street corner preaching

Hey I just wanted to encourage any open air preachers. Open air preaching absolutely rocks! Never do I feel more in the Lords will then when I'm on the street preaching. I'm 19 from CT and have been preaching open air reguarly for only a year and a half. I've learned not to get discouraged if people don't stop and listen. Some days you may have a nice crowd, some days no crowd, and other days huge crowds. I go to bus stops where a crowd is already gathered and preach to them. THey are what I call a "captured" audience. THE MORE STREET PREACHERS THE BETTER! What do u guys think? I say find a populated area, lift up your voice like a trumpet and tell God's people their transgressions! Until all have heardJessegreat resourses for open air preaching are: http://www.livingwaters.com/openair.shtmlhttp://www.livingwaters.com/listenwatch.shtmlhttp://www.livingwaters.com/watch.shtml

Praise God, it's good to hear from a faithful servant. It's regrettably rare that someone will answer the calls of Psalm 94:16 and Mark 16:15.I've done a little preaching myself, but mostly I help some of my friends that are much more experienced at it. The Lord's teaching me, though... sometimes there's a fire in me reminiscent (to me) of the prophets, and I want to go and preach. It'd be nice if one of those times would coincide with a time I could actually do so :)Seek the Lord, night and day. Do nothing except that which He would have you do, devote yourself entirely to Him. When you have truly inhaled and are filled with the Holy Ghost and driven by the will of God, the exhaling will leave sinners breathless (and possibly on the ground).Oh, and preach on those university campuses, once the students get much older it's pretty rare to turn them far from their course.God's grace in Christ be with you,-Keith

1) I love Ray Comforts teaching on open air because it explains how to start in the natural realm like Paul did.2) The only places people gather are at bus stops in my area. I have recieved lots of encouragement from those at the bus stops. No body is yelling at me saying "DOn't force your religion on me" I have never heard that even once. If you have never done it then I understand why you don't know about it. But my bible tells me to preach "in season and out of season." That means if people are recieving it or if they are rejecting it. Whether I am reaping souls or if I'm reaping sorrow. "And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord God,' whether they hear or whether they refuse." Ezekiel 3:11 well, you may prefer www.gospeljohn.com or www.brojed.org if you don't care for livingwaters

"I am NOT against street evangelism, I actually think it is needed in our day. But what is even more needed is for Christian to be found in the Likeness of Christ." sermonindexAbsolutely! The worst thing to evangelism is hypocricy. If a hypocrit wants to preach he should go far far away from his home to where nobody knows him, and when he stands up to preach he should say nothing. "2 Timothy 4:2-3 - Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. It clearly seems to me that its preaching to believers" sermonindexI do NOT believe that believers "will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" Christians will believe in "sound doctrine." Two verses down from 2 Tim 4:2 is verse 5 which says "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." So in context Paul was telling Timothy to preach to NON believers "in season and out of season." Mark 6:12 "So they went out and preached that people should repent." How can we do any less or any more?

First off its not pretty rare to turn people from their course when they are old!Even as I wrote that it was rare I felt something like rephrasing it, and I retract the statement as I made it. Sorry for speaking (typing) hastily.What I was getting at is that it's important, if it is possible, to get to people before they've had 3,4,5 or more decades of "indoctrination" in whatever error they're in. God can still shatter their resistance when they're 100, of course.There's also the matter of many of the future leaders (in business, politics, etc) being centralized in these locations, and usually being fed fairly liberal and anti-Christian teaching.I basically think much of Street preaching is pointless in our day when all people see is hypocrisy in the Church. The Church needs to be revived. North America is in a moral slump because the Church is.The hypocrisy does have a dramatic effect, most people just don't take Christianity seriously in this country anymore (even professing Christians).We preach Holiness, however, and the ones that get most upset by our preaching are usually professing Christians who are living in sin. That kind of preaching helped bring me out of my "sinning Christianity," and it brings some to conviction. It may be the case that we're going to have to evangelize the church before we can turn fully to evangelizing the heathen.But as I go through the links you sent I can't but help whince at the techniques that are employed.I don't like gimmicks either. Just preach the Truth, and have as much a proportion of it be the pure Word as is feasible. Getting a crowd can be nice, but getting even one person thinking deeply about the Truth is more than worth several hours of preaching. Plant the seeds of the Word in their heart.I just don't really see the apostles and disciples doing tricks and neat thing like that to attract crowds.I agree, and we desperately have to get back to Biblical evangelism, and Biblical Christianity in general.Sorry brothers not trying to cause an argument here just trying to share my heart.If God tells you to say something, say it. I appreciate your assurances that you're not coming out in contention, but I would not have that suspected that of you anyway. If anything I say seems off-base, hasty, simply-idiotic, etc, please don't refrain from letting me know unless God thus leads you.By the same token, if God tells you to preach something, preach it. My personality and such inclines me towards the policy of "bother no one, stay in my own corner of the universe and let everyone else get on with their business in theirs." However, if God tells me to bother someone, I'd sure better bother them.Edit:I am NOT against street evangelism, I actually think it is needed in our day. But what is even more needed is for Christian to be found in the Likeness of Christ. I think Jesus prayer in John really speaks to this situation:John 17:20-24 - "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.Amen.

I say we should preach right where nobody wants us to! That seems pretty biblical to me. Acts 5:28-29 says "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" but Peter and the other apostels answered and said "We ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 21:37 - 40 Paul asks to speak to a crowd who already "were seeking to kill him" vs 31Quote: "We preach Holiness, however, and the ones that get most upset by our preaching are usually professing Christians who are living in sin."Yea it seems that nobody likes holiness in our day. The world will jump on the hypocricy of the church, but then again the world doesn't want the church to be real. They will reject it either way because they love their sin. The "sinning saint" hates holiness preaching also. Holiness has never been a popular message and never will be but that should never stop any of us from sharing that message.

