Seeker Insensitive

 

As I close out my blog for the year (and decide when or if it comes back in '24), I'll address something that has interested me for a long time: Open-air preaching. This is any preaching/witnessing done outside of an environment typically designed for such (i.e. church, conferences, established missionary work, etc). Usually in a very public setting with the intent on reaching people who have never heard the Gospel. Admittedly, a personal definition for establishing a framework for my points. 

Open-air preaching (OAP to simplify moving forward) is a wonderful thing to behold when done properly (with humility and concern for others). Not so much when it is done to primarily antagonize people (clearly the objective of many, but they would never admit that). While I'm a big fan of the zeal and the message of these people, many of their tactics leave one wondering. Are they really there to glorify God or themselves, are they motivated by love for others or pride, do they have a right understanding of Scripture? I'm not going to fall into their trap of claiming to know the hearts of others by claiming I know their motivation for yelling at people on the streets, but their actions seem to indicate their motives are less than righteous. 

In the interest of total disclosure (and to show I'm not afraid to name names), when talking about those who don't get it right, I'm referring to OAPs such as Jesse Morrell, Kerrigan Skelly, and Ruben Israel (who died suddenly this past June). They mix orthodox biblical theology (for the most part, although sinless perfection seems to be one of their common Achilles heels) with unorthodox and unbiblical tactics. This is an easy conclusion when their tactics are held up against the fruits of the spirit we are commanded to embrace. You can also apply the reference point established by great evangelists such as Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, and David Brainard, who worked with some of the most pagan populations on the planet; yet didn't call them derogatory names or make fun of their religion. In fact, they went to great extremes to show them love and respect (even adopting dress and customs when appropriate), without watering down the Gospel. Admittedly, these examples are the positive extreme, but that's better than the negative extreme exemplified by our modern-day OAPs.

Their negative tactics include amplification, name-calling, bad choice of location, and to a lesser degree; messages printed on signs and clothing. Personally, I'm not a fan of amplification (even used by people I admire), for two reasons: it's simply more noise in a world that is already too loud and if people are truly interested in your message, they'll come close enough to hear (remember the old saying, "...if you really want people to listen, whisper". It's similar to when we would have "stereo wars" in college. Different dorm rooms would crank up the speakers to see who could drown out who. It would just result in a din that nobody could understand (not that anyone actually did listen to the words in the 70's). It's just silly when these guys go to events that have loud music or similar (think Pride parades, festivals, etc.) and blast their message through a megaphone. Add to that people screaming at them or just yelling and celebrating in general and you end up with what sounds like (in a line from the 1951 movie Scrooge) "... an orchestra of scorched cats". All it does is elevate the volume of what is typically a confrontational situation. Even basic crisis intervention techniques promote deescalation, which often begins with bringing down the decibels in your voice (indoor voice, please!). This naturally leads to the second bad tactic: choice of venue. You don't have to be a Rhodes scholar to know showing up at a Pride event condemning homosexuals or yelling at people outside of a popular drinking establishment calling them hell-bound drunkards is not going to go well. Again, I agree with the content of their messages, just not the delivery system. I also think targeting these venues can be a good idea, but tact and compassion need to rule the day; not invective and argument. Work smarter, not dumber! Lastly, printed signs/clothes should follow the same rules of engagement (my one exception to this is as it pertains to abortion, as the goal is to stop the murder of an innocent child, so there is a lot more latitude). 

The "canned" response by those employing these tactics is that if they didn't love people, they wouldn't be out there warning them of judgment. Maybe, maybe not. I personally feel some of these OAPs are more interested in views on their YouTube channel, than the feelings of others. However, I also feel that some of the OAPs are sincere in their concern for others, but obtuse to the counter-active nature of their approach. They often will justify the "mean" methods used (such as name calling) by citing the "name-calling" used by Jesus and Paul as it relates to the Pharisees and the Greeks on Mars Hill respectfully. What they fail to realize is that Jesus and Paul were dealing with sophisticated adults, not college students or generally ignorant people. The Pharisees were religious leaders, well prepared for theological battle (if not anxious). The same could be said for the philosophers in Greece. You could fairly assume their hearts were hardened by years of rejection of the truth. They were more interested in winning a debate than actually learning the Truth. I believe the same cannot be said for the average college student (or average lost person in general). 

The last point as it relates to faulty open-air preaching has to do with Matthew 10:14, when Believers are told to leave anyplace that doesn't receive them. Throw in Proverbs 14:7 and there you go. There is a point where one has to cut bait. When people are throwing things at you, cussing you out, and generally expressing a strong desire for you to go away; that probably falls into the category of not receiving you. Maybe you should go. Go someplace else where maybe the Holy Spirit has prepared some hearts to receive the Good News. At least change your tactics. Most of these guys keep returning to the same places where they have had conflict and come expecting the same. They may even "prepare" with helmets, or goggles or people dedicated to provide "security". Sure can give the impression that one is stirring the pot intentionally.

