid for this ministry is very, very costly - but this deepness in God and utter death to the flesh is what we are called into. Brother Ravenhill spoke of it very succintly. The closer and deeper you get in God, the more you discover the pain and hurt and grief He endures over souls entering hellfire.

My brother Paul West,

I have fought a few battles and the Lord has won them for me. By myself I am alone, with God on my side We are awesome.

For a while I knew there was something in me trying to control my life. I kept praying for release. Nothing happened. it was dug in really well and Pastor Bryan (Pastor of Shepherds Church where I attend)who normally sees these things never saw this one.

A friend of mine said Pastor David Hogan is in town and wanted to know if I wanted to go. I said sure and about 8 or 10 of us from our church went.

At the end of the service Pastor Hogan asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus. I started to go up and a voice told me not now. I just stood there while about 50 people went up front on one side of this huge stage where Pastor Hogan was.

I started to go up again but again this voice said not yet. I waited about 5 more minutes just standing there and praying and a voice said go now.

So I went and there were all these people people on one side of the stage so I walked to the other side of the stage. There was a women there about my age and I kneeled about 10 feet from her and started praying. Pastor Hogan looks are way and said don't be shy come on over here.

So I walked over to the group of people got down on my knees and started to pray. After about 5-10 minutes one of the other brothers from my church started to walk down to the stage and Pastor Hogan points at him and said what do you want?

Brother Lathaniel told him I want fire. Hogan said go and stand over there. I went with him and
went I got over there I again went to my knees and started praying.

Pastor Hogan and son where praying for people and some were going down and so weren't. This went on for about 10 minutes maybe and there were about 10 people where I was and Hogan comes over grabs my hand and says stand up boy (I thought that was good for I'm at least the same age as Hogan). He pours a bunch of annointing oil in his hand and pow right on the forehead while he said Fire of God.

Nothing, I stood there for a minute nothing about 2 minutes later tdhe Holy Spirit came upon me and pow, I was down. Some people behind me caught me and laid me on the floor with my arms crossed. This was a new experience to me. I couldn't move a muscle. I was somewhere, I don't know where it wasn't in the church anymore.

All of a sudden a thing that was black and grey wrapped like a mummy started circling above me. I thought oh no I can't even move. Then all of a sudden my mouth opened I thought that was funny because I didn't open it, I couldn't move. The most amazing thing then happened. Out of my mouth came the sound like a soda opening and the thing was gone. Then there was faces they were beautiful and they would turn around and smile at me the biggest beautiful smiles I have ever seen. This went on till about 50 smiled at me. While they were smiling at me a great peace and calm and well being came on me. I have never until a couple of days ago felt so good. I came back and was again in the church and was able to move again as I started to sit up tdwo guys grabbed me and stood me up and I fell forward on to the stage I still couldn't stand up and for over 2 hours shook like a leave in a monsoon storm.

I realize a lot of people don't like Pastor Hogan and call him a fake, a fraud, and all kinds of things, but some peopole don't really have any faith either. I just can testify what happened to me when Hogan touched me and called for Fire of God.

Peace and God's Blessings to all

R. David Hanthorn (ICCCMDave)

I would have to agree that street preachers are all intercessors, but your definition of true intercession of flawedmy friend. I am grieved at the concsience vexing talk of much of this and all discussions of field preaching.

A true intercessor not only prays, but labors. Ravenhill said, "An intercessor is one who himself will take the load." How do you identify with your hearers? Ezekiel laid on his right and left side and only ate measured food and drank measured drink. Isaiah was naked for a period of time. John the baptist studied in the heat of the desert for all his life except around six months. What have you done to show God you are serious about reaching the sinners of this world?

I cannot believe the audacity of many on this board to say that so-and-so is eaither unbiblical or even not saved simply because they preach a little more harsh and use terms that seem vulgar to the prim and propper ways of modern Christianity. Would you rebuke Elijah for saying to the prophets of baal "where is your God? Is he on a journey?" Can you catch the air of sarcasm? Elijah was inspired of God.