"What is the biblical signifigance and definition of an evangelist, is it a spiritual gifting, etc." sermonindexthere is no gifting of evangelism, it is a learned skill. I teach a class on evangelism. If it were a "gift" then there would be no need of a class to teach it.According to Ephesians 4:12 God has appointed some to be Evangelists "for the equipping of the saints FOR the work of the ministry, FOR the edifying of the body of Christ." An Evangelist, according to the bible, is someone who teaches christians how to evangelize like they ought to. I don't care what the dictionary says an evangelist is, man wrote the dictionary, God wrote the bible. "do you mean that you don't think that verse means that Christians will gather around themselves teachers to suit what they want to hear? so it this phrase towards unbelievers? sorry if you could clarify that would be great." sermonindexA true Christian not only reads God's Word but abides in it. I can't imagine that true christians would willfully round up for themselves false teachers so that they can hear what they want to hear. A true Christian knows the Truth because it was the Truth that had set them free. I wouldn't say that it is "unbeleivers" who do it, but rather false believers. It is a false Church full of false Christians that will round up for themselves false teachers to teach them false teachings. They must be men who do not know their bibles.Leonard Ravenhill: Why Revival Tarries, pg 86 "The conflict of the ages is upon us. This unbiblical distored thing called the church, that mixes with the world and dishonors its so-called Lord, has been found out for what it is, a fraud."

It may be the case that we're going to have to evangelize the church before we can turn fully to evangelizing the heathen.I cannot "Amen" that enough! This is where the real problem lies. With the "house of God". It has become a den of theives- spiritually speaking.We need to clean house from the inside out. Only the Lord can do this and it can be done by our testimony of the living Christ inside us. It can be done through prayer for the Lord's will to be done here on earth- in each life, in each family, in each building, in each meeting, in each heart.I am sorry to say this but many Christians who out of the modern church or are still there but not in their hearts- (at least have a real revelation of who Christ is)- will be the ones who :1. unveil the hypocrisy of religion and todays fast-food Christianity.2.demonstrate true love to the poor, brokenhearted, lost and wounded- (because they have the living Christ eminating out of them)3. also be critisized by "religious' people. I can not tell you how offensive my words have been to many church goers. Though I speak in love and truth- they gawk and are offended in their spirits because they don't want to "go there." They don't want to hear that they need to be "poured out" literally as a drink offering as a testimony for Christ.When people around me talk of Christianity, church, or those related subjects- i am quite certain they are not talking about my Jesus, the Christianity I live, or the church of which I belong.My prayer and purpose is to be a light and living testimony to the unbeliever as well as the BELIEVER who has their own idea of who Christ is. What a big job and an enourmous amount of people. Luckily my job is just to live it- I cannot make anyone's heart change. The Holy Spirit is my helper. :)Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mt.7:14Sold out and in love, Chanin

"When people around me talk of Christianity, church, or those related subjects- i am quite certain they are not talking about my Jesus, the Christianity I live, or the church of which I belong." moreofhimOh I sadly have to say Amen. Even in "christian" books I have to find the ones, except for a few, which were written a hundred years ago or more. The Christianity they write about is not the Christianity of the bible. The Christianity I see is not the Christianity I read about in God's Word. Man, it makes me want to cry.

hmm and just by reading lazarus latest comments, I think it would be fruitful to go through the entire book of acts and draw out each time there is preaching to people (unbelievers) and look at the circumstances, how it started, and other information about scene. I'm on it alreadyA good idea. I'm inclined to start a bit earlier, though, to get to the place of open air preaching in this time and area of the world:Matthew 31 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea2 and saying, "Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: `Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.'"John's ministry was to prepare "the way of the Lord," and his message was "Repent"! I think this can be likened to plowing up the ground, plowing up the hearts of men with the Law of God.Mark 413 And He said unto them, "Know you not this parable? And how then will ye know all parables?14 The sower soweth the Word.15 And these are they by the wayside, where the Word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the Word that was sown in their hearts.16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground who, when they have heard the Word, immediately receive it with gladness;17 but they have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time. Afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the Word's sake, immediately they are offended.18 And these are they which are sown among thorns, such as hear the Word,19 but the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the Word, and it becometh unfruitful.20 And these are they which are sown on good ground, such as hear the Word and receive it and bring forth fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."What happens when seed is sown on stony ground? What happens when the Word is sown in unplowed hearts? False converts. Hypocrites. Goats among the sheep. Churches filled with the unconverted.John plowed up the ground before Jesus came through, so the people were better prepared for grace. Jesus didn't have to preach as hard as He might have had to, because the ground was plowed up.Nowadays most sowers of the Word are far softer than Jesus, but the ground is far harder.The hearts of North America's people are almost hopelessly fallow. Hardly anything moves people anymore, as I heard Wilkerson preaching on just recently (wonderful resource, this website). They need plowing, deep plowing.The way must be prepared again for grace. God's Law, sin, Judgment, Hell, and repentance need to be preached. Both to the heathen and to those who name the name of Christ.On that last part, I think Scripture is talking about professing (not necessarily genuine) Christians when it says they "will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." Many professing Christians have ears that itch to hear of easy-believism, of Eternal Security, of "carnal Christianity," of ecumenism and interfaith, of permissible worldliness... of permissible sin!Oh how our Lord is grieved, and is weeping... I'm beginning, just barely beginning, to share in "the fellowship of His sufferings" as He makes clear to me how far things are from where they should be.The ground must be plowed, the thorny undergrowth must be burned away, the groves on the (altar) hills must be torn up. We must forsake our idols! We must forsake our sins!Only when we've truly turned back to the Lord, can we have any hope of truly loving, serving, and obeying Him. Only then should we preach.Well, that wandered topics.In Him,-Keith

sermonindex,I bet we agree on more then it might seem. Lets find outDo you believe in street evangelism?Do you believe we need to actually learn how to evangelize? Do you believe in preaching "whether they hear or whether they refuse"? Do you believe that the Christianity we see is the Christianity of the bible? Do you believe we should preach that "God commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness"?

