Crown Rights Media brings you another video from the series, Open-air Preacher Profiles, this time on Tony Miano. The footage was captured at the 2012 Revival-Southeast Fellowship Gathering during the Atlanta Dogwood Festival April 20-22. I had the privilege to serve with Tony and get to know him more personally during the weekend, and very much looking forward to more labor with him and other faithful street preachers this summer at our 2012 Summer Olympics missions trip.
Marcus Pittman did an excellent job interviewing Tony and pulling together an important short documentary on some of the issues of concern revolving around street preaching today. Addressed in the video are the following affecting the modern street preaching culture:
- Nomadic street preachers not submitted to any biblical authority under the God-ordained local church structure led by elders. You can watch a complete message on this topic in the following message, The Evangelists Responsibility to the Local Church, or read 13 Symptoms of Christian Nomadism.
- Shock and awe preachers who stand on their box spewing venom from their hypocritical, self-righteous tongues condemning and judging those beneath them (pun intended). These modern-day Pharisees can be heard exalting themselves while mocking, ridiculing, name-calling, and belittling their passersby. They are often referred to as “sign-guys” (though there may be some exceptions to “sign guys” not being of the “shock and awe” preacher type explained here), wearing loud apparel and hoisting signs for the lost to “turn or burn”. Many of these men are angry and do not manifest the fruit of the Spirit. An example of this type of preaching can be found at Official Street Preachers, and DefCon recently covered James Lyman here.
- Pelagians who deny the substitutionary atonement of Christ (imputation of sinners’ sin to Christ on the cross and Christ’s righteousness to sinners upon justification), who deny original sin, and who believe and teach sinless perfectionism. I have found it difficult to distinguish between shock and awe preachers and Pelagians as most shock and awe guys I have run into believe in at least one of these heresies. Popular Pelagian street preachers today would include Kerrigan Skelly and John McGlone of Pinpoint Evangelism, and Jesse Morrell of Open-air Outreach. Josef Urban covered this well a few years ago in his article, The Heretical Theology of Jesse Morrell. You may also find the following articles helpful: Pelagianism: Religion of Natural Man by Michael Horton and Phil Johnson’s A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: How Charles Finney’s Theology Ravaged the Evangelical Movement.
These are critical issues affecting not only street evangelism, but the church as a whole today. If you find yourself in any of these categories, take heed to the warnings provided in the open-air preacher profile video below and the links provided in this post.
As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to exalt the glorious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to proclaim the holiness and justice of Almighty God, to herald the Gospel of Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and to call men and women to repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone to receive eternal life – all this while being submitted to a local assembly of believers led by church elders.
Also Recommended:
The (Lost) Art of Street Preaching – Must It Be Resurrected?
Guidelines for Open-air Preaching
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Steve L.
May 31, 2012
Law first, grace last! This gets to the -heart- of evangelism!
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Steve, how often do you get to grace in your preaching?
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
I am compelled to share the gospel.I follow the Word of God 100% .I know who the head is MY Lord MY God MY Savior.Understand I will not be stranglehold by those churches and pastor who seem unwilling to labor in the fields .The harvest is ripe but the labors are few.I tell you this God word does not return void .You are 100% building yourself up because you think your in more authority because you have a pastor over you.My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;I hear His voice and he says Dan Go tell them the truth.No where in scripture does it say do not go out an witness unless you pastor is behind you and supporting you and clearing you to.Jesus is the head.It would be awesome if I had a willing church .But I will not stranglehold the light from being shone into the darkness because of someone else.
elamast
June 1, 2012
“I will not be stranglehold by those churches and pastor who seem unwilling to labor in the fields .The harvest is ripe but the labors are few.I tell you this God word does not return void .You are 100% building yourself up because you think your in more authority because you have a pastor over you”
In other words, you do not believe that the church authority structure outlined for us by God applies to you? Having a problem with a particular pastor is one thing, but your comments seem to be rejecting authority altogether–that you will do as you wish, accountable to no one. That would put you in rebellion against what God has revealed in His Word about church leadership, thereby rebelling against God Himself.
Perhaps you chose your words wrong, or wrote in the heat of the moment, but please rethink your position.
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Daniel, you are misrepresenting the issues of concern. Do you attend or are you a member of a church?
