Labor Day weekend 2009 was over the top! A friend of mine and I preached open air at the Pismo Beach Pier on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. We arrived on Saturday at around 2PM. It was a glorious time serving along side my brother in Christ. While he preached, I prayed, passed out tracts, and served as a single-man "rent a crowd." Brother Robert had an appointment at 4PM, so after that, I was on my own. I reasoned within myself, 'better leave now, you shouldnt continue by yourself.' But at the same time I questioned my motive for wanting to leave. What was it? I was thinking of my own safety.
My self-centered-reasoning was not based on loving GOD lifting up the Name that is above every name. My motive for wanting to leave was not based on loving man. I was more concerned for my own wellbeing instead of thinking of what was best for those who are lost, dying, under the wrath of God, and who desperately need be saved and enjoy peace with God. I understand that God can save people without me He is in need of no help! But at the same time, I also understand this, "brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
So I stayed. Right after Brother Robert left on Saturday the hecklers came out in full force. They heckled me from every direction. It was imposable to keep up with all their straw-man arguments and false accusations.
I continued to preach their need to be born again. I hammered John 3:18-19, 36 expounding on the ramifications of a person who "rejects the Son" - while pointing and firing the ten cannons of God's moral law at them. The more I preached the more angry hecklers came out of the woodwork. The more angry hecklers - the bigger the crowds grew.
It was a wonderful time! There were times when I spoke very gently to try and calm them. There were other times when I spoke firmly with them. During the times when it was got a bit volatile, I was trembling inside while at the same time had great sense of peace about being there. I was threatened; hecklers coming right up to me few times but God caused me to trust in Him through it all.
Even now, I trust that His will is accomplished through the preaching of His law and the lifting up of the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. I was so encouraged! I pray that this encourages you my fellow fishermen - especially you who find yourself out on the streets alone. "DON'T QUIT!"
Sunday afternoon really went about the same - decent sized crowds standing/sitting listening to the preaching. However, I found out before Saturday's open-air meeting, that amplification is not totally prohibited the code stipulates that the sound generated cannot exceed a certain decibel level. I was informed of this by an on-duty Sergeant from the Pismo Beach PD. He was very kind and showed me the actual code he had with him. I was overjoyed.
I didn't have my PA with me on Saturday so we went "A la Whitefield." But Sunday I brought the PA and used it all afternoon. I was so pleased because my voice was burnt from Saturday. I thank our Sovereign God for all the support, encouragement, and yes, I thank Him for each and every one of those dear hecklers. Because of them, (ultimately because of God) many heard the law and Gospel over the two days of preaching.
I don't feel it necessary to defend my actions in any way shape or form. However, for Christians who might hear/watch this, it may sound like I'm yelling at these people. This is not the case. I do my best to keep from sounding like I'm yelling. While I'm preaching I regularly explain why I'm lifting my voice. My voice is raised, not because I'm angry, but because I want everyone near and far to hear the preaching of the law of God and the Good News the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sola Dei Gloria!
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Tony Miano's Angry Heckler Speaks the Truthby apeek334,184 views
God is good :)
1987AaronM 7 months ago
jesusist retards
mikesomething 11 months ago
It was awesome until you said that soldiers died for your free speech, which is not true. God blew up the troops!
taubstumm 1 year ago
@627yt My goodness, you must really feel as if you've been screwed over at times...
th3w01fv2 1 year ago
appreciate what you are doing for God- keep going out to the streets & shine your light!
eyewitnesstruth 1 year ago
Amen Brother, Keep Doing God's Will. Help Them See Their Sin.
LTColAF12 1 year ago
@StowAlexThe Reason Why There Are So Many Other Religions Because They are There To Try And Disprove The One And Only True Gospel, Which Was Given To Us By Jesus. Its Otherwise Known As Spritiual Deception. Now Think About This; If There Wasn't A True And Living God, Then Why Is This World Trying So Hard To Disprove The Bible.The Bible Say To Spead The Gospel,We Do It Out Of Love And Care.God Doesn't Want Any Of Mankind To Perish For Enternity.Check Out John Hagee Ministries
LTColAF12 1 year ago
If there were only 1 true god.........why are there 100 different religions??? If you are so sure of your religion....why do you have to sell/push it on others???
StowAlex 1 year ago
the truth? thats about as far as anyone needs to go before they're brainwashed.
spankysteez 2 years ago
Fail
TheGamerr 2 years ago