2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Imagine if you will that you have never had any bible knowledge imparted to you whatsoever. Now read this verse alone apart from that knowledge. It doesn’t make any sense. Logic says if you make Him sin and then find me in Him then I am in sin.

One liners do not tell the whole story. They only inspires those who have already heard the rest of the story. It seems unreasonable that in this day and age that there would be anyone who isn’t aware of the Cross of Christ. It is not your responsibility to throw out one liners. The gospel message isn’t a joke.

Who is in front of you? What is their experience? What kind of exposure have they had to any religion? Have they heard truth or lies? Do they welcome conversation about salvation or argue at every point?

You will never know what you are up against without getting to know that person in front of you. Their story will tell you how to approach them. The people who have come to my door and been successful are those who show they are interested in me, my history and my circumstances. Sadly there have been too few that know how to do that. Most prattle on with a series of rehearsed verses that if they heard it from my point of view it looks more like a comedy show of one liners.

Here is a thought. The next time strangers come to your door, act as if you have never heard the gospel and listen to their approach. If they are Christians you can sharpen their approach with good suggestions. If they are not Christians, well then, there is your opportunity to show them how to evangelize.

John 1:29-33 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

John provided the baptism of repentance. Jesus provides the baptism of the Holy Ghost. John came first and Jesus came after. Repentance must come before salvation. The younger you are in accepting Jesus Christ into your heart, the less you have to repent. The issue here is a heart prepared to receive, not the condition of the heart prior to salvation. All unsaved hearts are equal in the sight of God for He is looking to find Jesus there. If He cannot find Jesus in your heart, it matters not how little or how much you have sinned. It matters not if you only lied or are a mass murderer.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Do you see the separation of heart and thought? Way speaks to the path you are walking. It does not address sin but rather the path you have chosen to take. The plea for God to lead you in the way everlasting is a sign of your surrender to His Lordship.