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh .The point is God word is heard . Forget about those who cuss and other they are not possible even christians .Friend of my saw a guy wearing a sign said The end is coming repent.He talked to the Guy about Jesus they guy had no clue .He just made the sign and wears it .There are many work against the gospel .Like I said most churches do not even witness .So I follow God as He had told me what to do . I am not in slavery to a church but to Jesus .I preach the truth and have seen men saved.But in the church large % of christian do absolutely Nothing.When I died Jesus will not say Dan you should not have witness .I will hear well done my good and faithful servant.I know my bible well because in fact I got saved from being Catholic by reading ..I understand the concern Justin many wackos out there preaching junk .But again Satan loves to blur the lines with people like them .God word will not return void no matter what ..:)
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
So Daniel, am I to gather from what you said that you are not faithfully submitted to a local church, and are therefore living in rebellion to God’s Word to “be subject to the elders” and to “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (1 Peter 5:5; Hebrews 13:17)?
fleebabylon
June 2, 2012
Justin said:
am I to gather from what you said that you are not faithfully submitted to a local church, and are therefore living in rebellion to God’s Word to “be subject to the elders” and to “obey your leaders and submit to them
Justin,
I agree with much of what you are saying, but to broadly apply those verses like that is one step beyond truthful, and in that is quite dangerous. I am glad to see you mention NTRF too, but in your opinion, were the following people in rebellion to God’s word since they were not subject to elders:
*The genuine converts in Crete before eldership was appointed.
*Former roman catholics immediately after leaving the RCC that hadn’t found a local church yet.
Those verses you quoted are given to those, who by Gods sovereignty, are in a local church that has elders established. The only way someone could be in rebellion to eldership (and thus be in rebellion to Gods word) is if they were part of the local church and did not submit to them. Often times when churches are planted there are no elders for a season. Often times when true believers leave the rcc or her slightly reformed daughters (protestant churches) to seek out new testament fellowship they may have no fellowship for a season. To save the questioning, I agree 100% that all believers should seek to be part of a local church, and local churches should have a plurality of elders that rule from among the sheep (as brothers, one of the many membered body, not roman catholic modeled clergy men).
In Christ -Jim
Justin Edwards
June 3, 2012
Hi Jim, thanks for chiming in. If you follow my comments here, you will see that I made provision for exceptions, such as the following response to Al:
“Thanks, Al. I would say that is an ill-presumption and judgment someone would make on a person’s heart because there could be a biblical reason one is not currently in a fellowship (such as a biblical fellowship not existing in one’s area). But refusal to be a part of a fellowship or no effort made to be a part of one could be an indication that one does not love the brethren, which would be an indication one could be lost because not loving the brethren means one does not love Christ.”
There is a vast difference between someone refusing to be a part of a local assembly and one not aware of a biblical assembly in there area (after researching one out). Daniel left the reader to conclude he does not want or need to be a part of a local body led by elders. At best, he gave a conflicting testimony.
Regarding Crete, how was that church established?
Regarding former Roman Catholics, if they are born again, the Lord will lead them to a biblical fellowship. If they have been evangelized by a believer, then that believer has a responsibility in helping them find a local fellowship if that is possible. Preaching the Gospel is only one half of evangelism, the other is making disciples and that happens in the local community of believers. If the former Roman Catholics refuse to be part of a local community of believers, this would give indication they have no love for the brethren and at root no love for Christ.
As to church plants not having elders for a season, I refer you to my question regarding Crete – how is that church planted?
Al Nelson
June 3, 2012
“As to church plants not having elders for a season, I refer you to my question regarding Crete – how is that church planted?”
4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; [a] 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”[b] 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. 23 And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
4 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court.[a] In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! 9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? (I Cor. 3 & 4)
I suppose I could have just referenced the verses to save space, but I want to make a point and present the whole truth so no excuse can be made. Not out of a spirit of forcefulness but because I know my own ways, that I would tell myself I will look it up later. Men are servants to draw other men to Christ. But no man gets credit for the work Christ does through man. My prayer and hope is that others will truthfully begin to examine the things that I and only a few others have examined and realize this. That a one pastor system, deleting all the other gifts of the Spirit and elements of elder-ship chokes out the Spirit of Christ. Far too long have we accepted the traditions of our fathers in the institutional church system. If we call on the name of Christ, should we not seek Christ and His will instead of relying on our system of churchology? Were not the pharisees in Christs physical time here chastised for what they had built up on their own traditions? OF course, how much more will men be chastised when the truth is presented before them so that they cannot claim ignorance. Does the Spirit just come through one man called a pastor so that everyone follows this one man? Or is it more true that everyone follows Christ and the elders in a subtle way help the less experienced recognize Christ? Again, I am not writing these things to chastise anyone, but to call everyone who calls on the name of Christ to seek Him! I pray His voice is heard. We may not have any excuse in His hour. We run the risk of suffering loss don’t we?