quote "But that doesn't give me lisence to go out to any corner and just yell out the Law of God and tell everyone that unless they belief on Jesus they are going to hell." sermonindexI don't know where that came from. I hope I didn't implied that. What I do believe in is going to the streets and preaching like Jesus that unless they repent from their sins they will perish. Luke 13:3 Unless they turn to Jesus they will go to hell, but that doesn't make sense to them if you don't show them their need to come to him. That knowledge comes by the Law. As far as learning evangelism goes, like you said yourself it is by "looking at the acts examples piece by piece" We must learn how to witness, in a class room setting or not, by looking at the bible. So first you said you believe in learning from biblical examples, but then you said you don't believe evangelism should be taught. Quote "I never think the Apostles had classes on evangelism" sermonindexDo you think Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission without first showing them during the three years how and what to preach?? What is a Master to his disciple then a teacher? What else is a discipleship besides a type of class?

In Christ's love

quote "We are to be in all of the public places casting down idols and preaching the gospel of Jesus" prayer1warriorI completely agree. This is something I said earlier: I say we should preach right where nobody wants us to! That seems pretty biblical to me. Acts 5:28-29 says "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" but Peter and the other apostels answered and said "We ought to obey God rather than men."Acts 21:37 - 40 Paul asks to speak to a crowd who already "were seeking to kill him" vs 31

To street preach or to not street preach, that is the question. Whether it be noble... errr.. time to cut the shakespeare...Personally, I have started doing open air preaching every Monday afternoon at UNC Charlotte. I just go, and raise my voice, and spare not, but at the same time, try to give people hope in Christ. There must be a good balance of preaching the law & gospel. Ultimately though, I am trying to present Christ, and Him crucified, and get people to have a revelation of Jesus Christ, to get them to "behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world." My public preaching may be deemed a nusance, as it is loud. So far, I can't say much of anything on how I'm perceived, as I've only preached for 30 minutes or so each time, and haven't had too many hecklers come up to me. I've had quite a few Christians comes and encourage me on, but not too many folks who are trying to discourage me. Most the people just walk by, some slowly, others very quickly. Some stay off in the distance and listen, but no crowds seem to form. It would APPEAR I am not very succesfull. But the Scriptures say that the word of God shall not return void, and it will accomplish that for which it was sent out. Ultimately, if I am preaching the gospel, it will do something. Perhaps for many, a seed will just be planted. Perhaps for others, my preaching will only water what another planted. Perhaps I will see a harvest. But, all that is God's business, not mine. Perhaps what I preach will not be very attractive to people, and many might harden their hearts to the gospel. But, if what I preach is truly the gospel, then it ultimately will either be attractive to people, or it will cause them to push away further from the faith. If I am preaching the gospel, and living a life of holiness and integrity in the fear of the Lord, then if they flee further away from the gospel, I know it is not from my method of preaching or a hypocritical lifestyle, but from the gospel itself, from the Lord Himself. If their reaction is negative, then it is the reaction of those who hated the light and loved the darkness.

Brother, You just keep on preaching! Positive responses and negative responces will come. Jesus' first sermon made people try to throw him off a cliff but other times they would follow him any where. If they reject you it is because they have rejected God.Don't be discouraged if you don't see crowds. Ray Comfort preached for 18 months without any crowds ( because he didn't elevate himself). I have preached alot on the street and have had big crowds, small crowds, and no crowds. Just continue to pray.Quotes on open air"No sort of defense is needed for preaching outdoors, but it would take a very strong argument to prove that a man who has never preached beyond the walls of his meetinghouse has done his duty." C.H. Spurgeon"Every great preacher of the bible was an open-air preacher, Peter was an open-air preacher, Paul was an open-air preacher, and so were Elijah, Moses, and Ezra. More important then all, Jesus Christ Himself was an open-air preacher and preached, for the most part, outdoors. Every great sermon recorded in the Bible was preached in the open-air, the sermon on the Day of Pentecost, the sermon on the Mount, and the Sermon on Mars Hill, etc." R.A. Torrey

Dave-Greg and Chanin both operate in the prophetic gift (i.e. a man or woman of God who calls the people of God back to God), whereas some of us operate in the evangelistic gift and we have left the ninety and nine to follow God into the hedges and down the byways. You're exactly correct on this. I often forget this and wonder why people are not seeing things "my way" or like i do. But that is because I have something so strong in me to bring 'christians" back to God or their First Love. To chasten a bit, to challenge them to go deeper and let the Lord search their hearts consistantly.I do not really have a heart to evangelize and I really don't feel guilty anymore that i don't. Everyone has their gifts and all are needed!This is where we need to be careful (including me) in judging what others are doing. The key here is that each is listening to the Lord for directions so that He is doing what God wants them to do. Not want they think they should do or someone else thinks they should do.I must keep remembering this when it comes to other's points of view on the subject of evangelism and the lost. I tend to be much more accepting and loving towards the unbeliever because "they have an excuse". it's the believer who does not live it that i have a problem trying to accept and love unconditionally. But, again, this is something the Lord is working on with me. I see the reason I see through the falseness of their faith- But i must do it in love even still.Thanks for the reminder.Satisfied in Him, Chanin

