Pete Walker regularly shares his faith in Christ with strangers in stores, restaurants, and gas stations.  On today's Footsteps, he talks about some of these discussions. 

Eventually, any Biblical presentation of the Gospel must address the question, "What about my sin?"  Unfortunately, I've noticed an increasing trend of sharing the Good News of Jesus without ever mentioning the bad news--our sin.  In fact, some pastors these days don't even like to use the word "sin."  Christian brothers and sisters, we must not downplay sin in our evangelism.  Yes, talk about God's love and mercy, but don't neglect the issue of sin.  We know from Scripture that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, ESV) and that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23, ESV).  By asking Pete's question, "What about my sin?" we are Biblically showing that we all need a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus.  Notice how the apostle Paul defines the Gospel:

"Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you ... that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:1a & 3b, ESV)

Why did Christ choose to sacrifice Himself on the cross?  For "our sins!"  So, as we share the Gospel with unbelievers, how can we fail to mention man's sinful state?  It is our sin that points us to our need for a gracious, loving, and forgiving God who purchased our salvation by dying in our place. 

I'll wrap up by returning to the Good News of Romans 6:23 (ESV):

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Amen!  May Jesus Christ be praised!

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(Photo of Pete Walker)