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
One last thing you are confusing those on the street who are what you called preaching without pastor covering.These who are really not preach biblical are simply not preachers.They are people follow satan.fact is It completely understandable that Satan like to copy and blur the truth .So out on the street you have wolves in sheep’s clothing .They think they are following truth and doing good but they follow a lie.
eeellama
June 1, 2012
There was a time when I looked up to preachers like Jesse Morrell, mostly for their boldness, but I quickly learned that their doctrine was abberant and their choice of language to describe people (especially homosexuals) was unnecessarily offensive. We need not add offense on top of the offense of the gospel!
However, shame on us too for our lack of boldness in holding up Christ publicly. We act like people are just going to see the twinkle in our eyes, when the Bible exhorts us to preach the Word (2 Tim 4:2), and asks “how will they hear without a preacher”? Rom 10:14) I’m speaking of myself too, even in situations where I can clearly go up to strangers to talk to them (like in a fair), but pre-judge by appearance whether someone will be willing to hear. There are even times where I feel I should open my Bible and start preaching, but I have not once done it.
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
If you offended at Jesse Morrell preaching against the sin of Homosexual you the one in error.
Romans one is clear on the sin of homosexual.But maybe you mean something else.Your not suppose to look up to preacher you suppose to look only to God and His word .Today we have preacher like Glenn Hagee allowing Glenn Beck to preach in his church and telling me on facebook that Glenn a Born again Mormon.So I do not look to pastor or preacher these last day men are failing to preach the truth.I often hear this All christian are suppose to be sharing the truth .lazy christian refuse to share the gospel they think it for some pastor ,preacher to do . I do it because I love other.That is true Love seeking to save people for the fires of Hell.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
Correction I mean John hagee not Glenn Hagee
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
So Daniel, not only are you not submitted to a local church and believe you are a law unto yourself, what do you tell people you witness to that they should do with regards to church? If you’re not commending them to a local fellowship, how does discipleship take place?
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
Justin I am not under the law under grace .I am under God word .I spend 25+ year studying God word.You word are not even scripture .Justin how many people have you lead to the Lord are have you made the excuse I cannot my Pastor won’t let me.I preach Jesus Christ righteous sacrifice and lead them to repent.I pant or something I water God give the increase. Justin you simply walk in one that does not understand 🙂 You set yourself up as my judge it seems. My pastor knows the which do and he calls me a prophet of the word.. But again I follow Jesus first for men fail by God word never does .
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Daniel, you have left several comments avoiding answering a simple question as to whether you are under the local leadership of a church, so which is it? If you are, then great, but you have largely missed the whole point of this discussion.
eeellama
June 1, 2012
I’m not offended that he preaches against sin. I’m offended by the manner in which he does so.
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
What the matter calling sin , sin You do not make yourself plain.What the offends.If he preaching God word you not to set yourself up on How God has told him to preach.Are you out preaching to the lost ? Now if He was preaching false I would praise you for judging rightly by the word.But seem you said He ok on preaching .To often the one offend is offend because they do not like the truth of the words being said .
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
God has not told Jesse Morrell how or what to preach as Jesse Morrell is a heretic, sadly. He preaches plenty false including moral government theology, Pelagianism, open-theism, and all the heresies that pertain to these systems.
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Amen, eee. I too have been guilty of profiling people in determining who to share the Gospel with. May the Lord work this pride out of us as if we know who is and who is not prepared to hear the Gospel of Christ. Regarding preaching, if you have the desire, I encourage you to simply open your Bible and start reading. If reading is all you do, praise the Lord! If you read then proceed to preach, then praise the Lord! 🙂
Al Nelson
June 1, 2012
What is the structure of the church? Is the structure a pastor ruling over a congregation? Or is the structure a group of elders which the pastor may be one of the group who gently and kindly guides by the Spirit? Is the pastor the shepherd is there one Shepherd who rules the flock? Paul tells us plainly that Christ is the head over the whole Body. Paul uses the name pastor in English translation only a couple of times. Modern church has focused on these 2 words and left out the rest of the eldership. This has gone on for centuries. Don’t you think now is the time to leave man centered structure and seek Spirit led structure? Jesus said not one of us is above another. Do not rule as the gentiles do, lording over each other. We do not need covering from man, but from Christ alone. Paul says Christ is man’s covering. There is no other teaching. If we are in fellowship there is room for guidance and correction and authority to abandon those who will not repent of serious sin. But that is where wisdom, grace and patience come in for those who may be humble, but just haven’t yet seen the light. I have posted many things on fellowship. Working in the field is one of the most important things the Lord has commanded us to do, but His structure of fellowship is as well. Please see some of the things I have posted and let’s discuss. I think it’s of utmost importance in this late hour as we move towards His glorious return! I do agree with a poster above who commented on many false teachers and wolves preaching a false Gospel on the streets. Lack of a pastor or church affiliation is not a biblical requirement for true preaching though.
