Open Air Preaching [video]

[anonymous]

So does anyone actually ever go out and preach the gospel as we are commanded?

This was the first thought that entered my mind. Want to learn how to open air preach? Read the gospels.

Thats actually a really good idea. I had often thought about just going out and reading scriptures publically but those seem particularly appropriate. Thanks for the advice.

i was also wondering if there are any open air preachers here who have videos they could share or advice they could offer about hecklers or other potential issues.

 

[WIP]

On more than one occasion now, our pastor has asked if I would be willing to deliver a message during our Sunday morning service some time if he was going to be out of town. So far, I haven't managed to get up the nerve to accept his invitation. Recently he and his wife both gave me another poke and this time I didn't just refuse but left the door open.

Because I left that door open, since then I've been thinking about what I would do if the time comes when our pastor would once again offer the opportunity to me. I have little to no speaking experience or training so what would I talk about and how would I do it? It's a scary thought but just within the last couple days while reading from scripture a thought came to me. Actually, it seems more like an answer.

Instead of writing my own sermon, what would be wrong with borrowing a sermon from another much more qualified individual? The sermon is far more valuable than any sermon I could possibly put together and it never hurts for us to review it in its entirety from time to time. I'm speaking of delivering Jesus' sermon word-for-word from Matthew 5-7. Ever since this idea came to me I've been driven to read through those chapters every morning and every time I do they become more and more meaningful.

 

[reba]

Exo 4:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
Exo 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
Exo 4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Isa_55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

 

[Gary]

Instead of writing my own sermon, what would be wrong with borrowing a sermon from another much more qualified individual? The sermon is far more valuable than any sermon I could possibly put together and it never hurts for us to review it in its entirety from time to time. I'm speaking of delivering Jesus' sermon word-for-word from Matthew 5-7. Ever since this idea came to me I've been driven to read through those chapters every morning and every time I do they become more and more meaningful.

Whenever I talk about God with anyone, those 3 chapters are usually a part of the conversation. If you want to get the gist of what the Gospel is all about, those 3 chapters have it.

Sermon on the Mount is an excellent choice for a sermon.
.

 

[BigSodaExposer]

It is possible the addition of amplification has added to the ego of this man. As in "you're a child of the devil, you love sin, you're a liar". Awhile back I met an 85 year old man who was street preaching before a supermarket parking lot. The man had no megaphone. He was about 70 feet from the store front. There was no one around him.

Getting loud an angry is not of the spirit of Jesus. Righteous anger is a different story but this feels more like Alex Jones. Those youth should have referred the man to 1 John 4:16 "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." Fear GOD not MAN. Mathew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

 

[anonymous]

On more than one occasion now, our pastor has asked if I would be willing to deliver a message during our Sunday morning service some time if he was going to be out of town. So far, I haven't managed to get up the nerve to accept his invitation. Recently he and his wife both gave me another poke and this time I didn't just refuse but left the door open.

Because I left that door open, since then I've been thinking about what I would do if the time comes when our pastor would once again offer the opportunity to me. I have little to no speaking experience or training so what would I talk about and how would I do it? It's a scary thought but just within the last couple days while reading from scripture a thought came to me. Actually, it seems more like an answer.

Instead of writing my own sermon, what would be wrong with borrowing a sermon from another much more qualified individual? The sermon is far more valuable than any sermon I could possibly put together and it never hurts for us to review it in its entirety from time to time. I'm speaking of delivering Jesus' sermon word-for-word from Matthew 5-7. Ever since this idea came to me I've been driven to read through those chapters every morning and every time I do they become more and more meaningful.

If you go out and open air preach a few times it will 'cure; that anxiety about preaching to a church congregation.

 

[anonymous]

It is possible the addition of amplification has added to the ego of this man. As in "you're a child of the devil, you love sin, you're a liar". Awhile back I met an 85 year old man who was street preaching before a supermarket parking lot. The man had no megaphone. He was about 70 feet from the store front. There was no one around him.

Getting loud an angry is not of the spirit of Jesus. Righteous anger is a different story but this feels more like Alex Jones. Those youth should have referred the man to 1 John 4:16 "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." Fear GOD not MAN. Mathew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

I think you are saying people should not fear God, is that so? I'm confused what you are saying, Matthew is referring to fearing God. Just curious.

 

[Willie T]

I think you are saying people should not fear God, is that so? I'm confused what you are saying, Matthew is referring to fearing God. Just curious.

"Fear", as it is used in this particular passage has something like nine possible meanings, depending upon the context of the intent and emphasis of the surrounding and supporting words. And the monstrous failure of almost ALL of our English translations is that they seldom attempt to accurately relate the author's intentions, but rather just try to cover the meaning with one of our English words. And, often they fail woefully.

