Well here is my confession for the world to see. A world that for the most part doesn’t understand the term nor apply it properly to their lives. I have been in a wrestling match in the spirit for the last three years trying to figure out where the line is drawn for believers in relation to open air preaching; speech and behaviors. The link below you can find what I think is a good defense of harsh words in the open air. An excerpt from that blog is a standard I set for myself in regards to these important truths. NOTE: If you are not preaching open air at all, you can’t even begin to judge these matters righteously. See this blog about all men of God preaching..HERE.
Setting a Standard of Holiness in Speech and Conduct
With that said, I have wrestled with a standard for which I would govern myself according to the Holy Ghost in my open air work. So, whatever motivates another brother to preach and how he preaches, I give God glory and thanks the Gospel is preached. For myself, I must come to a place where I am obeying the Holy Ghost and what He is teaching me in these matters.
Here are some standards I am laying out for myself:
1. I will use words from the KJV Bible(preferred) in context and applicability.
2. I will use words that are scientific or biblical in regards to sexual sins or otherwise.
3. I will limit the use of slang, inflammatory, or non biblical words which may unnecessarily incite hearers.
4. I will seek to use primarily biblical type parables vs. parables that play to the imaginations of sin.
5. I will not apply my standard to other people but pray they seek the Holy Ghost for a standard for themselves and walk according to His direction if they have not already done so.
6. I will seek to check my heart toward the lost, both before, during and after a preach.
7. I will seek to do the Lord’s will in all things even if men don’t understand or approve.
8. I will seek to be flexible on words or behaviors for weaker brothers or sisters I am working with. Rom 14
Do you see the red words, ” limit the”? Well, there is my confession that I changed that words, “limit the”, from the word “not”. This happened after a period of not obeying the original standard of, “NOT”. As I made my subtle change I wondered about it and told myself, “I’ve simply changed my mind.” But, why you may ask? Well, I wasn’t practicing the NOT standard I had put upon myself in the first place. The Lord have convicted me to return to my original standard. That has been violated numerous times as I reflect back on it. I have videos that have been posted using terms like; flogging the log, fudge packer, etc that I will practice not saying those types of things again.
Lastly, keep in mind that does not mean that I will not use bible words like; whore, dogs, pigs, bastards, etc. if I am quoting certain passages or concepts. This would include calling someone out for looking like a whore, acting like a dog, etc. Synonymous words are something I have liberty in as well. Well, this standard I have set for myself is a good standard to consider for yourselves add and subtract as you follow the Holy Ghost.
I am adding a point #8 which has come up a few times in working with groups of believers. I don’t want to stumble anyone, yet shouldn’t they apply the same standard to me and others that believe the way we do? I will also add if it is just too much too bear that splitting off to ease the conscience of the others is an option as well.
Why critique another man’s ministry call him a heretic, gossip about him, and then try and influence people away from standing with the truth of things God hath said? Ironically, most of these men and women do this without ever speaking to the object of their disdain, the open air preacher. Isn’t that sowing discord among believers even if you don’t consider them a brother? What if they are and your doubt is causing the problem in the first place? Doesn’t God hate that? Prov 6:16-19
Pro 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Thank you for posting this John. This are excellent guidelines for any Christian, open-air or not.
I firmly believe that using biblical language is by far the best way to preach. However some biblical terms are unfamiliar with the American public today. It only takes a short period of time and a little bit of skill and patience to educate a crowd the proper meaning of word that they’re unfamiliar with.
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Yep, I agree with that wholeheartedly, thanks for your comment!