We need to all be careful for we must stand at the judgement seat. What you say about faithful, powerful brothers in whom God has done mighty works will one day be answered for before the almighty King of Kings.

Personally I like Bro. Hogan, I also enjoy the testamonies of God's saints. God Bless

Hey Paul,

while I was reading your post about your youth group, I couldn't but help being reminded that often we really can't see what the needs are in front of us until we step out to do something else. Here's what I mean. You stepped out to preach on the streets. The Flawes and character weaknesses in your youth group were exposed, among other things. You were recieving a reward from God but misinterpeted it. For the first time God was allowing you to see the real condition of the hearts in your youth group. It was always there, you just never saw it. Jesus talked about a man going to war in His teaching on counting the cost. Our source in all of warfare is Jesus Christ, and we are His ambassadors. Read that last sentance again and let really sink into your heart, and than operate as if it was true (when in truth it really is true). The answer to everything that comes at you will be as close as a wisper, to the God we serve. In the early 1800's the puritans recorded some "things" that happened, supernatural experiences (negative-demonic, they believed) just before a great revival of "true religion" (as they put it) , happened. On the streets in Canton we had simular things happen just before a powerful, but short lived move of God happened. During that time period I could have writen a book (lasted for about 16-18 months), things were different! Lately I've felt the same stirring again. I believe (because the same group of people have been stirred again, and we haven't been in contact with each other for years, 10yrs or more until recently, we are all being brought together again by God) the Lord is about to move just one more time. Just rember, nothings ever wasted, no experience, no victory or defeat, God uses them all for His glory.

Hi everyone.

ICCCMDave and PaulWest, I appreciated both your testimonies.

PaulWest, believe it or not, I was encouraged to read of your experiences since I saw in them some similar experiences to my own it and is nice to know someone else shares in them.

In particular

Well, not long after praying this, I started waking up in the middle of the night, shaking, weeping, sick in my spirit. I'd get up to pray and sense a wicked presence in my house.

I did not experience anything of these physical things but did experience something similar about the evil presence. Like you, these things happened in connection with stepping out in earnest to share the Gospel. One night in particular, during which time I had been going through much distress of mind and soul, I had fallen asleep on the couch downstairs. During my sleep I became aware of 'something' pressing heavy upon my chest, and still in my sleep remember it saying something like 'Jesus is not with you this time.'

I awoke and felt at the same time that evil presence and an almost audible, 'hissing?' sound? Without even thinking I said outloud 'In Jesus name, leave.' Just then I heard my wife from upstairs cry out.

I went upstairs to check on her and asked if she was alright. She said she was and without making any connections to what had happened I went back downstairs and went to sleep. The following moring I asked her about this and found out that she had experienced the same thing - that pressing down. Appearantly it had stopped when I had said 'In Jesus name, leave.'

This was not isolated either. During this time we had been ministering to some drug addicted and homeless and she would tell me how(these spirits as we believed them to be) would come to the house and, for lack of a clearer understanding of it all, I'd say 'harass' us.

Another time I remember that my mind was so troubled and weary that a dear brother in the Lord had come by that night and said the Lord had put me on his heart at the altar and kept hearing the thought 'his loins are getting weak, the loins of his mind are getting weak' and so he prayed. How faithfull is God and how gracious!!

But this leads me to something else. I used to think, to my shame, that the Lord had choosen me for the labors I was doing because of some special ability or suitableness for the task. Instead, I now wonder if God did not call me to these labors becuase of the effect it would have upon me: the knocking down of pride and self-sufficiency, and other purifying works upon the soul.

Blessings in Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Hi Dohzman, I'm curious, is the Canton you mentioned, Canton Ohio?

Thanks.

