On Saturday, September 12, 2020, for the fifth consecutive week, members of my church family and I conducted evangelistic ministry outside our community's Farmers' Market. Our ministry consisted of open-air preaching, gospel tract distribution, one-to-one conversations, and sign evangelism. Eighteen members of my church family participated during the three-hour effort. Hundreds … [Read more...]
City of Iowa City vs Anthony Edward Miano: Case Dismissed!
That's right. In the City of Iowa City vs Anthony Edward Miano (me), District Associate Judge Deborah Farmer Minot dismissed the "disorderly conduct" charge against me. As you will see in her published ruling below, Judge Minot determined that the City of Iowa City code under which I was cited is unconstitutionally vague and unconstitutionally broad. I am grateful to … [Read more...]
Self-Love: Rethinking the Doctrine and Its Use in Evangelism
I have often told people the reason they don't see the gospel as a message of love is that they love themselves more than they love God. I was wrong. Evangelista, Semper Reformada "Preacher [or 'evangelist'], Always Reforming." That's the English translation of the Latin phrase Evangelista, Semper Reformada. I have now proclaimed the gospel on the streets and have preached … [Read more...]
Listening to Sermons: Student; Preacher; Evangelist; Son
I have been listening to sermons for 32 years. During that time, I've listened as a student, a preacher, and evangelist, and a son. Blessed by Expository Preaching I've been blessed all my Christian life (going on 32 years) to sit under expository preaching. Every pastor of every church to which I have been granted membership has been an expository preacher. Every one of them … [Read more...]
God’s Word: Peace
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance[c] upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26). "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). "May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace" … [Read more...]
Coronavirus: 6079 Reasons to Grieve the Loss of Life in Italy
The Coronavirus is on everyone's mind and in the bodies of no less than 536,374 people. This morning I have at least 6079 reasons to grieve the loss of life in Italy. Coronavirus Statistics As of the writing of this article, there are 536,374 confirmed Coronavirus cases, worldwide. Of those, 80,589 are in Italy. Sadly, 8,215 Italians have died. That's 1/3 of all the current … [Read more...]
The Errant Theology of “You’re Pushing People Away from Jesus”
A common objection to most forms of public/street evangelism, especially open-air preaching--an objection made by professing Christians--is the notion of "pushing people away from Jesus." The argument goes like this: "If you do [blank], then unbelievers will be pushed away from Jesus." As I will show in this article, there is no biblical support for this claim. A Request from … [Read more...]
