An Important Work
Preaching on the streets is an important work. It is undoubtably the rawest and purest form of evangelism. In fact, the word ‘preach’ in the Greek New Testament has the meaning of being a herald. A herald’s job was to be sure to deliver the message of the king in such a way that all the subjects of his kingdom would hear it. It wasn’t the herald’s job to secure the obedience of all the subjects, but to make sure they heard the message.
Being a street preacher is more than just trying to get people saved. That, of course, is what we want most; but God’s use of street preachers is more than that. If it wasn’t, then prophets like Jeremiah would be an absolute failure. Jeremiah was the mouthpiece of God, with direct revelation from God, with the exact words that God wanted him to preach. However, he lived among a stubborn people. They universally rejected his message and were carried off into judgment.
The Bible says that in the latter times the world will be similar to those days. Men will be ‘lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanders, without self-control, brutal, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…’ (2 Tim 3:1-5). This passage should not be ignored in favor of the pop idea that there will be a great revival in the last days. The Bible no where says that. On the contrary, the Bible speaks of a great apostasy that is coming (and is now happening). The Bible speaks clearly of a world (and a church) that is far from God in the last days, not close to God. Satan is working hard to harden the hearts of men in preparation for his final push. Warnings abound throughout the word for us to watch, endure, persevere, and beware. Many will not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim 4:3). Many will depart from the faith (1 Tim 4:1). Many will harden their hearts (Mat 24:10-12). Part of the work of a street preacher is not only to save the lost, but to warn and exhort, and to preach to many people whom God knows will never listen. Of course, He and we would much rather that they listen, and it’s such a blessing when people do, but our voices from the housetops is important work in the Grand Scheme that is not to be ignored. Many will see our faces on the day of judgment. Their excuses will fall flat.
This is precisely the word that God gave to the prophet Ezekiel. God likened him to a watchman on the wall. The watchman’s job was to sound the trumpet when he saw the approaching army. This was to be done whether the people were awake or sleeping, whether they were working or at leisure. It was the watchman’s job to sound the trumpet, whether the people responded was upon their own head. In Ezekiel’s day, they did not respond. And in this last day, sadly, many also will not.
As I preach out on the streets, I think about these things. My earnest hope is that many will come to Christ. And some do. But I also know, that even if one does not, I still have an important work to do, just as Ezekiel and Jeremiah did.
An Appeal and Praise Report
I’d like to make an appeal for some financial help. My wife is soon to have our fifth child! This, of course, is a wonderful blessing, but not without it’s challenges. My wife would really like to stay home with the baby rather than return to work. I’d also like to be able to dedicate myself again to the ministry full time. However, without proper funding, we cannot. I know that many of you already support us on a monthly basis and we thank you. But perhaps you know someone who would be interested in supporting this kind of ministry. If you do, please consider recommending this ministry to them. We would be most grateful. If we can raise another $2000 a month, we will be well provided for without my wife having to work.
In a similar vein, we have a praise report! We were able to sell our house in Florida that we previously rented out. As a result, we will be able to pay off just about all our debt! In fact, we will very shortly be debt free! (Besides our current mortgage). Thanks to all who have prayed for us.
If you are not a partner with us and you’d like to be, we would be grateful to have you come along side of us. You can give automatically by visiting our giving page on our website: halchaffee.com/partnergive. God Bless you!
Hal Chaffee 