Thank you! :-)

Quote "I do not really have a heart to evangelize and I really don't feel guilty anymore that i don't." moreofhimCome on Christian!! Do you not feel any guilt at all that the multitudes are going to an eternal hell for their sins where they will suffer torments forever and ever and you just sit back and do nothing and merely say "I don't have a heart to". Does that not bother you "anymore"??? Let me say this, something is radically wrong with your heart. You said you don't feel guilty anymore, which means you used to. Well what stoped you then from living out your convictions? Just because you have over ridden your conscience so you don't feel guilty doesn't mean what your doing is right. Because it is wrong. Do you follow the same Jesus I do who came to "seek and to save that which was lost." Do you follow in his steps? Jesus said "follow me and I will make you fishers of men." That was the promise He gave to His followers. The Great Commission is for every Christian. As David Wilkerson said "It's Gods will that everybody goes". Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself! Are you exempt from that? Does the second greatest commandment not apply to you but only to others?? Come on "Christian"!!Do you want eternal life for yourself but could care less if others have it? C.H. Spurgeon said "Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself, be sure of that." Feel guilty like you used to that you don't evangelize because their blood is on your hands. Ezekiel 3:18-21, and 33:8-11 can and should be applied to the Great Commission.

Wow! Would anyone like to answer this. I am getting tired. :-o In His perfect love, chanin

Come on. you know in your heart what I said was right. With all my heart I believe all I said. You like a person who has the cure for cancer hidden in their house and says " I don't feel guilty anymore that I don't give those dying of cancer the cure. I just don't have a heart to." Actually what your doing is far worse.Evangelism is as much as knowing how to perform brain surgery is a "gift". Both, in truth, are learned skills.

Lazarus,I am not going to defend myself here because most on this site know me very well. I know you do not know me very well because you have not been on here very long- but you realy don't know my heart. Have you read any of my other posts? I think you will see that I am nothing like what you are implying. I am not on here to debate. I live my Christianity every day 24 hrs. a day for all to see- including the lost. I aim to be a walking living breathing light for Him. I guess my evangelism is my lifestyle. Just as I am admitting to not understanding your calling as well as I would like to because I am called to bring repentance to the "Church"- can you maybe try to see this from my point of view. I am willing - are you?Be blessed and I pray that the Lord brings many to Christ through you.In His perfect love, Chanin

Yes repentance needs to come to the church, and the first thing that needs to be repented of is the hearts that don't care enough about the lost to tell them how they can recieve everlasting life. "I guess my evangelism is my lifestyle." moreofhimYour life is a witness, but it is not enough. You could mow your neighbors lawn for free, but that doesn't tell them how they can be forgiven. Romans 10:17 "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Your lifestyle isn't enough, there needs to be words. Not words only, but also a lifestyle.Romans 10:14-15"How then shall htye call on Him in whom they have not belived? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" Do you really want to be like a person who has the cure to cancer but doesn't give it to anyone because "I don't have a heart to"??????

let me say this lovingly, Your telling the world "Go to hell, I don't care enough about you to tell you how to be saved." Have you enough concern to conquer your fears?

How many of us plead on our knees for souls? dare I recall the story of John Hyde who was restless for souls day and night, A street preacher NO! but a man given to God in the secret closet permeiating the likeness of Christ in word and deed. People in ordinary life couldn't help but notice something different in his actions, character, words, and countenance. He saved many souls a day and secretly pleaded for more every week, every month, what a burden but it was the Lords.Amen! Just think of the countless mothers who have spent hours and tears praying for their children to come to the Lord or to "stay in the Lord". Think of the many believers who pray people into the kingdom. They are no less in God's eyes as the preacher.It is not that i don't care at all about unbelievers. I do. I love them to bits where ever I go- at the grocery store, where ever. I will give of myself what ever needs to be given.There are many ways to bring people to the Lord and praying for them to have the revelation of Christ is one way. Praying that God's will be done in their life is another.I know God will not disappoint me when I pray this way. I have seen the fruit. And they know I am for real.I just saw some amazing fruit today! My dad and his wife were here and I can see so much growth.Oh, by the way. actually I am into getting souls saved because what I've been finding out is that many christians are not really saved at all. (I think this was Dave who mentioned this. sorry if it wasn't) I am into making sure that those who say they are Christians- really are! :-) Anyone want to take a test? :-D In Him, Chanin

Quote:"Jesus' first sermon made people try to throw him off a cliff but other times they would follow him any where. If they reject you it is because they have rejected God."Quote:"Brother Jesse, I hate to disagree with you so much but you are using many examples that are extreme and shouldn't be applyed in this way."Explain please. It's not right to say that and then not explain. Which way was it applied wrong? John 15:18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hates you. If you were of the world, the wold would love its own. yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also." Jesus Christ

Lazarus,You do not have any right to begin to throw accusations like this at someone you have absolutely no idea of. I would be very, very careful in doing so.For one it is with the wrong spirit.Two, you have not the faintest idea of how devoted Chanin is to the Lord. She is an inspiritation to many of us here and she needs not to defend herself. But I certainly will.In fact I will say that she put's many of us to shame in wholeheartedness.Certainly you have your own zeal and that's wonderful. But to start making character judgements in such a short time that you have been here is unwise and unloving.Also, I submit the following for consideration as it applies to this topic:Act 6:1 In those days, as the number of the disciples was growing larger and larger, a complaint was made by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. Act 6:2 So the twelve called the whole group of disciples together and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Act 6:3 Therefore, brothers, appoint seven men among you who have a good reputation, who are full of the Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this work. Act 6:4 Then we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." Act 6:5 This suggestion pleased the whole group. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a gentile convert to Judaism from Antioch. Act 6:6 They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. Act 6:7 So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem continued to grow rapidly. Even a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Your right, I don't know her. But if I didn't care about her then I wouldn't have said anything. All I know is what she has written. She wrote: Quote "I do not really have a heart to evangelize and I really don't feel guilty anymore that i don't." moreofhimThats all I know of her. It's not so much that I accused her as it is that she herself confessed with her own words.Quote "For one it is with the wrong spirit." crsschkNow that is an accusation. Bro, there is nothing but love on this end. I assure you of that.