For instance, you can possibly fear many things... to some extent, or some degree. You fear lions and tigers. But you also may fear speaking in front of crowds. Or, you might fear flying. Or, you might fear an upcoming evaluation at work. And, here is the most relative one..... You feared your father when you had to face up to something you knew he didn't want you to do. BUT....... were you REALLY morbidly AFRAID of your father? Maybe yes, maybe no........ only you, in your skin, at that moment. can truly say. It's similar with each of the Bible's writers.

So, you see, the Bible has hundreds and hundreds of words like this that cannot ever be truly understood in all the subtle nuances of the original languages they were written in... UNLESS you, yourself are a native reader, and are looking at the original texts... and have a pretty good idea of how the author thinks and writes.

This is a little tough on us because most of us are left having to trust that the translators didn't let any of their own views and biases influence the manner in which they chose a particular meaning (of sometimes ten or fifteen possibilities) to apply to the singular word they happened to be translating at that point in the text. And, let's face it, do you honestly think ANY human can do that in an unbiased way? Not likely.

Thus, we pray for guidance, and frankly, we kind of have to put it all together in relationship to all of the rest of the Bible. This is why we cannot just read a few hundred pages of the Bible, and think we know what's what. Mostly, I think it is reliance upon that guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the rather difficult ability to REMAIN OPEN to learning more and deeper meanings every month, or so. The biggest key, I think, is to NEVER get yourself wedged into a position of thinking you know it all because you happen to understand a passage a certain way today. Tomorrow may dawn completely new for you.

I believe the most dangerous Christian is one who thinks God has given them "all knowledge".

 

[Gary]

I believe the most dangerous Christian is one who thinks God has given them "all knowledge".

 

[anonymous]

"this is why we cannot just read a few hundred pages of the Bible, and think we know what's what. Mostly, I think it is reliance upon that guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the rather difficult ability to REMAIN OPEN to learning more and deeper meanings every month, or so. The biggest key, I think, is to NEVER get yourself wedged into a position of thinking you know it all because you happen to understand a passage a certain way today. Tomorrow may dawn completely new for you.

I believe the most dangerous Christian is one who thinks God has given them "all knowledge".

This sounds as if you are saying we can not be certain about what the Bible tells us. I'm not sure how someone can misinterpret Jesus telling us to repent or perish. or that we are called to live a holy life, to be set apart from sin. If I know that I must repent or I will perish this does not translate that I know everything. But i do know that if we do not repent we will perish, Jesus said so. What is sad that I have found is that people have said that this equates to preaching of a works based gospel. Its a condition Jesus gave, I'm just repeating it. Anyway, my point is, I know there are truths in the Bible because as you said, the Holy Spirit has revealed them to me. I do not see this as being a wedge. God means what he says and says what he means. If 2 people are interpreting the scripture differently I believe at least one of them is wrong if they both are not.

 

[Edward]

This man (OP video) is not a good ambassador of the Lord. He may be Christian, but is very immature. They are both right, We are to fear God, and yet, God is Love. After a certain amount of maturity and relationship develops, a comfort and Love is perceived. The fear of God doesn't go away, but is overshadowed to a degree by the Love of the Lord.

He is not walking in Love, and does not have good answers ready about His faith and the truth. These are the sort of people who give Christianity a bad name. If you want to see some good videos of street witnessing in love punch up "Todd White" on youtube.

 

[jasonc]

This sounds as if you are saying we can not be certain about what the Bible tells us. I'm not sure how someone can misinterpret Jesus telling us to repent or perish. or that we are called to live a holy life, to be set apart from sin. If I know that I must repent or I will perish this does not translate that I know everything. But i do know that if we do not repent we will perish, Jesus said so. What is sad that I have found is that people have said that this equates to preaching of a works based gospel. Its a condition Jesus gave, I'm just repeating it. Anyway, my point is, I know there are truths in the Bible because as you said, the Holy Spirit has revealed them to me. I do not see this as being a wedge. God means what he says and says what he means. If 2 people are interpreting the scripture differently I believe at least one of them is wrong if they both are not.

missing the point.in the video the man without knowing that woman was a sinner accused her of such. granted she might be a sinner. It would be like me telling you right now that you lied right now.however, I do believe she is a sinner but was she there for "pizza and beer" not all sinners drink nor like pizza. I was a sinner and I hated beer.

 

[Willie T]

This sounds as if you are saying we can not be certain about what the Bible tells us. I'm not sure how someone can misinterpret Jesus telling us to repent or perish. or that we are called to live a holy life, to be set apart from sin. If I know that I must repent or I will perish this does not translate that I know everything. But i do know that if we do not repent we will perish, Jesus said so. What is sad that I have found is that people have said that this equates to preaching of a works based gospel. Its a condition Jesus gave, I'm just repeating it. Anyway, my point is, I know there are truths in the Bible because as you said, the Holy Spirit has revealed them to me. I do not see this as being a wedge. God means what he says and says what he means. If 2 people are interpreting the scripture differently I believe at least one of them is wrong if they both are not.

