I agree with Paul that when men are preaching the gospel of Christ he rejoiced even though perchance they were motivated by envy, strife or vainglory and not sincerely. (Phil.1:14-8) But I want to take a moment and rebuke this pride that is too prevalent among so called ‘street preachers’ who sound more like ‘street taunters’ or 'scorners and mockers' who rail on sinners and deride them instead of preaching to win their souls. He that winneth souls is wise but if fools mock at sin what should we say of he that mocketh sinners in their sins? (Prv.11:30, 14:9) Sometimes even failing to actually preach the gospel. (1 Cor.15:1-3, Rom.2:16) Or if they do, they don’t know what manner of spirit they are of. A-men brother.
Now, I know their first response is to challenge your credentials as if that has anything whatsoever to do with the truth of the rebuke. Then they mock and say ‘ok show us how to do it more perfectly then’. This is because they are immature and emotion enslaved and cannot think rationally and control their egos. They can dish out rebukes but not graciously receive instruction. Nobody does it perfectly. So, let’s stop with the self-inflated, ego driven railing which seems to be mostly done to impress your other arrogant condescending ‘preacher buddies’ watching you ‘let ‘em have it’ hoping to be seen of men (i.e. get a lot of 'likes' and flattering comments on your videos). Thou hypocrite. Vainly puffed up in their fleshly minds which are hardened in pride, flattering themselves that they are suffering persecution for the gospel when it is for their arrogance they mostly suffer. They sound gleeful about the day sinners are forever lost in everlasting fire and eternal torments.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Gal.5:26) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; (Phil.2:3) Can you street preach without posting videos of it for example? I hope they repent and mature and do not have their works burned up in that day. (1 Cor.3) I hope they keep street preaching, in meekness instructing those sinners who oppose themselves who are enemies of the cross of Christ. (2 Tim.2:23-5, Phil.3:18-9) I would to God we all weep more for the lost, that we are in weakness and fear and much trembling before preaching Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor.2:2-3, Psa.119:136) Is it possible that the gospel is hindered by your words? Are you making the cross of none effect by your words which you boastfully trumpet out? (1 Cor.9:12, 1:17) Time is short, we need you brethren to preach the word, but not with the spirit of James and John. Be sober my brothers.
And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them... Lk.9:54-6
Comments