The one thing that we have to keep in mind is the nature of posting in this forum. It can be easy to misunderstand thing's as they don't always get expressed the way they may be intended at the first. Sometimes it takes a couple of replys to straighten things out. We are not all authors and some of us really fumble around for words and expressions sometimes, especially yours truely.I believe this is a case in point as Chanin followed up with her replys.

Lazarus, you are welcome to visit my website anytime. www.moreofhim.net I am sure that I may have evangelized a tiny bit there. You can also join my mailing list and be "evangelized". :-DIt's not that I don't have a heart for evangelizing. I hope I do that everyday. I just don't have a calling to go out to every person I meet and tell them they are going to hell.Do you not agree that there are different gifts and different callings? My gift is not in "evangelism" as some would think evangelism is supposed to be.1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that F38 you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same F39 Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best F41 gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. In His perfect love, Chanin

quote "Do you not agree that there are different gifts and different callings?"Yes and no. Yes there are different callings but no evangelism is not a gift. It is a learned skill. I had to read books and study it because I did not have the "gift of evangelism" put on my lap.According to Ephesians an "Evangelist" is "for the equiping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." So an evangelist teaches "the saints for the work of the ministry." An evangelist teaches christians how they are to evangelize. Every Christian is not to be an Evangelist, but scripturally speaking every Christian is to evangelize. You said you don't "go out to every person I meet and tell them they are going to hell."I don't do that either but I believe that I really ought to, atleast if they are unsaved ofcoarse. :)

You know, I found this site a bit more edifying and enjoyable when everyone seemed to quote something they agreed with and just typed encouragements. That was great and that was all I wanted to do at first (read my very first posting on this thread) I would like to get back to that. Confused just a tadQuote:"Jesus' first sermon made people try to throw him off a cliff but other times they would follow him any where. If they reject you it is because they have rejected God."Quote:"Brother Jesse, I hate to disagree with you so much but you are using many examples that are extreme and shouldn't be applyed in this way."Explain please. It's not right to say that and then not explain. I'm left confused. Which way was it applied wrong? John 15:18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hates you. If you were of the world, the wold would love its own. yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also." Jesus Christ

Hey, it's alright brother.You did say: What do u guys think?:-)As they often do, these threads will evolve as other questions come up. It still can be edifying even if there are different points of view.The reason I brought up the Acts verse's was that it is really pretty interesting if you think about it. One of the ones they chose to wait on tables was Stepehen.What a fascinating guy!He is marked out at the begining as "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit" and still humble enough to wait on tables and let the others go on to prayer and ministry of the Word. It goes on to state " full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people."Full of faith, the Holy Spirit, grace and power, no wonder he was doing these things! Being that the text only tells us of the one 'sermon' he preached, I wouldn't want to read into it one way or the other only to point out that the others "had gone on..."But what a 'sermon'!What an evangelist, even if it was only for one day!Had planned on going further with this, but this deserves it's own topic.What I wanted to point out was that there are different ways of going about things, different callings at different times. If we were all as prepared as Stephen was it wouldn't make any differance how or when or by what means we went about evangelising, we would be leaving a lasting impression.Also have to remember those who stayed back as waiters (Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus).And lastly, the impression of all that took place on the notorius Saul of Tarsus.Just food for thought...

One, I want to say that I believe with all my heart absolutely everything I have written and stood for in this forum. I think my thoughts wisely and say my thoughts. I share only what comes from my heart.Yea I've actually weeped right infront of the crowds on the streets while preaching in the open air. I can't help it. Often I cry in my prayers but sometimes I'll just be like walking through the house and not even thinking about anything spiritual and then the Spirit will come upon me and I will just fall to the ground into a little ball and weep uncontrollably. When the early church wasn't doing what they were suppose to do God sent persecution and Philip the table waiter became Philip the revivalist who won atleast one entire city to the Lord.quote "You cannot use that as a scapegoat to preach anything you wish from the bible and then say if people reject me so what! its God they are rejecting." If you preach the truth, and people reject the truth, they are rejecting you and your message because they have decided to reject the truth. If they rejected Jesus then I would expect that if I am like Jesus I will be rejected. The more you share in His labors, the more you share in His sorrows. Ravenhill - "How is it that the world couldn't get on with the holiest man that ever lived but it could get on with you and me?"

Bless you man.Sorry if I was a bit sharp earlier. We are a pretty loving bunch around here even with all the seriousness of the issues at hand.Hope you stay encouraged in the Lord and listen to what He is saying to you. Oftentimes He will use others to do that through as I have found from many of the brethren here.And I am so grateful for that.Even if it's just to get me thinking or challenging my presuppositions, always learning.