The job of Christians is to share the Gospel and be ready to give reason for the faith within you. We just scatter seed for God to supply the increase. We're not to jam the seed into rocky ground and scream at it for not sprouting. These days open air preaching at its best is a very delicate situation that only a precious few are fit for. I believe Tony Miano and Ray Comfort are examples of guys that can pull it off. They go anywhere to any audience and don't back down from Christ alone, through faith alone. But they don't sink to the level of mean-spirited reprobates by name calling and relegating them to Hell, broad brush style. They don't define people only by how they look or what they say. They are willing to drill down to know their hearts. I've seen and heard Ruben, Jesse, and Kerrigan call girls whores due to tight fitting clothes, call people drunkards, if they're holding a beer, call men homos if they have long hair, and other examples. It's just idiotic. You don't have to be seeker sensitive in the colloquial sense in your approach to witnessing, but you certainly don't want to be seeker insensitive either.

Thank You Very Much

 Even though it's a bit cliche to publish a post (albeit passe' to blog at all) on Thanksgiving that expresses one's thankfulness, as I've never turned down a good cliche; here it goes.

In summary, I'm thankful that I'm adopted into a family. This family is a collection of individuals who are striving toward a common goal. This family is comprised of Jesus followers with the common goal of living a holy life in this world, while preparing for their eternal home in Heaven. Just like my earthly family of a wife and two children are a source of serenity and separation from the bedlam of daily life (let's face it, the routine of constantly "bouncing up against" other people in endless interactions can be exhausting) being a member of the larger family of believers comforts me even further. In addition to bolstering me for my personal experiences, it offers me peace of mind in spite of a world that does all it can to fill me with more and more angst. Like film noir with a flashback, let me fill in some details in the following paragraphs.

I'm thankful that the God speaks to us through the Bible. Therefore, we know that if we faithfully spend time in the word; we're always the "smartest guy in the room". We have the answers to all the questions that people ponder the most. For instance: Why are we here? Where did we come from? Where are we going? Why do bad things happen to good people? Even answers to silly party questions like: What came first the chicken or the egg? Did Noah really fit all the animals on the ark? Are there aliens? Even answers to confusing contemporary questions, such as: What is a woman? He tells us history and what the future holds and reminds us, meanwhile, there is nothing new under the sun. Of course, most importantly, He tells us why He sent His son to die on a cross and what we have to do to appropriate it.

I'm thankful for the family of believers that cover the earth. You have the old adage that "misery loves company", but I feel it is a stronger love connecting faith with company. It's so refreshing and encouraging to hear biblical world views expressed by not only those you personally may fellowship with, but from others all over the world. One of the precious few benefits of social media is having the ability to know the hearts and minds of other Believers you would otherwise never cross paths with. With the constant bombardment of the "Vanity Fair" world we are passing through, it's sometimes easy to feel you're out on an island. But hearing from Christians via radio, YouTube, internet, whatever; can be a real shot in the arm (not a Covid shot). 

I'm thankful for the peace that surpasses understanding. In a culture that is so far down toward an Alice in Wonderland existence (up is down, right is wrong) I can still sleep at night. God said we would witness the crazy, perverted times we live in. He also said that ultimately it will "all come out in the wash" (not sure what Bible version that is) and all wrongs will made right. Terrorists in Israel, transgender, homosexual, and almost limitless perversions applauded in all circles of society, environmental nuts, cultural factions, social media, incredible narcissism (see social media); heard enough? If it wasn't for Christ, I might have to start drinking again. Not only can I sleep at night and get up every day in this mess, I know where I stand. There is no wishy-washy, grey area here. These are issues where I can stand firmly opposed. Why? Because "Thus saith the Lord": Men and women he created them, sex is between a married man and woman, worshiping the created instead of the creator (wacky environmentalists), love thy neighbor (cultural factions), covetousness/lack of humility (social media). Some things I may or may not feel strongly toward personally, but that is immaterial. God said it, I believe it, that settles it; ah, how nice to have clarity!

I'm thankful for the giants of the Christian faith. For all the men and woman over the centuries who contributed so much to the "feeding of the sheep". They may have been translators of the Bible, commentary writers, missionaries, evangelists; or the spouses of those who sacrificed so much for the Kingdom. And the current collection of those boldly standing for Christ on the many media platforms. Thank God, the gospel can be heard virtually anytime/anywhere in many parts of the world due to technology. John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, Paul Washer, Justin Peters, and others who regularly and clearly stand for Biblical standards in our God-hating culture. It's encouraging to know that there are untold numbers not as well-known toiling in like manner in their own circles of influence. I have a special respect for street preachers facing the "slings and arrows" right at ground zero.

Finally, I'm most thankful for what God has "wrought in my heart". My faith has made me a better husband, father, friend, employee, in short, has made me better in total. Not better in "God's eyes", and certainly not in any relation to my salvation as I was completely saved the moment I believed on Jesus Christ. But better in a temporal sense. A better citizen of the world you might say (think of the changes in Scrooge). Being a Christian is not just about fitting oneself for eternity with God, it's also concerned with fitting one to be a light in a dark world. Our joy should shine through everywhere we walk while God gives us life on this planet. Yes, I believe sanctification is technically becoming better as opposed to worse, but it's a different dynamic. Whereas my faith lived out will make me a better person to live with; sanctification is more of a cause than an effect. Growth in sanctification is more closely related to holiness, which may or may not be evident to others. I feel sanctification often pertains to one's vertical relation to God, not so much the horizontal relation to other people (I'm going to turn around before I get too far down this rabbit trail).