Well, right here is a small example. You think, as we all do, that you know what "REPENT" means, and you are intent on doing it. You used the word THREE times. But do each of us really know what Jesus meant by that? If we have Jesus' meaning and intent wrong, then we just might not be "repenting" when we go and do whater it is that we presently think we are supposed to do.

A short study will show you that "repent" does not mean to be able to cease your sinning.
"Repent" also does not mean to feel sorry for your sins.
It doesn't even mean "turning from your sins." (THIS is a real common answer many people give.)

So, although it is good and right to both try to quit sinning, and to feel sorry for sinning, this is NOT what Jesus is telling us to do. Yet, here we go, running off with the foundation of a doctrine that is based on our handling of sinning. Well, the Jews already did that....... long before Jesus came on the scene.

I won't just come right out and tell you what "repenting" is......And no one else should either... they would be cheating you of true learning....... I feel it would mean a lot more to you if you spent some time studying, and learning for yourself what it means. I really just wanted to show you here that assuming we know what we think is a correct reading often may not be so.

 

[Edward]

Post #33 (LIKE!)

I did this word study brother! Good post.

 

[Willie T]

Post #33 (LIKE!)

I did this word study brother! Good post.

Hey, like most everyone else, I spent the greater part of my life believing I would be saved if I could just learn to never sin again. Talk about feeling so inadequate and condemned most of my life!

 

[Edward]

I hear ya' brother.

 

[anonymous]

Well, right here is a small example. You think, as we all do, that you know what "REPENT" means, and you are intent on doing it. You used the word THREE times. But do each of us really know what Jesus meant by that? If we have Jesus' meaning and intent wrong, then we just might not be "repenting" when we go and do whater it is that we presently think we are supposed to do.

A short study will show you that "repent" does not mean to be able to cease your sinning.
"Repent" also does not mean to feel sorry for your sins.
It doesn't even mean "turning from your sins." (THIS is a real common answer many people give.)

So, although it is good and right to both try to quit sinning, and to feel sorry for sinning, this is NOT what Jesus is telling us to do. Yet, here we go, running off with the foundation of a doctrine that is based on our handling of sinning. Well, the Jews already did that....... long before Jesus came on the scene.

I won't just come right out and tell you what "repenting" is......And no one else should either... they would be cheating you of true learning....... I feel it would mean a lot more to you if you spent some time studying, and learning for yourself what it means. I really just wanted to show you here that assuming we know what we think is a correct reading often may not be so.

word salad. it says nothing to address my previous point. i think you're confused. I also am not sure why you think I do not understand what repentance is. Seems like you're playing quasi intellectual. If you do not know how to answer the questions fine, do not reply.

 

[anonymous]

If you want to see some good videos of street witnessing in love punch up "Todd White" on youtube.

Don't puff up your chest at this, just ask God for wisdom and discernment. He gives freely to those that ask. Remember, He gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud. About Todd White, everyone always has a bad back or a short leg. He always heals them but never gives them the gospel, just "Jesus loves you man" and walks away. Todd White is a heretic and charlatan. (Edited, ToS 2.4, unwelcome spiritual advice. Obadiah)

 

[Edward]

Don't puff up your chest at this, just ask God for wisdom and discernment. He gives freely to those that ask. Remember, He gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud. About Todd White, everyone always has a bad back or a short leg. He always heals them but never gives them the gospel, just "Jesus loves you man" and walks away. Todd White is a heretic and charlatan. (Edited, ToS 2.4, unwelcome spiritual advice. Obadiah).

Oh really? He has more than street preaching videos on there, i just mentioned those. He does some serious preaching in the church.

I cry out to God for wisdom and discernment every day brother. :yes

 

[Edward]

Don't puff up your chest at this, just ask God for wisdom and discernment. He gives freely to those that ask. Remember, He gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud. About Todd White, everyone always has a bad back or a short leg. He always heals them but never gives them the gospel, just "Jesus loves you man" and walks away. Todd White is a heretic and charlatan. (Edited, ToS 2.4, unwelcome spiritual advice. Obadiah)

word salad. it says nothing to address my previous point. i think you're confused. I also am not sure why you think I do not understand what repentance is. Seems like you're playing quasi intellectual. If you do not know how to answer the questions fine, do not reply.

Wow brother, you seem pretty critical there. Having a hard week or something? Not a lot of brotherly love coming through there. I'll pray for you. There needs to be unity within the Body of Christ. You're a Christian. There's one body, one faith, one Spirit. Does the foot fight the hand? We are to love our neighbor as ourself, the second greatest commandment. We try to keep such an air here on the board.