What would you say in 30 seconds?

I was watching one of the life guards hoist the no swimming warning flag today and gave him a Trillion Dollars for his efforts. The guard – Andrew thanked me then stopped to read it.

He told me he was a Believer but not quite sure of a few things. He said he repented but wanted to know more of what the word and action really meant. I explained that it is not just saying you’re sorry but a deliberate action by you to want to change, tell God you are sorry for all the things you did against Him and that you want Him to help you change. It means you must make a 180 degree turn from your sin; it is an action on your part. And you really need to pray with a humble heart to God to help keep you on that direction away from sin.

I asked him if he went to rescue someone, pulled them back in from the surf and knew they had 30 seconds to live and wanted to go to heaven, what would you tell him?? He said he could not tell anyone in 30 seconds. I reminded him of the thieves on the cross on each side of Jesus when He was crucified. Andrew said he remembered the story and then I suggested to him it only takes about 30 seconds to read it. I summarized it for him and reminded Andrew that the thief who knew of Jesus and admitted he was guilty and deserved the punishment, but Jesus did not, was told he would be in Paradise with Jesus.

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:32-43)



We spoke some more and he asked some more great questions. He needs some in depth study and discipleship. I suggested getting some materials from John MacArthur, John Piper, LivingWaters.com and some other solid Biblical teachers. Many are free on-line in downloadable print or MP3.

He thanked me and off he went to save lives from the surf!