Thank you, Lord, for giving me more than I deserve. Let it always be evident that I care more about You, than the things of this dying world. Amen

You Better Get Him!

 I know I'm a little behind the curve on this one but having cut cable (pun intended) out of my life over fifteen years ago, I sometimes (gladly) lag behind what's happening in the media world. Be that as it may, a few nights ago I saw my first He get us ad while watching a college football game at a friend's house. Being a follower of Christ, my ears prick up whenever I hear "Jesus" in public. Whether it's someone using His name in vain (usually the case) or inserted in a television commercial (most unusual). Initially, this could appear to be a very good thing; but not so fast. My natural inclination to assume the worst when anything ostensibly Christian hits the mainstream has served me well... again!

Apparently, a somewhat secretive group of well-heeled so-called Christians thought Jesus Christ and His followers were getting too much bad publicity and decided to engage a company that specializes in branding (or re-branding) products or people. Basically, a PR firm. So, starting a few years ago these ads started showing up in some high-profile broadcasts, especially sports, including the 2022 Super Bowl. You can find them at hegetsus.com or YouTube. Last I knew the only recognizable name that has stepped forward is the head honcho at Hobby Lobby. Which is pretty disappointing as the Green family has always been vocal about their Christianity and I would expect better from them. How these folks came to the conclusions that: a) Jesus needs a PR firm and b) these ads are Biblically aligned, is mystifying. The most gracious take I can offer regarding the "Christians" that are funding this, is that they were bamboozled by the pagans! They were double taken in by slick hucksters. Anyone agreeing with the tenor of these spots is either biblically ignorant or trying to foister another kind of Jesus on us. Which, of course, the Bible warns us about, especially in the last days (and believe me, we are there!).

I perused enough of the ads (about all I can stomach) to be able to use a select few as examples of the misinformation, if not outright heresy, that they convey. For instance, there is one on empowered women (notice the woke language) of the Bible, which states that Bathsheba was raped by King David. In all my years of Bible study, I've never heard the story that way. I know about all the arguments ranging from it was a violent, physical, aggressive sex crime (rape), to it was fully consensual; and all the shades of gray between these two extremes. The point is no one knows for sure. Even the Bible with all its translations doesn't settle the issue. For anyone to boldly state that it was rape, they have to be reading into the text; an elementary, but cardinal error in exegesis. The muddle of Jesus somehow being the exemplar of the empowerment of women, in the sense that He is on their "side" in their struggle against men is ridiculous. Another one trumpets how Jesus was no "stick in the mud" and how he "let his hair down", partying with all kinds of people. This, like so many others, has so many silly inferences, one doesn't know where to start. Jesus certainly hung out with all kinds of people, but it was always with the same goal: turn them to Him and away from sin. These ads leave out that little sweetheart. Probably my favorite (my favorite worst ad!?) is the claim that Jesus doesn't want us to be adults. We are to stay like children forever because...wait for it..., they're so INNOCENT! Where have I heard that one before? So much for T in total depravity (a shout out to my Calvinist friends). So, forget all that stuff Jesus says about sanctification. Apparently, as a little child, you're as good as you get. Not only are these people ignorant of theology, they're also in the dark when it comes to anthropology. Just put a bunch of little children together with limited resources when it comes to toys and snacks. You'll find that pretty much all of them are selfish, self-centered, and opportunistic. Ask them about their antics and you'll find you can add liar to the list. 

Of course, the cherry on top of the Sundae for all these spots is the declaration that Jesus is all about love: first, last, only. The message is clearly: to thine own self be true. Live and look like the world, don't judge anyone, and certainly don't claim Jesus is the only way: that's so unloving! Never mind that's actually what the Bible says. Just make sure you accept everyone as they are (their definition of love). The problem is that represents a different Jesus than He that speaks to us through His word. Real love is telling them accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is the only way to escape Hell. Because we are all born sinners and deserve Hell, but through God's grace He provided the way for us to spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Those who sincerely choose the narrow way will walk, talk, and think different than the world (and different than they used to). Real Believers count the cost and take up their cross daily. You die to self and live to Christ. How popular do you think those ads would be?

A simple summation of these portrayals would be that they elevate man (the human race) and trivialize Jesus. Man is portrayed as inherently loveable from infant to adult. So much so that God is almost compelled to love him. And God's love is perfect as it comes with no conditions. Fear Him, obey his commandments, repent from sin in your life... forget about it! God loves us in our fallen state and has no problem (even prefers) that we stay little children, because they're so innocent! Just be true to self, do a few good deeds, and mention Jesus once in a while; you're good to go.

Of course he gets us... He made us for His own good pleasure. But He didn't make us to do our own thing; He made us to do His thing. Our true God is revealed in the Bible, not in slick, ear tickling commercials.