Preaching on July 4th

On July 4th. We set up in front of the Bayfront Festival Park around 3ish. The first part of the day was spend in the Canal Park area. It was a LONG day to say the least. For the most part, the day started out pretty slow, with very little for conversations. There were literally thousands of people that passed by us and read our signs. We did have conversations here and there, but for the most part, the day was slow.

As the sun began to set, the crowd grew restless. Josh walked through the grounds area with his motorized hat on (where hundreds of people were sitting waiting for the fireworks to begin). I got some great film footage of the event. Many people were captivated by his hat and no doubt the message was read. We were thinking of leaving the area around 8:30 but thankfully Josh encouraged me to stay. From 8:30 until 10 (just before the fireworks began) we had many, many conversations. Two conversations stick out to me. One was with a young lady who was very displeased with our message, literally flicking me, josh, and the camera off. It lasted about 15 minutes and in the end, she knew what she needed to do to be right with God, however she had no interest in doing it.

The other conversation was with 3 young adults. The interesting thing about that conversation is that someone had preached to them the day before. Those people preached the law, sin, judgment, and hell to them. I too was preaching this to this small group, however the people seemed to be in fear of God's wrath and eternal judgment on the sinner while they listened to me. They said they didn't like what the person said to them the day before, and were turned off. The funny thing is, when they first approached me, one of the first comments out of their mouth was, "so we are all going to hell because we are all sinners?" WOW! She was not asking out of sarcasm, she was serious. I was able to share the word of God with them concerning God's standard, judgment, the lake of fire, and God's love and mercy for the sinner. No doubt it was one of the best conversations I have had. They were sincere and wanted more answers. They didn't question anything I had to say. I believe they were beginning to accept it by faith.

It's amazing how God often times rewards us when we are willing to go they extra mile. I am so thankful that Josh encouraged me to stay out. Had I not, I would have missed that opportunity with those three young adults.

We learned a lot about what to do next year at this event. Where to set up. When. How late to stay, etc. We are already looking forward to July 4th next year. It's a festival that is sure to attract the thousands, a great place to preach the Gospel.

Romans 10:17

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith, it is impossible to please God

If faith comes by hearing (preaching is the context and not behind a pulpit) and without faith it is impossible to please God, do you think we should be preaching to the masses more?