I go away a few hours for a revival meeting, and everything happens without me :)I've engaged in a lot of forum communication across the years, and one of the most singularly wearying things about it is the almost ubiquitous presence of a negative and contentious spirit. It is very encouraging to see that such a spirit does not hold sway here. If exchanges similar to the above had occured practically anywhere else on the internet, we'd be in the middle of a flame war. The spiritual maturity here gives me cause to praise God.Re: some with evangelistic calling, some with prophetic calling/gifting:This is near my heart because I find myself oscillating between the two. I feel motivated to witness and to preach to the non-Christians, partly out of sheer duty. But I also feel called to minister to God's people in an exhortative capacity.There's something of a middle ground, too: preaching to the unconverted who think they're Christian, and to the backslidden Christians (a much smaller group, as far as I can tell).One of Chanin's comments was particularly interesting, about finding it easier to accept unbelievers (who have less knowledge) than morally inconsistent "Christians." I find I'm too soft with non-Christians, in personal witnessing I'm so gentle and reasonable (I try to be, that is) that they probably aren't getting the idea that God is genuinely angry with them; there's also the problem of the conversation going down rabbit trails (biblical veracity is a common one) and me not getting control of it. Thankfully God has me working with a hellfire-and-brimstone Holiness preacher, so I don't think the sinners walk away misinformed.On the other hand, I think I'm too hard on other Christians (real ones). I preached a sermon once on evangelism at the campus fellowship I attend, and I think I was bordering on speaking with a bitter spirit. Thankfully God kept me from going too far, and I think that bore some good fruit. People were challenged, but not offended. I actually should have pressed harder, but with more love. Then people might have been changed.I'm not sure either of the two callings involve giftings, in my case. All I need for either is a basic understanding of Scripture (only possible by God's guidance and light) and the present state of the world, and God's general provision. The "prophetic" side is prophetic in the sense that it involves exhortation, but I think it's just a matter of God having drawn me near enough to Him that I have some rudimentary understanding of His heart, and can exhort and encourage my Brothers and Sisters accordingly. It stands to reason that anyone truly close to God could do that. Then again, human reason doesn't generally get anyone very far in spiritual matters.It's past midnight, so I'd better cease my ramblings before they lose what little coherence they presently have.God's grace be with you,-Keith

yes Ravenhill is one of my mentors also. I first came accross your site because I was searching on the web for ravenhill sermons. I used to go to school in Texas in Garden Valley on Keith Greens old ministry site right next to Tyler and Van. I have had the honor of even seeing Ravenhills grave and even hearing his son preach. Actually the first time i heard ravenhill was in "Selah" the compilation and I assumed he was still alive, then the very next day I was at his grave. Oh how that touched my heart. To hear a man preach on eternity and the judgement seat, and then see his grave the next day!!! In about the past 2 months I have read "Why Revival Tarries" "Revival Gods Way", "Sodom had no Bible" "Meat for Men" and am almost finished with "Tried and Transfigured". Then I'll read his other twoI just had this thought.I was in Oregon recently preaching at a church on the topic of our responcibility (evangelism) and our rejection ( often the result). I said "Will the World reject us? Yes. And what do I say? I say good. Yea I said it. Good. Why? Because that's what Jesus said. Matt 5:10-12"

ps. sermonindex, don't worry about it. If you knew me better you would know that some how some way even when I absolutely try not to, I cause contravercy wherever I go. History has show that I seem to make my best friends by first getting in debates with them. Weird huh? Like my friend who invited me to oregon to preach, oh boy the debates we have had! As Christian as he is he said he's gotten to the point where he's wanted to hit me! And this kid is nicer then Santa Claus!

Thanks KeithWhat an encouargement!It's past midnight, so I'd better cease my ramblings before they lose what little coherence they presently have.Funny, that's how I feel when I am wide awake! :-)

I believe that I heard Paul Ravenhill speak actually.Hey, I posted some thoughts of mine in the forum: The True Gospel and The False .I would love to hear your guys thoughts on my thoughts, positive or negative.

Well I never ever said it was a good thing. I "don't feel peace about this at all" either! If there is one thing I hate it is debates. I don't go around starting debates, but I always run into people (like I did here) who want to try to debate me. Quote “If a brother has come to the point of 'wanting to hit you' then I would really prayerfully consider either there's something really wrong with him or with some parts of your spiritual walk”In the new testament you can find scriptural examples of men of God being hit but never of a “Christ-like” man hitting someone. “The things you have said about yourself are amazing but it scares me with you having these deep experiences of God but then coming across to the brethren quite harshly and not really exhibiting the Spirit of Christ in your communication.”I wonder if Christ was considered harsh when He flipped over the tables infront of all the religious people in the temple. Do you think those whom Jesus called “Hypocrits” 20 something times in Matthew chapter 23 thought he was harsh? Greg I keep getting the feeling that you are TRYING to be difficult with me. Or as you said “ have been trying to disagree with much of what you have been saying in this thread.” Can't you give me a break man? I'm not saying you have an argumentative spirit but dO you realy have to disagree with everything I say? There are some Christians that apparently you will either love or hate. I have found that to be true of myself. People will either absolutely love me with all their hearts, or hate me with a perfect hatred. But as you can tell from this thread, I look for unity or atleast common ground between Christians.

I'd like it if everyone reading this would (re-)read the book of James right now, particularly: James 1:19-20 and 3:2-10. 1 Cor. 13:4-7 too, if you wouldn't mind.Let there be peace, except where God commands striving.-Keith

Love conquers all.

