Street Preaching

I have been really challenged recently about the need to proclaim the Gospel on the streets. When I first arrived in London 7 years ago, a new believer this was a top priority for me and I would often head into central London on my day off with the purpose of telling others about Jesus. I'd either be standing on a wall in Leicester square telling the passers by about my hope in Jesus or sharing my testimony with anyone who had a few minutes to spare. Our Church has been reflecting on the great events which took place amongst the early Christians at Pentecost over the past month. For me one of the most amazing things was the power of the preaching! Peter stood up and preached and 3,000 gave their lives to Jesus. (Acts Ch2v40) I believe that the church must recover the gift of street preaching if we are to take ground from the enemy. During my radnet year I did my study paper on Billy Graham and John Wesley - what amazing men of God! John Wesley would travel and preach up to 6 times per day in different places in the open air and people would gather to hear him. One of the powerful effects he noted was the transformong effects his preaching was having on the people. Paul said "I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto Salvation."The Gospel changes lives and I believe that if we are serious about seeing spiritual renewal we must learn or relearn the importance of preaching in the open air. Wesley traveled over 250,000 miles in the cause of the gospel. In his preaching he talked continually of Christ and emphasized repentance, faith, and holiness. As Wesley preached, multitudes responded. He noted in his journal that "the Word of God ran as fire among the stubble; it was glorified more and more; multitudes crying out, 'What must I do to be saved?' and afterwards witnessing, 'By grace we are saved through faith.'"I am hope you are as challenged as I am by this great work which undoubtedly brought huge moral and spiritual transformation to the UK during a time of mass moral confusion. The Salvation Army picked up the baton under William and Catherine booth years later and now - it's up to me and you. If I'm honest Open Air preaching terrifies me! yet I must seek to be obedient seeking to honour the great commission and pray that I too may be used to bring others to Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the hope for our nation and it's my hope to see the church rise up in mission's call!