Hi brothers,

Yes, now in retrospect, I see what the Lord was doing; in the midst the "refiner's fire", as you well know, it is not always easy to see Almighty providence. Though God sanctioned what happened for a divine purpose, the presence in my life at the time was clearly daemonic, I assure you: Sickness, Fear, Material destructions, etc. Like Gurnall said, "Satan is God's whip."

I was quite inexperienced as a youth pastor at the time; extremely zealous without much knowledge and experience in spiritual warfare. I was reading alot of Wigglesworth and Ravenhill too. Dohzman, what you said is very true. God merely revealed the trueness of the hearts of my youth. The sin in the camp was exposed. God shook things up...and whatever (and whoever)that wasn't secure in Jesus fell apart.

Bless you for your insight, brother!

I humble myself daily before God, so that I might grow in wisdom and knowledge in the Word, and in the ways of our Awesome God. I realise I see things "only in part"; may God expand my vision as I endeavor to serve Him more faithfully to the glory of His kingdom!

Your servant, Paul

Yes. The hall of fame city.

I would have to agree that street preachers are all intercessors, but your definition of true intercession of flawedmy friend. I am grieved at the concsience vexing talk of much of this and all discussions of field preaching.

A true intercessor not only prays, but labors. Ravenhill said, "An intercessor is one who himself will take the load

Ravenhill wasn't talking about physically going and doing street preaching. He was talking about the work of intercedeing. Intercession is always standing in the way of JUDGEMENT, as in Abraham standing in the way of Sodoms judgement, or Abigail standing in the way of David bringing down judgement upon the head of her than worthless husband. Intercession is an act of placing our lives between Holy God and fallen man. The intercessor may never go to the harvest field, thier work is done in humility and prayer often with fastings and very often with great periods of silence and waiting. Brother Evan I'm going to say this as gently as I can, I doubt by your statement that you know intimately anything about true intercession outside of what you've read from the pen of other men. That my brother is a dangerous place to be when instructing other in a way or course. I would recommend that you study the examples of intercession in the bible and through out history.

." How do you identify with your hearers? Ezekiel laid on his right and left side and only ate measured food and drank measured drink. Isaiah was naked for a period of time. John the baptist studied in the heat of the desert for all his life except around six months. What have you done to show God you are serious about reaching the sinners of this world?

Jesus taught that we are to go into the secret place of prayer, even to keep our fastings a secret, and pray to our Father in secret who will than reward us openly. Here too brother, I would be very careful, to become one of God's Living Parables is something one doen't take lightly, and in much the same way one shouldn't ask for patience (because we know that tribulation worketh patience), One shouldn't approach an area like this, it's best to leave somethings for the SOVERIENTY OF GOD in the life of His Chosen. We don't do our works to be seen of men, or at least we shouldn't. Wrong motive there.

I cannot believe the audacity of many on this board to say that so-and-so is eaither unbiblical or even not saved simply because they preach a little more harsh and use terms that seem vulgar to the prim and propper ways of modern Christianity. Would you rebuke Elijah for saying to the prophets of baal "where is your God? Is he on a journey?" Can you catch the air of sarcasm? Elijah was inspired of God.

Paul wrote about those who preached out of contention, he neither encouraged nor applauded them for such but he did delight in the fact that Jesus name was being spread, we've seen the same in times of recent past, That godless broadway show many years ago,"Jesus Christ SuperStar", the show was wickedness, but the only redeemable thing was that the name of Jesus was out there, no doubt that opened up many oppurtunities for the truth to be spoken in love and our Lord to be glorified by His true servants. 1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

In defense of those who are regulars on this board, I would have to judge most of them as being serious students of the Lord's and therefore they are instructed to judge all things, not in a manner of condemnation but in a manner of correction, admonition and instruction, edification. I personally don't know the individual they refered to. Based on some of the tags and information that was set before all of us, I would say the person they refered to could use the wisdom and influence of an older more Christ Like minister in his life on a very personal and accountable basis. Bro. Daryl