AMEN

So that their isn't any mis understandings of who I am or what I am all about this is the long version of my personal mission statement. It really is my heart!To deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34), to be a fisher of men(Matt. 4:19) and therefore being CHrist like by seeking and saving that which is lost (Matt 18:11). To feed His sheep because I love Him (John 21:17), therefore fullfilling my ministry by doing the work of an evangelist (2 Tim 4:5). Giving glory to Jesus with all boldness in my body whether by life or by death(Phil 1:20) by going and making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all the things the Lord has commanded (Matt 28:19-20). Doing all this by preaching that men must repent so they don't perish (Luke 13:3) and beleive(Mark 1:15), which is called being born again, in order to see the Kingdom(John 3:3). Also I must root out, and upll down, destroy and throw down, build and plant (Jer 1:10). Giving Law to the proud that they might humble themselves (Matt 19:16-22) and teaching grace to the humble (John 3:1-8) because God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5, Prov 3:34).

Hey LazarusThere is a great post on Brother Ravenhill that is a bit long but really kind of gave me a gut check.Zeal - Love Ablaze by Leonard Ravenhill

wow Greg, I don't think I've ever had a better recomendation before! For real, words can not discribe how much this site has blessed me! The reason I started posting here was for the awesome christian fellowship and am now looking forward to that more then ever!!!! I'm glad that with us, what the devil ment for evil, God has so graciously turned around for good! ps after our convo, I cant sleep!!

Praise God :)I'd almost say that successful communication is a miracle by itself.

Words are powerful, and death and life are in the power of the tongue. When we curse, demean, diminish, or belittle with our words, we speak lies—Satan's language. When we speak the truth of God's Word into people's lives, we bless them.Come on Christian!! Do you not feel any guilt at all that the multitudes are going to an eternal hell for their sins where they will suffer torments forever and ever and you just sit back and do nothing and merely say "I don't have a heart to". Does that not bother you "anymore"??? Let me say this, something is radically wrong with your heart. Is there something radically wrong with my heart?You said you don't feel guilty anymore, which means you used to. Well what stoped you then from living out your convictions? Just because you have over ridden your conscience so you don't feel guilty doesn't mean what your doing is right. Because it is wrong.I have ridden my conscience of guilt so I am in the wrong.Jesus said to love your neighbor as yourself! Are you exempt from that? Does the second greatest commandment not apply to you but only to others?? Come on "Christian"!!Do you want eternal life for yourself but could care less if others have it? C.H. Spurgeon said "Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself, be sure of that." I am not saved - he is sure of that.Come on. you know in your heart what I said was right. With all my heart I believe all I said. You like a person who has the cure for cancer hidden in their house and says " I don't feel guilty anymore that I don't give those dying of cancer the cure. I just don't have a heart to." Actually what your doing is far worse.What I am doing is far worse.Yes repentance needs to come to the church, and the first thing that needs to be repented of is the hearts that don't care enough about the lost to tell them how they can recieve everlasting life. "the first thing that needs to be repented of is the hearts that don't care enough about the lost"- well that's me.let me say this lovingly, Your telling the world "Go to hell, I don't care enough about you to tell you how to be saved." Have you enough concern to conquer your fears? Am I telling the world to go to hell?I guess I took these comments totally out of context!You know, I found this site a bit more edifying and enjoyable when everyone seemed to quote something they agreed with and just typed encouragements. I was really encouraged there by your comments.

I was feeling sorry for myself all weekend. I gave up everything I had been working for. I gave up being an elder, children's ministry leader, bible college, and soon to be pastor within the congregation. This site, (The Church), has caused me to consider my ways. 'We preach Holiness, however, and the ones that get most upset by our preaching are usually professing Christians who are living in sin. That kind of preaching helped bring me out of my "sinning Christianity," and it brings some to conviction. It may be the case that we're going to have to evangelize the church before we can turn fully to evangelizing the heathens."There is much to repent of in this days church. I am on old fart, being radicalized by you kids! Jesus has a hold on you all. I thankyou for your faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ. I hear Him in your words. Lazurus you have raised me out of the grave of self pity this morning. In ChristJeff

Dear Jeff"Lazurus you have raised me out of the grave of self pity this morning"That's a really powerful statement. I um.... well I don't know what to say to that besides thank you.jesse

A comment about "old people not changing," that is a general comment, of course no statement outside of the bible is absolute. If you have gone out into your neighborhood, or talked with extended family members, or talked to any other people you meet throughout the day, and you witness to them about bible things: sin, justice, God, Jesus' payment on the cross, bible things, etc. If you go out and witness, you will find that younger people are much more open than people in their 30's and older. This comment is pretty common among others who witness to strangers regularly.It's just a general comment, my mom witnesses of her faith to strangers all the time, and has experienced this. Even though she is mocked all the time, younger people are at least a little more open than the older ones. Older professing christians have even told my mom to stop talking bible things in public. Let's use this knowledge to our advantage, warning those ignorant of future judgment, punishment in hell without repentance of sins. The stiff-necked need Jesus too, but let's focus more energy on those seeking Truth. Praise Jesus for the laborers! The harvest is plentiful, the workers are few. Lord, please thrust laborers into Your harvest fields who will faithfully, truthfully, and lovingly preach the Gospel completely and biblically. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Rookie quoted 'We preach Holiness, however, and the ones that get most upset by our preaching are usually professing Christians who are living in sin. That kind of preaching helped bring me out of my "sinning Christianity," and it brings some to conviction. It may be the case that we're going to have to evangelize the church before we can turn fully to evangelizing the heathens."There is much to repent of in this days church. " end quoteI've noticed this problem, I am a new Christian (3 year) and haven't been much of a churchgoer before that. As an outsider coming into church, I seem to notice things that people growing up in church all their life don't seem to think about or analyze. I asked a different forum, "Is it just me or are there not a lot of genuine God-fearing, God-loving Christians?" Because I really thought it was just me. Someone wrote back, that unforunately, a lot of churchgoers are not truly saved. A missions magazine also said the church pews are a harvest field that still needs to repent and turn to Christ. I think church should be a place for sinners to turn to, that's great. But what is up with those comments about all these churchgoers? Is this the case at your church? Do you meet people at church who act totally worldly outside of church?If you do and you are a Christian, do you know what the bible says to do about that (it has answers) Going along with those people, pretending they are fine and dandy with God is helping them go to hell. I hope you are honest with yourself and with God about your own commitment to Christ. If you are not helping Him, you are scattering. Hypocrisy is ssoooooooooooooooo easy to see. Hypocrits don't fool anyone, especially kids. Kids know it and see it faster than anyone. I knew my whole life my dad wasn't following the Bible, even though he went to church every Sunday. I was shocked to see a Jesus plaque in the house one day, turned out my Buddhist mom put it in there, she told my dad, "If you're a Christian, show it." He still doesn't.Don't go along with sinning Christians (those who practice sin on purpose habitually). Christians need to be honest and speak the truth in love. It may not seem loving to sinners to hear the truth, but the Bible says, 'For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." (Eph 5:8-12)Proverbs says "open rebuke is better than hidden love." Don't just go along with sinning churchgoers and pretend that pleases God, it doesn't. I have met way too many smoking, cussing, drug-abusing, Jerry Springer-type professing "Christians" to not talk about this. I am disgusted by people who call themselves Christians but live like the devil at home. Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves, but don't pursue peace with man so much that you disobey God.