38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”
39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. (Mark 9:38-41)
Casting out demons or preaching the word, acts of the Spirit, amen? It is how we preach. Yelling screaming and cursing is obviously not of the Spirit.
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Hi Al,
Scripture clearly shows the necessity of the local church led by elders and Christians yielding themselves to the leadership of the church (1 Peter 5:1-5; Hebrews 13:17; Titus 1; 1 Timothy 3). The elders are not to lord over the body, and the body is to joyfully submit to the leadership of the elders. Fellowship is designed to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, to build up the Body of Christ, and protect the flock against false teaching (Ephesians 4:11-16; Hebrews 13:17; Romans 16:17); to exercise church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:12-13); for edification (1 Corinthians 14:26); and to practice the “one anothers” (Colossians 3:12-17).
Al, do you attend or are you a member of a fellowship led by elders?
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
That has nothing to do with a christian going out and witnessing to the lost.We are command by Jesus Himself ,I challenge anyone reading this that does your church go out on the streets and witness. Reason Jesus say the harvest is ripe but the laborers are few.They are few because lazy christian do nothing to save the lost.My self I witness in youtube and facebook and in the supermarkets and I handed out about 20,000 chick tracts in the last few years.I will be going Lord will to Dearn Born to witness to Muslims.I know that people are going to hell I love them so much to tell them the truth.Jude 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh .
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Daniel, it has everything to do with Christians evangelizing because evangelism is what the church does. Christians are equipped in the church to go outside the church to evangelize. The church is also where discipleship takes place in the fellowship of believers. If you haven’t already, please click the two links in the article under the first bullet point regarding Christian nomadism.
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
Justin I got saved reading God word long before a found a church .I know scripture better then most pastor . The word of God bring men to the truth .Again most churches today are worthless.I bet you love listen to preacher like Joel Osteen or John Hagee or Kent Copeland or Rob bell … The great falling away from the truth .God still in control and raise men up by his word .I do listen to preacher by every word is filtered through God word . I am not above correction by I will not submit to the large % awful watered down American church have become . I am not newbie in the faith .As for you have have no clue what you do to win the lost …. The church is busy playing church I am busy winning the lost to Jesus
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Daniel, you have made a lot of assumptions about me that are baseless and untrue. Clearly you do not know how to have a cordial discussion, so for that, this will be your last comment. You’re welcome to visit the other pages of this website as well as our evangelism ministry to see what we believe and preach: http://thespeaktruthproject.com
Al Nelson
June 1, 2012
Thanks for the reponse Justin, I do agree mostly with your response. First of all I will answer your question. I was in a seeker friendly church, but the Lord impressed upon me the meaning of Rev. 17 & 18 about who the whore is and what our response should be in relation to recognizing an institution that pretends to be a Christ centered church, but then conforms to the world. I was then in fellowship with 2 other dear brothers for many years. All the while taking a look at other churches.
I am not disputing that there should be a local assembly, but which one? Pentecostal, Baptist, AOG, Lutheran, etc. and on and on. Didn’t Jesus as well as Paul warn us against sectarianism? Isn’t that what denominations are? Traditions of men? I am only pointing to the way “church” is done in modern America, not the assembling of ourselves together. Please don’t mis-understand. Does my separation from an institution make me rebellious? Perhaps in the eyes of men. I did read the 13 symptoms. I found maybe 1 that may apply to me. But I am humble, do not think myself above others, do not restrict to KJV only and see the fallacy of it. I do not think I am perfect or completely sanctified, I do not get defensive, but I am passionate about what the Lord has shown me about the apostate church system.
Here are some things to think about. Where in scripture are we to use titles? Or was Paul just using these names as descriptions of what men do in the Spirit? Where is it taught that only the pastor brings a teaching? Or did Paul teach that anyone could bring a teaching and everyone should discern whether it be true or not? I am referring you to the first letter to the Corinthians mostly of course. I do not like being on the outside. I would prefer to fellowship with others. Lord willing that will happen in time. But in His time and His way.
Have you studied much church history and church structure compared to Scripture?
