by John McGlone 01/28/18
Often the open air preacher is viewed as harsh, unloving, and imbalanced because of the words, tones, and behaviors that we will use in the streets. This is done to try and bring an awakening in the hearers which are spiritually dead and care less for the things of God. It seems to the average Christian that we never talk of God’s love, mercy, and kindness which leads sinners to repentance. So, here are few of my thoughts on this matter:
1. We do speak often of God’s love at the cross of the Son Jesus Christ for the sinner as we call them to repent of sin and turn towards God.
2. Until they get to the point of humbling themselves to esteem that sacrifice what greater love could we speak of?
3. Can they get God’s mercy any other way than through that cross of Christ?
4. The preaching of the cross is an offense, why would any believer be surprised by the apathy or reactions of the lost? 1 Cor 1:18
5. God loves humility and hates pride. Thus, if someone approaches the believer in humility we give him grace, love, and mercy. If they approach in a state of pride, anger, or suppression we give him the law, God’s hatred, and justice against him.
6. God does NOT desire the destruction of the wicked, but that he turn and live. So, there is the condition, one has to turn from sin in order to have life in Jesus.
7. God loves mercy above justice.
Matt 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
In summation, to the sinners I say, ‘Humble yourselves!’, to the saints I say, “Stay humble, and use God’s ideologies to express God’s will and Gospel to the lost.
God bless you.
Br. John
Psalms which speak of the Lord’s mercy.
Psalm 13:5, 6
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 25:6-7
Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.
Psalm 31:7
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
Psalm 33:22
Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Psalm 57:9-11
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
Psalm 86:5
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Psalm 94:17, 18
Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
Psalm 100:4, 5
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 103:8-12
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 109:26, 27
Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy: That they may know that this is thy hand; that thou, LORD, hast done it.
Psalm 130:7
Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
Psalm 136:1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 145:8-10
The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
Psalm 147:10, 11
He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.