Oilpanter, I will speak for myself about unbelief in the church; it's a difficult thing to address a person's spiritual condition when the preachers around them tell them that they are saved because they went forward at an alter call and said a prayer. I love what Ray Comfort preaches about working out your salvation with fear and trembling, and making your election true. That's at the heart of the matter. There is no repentance or mourning over our sinful condition. People seem to be saying the "sinners prayer" so that they can have God fulfill their wishlist for this life. I am sick over it.....

quote: "Older professing christians have even told my mom to stop talking bible things in public." That's a sad story. It's true that time does not equal maturity. The problem has not been speaking the truth in public but rather the opposite.quote: "Do you meet people at church who act totally worldly outside of church?If you do and you are a Christian, do you know what the bible says to do about that (it has answers)…" Some of the worldiest people there are come from our churches today. They are more worldly then others because they hear the truth yet they go on in the wrong way. I only have three words for us: Guard your fellowship. The answer is in 1 Cor 5:9-13 "I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioneres, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone NAMED A BROTHER, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, NOT EVEN TO EAT WITH SUCH A PERSON. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those whoa re inside? But those who are outside God judges, Therefore "PUT AWAY FROM YOURSELVES THE EVIL PERSON." You may not be able to control who comes into your church, but you can control who you let into your own personal fellowship.Quote: "I am disgusted by people who call themselves Christians but live like the devil at home"AMEN AMEN AND AMEN

Quote:"I only have three words for us: Guard your fellowship. "That is an excellent reminder and well supported by scripture. Your posts get better everyday.... ;-)

yes, bigdaveusa, I know what you mean. When I was confirmed in the Lutheran church as a teenager, the church leaders told me I was a Christian. I knew I wasn't a christian, because I was secretly vandalizing church property and smoking behind the building. Unfortunately, others believe what they are told by their church leaders (like my 24 year old brother), especially when the church leaders repeatedly tell them they are a Christian because they've done certain things (prayer, baptism, etc).I don't judge others' Christianity, that's between them and God, only God knows who loves Him wholeheartedly. But I call sin "sin." About fellowshipping, those are good comments. I have had to separate from so many people because of those verses. I evangelize and reach out to sinners, but I don't hang out with them while they do drugs or whatever sins, ya know. I've even had to turn down job offers because I couldn't be around the bosses and condone their behaviors that I knew about (I told them what was up with their sinful ways-they were professing Christians, and they told me to take a hike anyway. A note: the people I've had to say something about a severe lapse in judgment, has so far been people I've known personally for at least a year, and prayed a lot about, we must exercise wisdom with that sort of thing). We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We must be salt and light to this evil world, but we can't do that if we totally avoid the ungodly. We can't hang out with them just to hang out, but we should be available to the ungodly for help or guidance, ya know. Wisdom must be exercised about that, if you're not a wholehearted committed christian, don't even try evangelizing and reaching out to the ungodly, the hypocrisy is way too obvious. Genuine love is so rare, but fake love is everywhere. If you're fake about it, the ungodly know, I know because I used to be sooo ungodly and I saw hypocrisy everywhere in church.

For almost two years I have been preaching open-air here in CT and never had any problems with the police...until recently. In the past two weeks I have had three encounters with the police. They are basicly trying everything they can to shut me down. It's really sad and they really have been picken on me and being remarkably petty. If you could pray when you get a chance that they stop so the gospel can be heard without interuption that would rock.jess

LAZARUS,I'll pray, but how 'bout you fill us in on what has been going on there. It will help us pray for you, and perhaps some of us old guys can help you think of a strategy to combat this beyond praying. Remember, this is still the USA where we have certain rights. If you aren't breaking the law of the land, they have no right to bother you.Give up the details, 'bro..... :-)

A note: the people I've had to say something about a severe lapse in judgment, has so far been people I've known personally for at least a year, and prayed a lot about, we must exercise wisdom with that sort of thing. They were professing Christians, I would never rebuke a nonChristian that way.About persecution, that is one of those things Jesus' promises we will have. Hang in there, lazarus, keep praying and standing firm to the end. If you'd like encouragement about standing firm in persecution, read Fox's Book of Martyrs. That book is great testimony about God's holding power to Christians. It'll give you a new perspective of Christianity, too.