I'm all for open air preaching as long as it isnt offensive for the sake of being offensive, which is what I see a lot of. The message of the cross IS offensive to those who are lost, make no mistake about it. But sometimes the messenger is just plain offensive for no apparent reason other than to rebuke his listeners.
Ray Comfort is perhaps the best open air preacher I've ever heard, and I do not consider him offensive. His message is offensive to some, but he himself is NOT offensive. He uses the OT Law to convict, and he uses very logical reasoning when interacting with his listeners. Thats why he is so effective.
It's also interesting to note that Comfort is no young buck. He's a seasoned believer. I know plenty of young people who are incredible ministers of the gospel, so age doesnt always mean anything... but I agree that what I see on this forum as far as offensive street preachers is young and immature people.
I'm not against firey preaching. I prefer hard preaching myself... but not when it is born out of the preachers pride and arrogance.
A little while ago I was reading a thread by a street preacher who apparently preaching at a local swimming area. I got the impression he was preaching to unsaved people about the attire they were wearing. Since when do we expect unregenerate, unsaved people to adhere to Biblical standards? Why would they?
We need to stick to preaching salvation. My opinion on how that should be done is by using the Law to show that man can not possibly obey all of the Law... and to break one part of the Law makes us an offender of the entire Law. And without Christ we are hopelessly lost.
Leave your pride and arrogance at home.
Krispy
