Sharing Your Faith
Witnessing to a 'Good Person'
Many believe they will go to heaven because they are "good people." How can Christians help them realize that without Christ, even "good people" are condemned in God's eyes?
by Kirk Cameron
Good doctors don't treat terminal patients without first convincing them that they are ill. As Christians, we must follow in the footsteps of the Great Physician and use God's Law to bring people to a knowledge of their sin before we offer them the life-saving cure of the Gospel. Our failure to do so could cost them their lives.
Romans 3:20 says, "Through the law we become conscious of sin" (NIV). Galatians 3:24 states, "The law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith" (NIV). In other words, the Ten Commandments—God's moral law—show us the exceedingly wicked nature of sin, reveal our desperate need of God's forgiveness and lead us to Jesus Christ for salvation.
Jesus used the Ten Commandments like a mirror to show people the filth of their sin (Mark 10:17). When we are convicted by the Holy Spirit, God's moral law sends us to find cleansing through faith in the Savior.
During a conversation, you can simply ask someone, "Would you consider yourself to be a good person?" Then follow with, "Do you think you've kept the Ten Commandments?" Then go through each one:
"Have you ever lied? Stolen anything? Taken God's name in vain? Looked with lust? If so, then by your own admission, you are a lying thief and a blasphemous adulterer at heart. So on the Day of Judgment, if God gives you justice, you won't go to heaven but to hell."
Although this might seem harsh, in my experience, most people respond very soberly when they realize that they aren't as "good" as they thought. No matter how good people think they are, when compared with God's standard of goodness, they can recognize quickly that they have fallen short, and they often admit their guilt. You can show them that God's Law was given for our benefit, so we could see ourselves in truth and feel genuine sorrow for our sin. "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10, NIV).
Only when people have a deep conviction of sin can they begin to appreciate the depth of God's love for them. We know God loves us not because of a warm, fuzzy feeling He gives, but because of His grace—"while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, NIV). It's simple: We broke the Law, and Jesus paid our fine. If we will repent and trust in the Savior, God will forgive us and grant us the gift of everlasting life. Then we will not just be a "good person" but a new creation—a sinner saved by grace.
http://www.eonline.com/Facts/People/Bio/0,128,115,00.html
Kirk Cameron
Birth Name: Kirk Thomas Cameron
Birthdate: October 12, 1970
Birthplace: Canogo Park, California
Occupation: Actor
Claim to Fame: Achieved heartthrob status as Mike Seaver on the popular ABC sitcom Growing Pains (1985-92)
Significant Other(s):
Wife: Chelsea Noble, actress, former model; born 1965; acted with Cameron on Growing Pains; married July 20, 1991
Family:
Father: Robert Cameron, gym teacher
Mother: Barbara Cameron, talent manager; manages son's career
Sister: Candace Cameron; actress; born 1976; appeared on ABC series Full House
Son: Jack Cameron; born 1997
Daughter: Isabella Cameron; born 1998
Daughter: Anna Cameron; born 1999
Awards:
1986: Young Artist Award, Best Young Actor Starring in a New Television Series, Growing Pains
1987: Young Artist Award, Exceptional Performance by a Young Actor Starring in a Television Comedy or Drama Series, Growing Pains
1988: Young Artist Award, Best Young Male Superstar in Television, Growing Pains
1988: People's Choice Award, Favorite Young TV Performer, Growing Pains; award shared with Keshia Knight Pulliam, The Cosby Show
1989: People's Choice Award, Favorite Young TV Performer, Growing Pains
Factoids:
Cofounder (with his wife) of Firefly Foundation and Camp Firefly
Who here doesn't remember the great sit-com Growing Pains?
Originally posted by bbarrI liked the downs guy.
http://www.eonline.com/Facts/People/Bio/0,128,115,00.html
[b]Kirk Cameron
Birth Name: Kirk Thomas Cameron
Birthdate: October 12, 1970
Birthplace: Canogo Park, California
Occupation: Actor
Claim to Fame: Achieved heartthrob status as Mike Seaver on the popular ABC sitcom Growing Pains (1985-92)
Significant Other(s):
Wife: ...[text shortened]... n and Camp Firefly
Who here doesn't remember the great sit-com Growing Pains?
[/b]
Originally posted by RBHILLI can't believe that Kirk Cameron thinks I'm a lying thief and a blasphemous adulterer at heart! All those times I was with him in his teenage years, and this is how he repays me? I always knew you were a pansy Seaver!
"Have you ever lied? Stolen anything? Taken God's name in vain? Looked with lust? If so, then by your own admission, you are a lying thief and a blasphemous adulterer at heart. So on the Day of Judgment, if God gives you justice, you won't go to heaven but to hell."
Originally posted by darvlaySo know that he says you are what are you going to do about it?
I can't believe that Kirk Cameron thinks I'm a lying thief and a blasphemous adulterer at heart! All those times I was with him in his teenage years, and this is how he repays me? I always knew you were a pansy Seaver!
COME TO CHRIST!
Originally posted by RBHILLAfter what KC has said about me? I'd never give him the satisfaction. I'd sooner kill myself but beg for forgiveness shortly after I swallow a bottle of pills - Guaranteed entry!
So know that he says you are what are you going to do about it?
COME TO CHRIST!
Originally posted by darvlayHe is just telling you what ultimately what God says. I am a murder at heart to, I have murdered lots with my heart, bu God has forgiven me through Christ.
After what KC has said about me? I'd never give him the satisfaction. I'd sooner kill myself but beg for forgiveness shortly after I swallow a bottle of pills - Guaranteed entry!