Daniel Phillips
June 1, 2012
Al absolutely today you have watering down church with watered down preaching.I often find pastors and Christians who are compromising .Scripture James 4: 4 good read. Next people follow after pastor these days instead God Word. Truth is if you speak the truth you will not be liked ,you will be hated among men..I do not seek to offend but often scripture say God Word is offensive . Jesus said I came to Not bring Peace but a sword . We are in a battle light against darkness and darkness hates the truth.It’s like what ray comfort and kirk cameron say people today falsely think making friend and then waiting to tell them gospel is in the bible it’s not.They say a fireman when he see people perishing in a fire he does not knock on the door He kicks in the door to save the lost.:)
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Thanks, Al. You bring up some important points and I would agree with you that the modern church is severely lacking in the New Testament principles of the New Testament church. I actually had this discussion over Memorial Day weekend with some dear saints and had the opportunity to practice participatory worship (by that I mean open prayer, reading God’s Word, songs, teaching, testimony, and discussion among those gathered – there was about 12 of us gathered plus children). A dear brother referred to the following organization that he has grown fond of and is convinced this is the biblical precedent for our worship: https://www.ntrf.org/
Are you familiar with NTRF?
It’s not something I’ve studied, but I do not find any objection to what I know of it thus far. Perhaps this is something you wish to look into to see how it might help you gather with some like-minded saints in your area.
Also, have you considered requesting a biblical church or biblical seminary outside your area to plant a church there?
As to denominations, I agree. My encouragement to you is to seek a church (or inquire about one being planted) that has a high view of God, a high view of Scripture, and a proper view of man, and of course preaches the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ – as they if they hold to the aforementioned sound doctrines.
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
By the way, Al, I believe there is a NTRF church in your area. Check it out and let me know if this is the case: https://www.ntrf.org/find-a-church/st-louis-missouri.php
Al Nelson
June 1, 2012
Thanks Justin, actually I’m in Nebraska so that would be bit far for me to drive at this point. I appreciate your love and concern for the Body and the work you are doing to point others to Christ. I have been reading for a few months.
I wonder what you think of the following statement:
“If you are not in a local fellowship you are lost.”
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Thanks, Al. I would say that is an ill-presumption and judgment someone would make on a person’s heart because there could be a biblical reason one is not currently in a fellowship (such as a biblical fellowship not existing in one’s area). But refusal to be a part of a fellowship or no effort made to be a part of one could be an indication that one does not love the brethren, which would be an indication one could be lost because not loving the brethren means one does not love Christ.
Al Nelson
June 1, 2012
Good call, just as it would be presumptious to say all people in the institution are lost. What the thrust of my concern for the Body and what I hope you and others take from comments is not to stop fellowshipping, but to seek the Lord in His way to fellowship so that He bestows those gifts in each one of us that edifies the whole Body. I have spoken to many a person and a few pastors about some of these things. Scripture is not looked at nor obeyed nor a concern. With pastors, I am looked down upon because I do not have any thelogical training. I see no need for something so simple as a formal man centered education, when the Lord through the Spirit can do much more. God Bless my friend, I hope we can converse further.
Al Nelson
June 1, 2012
Reblogged this on lastdaysoftheage and commented:
An interesting discussion developing on church structure here.
Darrel
June 1, 2012
Why is Toni’s web site by invitation only?
Justin Edwards
June 1, 2012
Which link, Darrel?
gracealone1
June 1, 2012
Crossencounters.com I think it’s .com .something ?
Justin Edwards
June 2, 2012
Yeah, I’m not sure, Darrel – you’ll have to ask Tony. 🙂
gracealone1
June 2, 2012
How can I do that when I’m not allowed on his site? Are there other non restricted sites? Why did he put up the “block” in the first place? I was reading his site for several weeks/months then found myself locked out. Reserving your site to a sellect few is not good. You are in contact with him, you ask him.
Justin Edwards
June 2, 2012
It could be that he made it private to all readers. You can follow him on facebook and at http://www.onthebox.us/. You can also reach him at thelawman104@gmail.com to ask if you wish.
gracealone1
June 2, 2012
Thanks, Justin
Merrill D Tripp
September 18, 2012
I have been open air preaching for 41 yrs. now . The church that I had went to did not back me up . When you are called from God to preach openly . It is best to do what He says . many churches do not preach openly . which is sad . and God will hold them accountable . However it is good that a church backs us up . But whiether they do or don,t we still must do what god says. The church my wife and I go to is calvary Chapel columbus , Ohio and the pastor there Pastor Dave Brown backs us up 100 percent.
Justin Edwards
September 19, 2012
Thanks for your comment, Merrill. I’m glad to hear you are in a church that supports open-air preaching. But that really wasn’t the point of the article. The issue with nomadic street preachers is they are not submitted to the local church for accountability, so this opens up all kinds of potential for error, abuses, and heresies.